ERIK J. NIELSEN, D.D.S., M.D.
Dr. Nielsen hails from Southern California, where he completed his early education at San Pasqual High School and Palomar Junior College. After a mission for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints in Washington, DC, he pursued his studies at Brigham Young University, sparking his passion for oral and maxillofacial surgery. After attaining his Bachelor of Science (BS) degree in Exercise Science from BYU in 2009, he furthered his education at the University of Oklahoma College of Dentistry, where he earned his Doctor of Dental Surgery (DDS) degree in 2013.
Dr. Nielsen’s exceptional academic performance led to his induction into the esteemed national dental honor society, Omicron Kappa Upsilon (OKU). Subsequently, he undertook an intensive six-year residency program at Vanderbilt University Medical Center (VUMC) in Nashville, TN, specializing in oral and maxillofacial surgery. He earned his Doctor of Medicine (MD) degree from the Vanderbilt University School of Medicine in 2016, followed by completing a general surgery internship from 2017-2018 in the Vanderbilt Department of Surgery. His dedication culminated in his graduation as a chief resident in the Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery in 2019.
Upon completing his residency training, Dr. Nielsen and his family made their home in St. George, UT, where he joined Dixie Oral Maxillofacial and Implant Surgery. This has since evolved into Southwest Oral Surgical Arts (SWOSA) where he is currently a partner. His clinical expertise encompasses dentoalveolar surgery, dental implant surgery, reconstructive bone grafting techniques, the administration of IV and general anesthesia, orthognathic surgery, and the management of facial trauma.
Outside his professional endeavors, Dr. Nielsen cherishes spending quality time with his wife and four children, going on family road trips, fly fishing, and cycling. His deep-rooted family connections to Southern Utah make him enthusiastic about calling St. George home.
“His clinical expertise encompasses dentoalveolar surgery, dental implant surgery, reconstructive bone grafting techniques, the administration of IV and general anesthesia, orthognathic surgery, and the management of facial trauma. “
Certifications
Dr. Nielsen holds board certification from the American Board of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery and is an active member of prestigious professional associations such as the American Association of Oral & Maxillofacial Surgeons, Utah Association of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons, American Medical Association, American Dental Association, and Utah Dental Association. Furthermore, he maintains certifications in Basic Life Support, Advanced Cardiac Life Support, Pediatric Advanced Life Support, and Advanced Trauma Life Support.
Professional Affiliation
- Diplomate of the American Board of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery
Education
- Bachelors Degree — Brigham Young University
- Doctor of Dental Surgery (DDS) – University of Oklahoma College of Dentistry
- Doctor of Medicine (MD) – Vanderbilt University School of Medicine
Residency
- Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery – Vanderbilt University Medical Center in Nashville, TN.
