Dr. Claiborne was born in Landstuhl, West Germany while his parents were stationed at Ramstein AFB. Dr. Claiborne graduated from Tabb High School in Yorktown, Virginia in 1993 and received his undergraduate degree from Salisbury State University in 1997.
After earning his dental degree from the Medical College of Virginia in 2003, Dr. Claiborne completed a two-year general practice residency at the Veterans Affairs Medical Center in Richmond, Virginia. During this time, he received extensive training and supervision in all aspects of dental implant treatment.
Dr. Claiborne completed further dental implant training at the Misch International Implant Institute, the Midwest Implant Institute and many other educational organizations. In 2008, in recognition of his outstanding knowledge and skills, he was awarded the status of fellow of the International Congress of Oral Implantologists, one of the highest honors an implant dentist can receive.
Dr. Claiborne has consistently won an award from Our Health Magazines Best Bedside Manner awards since 2014. In 2019, he was awarded the top honor with a Gold Medal for Best Bedside Manner. Lynchburg Living also honored him in The Best of Lynchburg issue in 2020.
When you visit Forest Smiles, you can expect friendly, comfortable treatment. We put patients at ease by fully explaining procedures, making sure you never feel bad about the condition of your teeth. We treat patients the way wed treat our own families. We put your comfort and needs first. As a team, we strive to create amazing smiles, improve health and change lives.
At Forest Smiles, we take a comprehensive approach, combining all aspects of dentistrypreventive, restorative, cosmetic and even periodontal careto help you enjoy a lifetime of healthy and confident smiles. Dr. Claiborne and Dr. Schmidt will always have your best interest at heart and take the time to discuss your treatment options and choose the best one for your individual needs.
Brandi graduated from the Virginia Western Dental Hygiene program in 2017 before joining our practice. What she enjoys most about her job is being a part of the Forest Smiles team working together to best serve our patients. In her spare time, she loves magnet fishing, painting and crafting.
Christine graduated from the Virginia Western Dental Hygiene program in 2012 before she started working with Dr. Claiborne. What she is most passionate about the dental field is helping our patients achieve a healthy smile. When she is not at work, she is spending time with her two children with any outdoor activity, especially running local 5k races.
Madison graduated from the Virginia Western Dental Hygiene program in 2018 before joining our practice. What she loves most about her job is being able to show children there is nothing to be afraid of and ensuring they have a great dental experience. In her spare time, she enjoys traveling, fishing and camping.
Kelcie joined our practice in February 2016. She spent 10 years as a surgical assistant, has 4 years phlebotomy experience, and Advanced Cardiovascular Life Support certification. She enjoys restoring the patients confidence and making them feel great about smiling again. When she is not at work, she loves to ride ATVs and spend time at the lake with family and friends.
Jessie has been a dental assistant for two years and joined our practice in August 2020. She loves seeing a patients confidence restored and the joy it brings them. In her free time, she loves spending time with her husband and dogs, Tillie and Hughie.
Brittany started her career in the dental field in 2015 at a practice in Danville, VA as a dental assistant. She then transitioned to front desk where she loves the opportunity to help patients with their treatment plans. She relocated to Lynchburg and joined our team in January 2020. In her spare time, she enjoys making memories with her family and friends.
Demi started her dental career at a pediatric office in Roanoke, and she joined the practice when she moved to Forest in 2018. She loves interacting with our patients, answering any questions they may have and helping them schedule their treatment. When she is not at work, she and her husband, Eric, love attending sporting events for their children and caring for their two dogs.
With over 30 years experience in various emergency departments, and thousands of moderate sedation procedures, Lance is uniquely qualified to provide safe and effective moderate sedation. He is president and CEO of NCVA Medical Staffing Inc. providing high quality healthcare providers to facilities, offices, and government agencies. In his spare time, he enjoys spending time with his family boating and fishing.
Juli has been in dentistry for over 15 years, as a dental assistant, front desk coordinator and office manager. She joined the practice in 2014 when Dr. Claiborne built our current location. Her favorite part of this field is seeing someone get their smile back. In her spare time, she loves cooking and spending time with her family.
Reviews
Rating 4.7 out of 5 based on 335 reviews
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newest oldest highest lowestLoretta Zimmerman
a year ago
Brandi did a great job cleaning my teeth. I will request her as my regular hygienist. I have been with Dr. Claiborne for more than 12 years & have always had excellent oral health care.
Jill Distad
a year ago
This office is not family friendly at all. I had a cleaning scheduled back in the summer and had my 4yo with me because my appointment was right after I picked him up from school. I was told I would have to reschedule because he couldn't come back with me. I was annoyed because he could have easily sat in the chair in the corner and played on my phone while I had my teeth cleaned. There was a mother and daughter who both went back at the same time and when I asked why that was allowed they told me it was because they both had appointments. I called to reschedule and was told if my son and I had back to back appointments that he could go back with me. I took my son out of school early today and when I got to the office I was asked if there was someone that would watch my son and I said no we both have appointments so I was told that would be fine. The lady up front said no that's not their policy so they could clean his teeth and I could go back with him but he couldn't be back there with me. I told them no thank you we'd be finding a new dentist for my whole family. This is nonsense and I will not be back and will certainly let others know this isn't a family friendly dentist.
Ashley M
a year ago
From the friendly informative front office to the well skilled assistants and Drs. This office is the best I've ever been too. I love how detailed they are and the extra mile they go to protect each and every patient. I was informed from day one of all office policies. I can appreciate them wanting their own X-rays( as my dental health is a priority) and their policy with children ( as a mom my child safety is a must!). If your looking for a new dentist look no further !
Hannah
a year ago
I was a new patient who was never told they require you to get new X-rays (even if you just had some taken at your previous office 6 months ago). I informed my hygienist of the X-rays because I had them with me and I knew they would not be covered again. She stated I would not be charged for the X-rays she was taking since I had some done recently but they would still file my insurance just to see if they covered them. I received a bill for $101 for my X-rays since they were not covered again by insurance. I called the office and spoke to Ashley who stated all new patients are required to take new X-rays regardless if they just had routine X-rays taken or not. She stated that its their office policy to not allow outside X-rays and I should've been informed when making a new patient appointment (I never was). Ashley was very rude and made this out to be my fault insisting I need to do more research and contact my insurance company before coming and verifying what they would cover. I knew my insurance would not cover routine X-rays again in a 6 month span and was also told I wouldn't be charged for the X-rays since I had them taken recently, but they needed to take their own X-rays as well. Needless to say, this office is horrible and you cannot trust what is being told to you. I will be going to another office and hope no one else gets scammed by them and their lies!
Natasha Whitaker
a year ago
Not heard of often, but dare I say that I wholeheartedly enjoy my visits to the dentist! I know right?!?! The entire team is great, AND they take care of my teeth. The staff at Forest Smiles is amazing; from the warm welcome and follow ups I receive from Crystal to the care and precision I get from my dentist, Dr. Schmidt and dental hygienist, Brandi (formerly Maddie), I wouldn't trust any other team as much as I do with something as important as my smile. Thanks guys! Much obliged!
Karen Dickey
a year ago
Great dentist (Dr C) and staff. Excellent work done!!
Diane Cabaniss
a year ago
I have been going to this dentist office for almost 10 years! There is so much good to say about Dr. Claiborne and the staff there. From the minute you walk in the door, you are greeted with smiles and compassion. Highly recommend. A++++++++
Lisa Williamson
a year ago
Dr. Claiborne and his assistants have been absolutely wonderful to work with. He came up with a detailed treatment plan to complete the dental work I needed. When I started going there I had extreme anxiety and now I go in and I am at ease. Also, I have the same highly competent people taking care of me each time. They have been flexible with scheduling also. I highly recommend them and I feel blessed to have found them!!
Jill Williams
a year ago
We had our first experience with Forest Smiles today. Everyone we met, from the office personal to the dentist, were super nice. My daughter got her first full cleaning today due to the patience of her hygienist. She was all smiles when we left and even said she wanted to go back the next day. Thank you, Forest Smiles!
DNE PRODUCTIONS
a year ago
Everyone was very nice and professional. They got me in for an appointment last minute and got my aching tooth taken care of very fast. We will be switching our whole family to this office. Highly recommend!!!!
kyle rode
a year ago
Amazing service from moment you walk in. Front desk was great, Christine made me feel comfortable and did an awesome job cleaning my teeth! Dr. Claiborne was nice, honest, and quick! Highly recommend to anyone.
Glenda King
a year ago
Everybody was really nice and the hygienist was very pleasant and thorough in cleaning my teeth.
Vicki Mercadante
a year ago
Always a pleasant experience at Forest Smiles! Christine is such a personable and efficient hygienist. She always does an excellent job! Dr. Schmidt is so kind, compassionate, and clearly values me as a patient! They're an awesome team!
Aaron Mills
a year ago
Great service, professional, fast and friendly!
Kate Payne
a year ago
Excellent dental care for our entire family!
Darryl Adams
a year ago
Crown prep went great! Everyone was very professional and no pain! Even the assistant was awesome. Thanks Anna!
M
2 years ago
I love Forest Smiles. It's always a pleasant experience seeing the beautiful, nice lady at the front desk, having my teeth cleaned by the friendly hygienists, and Dr. Claiborne is always super helpful and friendly.
Grae Tweedy
2 years ago
Both Dr. Claiborne and Dr. Schmitt are awesome! I love the hygienist staff and the front desk staff as well. Totally recommend.
Emily Rymer
2 years ago
Great people, but you can only bring one child at a time for an appointment which is super inconvenient. I'll be shopping around for sure.
Nicola Litchfield
2 years ago
Very efficient. Extremely personable. Super friendly.
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