Dr. Oettinger is a North Carolinian born and raised. He grew up in Kinston, NC about two hours east of Southern Pines. While working towards becoming an Eagle Scout, he was fortunate to encounter the leadership of several members of the dental community in Kinston, eventually leading him to consider dentistry as a career at an early age. After receiving an undergraduate degree in Philosophy from UNC Chapel Hill, he had a short career in real estate before deciding to pursue his goal of becoming a dentist. Prior to beginning his formal dental education, Dr. Oettinger completed post-baccalaureate work at UNC while serving for 15 months as a full-time intern for one of his now mentors, Dr. Steve Hart in Chapel Hill. Dr. Harts practice was almost exclusively focused on sophisticated, relationship-based restorative dentistry with an emphasis on occlusion (bite). It is during his time in this unique environment, even before attending dental school, that Dr. Oettinger developed a deep interest in Prosthodontics.

Dr. Oettinger earned his Doctor of Dental Medicine in 2008 from the University of Louisville School of Dentistry, where he served as a student teacher, class representative, and member of the admissions committee. During dental school, he participated in a clinical externship with the 2nd Dental Battalion, United States Navy at Camp Lejeune, NC. His outstanding academic and clinical achievements while in dental school include recognition as a National Board Part I Scholar and a Deans Scholar; selection by the Dean as a Humana Scholar; receipt of the Hanau Prosthodontics Award, the Southeastern Academy of Prosthodontics Award, the Horace Wells Senior Student Award, and the Alpha Omega Award among others, as well as induction into both Omicron Kappa Upsilon national dental honor society and the honor society of Phi Kappa Phi.

Dr. Oettinger completed dental school first in his class, as the only Summa Cum Laude graduate that year. He then completed a three-year residency in Prosthodontics at the University of Alabama at Birmingham School of Dentistry and the Birmingham VA Medical Center. This intensive training in complex oral rehabilitation included a particular emphasis in both the surgical placement and prosthetic restoration of dental implants. Dr. Oettinger holds two Certificates of Advanced Education in Prosthodontics.

In 2011 Dr. Oettinger and his family came to Southern Pines, transitioning into private practice with Dr. Herbert Buzz King and Dr. William Bill Sulik, both respected prosthodontists. Following the tradition of Drs. King and Sulik, and in the spirit of Dr. Harts mentorship, Dr. Oettingers practice is focused on relationships, both with his colleagues in the local and surrounding communities who entrust him with the treatment of their patients complex dental needs by referral, and with those patients as well. Dr. Oettinger recognizes that every dental situation is different, so he seeks to provide each and every patient with solutions that are unique to his or her specific circumstances, and strives to deliver the highest level of specialty care available. He understands that this must be accomplished by treating all persons with dignity and kindness, and by listening carefully and thoughtfully so that he can know and understand their needs. He believes that treatment can only be truly successful when the relationship between the doctor and patient is based on mutual understanding, respect, and trust.

Dr. Sulik achieved the rank of Associate Professor in Prosthodontics at UNC. During his tenure at the dental school, he was active in teaching, research and in the Dental Faculty Practice. His teaching responsibilities included clinical and didactic instruction at both the undergraduate and graduate levels. His clinical research in dental materials helped introduce dentistry to an exciting new alternative to conventional options for the fabrication of crowns and bridges. Dr. Sulik has lectured extensively at major dental meetings both nationally and internationally. He has authored and/or co-authored numerous publications in refereed journals and has written chapters for a number of popular textbooks.

Dr. Sulik is also active in organized dentistry. He is a member of the American Dental Association, the American Equilibration Society, The North Carolina Dental Society, a Fellow of the American College of Prosthodontists and a Diplomat of the American Board of Prosthodontics, serving on numerous committees and involved with many organizational activities. In 1996 he was President of the American Equilibration Society, which is an international organization dedicated to excellence in restorative dentistry. Dr. Sulik has also served on the Board of Directors of the American College of Prosthodontists and as the Chairman of the Prosthodontic Forum.

Dr. Sulik practiced in Chapel Hill from 1985- 2010 where he limited his treatment to restorative dentistry. He also owned and operated Classic Dental Ceramics, a laboratory to support his treatment efforts. He and his wife, Melanie, have lived in Southern Pines part-time since 1999 and full-time since 1995. In 2010 he sold his Chapel Hill practice and joined Dr. King in his Southern Pines practice. Dr. Sulik has two children. His daughter, Kelly, is a veterinarian in Delaware and his son, Clay, owns an alternative energy business in Boone, NC.

Dolores was born and raised in Moore County. She has been a staple in the dental field for more than 30 years. Dolores enjoys helping patients with in both the clinical setting and with any clerical questions that they may have. In her spare time, Dolores loves to spend time with her grandson, Coble.

Originally from Michigan, Betsy has called North Carolina home for the past 22 years. She has worked in the dental field for over 20 years. Betsys favorite part about dentistry is getting to know her patients and assist them through their time with Dr. Oettinger. When not at work, Betsy enjoys being with her husband and twin daughters as well as working towards her private pilots license.

Alicia was born and raised in Fayetteville. She is the youngest of 4 siblings. Alicia graduated from NC Dental U in 2018 before joining Dr. Oettinger. In her spare time, she enjoys spending time with her family and friends as well as volunteering for Leaf Of Life.

Born and raised in rural Wyoming, Brooke moved to North Carolina in 2012. She joined Dr. Oettinger in 2017. New to dentistry, Brooke has enjoyed getting to learn the ins and outs of the dental field and meeting all of the new and returning patients. Outside of the office Brooke enjoys spending time outdoors with her husband Jason and basset hound, Hazel.

Samantha is a native North Carolinian. Joining our front office staff, Samantha has over 20 years of dental office and insurance experience. In her spare time, she enjoys spending time with her two boys, Noah and Ian.

Ken is a native of Las Vegas, coming to North Carolina in 2010. Ken has over 30 years of experience in both fixed and removable prosthetics. He successfully managed several full service laboratories and is a Gulf War veteran, volunteer in the dental community, and avid outdoorsman.

Our office provides top-notch restorative and cosmetic treatments. When preventive dentistry wont tackle your dental problem, well likely have a solution. We specialize in restoration procedures such as dental implants, bridges, and dentures that can all be made right here in our own office lab so you wont have to wait weeks for your new smile to be complete.

We also provide solutions for malocclusion and temporomandibular disorders, known as TMD. If you want to improve the appearance of your smile, we offer a variety of cosmetic services such as teeth whitening, veneers, and dental crowns. If you have questions regarding any of our services, dont hesitate to contact our office by calling (910) 692-4051 and a team member will be happy to assist you.

Your dentist makes a big difference in the quality of your treatment. Drs. Oettinger and Sulik bring a unique blend of education and experiences to the table that are sure to exceed your expectations. Both Dr. Oettinger and Dr. Sulik are licensed prosthodontists.

Dr. Oettinger graduated with Summa Cum Laude honors and received various awards throughout his education. He remains an active voice within the community by participating in several organizations and the education of future dentists as an adjunct professor at UNC.

Dr. Sulik has participated in research studies and authored or co-authored several publications that have been featured in journals and textbooks. He has served on many esteemed boards within the field of dentistry, both nationally and internationally.

In addition to having completed dental school, prosthodontists complete an additional three-year residency at a hospital or university for intensive training on oral rehabilitation. Theyre well versed in handling challenging procedures that a regular dentist might not feel comfortable completing.

At our office, we understand the importance of a welcoming environment. We want you to feel comfortable throughout your treatment and every team member makes it their duty to ensure feel right at home.

At Sandhills Dental Rehabilitation Center, you can depend on us to deliver the care you need. Were committed to an elevated patient experience through our state-of-the-art technology and comfortable office.

The dentist you work with makes a big difference in your treatment. Dr. Oettinger and Dr. Sulik are both extraordinarily experienced prosthodontists who are sensitive to the needs and desires of their patients.

Rest assured, youll be proud of your smile after treatment. Not only for its beautiful appearance but also for its full function. No more worrying about eating or talking with friends -- prosthodontics can empower you.

After dental school, prosthodontists complete an additional three-year residency at a university or hospital, which provides intensive training in complex oral rehabilitation. As a result, theyre prepared to treat patients with the most complicated oral health problems.

Prosthodontic treatment is often comprehensive in nature, taking into consideration the condition of the entire mouth rather than focusing on one or several teeth. The patients general dentist or other specialists are typically involved in the treatment as well.

Some prosthodontists practice in a similar manner to a general dentist, employing dental hygienists and serving as the patient's primary dental provider. Drs. Oettinger and Sulik limit their practice to prosthodontics and work with their patients to accomplish their specific treatment, usually by referral from the patient's general dentist.

We also create all of our restorations at our office laboratory. This means you dont have to wait for your crowns, veneers, implants, or dentures to arrive from the lab. Instead, we can craft them with precision and care, right here.

Dentists mostly focus on preventive treatments while prosthodontists focus on restoring your oral health with the use of dental prostheses. Prosthodontists have to complete an additional three years of specialized training that focuses on treating damaged, decayed, or missing teeth. Theyre also highly skilled in treating occlusion issues and TMD.

If enough jawbone is present, you can potentially get the dental implant the same day. However, we may ask you to wait 3 to 6 months after an extraction for a dental implant to be placed. This allows time for the area to fully heal.

Youll want to get your dental implant within the recommended time frame. This will ensure that you dont experience bone loss following the healing process. You may also require an additional procedure prior to getting a dental implant.

With proper care and biannual visits to our Southern Pines office, porcelain veneers can still look great after 20 years. To maximize your results, we recommend avoiding foods that can stain, chip, or discolor the veneers. Youll also want to brush your teeth twice a day, floss daily, and rinse between meals.

Regular visits to Sandhills Dental Rehabilitation Center, in addition to an excellent oral hygiene routine, will ensure your veneers, gums, and natural teeth are in the best of health and improve the longevity of your stunning smile.