Dr. Shell grew up in small-town, southern Virginia. His parents were the first on either side of their families to graduate from college, and they taught him the value of working hard toward what you believe. So Dr. Shell went on to study mining engineering at Virginia Tech. He graduated with honors and went on to work in the mining industry for the next eight years.
In that time, Dr. Shell met his wife and best friend, Toni. However, it didnt take long for the corporate life to begin to wear, and at 30 years old, Dr. Shell realized that he wanted to start a new path for his career. A family friend suggested that his strengths as an engineer matched the precision and detail required of a good orthodontist.
Ten years later, Dr. Shell feels confident in his decision to trade mining engineering to engineering smiles! Every day, he gets to use precision and science to engineer beautiful, healthy smiles for patients in the community he loves. When not at work, Dr. Shell can be found enjoying time with his wife, two children, and pets at their Colonial Heights home.
Dr. Eric R. Shell is a Board Certified Diplomate of the American Board of Orthodontics and is a fellow of the International College of Dentists, the Virginia Dental Association, and the American College of Dentists. He attended Virginia Tech University for his undergraduate education. After eight years as an engineer, Dr. Shell attended Virginia Commonwealth Universitys Medical College of Virginia School of Dentistry to obtain his dental degree, graduating first in his class. Dr. Shell completed his orthodontic residency at the University of Iowa.
Dr. Shell received the American Association of Orthodontists Award for Exceptional Interest in Development of the Oro-Facial Complex from Virginia Commonwealth University. Dr. Shell is an alumni member of the Omicron Kappa Upsilon dental honor society, from which he received the William S. Kramer Award of Excellence. Dr. Shell is also a Scholar of the Hinman Dental Society. In addition, he received the sole Alpha Omega International Dental Fraternity Award from Virginia Commonwealth University, bestowed upon completion of his dental degree.
Dr. Shell is serving his eighth committee term with the Virginia Dental Association and has served with the accreditation team at the Virginia Commonwealth Universitys Medical College of Virginia School of Dentistry. He has volunteered on many dental Missions of Mercy and has been an organizer for the United Way and Special Olympics. He enjoys traveling, outdoor activities, sporting events, and most importantly, spending time with family and friends. Dr. Shell is a native of Southside Virginia and currently resides in Chesterfield County with his wife, daughter, and son.
The team of professionals at Southside Orthodontics comprises expertly trained, highly experienced, compassionate individuals. Their passions for people, medical knowledge, and skill are unmatched. Our patients often remark on just how unexpected the genuine relationships are within our office. We truly care about investing in the lives of our patients. See for yourself just what makes our team so special.
We say it all the time. The thing that makes Southside Orthodontics so special is our incredible team! They are experts in their field and are fiercely dedicated to giving every patient an exceptional orthodontic experience.
A Virginia native and former mining engineer, Dr. Shell has a deep understanding of the region and its people. His experience as a former engineer prepared him well for the skill and attention to detail that makes him an excellent orthodontist. He loves being able to provide his community and neighbors with superior orthodontic care. If you ask him, Dr. Shell will tell you that he has never once looked back on his decision to swap a career in mining engineering for the engineering of smiles.
At Southside Orthodontics, our philosophy is simple. Do things the right way, the first time. We know that everyone expects their orthodontic care to be of the highest quality, but it isnt easy to know whether it actually is or not. At Southside Orthodontics, we deliver the highest quality orthodontic care possible.
That means that we dont skip steps or avoid certain treatments because they are more challenging. Instead, we promise to give you the exact care and attention required to bring about your healthiest smile.
Doing the right thing also applies to how we treat our patients. We genuinely care about every person who walks through our door, and our patients can feel it. You cant fake genuine care, not over the span of a relationship. Our patients know that we have their best interest in mind and care for their well-being in all areas of life, not just in their smiles.
The Southside Orthodontics team has decades of experience among them, with the sort of time-proven experience you cant teach. Our team values positivity and friendliness, something our patients can feel when they walk in the door.
Reviews
Rating 4.9 out of 5 based on 197 reviews
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newest oldest highest lowestTyler Brown
a year ago
I had the opportunity to check out Southside for my little human. Make no mistake, the techs and assistants are the true Talent here. Wonderful humans creating a truly incredible and positive experience for patients. The Doc gave his opinion, which was appreciated at the time, but upon seeking a second opinion was completely off-base. I'm fortunate that I sought a second opinion and have since started seeing another Orthodontist. BEWARE of reviews that may or may not be real patients. Seek out Southside for the humans that work there that aren't the Doc and his wife, 'the office manager' 10/10 recommend the assistants; 1/10 recommend the business owners and the toxic environment they create for the employees and sometimes their patients they deem less than worthy.
Joseph Raper
a year ago
We have always received courteous and professional service, both in person and on the phone. Whatever questions we have, were always answered quickly and completely.
Jessica Keller
a year ago
Hands down the most skilled orthodontist I know. I am so thankful for his expertise to guide my smile and the function of my bite.
Chelsi Holderfield
a year ago
The actual staff is Absolutely Amazing!! However, the office manager Toni & Dr. Shell do not have good work ethic. Toni does Not care about the patients or families. Toni kept talking over me on the phone, she did not care what concerns I had. We have been with them for quite a few years now and the owners are not the same at all from what they were when we initially started with them. My daughter had an appt set for today from the last appt she had and bc I threatened to leave, they chose not to do anything with her, instead of telling us this, they let us drive up there then decided this once we were there. I had a feeling the office manager would do this. This is upsetting as I have paid in full, their obligation to fulfill their commitment is lacking. It should not be stressful going to the Orthodontist. They dont deserve 1 star.
Shanika Wilson
a year ago
Dr. Shell and his staff are all great. Very professional and always willing to answer any questions I have. They did my daughter's braces, and now they are about to do my son's braces. I am very pleased!!!
Keyasha Brown
a year ago
Great staff, super fast and friendly! 10/10 highly recommended
Kristal Moore Clemons
a year ago
The people at Southside Orthodontics were absolutely wonderful. I see why Dr. Shell is called the "smile engineer". He's knowledgeable, patient and personable. I enjoyed my regular appointments with the staff. I'm so pleased with my results. I followed the plan and only had to keep my braces on from April 2021 to October 2022. It was a very smooth process. I'm bringing my daughter in for her consultation very soon.
Charve Drew (INSPIRE)
a year ago
Always a pleasant visit. Great staff, great atmosphere, and great results. I highly recommend this office if you're looking into orthodontic services. Just got my braces off and the entire process has been amazing. So thankful for Dr. Shell and his wonderful staff.
Steven Gillam
a year ago
Dr. Shell and his staff are amazing. They treated both of my kids and we had great results with great service. Highly recommend using them if you need any orthodontic work!
Jordan Bendure
2 years ago
I went 2 months ago (June 8th) for a consultation for Invisalign. I was told they would get back to me within 2-4 weeks for a consultation and cost breakdown. I called every couple weeks to find out if they had my case study back and to get an appointment set up. There was always an excuse as to why I hadn't heard back (TC on vacation, updating their website pictures, etc). Today (Aug 22nd) they FINALLY called me to book my consultation appointment (over 2 full months later). Last month I found a different Orthodontist, who had my Invisalign liners back 1 week from my consultation. Do yourself a favor and stay away from this office. While they may be friendly, they just don't seem to care about your dental needs.
Michelle C.
2 years ago
DR. Shell and his staff are AWESOME! We are sad to be moving out of state and have to leave them. Thank you all for being so WONDERFUL!
Eileen Blixt
2 years ago
We love everyone here! They are all so friendly and helpful! My kids' smiles are also looking beautiful!!
Robert Staggs
2 years ago
Dr. Shell and staff are courteous and professional and I'm very happy with my results and time spent with them. Thank you Southside Orthodontics team.
Jennifer Gallagher
2 years ago
The people who work here are so great. They have worked on two of my children. One of which has had alot of work at a very young age, but they have been so good with her and done an amazing job.
Bobbie Bailey
2 years ago
Dr. Shell and the staff at Southside Orthodontics are very professional and friendly. They're very informative about the steps of your treatment. I highly recommend Southside Orthodontics, they're the best.
Lalita Harris
2 years ago
We all have experienced a rough day. Things just aren't lining up. But its your day off an have a appointment. Well I was having a rough day an walking into Southside Orthopedics was hard until I meet Sue. This was my first appointment an my first time meeting Sue well from the moment I met her she was very pleasant. Then she looked at me a noticed that something was off. Sue stop processing me in an simply asked "are you ok" an I was brought to tears. Because she noticed something was wrong. She took time to talk with me an the more we shared it like she was God sent she brought life back into me. It's unexplainable how a stranger that just takes time to ask a question "are you ok " and really mean it an want to really listen can actually change someone's day. Sue is a rock star and I truly appreciate meeting her. Thanks you Sue for being you!
Alyssa Seymour
2 years ago
Amazing experience!! The sweetest staff, and I finished with a perfect smile.
Michelle Harris
2 years ago
I was very nervous about getting braces at a "not so young age" but Dr.Shell and all the staff made the process easy! Everyone was professional and knowledgeable. I would give 10 stars if possible! Highly recommend anyone that wants to get their teeth straightened!You're never to old to get a beautiful smile! Thank you Southside Orthodontic team!!!
Mills Family
2 years ago
Great place and wonderful people! Heather is the best! We have nothing but great things to say about everyone there!!
Amy Ferguson
2 years ago
After taking all 4 of my children here, 2 of which only had "phase 1" done I have left and am using a different orthodontist. The price is not comparable, get a couple quotes as they were double what others charges.
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