Meet Eric Nelson, DDS, MD
An Idaho native and dual-degree oral and maxillofacial surgeon, Dr. Eric Nelson is dedicated to helping his patients live with renewed health and confidence. He practices the full scope of oral surgery with a special interest in oral implantology, always focusing on delivering exceptional care.
A Calling to Help Others Thrive
Dr. Eric Nelson always knew he wanted to be an oral surgeon. With a keen interest in medicine and a natural calling to help others, he finds it deeply rewarding to see his patients flourish because of their treatment. After successfully running his own practice for 15 years, he joined Dr. Kempers in 2014 to create Whitewater Dental Implants & Oral Surgery, a practice built on a shared commitment to patient well-being.
Dr. Nelson’s personal approach means that every patient is treated with honesty, integrity, and genuine compassion. You can feel comfortable and confident about your treatment, knowing you are in exceptionally capable hands.
Education & Residency
Dr. Nelson earned his Bachelor of Science degree from the University of Utah before attending the University of Iowa for dental school. He then earned his medical degree from Vanderbilt University. He completed both his general surgery and oral and maxillofacial surgery residencies at Vanderbilt University Medical Center, where he gained invaluable hands-on surgical experience in a hospital-based setting.
In 2005, Dr. Nelson’s commitment to service led him to Xining, China, where he was one of four surgeons chosen to perform cleft lip and palate surgery for orphans at Chinese Children’s Adoption International.
Certifications & Memberships
Dr. Nelson is board-certified by the American Board of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery (ABOMS), a distinction that holds him to the highest standards of care. Achieving and maintaining this certification requires rigorous peer evaluations and a demonstrated commitment to knowledge, training, and professionalism.
He has served as the Idaho delegate to the American Society of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons and assists with anesthesia peer review in the state of Utah. As a specialist in oral implantology, Dr. Nelson lectures both locally and nationally on dental implant and bone grafting techniques. He is a proud Fellow of the International Congress of Oral Implantologists (ICOI) and a member of St. Luke’s facial trauma team, the American Dental Association (ADA), and the Idaho State Dental Association.
Outside the Office
Dr. Nelson lives in Boise with his wife and has three adult children. Together, they enjoy family outings, running, skiing, fishing, and traveling. He has proudly participated in the Boston Marathon four times and also enjoys DIY projects and home improvements.