Prosthodontist · Expert Witness · Speaker
About Dr. Justin W. Nichols
Dr. Justin W. Nichols is a prosthodontist whose practice centers on complex prosthodontics and implant dentistry. He completed a three-year residency in prosthodontics at the University of Iowa, earning a Master of Science in Oral Science alongside his Certificate in Prosthodontics, and holds a Doctor of Dental Surgery degree from the University of the Pacific Arthur A. Dugoni School of Dentistry, where he graduated with highest honors.
Before specializing in Prosthodontics, he completed two consecutive hospital-based general practice residencies within the Veterans Affairs system — serving as Chief Resident in the second — and went on to own and operate a private practice in Yorba Linda, California. That combination of hospital training, private practice ownership, and specialty education has created a robust volume of experience that shapes both how he practices and how he evaluates the standard of care in dental malpractice matters.
- Certificate in Prosthodontics
- M.S., Oral Science
- DDS, with highest honors
Why prosthodontics
Drawn to complexity.
One might wonder why he chose to specialize after so many years of robust general practice experience. Dr. Nichols always felt a strong call to serve people robustly with the gifts he was given from God. Drawn toward complexity and difficult problem-solving all of his life, he thrives when solving profound challenges, which the Prosthodontic patient presents with. He lives to serve others with the love of Christ, and Prosthodontics allows him to do this in a way that is most aligned with his innate abilities.
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After being encouraged by several mentors over the years, and noticing that the drive toward the specialty did not dissipate over time, it was clear that he needed to do the hard thing — sell the practice, pack up his life, move across the country, and put his nose to the grindstone in the most challenging dental residency (we all know it’s true!). He has no regrets and is elated to be practicing Prosthodontics.
With fellow residents and their program director at the American College of Prosthodontists annual session.
Training and practice
Education and Training
Specialty Training
- University of Iowa2023–2026Certificate in Prosthodontics; M.S., Oral Science
Hospital Training
- V.A. Sepulveda Ambulatory Care Center2017–2018General Practice Residency, Chief Resident
- V.A. Puget Sound Health Care System2016–2017General Practice Residency
Dental and Undergraduate Education
- University of the Pacific, Arthur A. Dugoni School of Dentistry2013–2016Doctor of Dental Surgery; class rank 11 of 135
- University of California, San Diego2008–2012B.S., Human Biology
Clinical Practice
- Prosthodontics Private Practice — Fort Worth, TexasIn ProcessOwner
- Mission Dental — Yorba Linda, California2019–2023Owner
- Practice of Dr. Ron Nichols, D.D.S.2018–2022Associate Dentist
Credentials
Professional Background
Credentials and Professional Memberships
- Fellow, International Congress of Oral Implantologists (2019)
- American College of Prosthodontists (2023–present)
- Academy of Osseointegration (2017–present)
- American Academy for Oral Systemic Health (2026–present)
- Mentor, Dental Success Network (2023–present)
Academic, Editorial, and Teaching Work
- Reviewer, The International Journal of Oral & Maxillofacial Implants, Quintessence Publishing (2026–present)
- M.S. Thesis, Determining the Association Between the Gut and Oral Microbiomes in Patients with Dental Caries (May 2026) · University of Iowa record
- Prosthodontics Instructor, University of Iowa (2023–2025)
- Citations Editor, Evidence-Based Implant Dentistry: Treatment Planning and Restorative Protocols (2015)
- Tutor, University of the Pacific School of Dentistry (2014–2016)
- Teaching Assistant, UC San Diego Division of Biological Sciences (2011)
Honors and Awards
- Omicron Kappa Upsilon — University of the Pacific (2016)
- Phi Kappa Phi, University of the Pacific (2016)
- Tau Kappa Omega, University of the Pacific (2016)
- Group Practice Award for Clinical Excellence, University of the Pacific (2016)
- Implant Award, University of the Pacific (2016)
- Academy of General Dentistry Award (2016)
Continuums
- Kois Center — In Process (2021–present)
- American Academy of Implant Dentistry — MaxiCourse (2021–2022)
- Implant Pathway — Fast Track (2021)