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 didn’t 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 University’s 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 University’s 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.

Dr. Shell left a mining engineering career over a decade ago for one where he gets to do something he truly loves every day — engineering smiles!

Dr. Shell has won numerous awards, including the William S. Kramer Award of Excellence and the Alpha Omega International Dental Fraternity award.

Dr. Shell has volunteered on many dental Missions of Mercy and has served as an organizer for the United Way and the Special Olympics.

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.