Meet Dr. Perkinson

Dr. Baxter Perkinson was raised in the rural area of Powhatan, Virginia, with unfloridated well water. He as a result developed dental problems at an early age. When his family moved to Richmond, Baxter started a paper route to raise money to fix his teeth. He went to VCU dental school for inexpensive dental treatment, where he developed his interest in dentistry.

Baxter attended the University of Richmond, where he met his wife Elaine, and went on to VCU School of Dentistry to receive his doctorate of dental surgery in 1970. He started his own practice in 1970 and now has seven offices with thirty dentists including four orthodontists and a periodontist. Baxtor specializes in full mouth reconstruction and implantology.

Baxter has four children, two of whom are dentists. His oldest, Catherine and her husband are dentists for Baxter's practice and have two children. Will graduated from VCU School of Dentistry  May 2002 and is now an intern with his dad. Tyler is about to begin his third year at VCU School of Dentistry. Elizabeth, who is married, is a surgical trauma nurse at VCU, where she is studying to earn her masters degree in nursing.

Baxter did not discover his love for art until 1979 when his wife talked him into taking a watercolor class. Baxter now is an avid watercolorist and enjoys giving his paintings to various philanthropies. He has also been able to decorate all nine locations with his artwork, which enable his patients to enjoy his beautiful paintings.

Miss Kitty

The Making of a Masterpiece

by Joan Edwards

"Whether you are in his dentist's chair or admiring one of his paintings, Dr. Baxter Perkinson is sure to bring a smile to your face."

Whether it's an explanation of an intricate dental procedure or the description of the color composition contained n his latest watercolor, Dr. W. Baxter Perkinson, Jr. is always passionate about his work. It's that ardent intensity, that perpetual drive that has, over time, propelled both Perkinson's dental career and artistic endeavors.

During the past 25 years, Perkinson has seen his dental practice grow in scope and size. Currently, it is the largest single owned dental practice in the state of Virginia with 9 offices and 225 employees. Along with his practice, Perkinson, a full clinical professor at MCV/VCU school of Dentistry, also devotes one day a week to teaching students.

Perkinson was introduced to the world of dentistry at age 12 when he developed a toothache and went to MVC's dental clinic to have the problem corrected. "I was poor and didn't have access to dental care," Perkinson remembers. "My first toothache was fixed with the money I earned from my newspaper route." It was during this experience that Perkinson realized the career he wanted to pursue – dentistry.

His introduction into the world of art came later in life at age 35. "It was almost like I was an artist before I was an artist," Perkinson reasons. "All of the hand and eye work I did as a dentist... the two just went hand in hand."

The creative aspects of dentistry and art are connective, Perkinson says. "Both are subjective. Patients want to have confidence that a dentist has a good eye for shape and color."

Over the years, Perkinson has been able to successfully combine his two career paths. His artistic flair is evident in everything he does. Being artistically talented is important in Perkinson's dental practice.

"People that I treat are older, have been in an accident, or are interested in improved cosmetics. My patients are those who will do whatever it takes to keep their teeth.

Perkinson's patients, who include movie stars, models and CEO's of large corporations, are amazed to discover they will only have to sacrifice one day out of their busy schedules to get most of their dental work done. "Most of the people I treat are time oriented, successful people that want to keep their teeth and don't have a lot of time," Perkinson says. "I do what has to be done to save their teeth and improve their smile in a very expeditious manner."

"It's all done very efficiently," he adds. "If someone can give me one day of their life, I can do what needs to be done including root canals, extractions, implants and periodontal surgery in addition to traditional cosmetic dentistry."

Many of Perkinson's older patients have worn down their teeth. "We have to rebuild them to their original state," he says. "People are living longer and using their teeth longer. Most of these people are at a crossroads and have to make a decision whether to keep their teeth or go to removable dentures."

It disturbs Perkinson that many people today take their teeth for granted. "The best made false teeth are 40 percent as effective as your own teeth," he lectures. "Your life can be compromised because you don't have teeth. Unfortunately, most people do not realize this until it's too late."

"I am passionate about saving an integral part of the body. Fortunately, dentistry has technically progressed to a point where a solution to almost any dental condition exists. My experience in this area leads me to believe that it can only be positive for people to keep their teeth."

Dogwood Lace

Perkinson is just as passionate about his art. So much so, that when it came time to build a riverfront home for his family, he and his wife designed the house around their art and sculpture. When he's not at work you can find Perkinson either sequestered in his upstairs studio painting or out with his camera exploring for new ideas.

Each of Perkinson's offices contain his artwork and his home contains three galleries full of original watercolors. Even though he has never sold a painting, Perkinson's artwork can still be found throughout the city. Over the years, he has made it a point to donate his paintings to many non-profit organizations who use the watercolors as fund-raising tools. And his philanthropic gifts have not gone unrecognized. Last year, Perkinson received the Richmond Times Dispatch Community Service Award for his community involvement with art.

While pointing out various paintings along the walls of his in-home gallery, Perkinson is quick to acknowledge that dentistry is still his number one artistic endeavor, "I am an average painter, but I'm not an average dentist. I take pride in the fact that I can help give people that special smile they've always wanted."

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