I really like the sciences involved in dentistry, and I came to learn that I actually like the artistry involved in dentistry. So, what I like to tell people is dentistry is actually where science meets art, and then from there, it just kind of took over. I feel like it chose me more than I chose it. Dentistry requires you to have, usually, in most cases, a four-year college degree, and then you go from college to dental school, which is a four-year program in most cases. And then from there, you can become a general dentist or you can become a specialist and go on for more school. Most general dentists aren’t required to do a residency, but a lot of us do a lot of continuing education. For me, personally, I’m involved with Spear Education, where I probably get anywhere from 100 to 200 hours worth of seat year-to-year, any given year. So, I pride myself on that, that I always invest back into my education because I’m always looking for the latest technologies and techniques to help our patients and be more beneficial to our patients.
The most rewarding aspect of dentistry is when patients come back and they thank you for something that they didn’t even realize that they needed. In a lot of cases, it’s obvious that you can do it in a cosmetic case, but there are a lot more cases that we have where anxiety is the biggest hurdle and maybe a past experience wasn’t so great, but we’ve been able to offer them an atmosphere that’s a little bit more calming, and getting through some of the anxiety, getting through some of the fears that they may have had, and when that patient comes back to thank you or that patient just comes back for multiple visits, that’s a really rewarding thing because that to me is not just what I do, it’s actually our team, and our team approach to everything. So, it’s the most rewarding showing that the team has done their job, that I have done my job and we’ve helped that patient truly be comfortable.
Meet Dr. Jeremy Parker, a Dentist Dedicated to Providing Superior Service
Dr. Jeremy Parker was born and raised in South Mississippi and graduated from St. Martin High School in 1997. He received a scholarship to play baseball at Mississippi Gulf Coast Community College, where he graduated with high honors. Dr. Parker continued his education on scholarship at the University of Mississippi, where he graduated with a bachelor’s degree in biological sciences. He then earned a master’s degree in biological sciences at Mississippi College, graduating summa cum laude.
Upon completing his master’s degree, Dr. Parker entered the University of Mississippi School of Dentistry. After his first year of dental school, he received a scholarship from the United States Navy, where he began his dental career. After receiving his Doctorate of Dental Medicine degree, Dr. Parker attended Officer Development School in Newport, RI. Once he completed ODS, he reported to Camp Lejeune, NC and was assigned as a general dentist to 2nd Dental Battalion, 2nd Marine Logistics Group.
During his assignment at Camp Lejeune, he treated Marines in direct support of Operation Iraqi Freedom and Operation Enduring Freedom. It was an honor and privilege for him to provide dental services to the country’s bravest men and women. Although he is no longer on active duty, he maintains an active reserve status as a dental officer and will continue to serve our country’s finest men and women.
Dr. Parker is a Fellow in the Academy of General Dentistry. His goal is to provide quality dental care with the highest level of integrity to every patient. He respects and understands that each patient is different and requires unique attention and understanding.
Dr. Parker was lucky enough to marry his high school sweetheart, Melissa (Griggs). Melissa was also raised in South Mississippi and graduated from Biloxi High School. The couple have five beautiful children: Hailey, Will, Olivia, Patrick, and Peyton. They live in Biloxi and are excited to raise their children on the Gulf Coast.