Our Lead Dentist - James M. Piper II, DMD, MS

After graduating from the University of Pittsburgh School of Dental Medicine in 2004, Dr. Piper proudly entered the United States Air Force (USAF) Dental Corps.  He completed a specialized residency in Prosthodontics at Lackland Air Force Base in San Antonio and concurrently earned a Master of Science from the University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio.  A distinguished clinician, he won first place in the inaugural American Prosthodontic Society research competition and achieved Board Certification in November 2007.  

After completing his residency in 2007, Dr. Piper joined the Advanced Education in General Dentistry (AEGD-1) teaching staff at Offutt Air Force Base in Omaha, Nebraska.  There, he mentored recent dental graduates, training them in advanced dental techniques as they entered the USAF Dental Corps. His dedication earned him the 2009 United States Air Force Dental Educator of the Year Award.  

In 2011, Dr. Piper returned to San Antonio to complete a Fellowship in Maxillofacial Prosthetics, where he provided complex, multidisciplinary care to wounded warriors, service members, and their families.  He remained on staff at the Air Force's only Prosthodontic Residency Program for the remainder of his commission, contributing to research and publishing articles on advanced prosthetic techniques, including:
• “The use of a laser-level paralleling device for the fabrication of a unilateral auricular prosthesis”
• “Novel Magnet-Retained Prosthetic System for Facial Reconstruction”

Dr. Piper is an acclaimed lecturer at both local and national dental conferences.  His distinguished career in the Air Force granted him unique access to advanced clinical training, keeping him at the forefront of prosthodontic and surgical innovation.  A Board-Certified Prosthodontist, he maintains active memberships in the American Academy of Maxillofacial Prosthetics, the American Board of Prosthodontics, the American Dental Association, and the North Carolina Dental Society. Additionally, he contributes his specialized expertise as a member of a Tumor Board in Winston-Salem, NC.  

Driven to combine advanced clinical expertise with a compassionate, personal touch, Dr. Piper transitioned to private practice here in North Carolina in 2015 following his military service  He is dedicated to empowering patients to make the best decisions for their long-term oral health.  At Summit Smile Innovations, Dr. Piper partners with you on your journey to a healthier smile, building a foundation of trust and excellence, to create results that radiate confidence.  

Outside the office, Dr. Piper enjoys a fulfilling family life with his wife Shannon, and their four children: Eliana, Jimmy, Avonlea and Tate.  While Eliana is away at college in Tennessee, the entire family remains connected through a shared love of sports and outdoor adventures, exploring the breadth of what the region has to offer.  Having called North Carolina home for many years now, Dr. Piper is committed to continuing his service to the local community.  

Because family is so important to Dr. Piper, he has worked hard to build a team that feels like one. While Dr. Piper brings years of clinical expertise as our lead dentist, he believes the true heart of the practice is the Specialists Behind Your Smile who work alongside him to treat every patient with the same warmth he gives his own family.