Meet Justin Tullis of Southern Colorado Periodontics & Implants

Today we’d like to introduce you to Justin Tullis.

Hi Justin, so excited to have you on the platform. So before we get into questions about your work life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today.
I am a periodontist in Colorado Springs – a dental specialist that manages the health of the gums and jawbone, and places and maintains dental implants.  I grew up as an Army kid, splitting time between North Carolina, Korea, and Texas. After high school I did a 2-year mission trip to South America, living in the cities and villages of northern Brazil.

After graduating from Brigham Young University, my first career was as a chemical process engineer for a Swiss company called Holcim. I married a nurse and became increasingly passionate about health and wellness, first as a hobby, and eventually decided to change careers. I went back to school for four more years to become a dentist, and then four more to become a board-certified specialist. I love the mountain life and moved to Colorado Springs to start my own practice in 2020.

Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
It’s no easy feat to change careers when you’re already married with kids and a house. I had to quit my job before getting accepted to a dental school, because certain biochemistry prerequisite courses not available any other way. Dental schools were used to a certain pipeline of students that decided early that they “didn’t want to make toys, but instead be a dentist” (movie reference: Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer, 1964).

Moving our family and balancing parenting and professional school as a non-traditional student brought unique challenges. Credit to my wife for helping us navigate through that tough time. I started my dental practice during the Great Pandemic Shutdown of 2020. We didn’t know what was going to happen, but you just have to go for it when you are ready to jump off the dock and start the next adventure, regardless of the turmoil around you. Looking back now I have no regrets.

We’ve been impressed with Southern Colorado Periodontics & Implants, but for folks who might not be as familiar, what can you share with them about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
At Southern Colorado Periodontics & Implants we engage each patient the way we would want to be treated. Just because I know how to use a hammer  (figuratively) does not mean every problem is a nail. Every patient has a unique background and priorities that must be balanced with the risks and benefits of treatment. At SoCO Periodontics, we are passionate about finding the right diagnosis, and providing evidence-based therapies.

My expertise includes saving natural teeth and, when teeth must be replaced, making dental implants last a long time. A board-certified periodontist is an expert on how your oral health affects your overall health. More research comes out every day elucidating the oral-systemic relationship.

Many of our patients come with a referral from their general dentist, but a referral is not mandatory .  Some of my services include: saving teeth from gum disease via corrective and regenerative procedures, making smiles more beautiful by regrowing or removing gum as needed, placing dental implants, and preparing the mouth for implants when advanced bone grafting techniques are needed.

What makes you happy?
I find joy in my family relationships, my faith, and in trying to live my life in a way that makes this world slightly better because I was here.

I find tremendous satisfaction in treating patients skillfully and ethically. Several hobbies that make me happy include, working out, watching football, playing various sports, and singing in harmony. My son and I also enjoy indoor rock climbing and practicing Brazilian jiu-jitsu together.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.socoperio.com
• Facebook: www.facebook.com/SoCOPeriodonticsandimplants