Trusted Lincoln, NE Dentist
Get to Know Dr. Justin Shirk
For Dr. Shirk, being able to return a person’s beautiful smile is incredibly fulfilling. Whether a patient needs to restore their pearly whites or wishes to improve their self-confidence, he’s more than happy to offer the personalized care they need. With several years of experience and counting, he looks forward to treating generations of families and helping the community as much as possible!
Why Did You Decide to Become a Dentist?
Dr. Shirk grew up in Norton, KS, and was raised in a dental family, as his father was a graduate of the University of Nebraska Medical Center College of Dentistry. However, he initially wanted to choose a different career path in the aviation industry. After designing airplanes for 5 years, he felt something was missing. On his return to dentistry, he rediscovered the social connection he wanted while being able to work with advanced technology as he did as an engineer. Now, he gets to provide exceptional and essential treatments to create a positive impact in the lives of his patients.
Where Did You Study Dentistry?
Initially, Dr. Shirk attended Wichita State University – Aerospace Engineering before going to the University of Nebraska Medical Center College of Dentistry to earn his dental doctorate. He then entered the Air Force to serve as an active duty dentist, completing an Advanced Education in General Dentistry Residency (AEGD) at the Offutt Air Force Base (AFB). Over the years, he’s been stationed at several locations, such as Malmstrom AFB in Montana and McConnell AFB in Wichita, and held various positions, like the Chief of Dental Services and Director of Clinical Operations.
He’s undergone advanced training in multiple specialty topics—including IV sedation dentistry, third molar extractions, implants, root canals, and endodontics—and regularly volunteers at the Kansas and Nebraska Dental Mission of Mercy. He constantly seeks continuing education to further his dental expertise and skills, and he currently holds active membership in several prestigious organizations, such as the:
- American Dental Association
- Nebraska Dental Association
- Academy of General Dentistry
- American Academy of Implant Dentistry endodontics
- SPEAR Education
Outside of the Dental Office, What Do You Like to Do?
When he isn’t at the office, Dr. Shirk is with his wife, whom he met while attending dental school. Together, they spend quality time with their two wonderful children who are also their source of entertainment. Whenever he can, he enjoys doing outdoor activities, such as camping, traveling, hunting, fishing, and flying!