Trusted Dentist – Lincoln, NE
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. Dr. Shirk is looking forward to caring for generations of families in our practice and serving the greater Lincoln community!
Why Did You Decide to Become a Dentist?
Dr. Shirk grew up in Norton, KS as part of a dental family. His father is also a University of Nebraska Medical Center College of Dentistry graduate and still practices as a general dentist in Kansas today.. He initially chose a different career path in the aviation industry. After designing airplanes for five years, he felt something was missing. He decided to return to dentistry, and he rediscovered the social connection he wanted while still being able to work with advanced technology like 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 for 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 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.
Dr. Shirk has undergone advanced training in multiple specialty topics—including IV sedation dentistry, wisdom tooth extractions, dental implants, and root canal treatment—and he 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 memberships in several prestigious organizations, such as the:
Outside of the Dental Office, What Do You Like to Do?
When he's not at the office, Dr. Shirk enjoys spending time with his family. He met his wife, Rachel, while attending dental school. Together, they are often busy wrangling their two wonderful children who are also their source of entertainment. Whenever he can, he enjoys doing outdoor activities, such as camping, hunting, fishing, and piloting small aircraft.