Meet Dr. Nathen Ellis
Cosmetic & Implant Dentist. Loving Husband. Proud Daddy. Wolfpack and Tar Heel Grad.
Dr. Nathen Ellis is a highly skilled and compassionate general dentist committed to providing exceptional, patient-centered care to the Denver, NC community. He earned his Doctor of Dental Surgery degree from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, after graduating Magna Cum Laude from NC State University with a degree in Biological Sciences and a minor in Genetics. He discovered his passion for dentistry while volunteering at a local dental outreach program during his undergraduate studies.
After conducting genetics research at Duke University, Dr. Ellis began his clinical journey at UNC’s School of Dentistry. He practiced in Lincolnton for four years before establishing Denver NC Dental Arts in 2016. A resident of the Denver area since 2014, he has built strong connections with his patients and the local community.
Advanced Education & Credentials
Dr. Ellis is passionate about lifelong learning and has pursued extensive advanced education in all aspects of general dentistry:
Most recently, Dr. Ellis earned the prestigious Fellowship in the Academy of General Dentistry (FAGD), an honor held by only about six percent of general dentists in the U.S. and Canada. To achieve this designation, Dr. Ellis completed over 500 hours of continuing education and passed a comprehensive exam covering all aspects of general dentistry. This accomplishment reflects his commitment to providing the highest quality, evidence-based care and maintaining the highest professional standards.
Dr. Ellis is also a graduate of the AAID Implant Maxicourse at Augusta University (formerly the Medical College of Georgia), a year-long, 300+ hour intensive program focused on dental implantology. The curriculum includes hands-on surgical training, lectures, and clinical mentorship from world-renowned implant specialists, preparing participants to confidently plan, place, and restore dental implants using the latest techniques and technologies.
In addition, Dr. Ellis completed advanced training at The Pankey Institute, one of the most respected post-graduate dental education centers in the world. The Pankey curriculum emphasizes a comprehensive, relationship-based approach to dentistry and focuses on four key pillars: clinical excellence, behavioral understanding, financial management, and practice philosophy. Training at Pankey enables dentists to treat complex dental cases while considering each patient’s unique functional, aesthetic, and emotional needs. It also helps dentists build practices grounded in trust, excellence, and long-term patient relationships.
Dr. Ellis has also undergone extensive training in IV moderate conscious sedation, allowing him to safely and effectively treat patients with dental anxiety or those undergoing more complex procedures. This training emphasizes patient safety, emergency preparedness, pharmacology, and hands-on clinical experience. His certification enables him to provide a calm and comfortable experience for patients who may otherwise avoid necessary dental care.
These advanced credentials collectively underscore Dr. Ellis’ dedication to delivering comprehensive, modern, and patient-centered dental care, especially in areas such as restorative, cosmetic, and implant dentistry.
Life Outside the Office
When he’s not treating patients, Dr. Ellis is busy with family life alongside his wife, Kariann, whom he married in 2009. Kariann’s encouragement and partnership have been instrumental in Dr. Ellis’ journey as both a clinician and practice owner. They stay busy keeping up with their three active daughters: Annalee plays competitive club volleyball, Amelia enjoys dance, and Adeline is involved in soccer, gymnastics, and cheer.
He also enjoys saltwater fishing, hunting, and running with his two German Shorthaired Pointers (GSPs). He has an appreciation for all things car-related. Dr. Ellis values the balance between his professional goals and the joy of raising a family and pursuing personal passions.
