Dr. Wilkinson was born in Winston-Salem and spent his childhood dreaming of one day working with his father, Dr. Bob Wilkinson Sr. He went to R. J. Reynolds High School and graduated from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill with a degree in Chemistry. He then finished his dental education at the UNC School of Dentistry in 1988. Dr. Wilkinson moved back to Winston-Salem to work alongside his mentor and father, Dr. Bob. He has expanded and improved the practice over the years, partnering with Dr. Symmes in 2015. He is a member of the American Dental Society, North Carolina Dental Society, and Forsyth County Dental Society.
Dr. Wilkinson is married to Montine and they have two adult children, both recently married. He is active at Home Moravian Church where he has served as an usher, diener, and on the Boards of Elders and Trustees.
Q & A with Robert M. Wilkinson, Jr. , D.D.S.
Q: What’s the funniest thing that’s happened to you in your professional dental career?
A: An elderly patient came in for a complicated sessions of fillings. She told us that she wasn’t feeling too good and didn’t think that she looked good. My assistant and I reassured her that she looked fine and we began our procedures. Halfway through, the patients wig fell off and we just gave it to her and she put it in her lap. When she was ready to leave, we helped get her put back together and put her wig back on. She said she never looked better because she had been wearing her wig backwards for years! And all it took was a new filling from me!
Q: What’s one thing a new patient would be surprised to know about you?
A: I hate having my teeth cleaned!
Q: Were you ever afraid of the dentist? Why/Why not?
A: I have never been afraid of the dentist – my dentist has always been my dad!
Q: Why is Dentistry important?
A: I feel like having a healthy mouth and smile is one of the most important things that you can do for yourself!
Q: When did you know you wanted to be a dentist?
A: I knew I wanted to be a dentist when I was 5 years old; I wanted to have a combination dental office and car repair shop in Clemmons; I did become a dentist but the car repair idea is still a dream!
Q: What do you like most about the dental profession?
A: I enjoy seeing different patients and helping each one with their unique problems. It is very fulfilling to see patients make progress and see them smile!
Q: Why should I go to you for my dental care?
A: I feel that I am genuinely concerned about each of my patients and I will always try to the very best of my abilitiy to make each visit special.
Q: What’s your dental philosophy?
A: My philosophy is to treat each patient individually and to do the best conservative treatment that I can render for them.
Q: What are some of your interests outside the office? Volunteer/hobbies?
A: I enjoy cooking (and eating!) and have taken classes to learn how to make a special Mexican dinner; In addition, I am very involved in the activities of Home Moravian Church.