Henderson Mill Dental’s Newest Dentist is also a Musical Talent

OUR TOWN DEKALB STAFF

Henderson Mill Dental Care (2847 Henderson Mill Road in Tucker) has announced the addition of Richard Upton, DMD to its dental team.

Upton is a native of Raleigh, North Carolina, where as a child he displayed proficiencies in music, competitive swimming, and the sciences. As an undergraduate, he attended Emory University in Atlanta, where he

earned dual degrees in biology and music (with an emphasis on violin performance). “Emory University was the only place I could study biology and music, and swim at a high level without sacrificing any of those three things,” explained Upton. “Other schools would have made me choose.” The future dentist had been playing violin since the age of five, and played in the college’s symphony as well as multiple chamber groups.

After graduation from Emory, Upton attended Augusta University Dental College, and then went north with his wife, Ellyn, to complete his general practice residency at Kings County Hospital in Brooklyn, New York. Upon completion of his residency the following year, the two moved back to Georgia to pursue his dental career. “Organized dentistry is very strong in Georgia,” he said. “The idea of dentists supporting dentists is a really great thing about practicing in this state.”

The Uptons love travelling; they have been to Italy twice, and enjoy beach locations like Charleston. They also enjoy outdoor activities like skiing and hiking. And he still plays the violin regularly, although now his public performances are mostly for friends and family events.