Dr. Nelson was born in Lake Charles, Louisiana, and has resided in Texas since the age of three. He grew up in Bay City, Texas, and attended Bay City High School. After graduation, he served four years in the U.S. Army as a helicopter gunship pilot. In 1971 he served a tour in Viet Nam where he received numerous commendations including the Silver Star and twenty-six Air Medals with Valor.

Following the Army Dr. Nelson flew helicopters in the Arctic as a bush pilot before enrolling in the School of Business at the University of Houston. He worked his way through college and dental school by continuing to fly helicopters for eight summer seasons while attending school.

At the University of Houston Dr. Nelson majored in Business Administration. In 1978, he entered dental school at the University of Texas Health Sciences Center at Houston. After completing dental school second in his class, he was selected for one of six positions in the Orthodontic Specialty Program. His graduate thesis on temporomandibular joint (TMJ) dysfunction continues to be a significant focus of his practice today.

While in school, Dr. Nelson was inducted into Omicron Kappa Upsilon, the National Dental Honor Society. He served as chair of the Curricular Review Committee for the Dean’s office. In 1982, he was selected by the Academy of General Dentists as the Outstanding Young Dentist of the Year.

After completing his studies with honors, Dr. Nelson moved to Austin to open his private practice, where he now resides with his wife, Brenda, and his daughters, Jessica and Jayna. He and his family enjoy snow skiing, classic car restoration, flying and being together. Dr. Nelson also loves mountain biking; he rides every chance he gets!

Dr. Nelson is passionate about the WWP Wounded Warrior Project. He wants our wounded military men and women to get the care they deserve.

Dr. Nelson is a member of the following professional organizations:

• Capital Area Dental Society
• American Association of Orthodontists
• American Dental Association
• Southwest Society of Orthodontics
• Texas Dental Association
• Tenth District Dental Society
• Roth/Williams International Society of Orthodontists