Meet Our Team
Meet Dr. Wetherill
As a boy growing up in Wilmington, Dr. Richard (“Whip”) Wetherill first wanted to become a dentist when he experienced firsthand how a caring solo practitioner could positively impact others’ lives as well as their dental health. His dream of becoming a general dentist was integrally connected with his desire to maintain a tight-knit, smaller practice that can tailor care to patients’ individual needs and concerns. Dr. Wetherill is committed to maintaining just such an environment in his practice because it is a distinct piece of why he chose to pursue dentistry.
After growing up in Wilmington, Dr. Wetherill attended Guilford College for two years, where he played men’s soccer on their varsity team. After transferring to North Carolina State University, he graduated with degrees in Economics and Business Management. His education proceeded at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill’s School of Dentistry, where he graduated with his DDS degree in 1998. Knowing that the salt water was in his system, he immediately returned to Wilmington to find the perfect spot to set up his family practice. And his current location fits his requirements to a tee, as it is centrally located to all of Wilmington and New Hanover county, as well as the surrounding areas.
Dr. Wetherill married his wife, Susan, in 1992, and they have three children: Richard, Isaac, and Anna Dudley. Their son Richard (also a dentist!) married his bride Ellen, and they count her as their own beloved daughter as well. At this stage in life, they are busy investing in their kids’ lives and traveling to see them as much as possible, as they are currently spread far and wide in their schooling and careers. When not helping people with their smiles, Dr. Wetherill enjoys spending time at the beach or on the water, playing golf or pickleball, and working in his yard. He is also very active at his church, where he enjoys serving in several capacities.
Dr. Wetherill is currently a member of the American Dental Association, the North Carolina Dental Society, and the Coastal Carolina Implant Study Club.
Today, Dr. Wetherill maintains a practice in Wilmington, NC four days a week, and provides dental care at Eastern Carolina Dental in Jacksonville, NC, on Fridays.