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.
L to R: Jackie, Susan, Dr. Wetherill, Monique, Lisa, Deanna
Meet Our Staff
Dr. Wetherill is blessed to be surrounded by his staff, most of whom have been with him for over ten years. Each individual also has over twenty years of experience in the dental field, including time before they joined Wetherill Family Dentistry. The staff’s commitment to each other is a signature of how this family dental practice operates itself as a family, and we are excited to welcome you here.
At our office, you will be met by our receptionist Susan, who will help with all your appointment,
financial, and insurance needs.
Dr. Wetherill will be accompanied in his operative care by his dental assistant, Lisa, who loves making patients feel comfortable and relaxed during their time in the dental chair.
Our two excellent hygienists, Jackie and Deanna, will provide all your dental cleaning needs, x-rays, and comprehensive routine care. Our patients usually go back and forth between hygienists, since we are told people can’t seem to choose a favorite between them!
Our newest addition, Monique, has rounded out our team and performs both receptionist and assisting roles, depending on our daily needs.
Our whole staff actively contributes to the friendly and upbeat office atmosphere, going above and beyond to make sure that your time with us is a positive experience where you feel valued and cared for with excellence.