Education and Associations:

Following eight years as a pilot in the Marine Corps including a combat tour in Vietnam, Dr. Fleming returned to the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill and received a BA in Religion in 1976.  He then went on to get his DDS degree from the University of North Carolina School of Dentistry in 1980.  He is a member of the American Dental Association, The North Carolina Dental Society and the International Academy of Oral Medicine and Toxicology.

Experience:

In 1983, Dr. Fleming became aware that mercury contained in dental amalgam fillings might be linked to general health problems.  As well, it seemed inconsistent that the material was “safe” for patients but dentists were being asked to handle mercury-containing amalgam as biohazardous waste and urged to take careful precautions themselves when personally handling or disposing of such materials.   After studying, researching and educating himself on the potential health effects of various dental materials, Dr. Fleming decided to abandon the use of mercury-containing amalgams in 1985.   He has continued to dedicate himself to the study of the health effects of various dental materials, including mercury, nickel and other metals as well as fluoride and alternative composite materials currently being offered for aesthetic reasons.  Working with his patients’ traditional and alternative health care providers, Dr. Fleming provides an individualized and integrative approach in determining dental treatment plans for each of his patients.

Expertise:

Dr. Fleming maintains a general dental practice geared toward health-conscious patients and their families in a caring, environmentally responsible setting.  He is especially dedicated to providing dental services to the medically compromised population and those patients with multiple allergies and chemical sensitivities.  Careful consideration is given to the choices of dental materials, recognizing that treatment decisions represent a cooperative effort between dentist and patient.  Dr. Fleming routinely collaborates with other allopathic and alternative health care providers to maximize treatment results.

Dr. Fleming has been appointed as the Consumer Representative to the Dental Products Panel of the Food and Drug Administration. The appointment is for a four year term and his task in this federal position is to represent the American consumer's interests before the FDA on all matters related to dental products and devices. As well, the Panel advises the FDA on approval of products used in dentistry. He participated in the hearings on the safety of dental amalgam held before the FDA in September 2006.

Philosophy:

Dr. Fleming strongly believes in a minimally invasive, financially conservative, environmentally responsible and biologically sound approach to dentistry.  In evaluating each patient’s treatment requirements, his goal is to maximize dental treatment results while minimizing expense, loss of tooth structure, and potential health risks. 

Passion:

Dr. Fleming is passionate about the relationship between good dental health and good general health, and about keeping up with the emerging science related to dental materials and their environmental and health effects.  As well, Dr. Fleming is a staunch consumer advocate.  His greatest joy is increasing his patient’s knowledge of their oral condition, enabling them to be more informed and savvy dental consumers.  Having practiced dentistry for more than 25 years, Dr. Fleming combines both his clinical experience and his ongoing study of scientific research to apply his personal knowledge to each patient’s individual care. He also enjoys relationships with longtime patients who first came to him as children, now treating their children while still treating their parents, and being a part of so many families’ lives.

Personal:

Dr. Fleming lives in Wake Forest, NC with his wife, Ginny, who has had chronic fatigue syndrome and fibromyalgia since 1990.  He has two daughters, two stepdaughters and two grandsons.  He enjoys reading, gardening and yardwork, boating, weight lifting, cooking, and relaxing.