Thomas Ocheltree Maxillofacial Surgeon
Dr. Thomas Ocheltree is a second-generation doctor serving patients in Bloomington, Illinois, and surrounding areas. His father, now retired, served the same community as an otolaryngologist specialist for many years. After training and a tour in the Navy, he moved back to Bloomington and joined the dental practice of Dr. Doran, Capidice, Epau, and Adicatre.
Dr. Thomas Ocheltree is a graduate of Augustina College in Rock Island, Illinois. He continued his education at the Southern Illinois University of Dental Medicine in Alton, Illinois. In 1999, he graduated with honors, accomplishing his goal as Doctor of Dental Medicine (DMD). He joined the Navy and served as a Dental officer for three years. While serving in the Navy he was enrolled in Advanced Education in General Dentistry (AEGD). He recognized his mentors in the AEGD program for their guidance and encouragement to continue to serve others in the dental industry as an oral surgeon.
Appreciating the guidance from his AEGD mentors Dr. Thomas Ocheltree applied to Christiana Care in Wilmington, Delaware where he served his residency in oral surgery. In 2006 he was presented with his Diplomate certification by the American Board of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery.
As a practice member of Drs. Doran, Capodice, Efaw & Ocheltree, LLC. some of the services that they provide are oral surgery procedures such as Facial Trauma, Jaw Surgery, Dental Implants, Bone Grafting, Pre-prosthetic Surgery and more.
Dr. Ocheltree has several Professional Affiliations with organizations such as the American Dental Association, the Illinois State Dental Society, the McLean County Dental Society, the Diplomat of American Association Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons, the American Dental Society of Anesthesiology, and the Illinois Society of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons.
When Dr. Thomas Ocheltree has free time, he enjoys spending time with his wife and two children. He also enjoys flying and piloting a plane. On occasion, he enjoys a round or two of golf.
Tell us a bit about what you do.
As a dentist, I have a full schedule of patients that I examine on a daily basis. Some are scheduled as follow up exams after a procedure. From time to time we may assist in a pathology case. I am a Maxillofacial Surgeon. Some of the procedures that I address are Facial Trauma Jaw Surgery Dental Implants, Bone Grafting, Pre-prosthetic Surgery to name a few.
What gave you the idea for you to join Drs. Doran, Capodice, Efaw & Ocheltree, LLC. ? How did it start?
I was planning on returning home to Bloomington. My familiarity with the area provided opportunities with several organizations. I met with a few different practices when I first returned. There were many different advantages and good qualities of each practice. However, ultimately, I really liked this group right from the start because I felt as though we were a good fit for one another. I have been here ever since. It was truly the right choice for me.
What’s your favorite thing about your chosen profession?
My favorite thing about being a dentist is my patients. Why? Simply because it is a good feeling when you can relieve someone of pain. I try to make sure that my patients are comfortable. I am pretty straightforward about our goals and the procedures. On top of that, I believe we should treat patients as we would treat our own family.
What keys to being productive can you share with us?
I believe the key to staying productive is to reevaluate where you are with your goals. There are somethings that are fluid with business and others that require your attention. I believe that many people become complicit when there is a steady flow of patients. I believe a review of where you are is required so that you don’t lose focus on growing your practice. The healthcare industry is always evolving. Every practice should evolve or patients will not be as steady as you may want.
Tell us one long-term goal in your career
One long-term goal that I have is to continue to evolve. The healthcare industry never stops evolving. Patients are taking a more proactive approach to their own health. We have to be innovative in our practice if we want to continue to grow our practice.
What’s the most valuable lesson you’ve learned through the course of your career?
It takes hard work and dedication to become successful. If you stay focused on your goals it will get you where you want to go. But always remember that it is people who matter the most. It is the way that you care for people that really matters. In the healthcare industry, you have to treat people like family.
What advice would you give to others aspiring to succeed in your field?
I would tell anyone aspiring to succeed in any part of the healthcare industry to work hard and focus on your goals. There is no easy way to do this. You have to continually educate yourself. There are always new innovations in the dental and healthcare industries. Anyone aspiring to succeed in the industry should learn the latest techniques and stay on top of technology.
What are your favorite things to do outside of work?
Whenever I have time to spare I want to be with my wife and my children. I love traveling. I have piloted to seminars and to vacation destinations. On occasion, I will go for a round of golf.
Name a few influential books you’ve read and/or websites you keep up with that you’d recommend to readers.
Extreme Ownership by Jocko Willink. It is a book by a former Navy Seal. If you would like to learn how to be a good leader, this is the book that can show you the way.
What advice would you give your younger self?
I would advise younger Thomas Ocheltree to work as hard as possible to find every opportunity that can be made available and seize every one of them. Don’t sell yourself short. Work hard and keep your nose to the grindstone.
Check out Dr. Thomas Ocheltree’s social media accounts below:
- Crunchbase
- Linked In
- Behance
- Medium
