A mission in every smile: Dr. Chandler Oldenburg’s Journey of Dentistry and Faithful Service

VICKSBURG, Miss. (VDN) — Dr. Chandler Oldenburg’s journey to dentistry wasn’t born out of a fascination with teeth, but from an instinct to care. As the oldest of four girls, she was always the one to bandage a scraped knee or offer comfort when things went awry. That early caretaker spirit eventually guided her into healthcare, but it was a dental office, not a hospital, where she found her calling.

“During my freshman year of college, I shadowed a few dentists,” she recalled. “What stood out wasn’t just the procedures, it was the trust between doctor and patient, the teamwork, the long-term relationships. That stuck with me.”

When asked in dental school interviews why she chose dentistry, Oldenburg didn’t offer the standard line. “I told them, ‘Because I want to build lasting relationships,’” she said, smiling. “Some raised eyebrows at that, but once I explained, they understood, and I knew I was on the right path.”

Oldenburg earned her biology degree from the University of Arkansas in 2017, followed by a Master’s in Biomedical Sciences at the University of Mississippi Medical Center (UMMC) in 2018. Four more years at UMMC’s School of Dentistry brought her to her current role—owner and lead dentist at Oldenburg Family Dentistry in Vicksburg, a practice she purchased from her mentor, Dr. Martin Chaney, in 2023.

Since stepping into ownership, Oldenburg has brought a fresh approach to family dentistry, one grounded in evidence-based care, open communication, and genuine compassion.

“We strive to create a comfortable, professional environment where each patient feels heard,” she said. “Dental care is personal; it’s about trust. We take time to build that with every visit.”

For Oldenburg, dentistry is more than medical—it’s emotional, even spiritual. Her approach is shaped by her Christian faith, which she says anchors her daily work.

“My faith gives me strength and purpose. Sometimes, we even pray with patients,” she said. “It creates a space of healing that goes beyond oral health.”

Her commitment to healing reaches far beyond her clinic walls. As treasurer of the Junior Auxiliary of Vicksburg, she’s served the Warren County Children’s Shelter and participated in local outreach events like Community Helper Day. These initiatives remind her that her role as a healthcare provider is inherently community-based.

“True care doesn’t end with an appointment,” she said. “It extends to the underserved, the unseen, and those who need compassion the most.”

That belief led Oldenburg to join forces with Remote Area Medical (RAM), a nonprofit that provides free medical, dental, and vision services across the country. At a recent RAM mobile clinic, she treated over 40 patients, many of whom had endured years of dental pain or neglect.

“One patient hadn’t had a salad in years because he couldn’t chew properly,” she said. “We gave him dentures, and he cried—he was just so excited for something most of us take for granted.”

Another moment that stays with her involves a man experiencing homelessness. After his dental work was done, Oldenburg sat beside him and offered a prayer.

“In that moment, it wasn’t about fillings or extractions; it was about hope, dignity, and reminding someone they matter,” she said.

Oldenburg believes that success is not measured by the number of patients treated or revenue collected. For her, it’s about impact.

“Success is restoring confidence, relieving pain, and being the hands and feet of Christ—especially when no one’s watching,” she said. “If I can serve even one person in a way that lifts their spirit and health, that’s success.”

When the days are long and challenges heavy, she reminds herself she is living the answer to a long-held prayer.

“I’m exactly where I’m meant to be,” she said. “Surrounded by a team that inspires me, a community that trusts me, and a mission that’s bigger than me.”

And for Dr. Chandler Oldenburg, every smile restored is another step in that mission, rooted in compassion, powered by faith, and carried out with open hands and a servant’s heart.