About Mitchell Dentistry — Family-Owned Dental Care in Fort Myers, FL Since 1980
Mitchell Dentistry has been a family-owned, independent dental practice in Fort Myers, FL since 1980, built and still run by the Mitchell family.
Patients who’ve been coming for years see the same faces and the same level of attention every visit.
Our Story
Mitchell Dentistry was founded in 1980 by Dr. Jim Mitchell and his wife, originally under the name Mitchell & Mitchell, DDS PA. Dr. Jim’s wife is now fully retired, and Dr. Jim himself is semi-retired but still sees patients at the practice. Their son, Dr. Joe Mitchell, joined the practice in 2008 and now leads it day to day, carrying forward the same standard of care it was built on.
Our Philosophy: Experience First, Technology Second
At Mitchell Dentistry, the starting point has never been the equipment. The team figures out what would make an appointment feel better for the patient in the chair, then finds the technology that gets them there.
Dr. Joe puts it simply: “Our technology is purpose-driven to provide excellent outcomes.”
That philosophy is why the practice invested in same-day CEREC crowns and an in-house dental lab that handles roughly 90% of its own lab work. The real reason isn’t marketing: it means fewer visits, less waiting, and more control over the quality of what goes in a patient’s mouth.
Technology Chosen to Improve the Patient Experience
Technology earns its place at Mitchell Dentistry by making an appointment faster, more comfortable, or more precise for the patient in the chair. Here’s where that shows up in the practice:
Digital X-rays and intraoral cameras let patients see exactly what the dentist sees. A Sirona Orthophos system adds panoramic X-rays and 3D CBCT imaging when a more detailed view is needed, for example when planning around implants or evaluating complex anatomy. The practice also uses CariVu for additional caries detection as needed.
Digital impressions are captured with Cerec Primescan, iTero Lumina, and Aoralscan Elite scanners, so no goopy impression material is required. From there, Exocad digital smile design software and an in-house lab, including a Cerec Primemill and VHF S5 mill, let the practice design and mill same-day CEREC crowns in a single visit. That same in-house lab handles roughly 90% of the practice’s overall lab work, including provisionals produced with a SprintRay 3D printer. The result is faster turnaround and tighter quality control than sending work out to an off-site lab.
Buffered local anesthetic helps reduce the sting typically associated with numbing, and hygienists at Mitchell Dentistry are certified to administer local anesthetic for periodontal treatment. Ultrasonic scalers, Cavitron and Parkell, are used for scaling and root planing, and a Deka CO2 laser supports soft-tissue procedures like gum and tooth recontouring.
An Independent Alternative, Not a Corporate Chain
A lot of dental practices in Fort Myers have been bought up by corporate groups in recent years, a different name on the door and different priorities inside it. Mitchell Dentistry has stayed independent and family-run since 1980, which means the same dentists, the same team, and decisions made for the patient in the room rather than a corporate schedule.
If you’ve been a patient somewhere that used to feel personal and doesn’t anymore, you’ll feel welcome here.
A Practice Built on Trust
Mitchell Dentistry has earned more than 800 Google reviews from patients across Fort Myers and Sanibel Island.
Reviewers consistently land on the same three words: thorough, conscientious, and caring.
Dr. Joe is a member of the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry (AACD), and between the Mitchell family dentists, the practice represents more than 45 years of combined dental experience.
Meet the People Behind Mitchell Dentistry
Mitchell Dentistry is led by Dr. Joe, Dr. Jim, and Dr. Erik Skates, supported by a team that treats one patient at a time. That includes hygienists certified to administer local anesthetic for periodontal treatment, training not every office invests in.
Whether you’re new to the area, comparing dental practices, or coming back after time away, Mitchell Dentistry is here to welcome you to a family-owned practice built on trust since 1980.
