Learn More About Dr. Erik Hekkert
Dr. Erik Hekkert, DDS
Dr. Erik Hekkert earned his Doctor of Dental Surgery degree from Baylor College of Dentistry in 2001. Before that, he completed his undergraduate studies at European University in Antwerp, Belgium, and later earned an MBA from Rice University in Houston, where he first found his interest in dentistry.
Throughout his career, Dr. Hekkert has prioritized continual learning. He has trained at the Academy of General Dentistry, Kois Center, Spear Education, Nobel Biocare, Align/Invisalign, and the University of Colorado, with a focus on cosmetic design, implant restorations, and occlusion. That training lets him offer patients long-lasting restorative work and a smile they feel good about. Dr. Hekkert is also a certified provider through the American Academy Of Facial Esthetics to provide Botox and dermal fillers to enhance facial esthetics.
Dr. Hekkert is an advocate of pioneering dental technology, and has built it into his everyday practice. Since 2003, he has offered same-day CEREC crowns, well before most general dentists had adopted the technology. His interest in digital dentistry has continued through Sirona/CEREC education, covering everything from natural tooth restoration to implant restorations and orthodontic aligner therapy.
In his clinical work, Dr. Hekkert is known for his warm and compassionate approach, creating a comfortable and trustworthy atmosphere for his patients. He is dedicated to providing exceptional dental care and genuinely cares about his patients’ well-being.
Experience dentistry the way it should be with Dr. Erik Hekkert, where expertise meets genuine care for patient satisfaction. Book an appointment and see how a dental journey can leave you with a smile that supports both your appearance and your health.
Dr. Hekkert’s Professional Journey
1988 — Completed undergraduate studies at European University, Antwerp, Belgium and then moved to the United States
Rice University, Houston — Earned MBA, where he first discovered his interest in dentistry
1996 — Decided to pursue dentistry as a career change
1997 — Began dental school at Baylor College of Dentistry, moving his young family to Dallas
2001 — Earned Doctor of Dental Surgery (DDS), Baylor College of Dentistry
2001 — Practiced Family & Cosmetic Dentistry at his own practice, Castle Rock Cosmetic & Family Dentistry in Denver, Colorado
2003 — Began offering same-day CEREC crowns, years ahead of most general dentists
2022 — Moved to Connecticut to pursue further dental work
2023 — Joined Ortega Boulevard Dental in Jacksonville, FL, continuing a practice with roots in the neighborhood since the 1950s
Today — Places implants and delivers restorative crowns himself, in one office, without referring patients out mid-treatment
Life Outside of Dentistry
Dr. Hekkert was born and raised in the Netherlands and lived in Switzerland and Belgium before coming to the United States in 1988. After deciding to pursue dentistry, he moved his young family, three kids all under the age of six at the time, to Denver, where he practiced for 21 years and came to love life there. After a recruitment brought the family to Connecticut, Dr. Hekkert and his wife found they missed the water and were ready to say goodbye to cold winters. A weekend trip to Jacksonville was all it took. They found Ortega Boulevard Dental, and Dr. Hekkert says he couldn’t be happier.
He and his wife now live along the river in downtown Jacksonville. You’ll often find him running the riverside walkways, cycling through San Marco or the Baldwin Rail Trail, or swimming laps at the YMCA between training for his next triathlon. He and his wife also camp regularly around the natural springs near Jacksonville. Dr. Hekkert also volunteers monthly with Community Health Organization, and he supports local organizations including Arize Together and ReThreaded. Each year, he also takes part in a mission trip focused on providing dental care to those in need.
A Personal Commitment to Giving Back
Outside of his work at Ortega Boulevard Dental, Dr. Hekkert volunteers his time through Give Back a Smile, providing free reconstructive dental care to survivors of domestic violence, and through a local community outreach program that offers dental care to patients who could not otherwise afford it. It is a commitment he has kept for years, and one that shapes how he practices dentistry every day.
Are You a New Patient? Get in Touch With Us
We understand that a first visit to a new dentist can feel like a lot. Book an appointment and Dr. Hekkert’s team will walk you through everything you need to know before you arrive, or take a look at our patient resources to get a head start.