Dr. Neilson was born in Los Angeles, CA and grew up among the orange groves of the San Fernando Valley. In 1964 his family moved to Las Vegas and settled on the north-west end of town, the old Twin Lakes area. There he attended Gibson Junior High, and graduated from Western High School (GO WARRIORS!).
He has 4 University/College degrees:
- Dixie State College – Associate Degree in Natural Sciences
- Brigham Young University – Bachelor of Science – Accounting
- University of the Pacific, San Francisco – Doctor of Dental Surgery
- Loma Linda University – Masters of Dentistry – Orthodontic Residency
Before attending college in Provo, Utah and BYU, Dr. Neilson served a 2 year mission in the Paris, France region for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. There he learned to speak French fluently and labored among the French people, sharing the gospel of Jesus Christ.
During his senior year at BYU, he met and married Sheri Nisson, a Theatre and Costume Design graduate. Dr. Neilson and Sheri have four children, Chad, Kara, Brett, and Katie.
After graduation from Loma Linda University, Dr. Neilson associated with his father-in-law, Dr. Roy Nisson, at Dr. Nisson's La Canada-Flintridge, CA office. There he was able to learn advanced orthodontic techniques. Dr. Nisson had worked in the dental field for over 40 years, and at one time was the "dentist to the stars" treating such personalities as Marilyn Monroe, Ginger Rogers, Howard Hughes, Dan Duryea, and others.
In 1986, Dr. Neilson moved his family to Henderson and the Green Valley area to start his orthodontic practice. Dr. Neilson was the first orthodontist in the Green Valley area and Boulder City. His first office location was in the American Nevada Complex, across from the Green Valley Library. Thus, the name 'Green Valley Orthodontics' was born. He stayed at that location for 10 years.
In 1995, the office was moved to its current location at 1909 N. Green Valley Pkwy. Here, Dr. Neilson and his staff have incorporated the latest orthodontic diagnostic tools and treatment techniques into their patient service routine. Invisalign-like tooth movement appliances, 'clear' non-staining porcelain braces, super elastic nickel-titanium arch wires, no head gear, no separators, and staying on schedule are all part of the excellent services Dr. Neilson and his efficient staff provide their patients.
Dr. Neilson has been active in the orthodontic community, serving as president of the Nevada Orthodontic Association. He and his staff frequently attend continuing education seminars, especially to fun places like Hawaii, Monterey, CA, the Southern California beach cities, and even here in Las Vegas.
Dr. Neilson especially enjoys singing in the Saints Unified Voices Choir directed by Gladys Knight. He and his wife have toured with the choir for over 5 years, and performed in many cities in California, Arizona, extensively back east in New York, Georgia, Louisiana, Alabama, North Carolina, in our nations capital, Washington, D.C., and also in Oahu, Hawaii, Great Britain, UK, and here in Las Vegas and Henderson.
Besides boating, backpacking, and skiing, Dr. Neilson's most exciting weekend activity is flying airplanes. He also maintains a current helicopter pilot's license, and loves to fly his grandkids over Lake Mead and the red hills of the Valley of Fire.