Dr. Priest earned a BS from The University of Tennessee in 1972, then returned to his home state of New Jersey. He received his DMD in 1976, graduating with honors, from Fairleigh Dickinson University School of Dentistry. After three years in the U.S. Army, he pursued graduate training in prosthodontics at Emory University in Atlanta, completing his residency in 1981. For the next ten years, Dr. Priest remained involved at Emory as a clinical instructor and special lecturer in graduate fixed prosthodontics and implant dentistry. During the Gulf War, he provided prosthodontic care for military personnel as an Army reservist. Dr. Priest maintained a full-time practice in Atlanta, GA serving the metropolitan area as well as referrals throughout the country for more than 25 years. In January 2008, Dr. Priest relocated his prosthodontic practice to Hilton Head Island, SC (outside Savannah, GA).

Dr. Priest maintains his enthusiasm for education. His lectures cover topics including implant dentistry, advanced restorative dentistry, tooth colored restorations and esthetic excellence. He is published in many acclaimed dental journals including The International Journal of Oral and Maxillofacial Implants, Practical Periodontics and Aesthetic Dentistry and The International Journal of Periodontics and Restorative Dentistry. He is a member of Omicron Kappa Upsilon, a Fellow of the American College of Prosthodontists, a Diplomate of the American Board of Prosthodontics,  a member of the Academy of Osseointegration, a Fellow of the International College of Dentists, and one of Dentistry Today’s Top Clinicians in Continuing Education for 2005 - 2008. He also maintains active memberships in numerous other dental organizations.