Dr. Dickson was born and raised in Salt Lake City, UT. He graduated from Olympus High School, in Salt Lake City, then attended the University of Utah. While there, he earned a Bachelor of Science degree in biology with a genetic emphasis. He graduated Magna Cum Laude from the University of Utah.
After finishing his undergraduate education, he moved to Seattle, WA, where he attended the University of Washington, School of Dentistry. There, he earned a Doctor of Dental Surgery degree.
Following dental school, Dr. Dickson returned to Salt Lake City and established a solo general dental practice in the Holladay area. He practiced there for 36 years. While in practice, Dr. Dickson continued his education by participating in many continuing education courses in dentistry. He also learned new and updated techniques through interactions in study groups and through association with his peers. Dr. Dickson accepted a part-time teaching appointment at the newly formed University of Utah School of Dentistry in 2013, as an adjunct instructor. He taught there until September of 2022, when he retired from private practice and began teaching 4 days per week at the University of Utah School of Dentistry. He is currently teaching there as an assistant professor.