Dr Cordray grew up on a farm near Ravenel, South Carolina.  He attended Fort Dorchester High School where he played both tennis and basketball. Along with participating in high school sports, he also worked full time on his family's farm and venison processing company.  He graduated magna cum laude with a Bachelors of Science in Animal Veterinary Science from Clemson University in 2003.

Tristan then attended the Medical University of South Carolina's College of Dental Medicine.  While in school, he volunteered monthly at the St. Mathews Dental Clinic in North Charleston.  Tristan enjoyed the diverse coursework at MUSC gaining valuable experience in endodontics, pedodontics, prosthodontics, oral surgery, and restorative dentistry.  Dr Cordray graduated and became South Carolina board certified in May of 2007.  Tristan purchased the practice of the late Dr. Herbert Orvin in June of 2007.

Tristan and his wife Callie reside in West Ashley, but spend most of their days in Berkeley county.  Callie is a physical therapist with Rehabilitation Centers of Charleston in Moncks Corner.  In Tristan's free time he enjoys spending time outdoors especially duck hunting, working at his family's farm, boating, and watching Clemson football.