Made You Smile
Nothing makes Dr. Mark Lewis soar more than making his patients smile. After all, the former U.S. Air Force officer honed his craft in dentistry while serving eight years in the military before returning to his hometown of Redding.
“After eight years practicing dentistry in the Air Force and two years as an associate, I longed to fulfill my dream of owning my own practice,” he says. “I love this town and am proud to be a part of it as a resident and business owner.”
Born and raised in Redding, Dr. Lewis graduated from the University of Southern California Dental School before serving his country, and he continues to serve in the Air National Guard. While looking to transition back to civilian life, Dr. Lewis’ friend and mentor, Dr. John Sutherland, was moving toward retirement.
“I am able to use what I learned as a commander of a dental squadron to grow my practice,” Dr. Lewis says. “Due to my Advanced Education of General Dentistry residency and my rigorous training in the Air Force, I can confidently offer more dental procedures than most.”
From routine dental care to cosmetic dentistry, implants, CEREC same-day crowns, Invisalign-style orthodontics, dentures, tooth extractions and root canals, Dr. Lewis’ practice has you covered.
“My entire career as a dentist brings me so much pride, but one of my most exciting contributions was on sealant research at the University of Texas, Health Science Center at San Antonio and the subsequent publication of my research in the Texas Dental Journal,” he says.
In the end, it still comes back to helping people smile, and Dr. Lewis always remembers the first time he helped a patient improve their smile. “The joy and elation of my dreams coming to fruition and the fist bump my patient gave me when it was done,” he says of the first time he filled a cavity in dental school.
For Dr. Lewis, the prospect of returning to the North State was never in doubt. He went to Prairie and Pacheco schools before graduating from Anderson High School. He earned his Eagle Scout badge in Shasta County, played goalie for the Shasta College soccer team and met his wife, Christine, there as well.
His ancestors were settlers in Millville and McCloud, and his father passed on to him lessons he continues to strive toward today as a father of two children. “My father is an amazing man of integrity, loyalty, family values and strong work ethic,” Dr. Lewis says. “He taught all his sons to value education, friendships and honesty. I strive to run my practice with integrity and honesty, value my employees who are like family, and put the needs of my patients first.”
While serving his country might have been his initial calling in dentistry, Dr. Lewis is here to serve his hometown now.
