I was born at Travis AFB in Fairfield, California.  Since my father was in the Air Force for 20 years, my family and I spent a lot of my childhood years moving around.  We lived several places in California, Michigan, Arizona, South Dakota and finally Tennessee.  We settled in Tennessee when I was in the 9th grade and initially lived in Arnold Village (in the same house that many of our patients have lived in over the years).

After graduating from Tullahoma High School in 1977, I headed for UT Knoxville.  There I not only received my undergraduate degree in Biology with high honors, but became a Volunteer football fan (although not the powerful team we are now, Neyland Stadium still had the energy and enthusiasm).

Initially undecided on whether to pursue a Medical or Dental degree, I ultimately chose dentistry because I like working with my hands and my desire to have a career more conducive to a family life.  I attended dental school in Memphis for 4 years completing my studies in 1985.

I returned to Tullahoma, much to my parents delight, and became an associate to Dr. Paul Bass, a dentist who had practiced in Tullahoma since 1974.  I became a partner a year and a half later and then eventually took over his practice.  As our practice continued to grow it became necessary for us to add a second doctor, so Dr. Larry Woods joined us in 1994.  After years of planning and designing, we built our new office.  We moved into it on August 26th, 2003, exactly 17 years to the day that I started practicing dentistry.  We hope to add a third dentist to our office in a few years.

I continue to enjoy dentistry each and every day.  Our office focus is on not only keeping up with the latest dental technology and providing excellent dentistry, but on our patient's cares and concerns.  This is one of the features that I feel sets us apart from other offices.  We also emphasize good office relationships and personal growth.

On a more personal note, I am married to Mike Melton, the Operations Manager for L & H Distributing.  I have 2 boys, Tate and Ty, who keep me extremely busy.

During my free time I enjoy being at home, traveling, watching the Braves, UT and Titan Football as well as spending time with my family.

Practice: Began private practice in 1985.

Education:  1981 graduate of University of Tennessee at Knoxville with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Biology, High Honors.  1985 graduate of University of Tennessee, Center for the Health Sciences, Memphis.

Member Of: American Dental Association
Tennessee Dental Association
Fourth District Dental Society
Middle Tennessee Society of Advanced Dentistry
Academy of General Dentistry
Peer Review Board

Hobbies & Interests:
Braves Baseball & UT Football.

Traveling and enjoying family life.