MARK EVANS, DDS

Dr. Mark Evans has been practicing dentistry since 1993. He was born in Colorado and moved frequently due to his father’s career in the United States Air Force. He grew up spending time in Spain, Italy, Ohio and then settled in Tennessee in 1979. Dr. Evans graduated from Chattanooga Christian School in 1985. He attended Covenant College, the University of Tennessee, Chattanooga and is a veteran of the US Army Reserve. Dr. Evans attended the University of Tennessee College of Dentistry and received his Doctorate of Dental Surgery. He is active within the dental profession gathering extensive continuing education world wide. He is a member of the ADA (American Dental Association), a fellow of the AGD (Academy of General Dentistry), a member of the AAID (American Academy of Implant Dentistry), and is a diplomat of the ICOI (International Congress of Oral Implantologists). In 2012, Dr. Mark D. Evans received the highest Diplomat status within the International Congress of Oral Implantologists (ICOI).  Dr. Evans retains hospital privileges at Blount Memorial Hospital. He is an active member of River Oaks Community Church and enjoys serving through missions at the Lost Sheep, Trinity Dental Clinic in Maryville and internationally on mission trips. He is a proud husband and father. He is an outdoor enthusiast enjoying whitewater kayaking, backpacking, camping, snowboarding, beekeeping, and is an avid runner.

MITCH PRATER, DDS

Mitch Prater is joining Natural Smiles after serving 25 years in the United States Navy as a dental officer. A Blount County native, he is a 1983 graduate of William Blount High School and earned his Bachelor’s degree from the University of Tennessee in 1987.
Dr. Prater attended the University of Tennessee College of Dentistry and received his Doctorate of Dental Surgery in 1991. In 1993, Dr. Prater was commissioned as a lieutenant in the United States Navy Dental Corps. During his naval career, he served at various duty stations to include Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune, Marine Corps Air Station Cherry Point, and Marine Corps Base Camp Foster in Okinawa, Japan.  He has served on humanitarian missions in Thailand, Kenya, and Liberia. He also deployed aboard USS Guam and USS Harper’s Ferry. He completed his naval career holding the rank of Commander and serving at Naval Support Activity Mid-South in Millington, Tennessee. While residing in the Memphis area, he was an active member of Bellevue Baptist Church where he was involved in various mission projects to include the Christian Mobile Dental Clinic and the Mid-South Mission of Mercy. Dr. Prater is excited to be moving back to the area and is looking forward to working on his father’s cattle farm in Louisville, hiking with his family in the Smokies, and serving as a volunteer for local missions. He and his wife, Kelli, have four children.

MATTHEW HILLIS, DDS

Dr. Matthew Hillis has been practicing dentistry since 2011. He received his Doctorate of Dental Surgery from the University of Tennessee in 2011. After graduation he commissioned as an Captain in the Army Dental Corps and completed an Advanced Education in General Dentistry residency at Ft. Carson, Colorado, where he received training in complex dental cases and procedures. He was next assigned as a brigade dental surgeon in the 101st Airborne Division at Ft. Campbell, KY, and deployed to Jalalabad, Afghanistan in 2015. While deployed, he provided dental care to soldiers, trained Afghan medical personnel, and served as triage officer at the field hospital at Forward Operating Base Fenty. After returning from deployment, he was stationed with his family for three years in Vicenza, Italy before joining Natural Smiles. Dr. Hillis has a passion for dentistry and has completed over 300 hours of continuing education since graduating from dental school. He and his beautiful wife Mallory have three boys and baby girl, and enjoy being together as a family and riding bicycles on the Maryville greenway. They are members at River Oaks Community Church and active in the local Classical Conversations homeschooling group.

AMBER

Amber has been a registered dental hygienist since 2008. She grew up in Etowah, Tennessee and attended the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga and East Tennessee State University before graduating with a B.S. in Dental Hygiene in 2008. Amber enjoys helping patients learn about their oral health and putting a smile on their face. She loves to be outside and enjoys many activities including hiking, running, working out, and traveling. Amber joined Natural Smiles in 2016.

WENDY

SIERRA

In 2003, Sierra began her college career at the University of Tennessee Knoxville. She later graduated from East Tennessee State University in 2008 earning her Bachelor of Science degree in Dental Hygiene.  Sierra joined our Natural Smiles team in 2022. She loves getting to know our patients and making them smile. Sierra strives to make her patients feel welcome, comfortable, and well-educated about their dental health. Outside of the office, Sierra enjoys hiking , spending time with friends and family, and rooting on the UT Vols!

CASSIE

Cassie has been a Dental Hygienist since 2012. She grew up in Soddy Daisy, TN and attended Hiwassee College, where she graduated with her dental hygiene license. One of Cassie’s favorite parts of her job is getting to know her patients, helping them feel comfortable and confident with their smiles. She also loves the Christian environment at Natural Smiles. Cassie and her family live in Knoxville, TN. She is married to Jordan and has 2 incredible and rambunctious boys. In their free time, you can find them outdoors, whether that means riding bikes, being at the ball field, or simply enjoying family time at home. Cassie truly loves her job and is thankful to be a part of Natural Smiles.

MANDI

Mandi is a registered dental hygienist. She is from Maryville, Tennessee and graduated from Hiwassee College in 2012 with a degree in dental hygiene. She has been with Natural Smiles since 2014. She loves getting to know her patients and enjoys helping them better understand their oral health. She currently resides in Knoxville with her husband, Wes, her son, Daniel, and daughter, Linnie. She is an active member of River Oaks Community Church and loves serving her community through different ministries at her church. Her favorite things are spending time with family, friends, cooking, and being  outside.

LAUREL

Head Dental Assistant

Laurel is an expanded function dental assistant with 40 years of experience. She has been serving the Maryville community here at Natural Smiles since 1995. Born in Florida, she moved to Tennessee at 16 years old, and promptly delved into the field of dentistry while still in high school. When not at the office, Laurel enjoys spending time with her husband and 7 grandchildren, reading, and watching movies.

Joy

Joy is a an Expanded Functions Dental Assistant, she joined Natural Smiles in 2015. She completed her dental assisting training at the Dental Learning Center in Maryville, TN. Joy is happily married to Dylan Sparks. She loves hiking and enjoying Gods creation. She loves to run and a forever TN Vols fan. She has a compassionate heart and desire to serve and love our patients well.

CHRISSY

Chrissy is an expanded functions dental assistant with over 15 years experience. She loves working in the dental field and learning new things about dentistry. Chrissy feels blessed to be a part of the Natural Smiles team. Chrissy enjoys baking, decorating, attending games and school events for her children, spending time with her family and cheering on her Alcoa Tornadoes! Chrissy and her husband Di'Andre, Sr have two children, Di'Andre Jr. and Daziyah. Chrissy and her family attend High Praises Church.

ALLISON

Allison has been a dental assistant since 2012, and has her EFDA certification. She loves working in the dental field and cannot see her self doing anything else. Allison is a Blount county native and enjoys spending time with her children and family. She also enjoys traveling, camping and seeing movies.

DONAVAN

Donavan is an Expanded Functions Dental Assistant with several years of experience. He joined Natural Smiles in 2021. Donavan chose dentistry to help people live a happier life where they embrace their smile. When he is off work, he enjoys the simple things with his wife and two daughters. He also enjoys body building, reading, going outdoors, and training at his martial arts dojo.

LEANNE

Leanne is an expanded function dental assistant with over 25 years of experience. She grew up in the Blount County area and is a graduate of  William Blount High School. She earned a bachelor's degree from East Tennessee State University in 1988. Leanne entered the dental field in 1996 and has loved her career in dentistry ever since. She joined Natural Smiles in 2006 and enjoys all aspects of her job. Leanne married her high school sweetheart, and they have three daughters, two son in laws and one granddaughter. They enjoy traveling all over the southeast watching their youngest daughter's collegiate softball career, spending time with family. They are long time members of Middlesettlements United Methodist Church.

Edith

Edith has been a dental assistant since 2023. She graduated from Heritage High school. Edith enjoys hanging out with friends, trying different foods and running. Edith hopes to further her education by going to hygiene school to become a dental hygienist.

Edye

Edye is a native of East Tennessee and has worked over 25 years in business administration. She is a former dental assistant and is very knowledgeable of dental procedures having a unique perspective to offer patients while helping them understand their recommended dental treatment and financial obligation. Edye enjoys cooking, traveling, riding motorcycles with her husband and spending time with her family.

KELLEY

Kelley has worked in dentistry since 2005. She is a dental assistant and is very knowledgeable of dental procedures. Since joining Natural Smiles in 2020 she has transitioned to a patient coordinator role and continues to assist as needed. Kelley is married to Rusty and has two daughters. She enjoys spending time with her family on the lake, hiking and camping.

ANGELA

Angela joined Natural Smiles in 2021. She enjoys learning about dentistry and loves helping people. Originally from Indiana, Angela moved to East Tennessee in 2007. Angela and her husband Derrell have two boys and two girls. In her free time she loves spending time with her family and friends, traveling, and enjoys watching her kids sporting events.