Prosthodontics is one of only ten dental specialties recognized by the American Dental Association. According to the ADA, prosthodontics is the dental specialty pertaining to the diagnosis, treatment planning, rehabilitation, and maintenance of the oral function, comfort, appearance, and health of patients with clinical conditions associated with missing or deficient teeth and/or oral and maxillofacial tissues using biocompatible substitutes. A prosthodontists professional education includes three years of full-time university-based training following the doctoral degree in dentistry. Cosmetic dentistry and implant dentistry (which are NOT recognized dental specialties) are part and parcel of prosthodontics specialty education.
The term prostho means replacement and dontist means dealing with teeth. Essentially, prosthodontists are THE recognized experts when anything needs to be replaced in your mouth. This can range from a single tooth, multiple teeth, or all teeth and gums in the mouth. While many other dentists can do some of these treatments, prosthodontists are the specialists dedicated to this type of care.
Prosthodontists are considered the leaders of the dental treatment plan. They regularly lead teams of general dentists, specialists, and other health professionals to develop solutions for your dental needs.
Prosthodontic training particularly emphasizes the management and care of patients whose teeth and oral structures have been compromised by congenital defects or conditions such as occlusal wear, periodontal disease, traumatic injury, and cancer treatment. Prosthodontists give attention to not only esthetics, but also function, comfort, and stability.
Dr. Mitch Baldree has a heart for restoration. Whether it is a historic home, an aging building, antique furniture, or a debilitated mouth, Dr. Baldree always has a vision of how it can be restored to function and beauty.
A native of Cleveland, Tennessee, Dr. Mitch Baldree graduated from Rhodes College in Memphis and received his DDS degree from the University of Tennessee in Memphis. Following this, he completed a General Practice Residency at the VA Hospital in Memphis. Because of his strong desire to provide the very best in comprehensive care to his patients, Dr. Baldree continued on to complete a residency in Prosthodontics at Emory University in Atlanta.
Dr. Baldree holds professional memberships in the American College of Prosthodontists, the American Academy of Fixed Prosthodontics, the American Dental Association, the Tennessee Dental Association, the Chattanooga Area Dental Society, and the Chattanooga Dental Study Club. He is one of a select group of dentists elected by his peers into memberships in both the Pierre Fauchard Academy and the International College of Dentists.
Dr. Baldree has served in numerous professional and community leadership roles, including serving on the Board of Trustees for the Tennessee Dental Association, as President of the Chattanooga Area Dental Society, as President of the Exchange Club of Chattanooga, and as den leader for his sons cub scout pack. He regularly contributes his time in providing dental care for those less fortunate as a regular volunteer at multiple local charity dental clinics. He is also active in the life of his church, First-Centenary United Methodist Church, serving in a variety of roles from Finance Chair to Sunday school class president.
In 2001, Dr. Baldree completed the renovation of a 1900-era building in the Southside area of downtown Chattanooga for use as his dental office space. For this project, he was awarded the Project Preservation Award by CornerStones Historic Preservation Organization.
The Southside has become a vibrant arts and entertainment center. Many local artists live and work within blocks of our location. Several art and antique galleries, as well as some of Chattanoogas finest restaurants are within walking distance. While our neighborhood is home to many professional offices (such as physicians, dentists, and architects), it also hosts some of the citys best coffee shops and brewpubs.
Our office embodies Dr. Baldrees philosophy of practice by integrating elements of the Arts & Crafts Movement throughout the architecture and design of the office. Examples are William Morris fabrics, Stickley furnishings, and Frank Lloyd Wright-inspired stained glass. The Arts and Crafts Movement was a response to the opulence and ornamentation of the Victorian era and to the mass-production of the industrial age. It emphasized simplicity, good craftsmanship, and good design.
In 2011, Dr. Baldree welcomed his orthodontist wife Dr. Marie Farrar into practice in the office adjoining his. Together, they are Southside Dental Arts, LLC. Dr. Baldree and Dr. Farrar are committed to providing the highest level of specialized care to their patients, and to upholding the highest professional standards of dentistry. Despite increasing pressures on owner-operated dentists, they have resisted the commoditization of dentistry and are not part of a corporate chain.