Welcome to the office of James N. Clark, DDS, Inc.! We are a family-oriented dental office committed to proving personalized care that meets your oral health needs. Our dentist and team take the time to get to know you and ensure that you feel comfortable in our office, and we offer a full range of dental services to help you achieve and maintain excellent oral health and a beautiful smile. We also respect your time and schedule, and do everything possible to prevent you from waiting when you come in to meet with us. We are also pleased to offer same-day emergency care during our regular office hours.
Dr. James Clark was born and raised in Bakersfield and graduated from Bakersfield High School in 1972. He attended Bakersfield College and then went to the University of California, Irvine where he received two undergraduate degrees, a Bachelor of Science in biology and a Bachelor of Arts in chemistry. Dr. Clark received his Doctorate of Dental Surgery from UCLA in 1982.
He began practicing dentistry immediately following dental school back in his hometown of Bakersfield, where he purchased a practice in December 1983. Dr. Clark also served as a part-time faculty member in the Fixed Prosthetics Department for seven years at the UCLA School of Dentistry. On a personal note, Dr. Clark enjoys numerous hobbies that he shares with his family. They include woodworking, ceramics, glass blowing, backpacking, fishing and gardening. He and his wife, Debbie, have five children and two grandchildren.
Currently, Dr. Clark is a member of the American Dental Association, California Dental Association, Academy of General Dentistry and the Kern County Dental Society as well as a Fellow in the International Congress of Oral Implantologists. He is an active member in the community, having served 20 years with the Bakersfield East Rotary, Founding board member of CARE, and the Childrens Advocate Resource Endowment.
Dr. Andrew Pounds is our in-office periodontist! If you are diagnosed with gum disease he will work with you to create a customized treatment plan to fight the disease and help you improve your oral health.
Holly Office Manager, Registered Dental Assistant Holly has 27 years of experience in the dental field, and she has been working with Dr. Clark since 2003. Holly knows our patients on a personal level, and it is her pleasure to treat each patient like a member of her family. Holly has many talents, but if we had to pick one, it would be her ability to navigate the world of dental insurance. She will work as a liaison between you and your insurance company to maximize the benefits you have paid for.
Sara Registered Dental Hygienist Sara graduated from the dental hygiene program at Taft College in 2011, and joined our team that same year. She regularly completes continuing education courses and is CPR certified. She does her very best to ensure that our patients receive the best oral healthcare possible and feel comfortable in a sometimes uncomfortable environment and situation. Sara loves being part of an office that feels like family. Outside of the office, Sara is a busy mother of two daughters and enjoys spending time with her family.
Dolores Registered Dental Hygienist Dolores graduated from the Taft College Dental Hygiene Program on 2019 and joined our team in May of 2020. She enjoys getting to know our patients and is excited to build lasting relationships with each person she meets. Dolores looks forward to a lasting career with her dental family here at Dr. Clarks office and to offering our patients the highest quality of care and patient education. She is committed to putting her all into giving her patients the best possible care.
Candy Registered Dental Assistant Candy joined our practice in 2000 and received her Registered Dental Assistant certification in 2004. She and has been committed to providing her patients with comfort and quality care ever since. With her experience as a dental assistant, she really enjoys interacting with her patients and providing undivided attention while assisting Dr. Clark. Since Candy has been with the practice, she has continued to expand her skills and knowledge to stay current with the newest products and technology.
Debbie Now that the Clark children are grown, Debbie is spending her time assisting our patients and Dr. Clark. Her background is in marketing but she loves being at the office and helping in any way she can. You will find her at the front desk working with Holly. Make sure to stop by and say hello.