My name is Dr. Mark Palmer and Id like to take this opportunity to introduce myself and my family. My wife Jaelynne and I have been married for 12 years and are the parents of three boys: Kase (12) and Brady (9) and Maxen (6) and a girl, Jaedyn (2.) I was born and raised in the Gila Valley and I am thrilled to be back home among family and friends to practice dentistry and raise our family.
I attended the University of Colorado (CU) School of Dental Medicine where I received a Doctor of Dental Surgery Degree (DDS). As part of my training I saw thousands of children patients across the state of Colorado and enjoy working with kids and adults! This advanced training has allowed me to gain valuable experience and develop my own techniques and skills to provide gentle and high quality dentistry. I was also fortunate enough to be selected by my mentors and faculty for several meaningful awards including: the Dr. Solomon Averbach Award for demonstrating extraordinary compassionate clinical care, the American Association of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons Dental Implant Award, the Hanau Award for Clinical Excellence in Prosthodontics, and the Horace Wells Award for outstanding achievement in dental Anesthesiology, among others. Having been trained with the latest and most proven research to date at a nationally renowned dental school, I feel extremely prepared and excited to take excellent care of my patients and friends. I have a strong commitment to continuing education in order to maintain my skills and understanding of this ever-advancing field.
I also have the privilege of participating as a member of the Global Dental Relief Group, which provides dental work to kids in need across the globe. Being fluent in Spanish, I had the opportunity to join this group on their mission to Guatemala with nineteen other dentists and was able to see thousands of children who have never seen a dentist in their life! I enjoy working with kids and have been involved in multiple organizations pertaining to youth such as Operation Smile, Cherokee Indian Pediatric Clinic, and the Boy Scouts of America.
My name is Dr. Mark Johnson and I'd like to introduce myself. I grew up in Manti, Utah, but am no stranger to the Gila Valley. While attending Snow College, I met and married Willcox native, Mary Bushman, and we moved to Thatcher in 2013 after graduating from dental school.
Prior to college, I spent two years on a church mission in Brazil, where I developed a love for carne asada, volleyball, and aa. Upon returning home, I started my educational pursuits at local Snow College, spending my afternoons volunteering as an assistant coach for the high school baseball team. Mary and I met and got married before transferring to Utah Valley University, where I served as the pre-dental club president and graduated Magna Cum Laude with a degree in biology.
Upon graduation from dental school, I began work in Safford where I practiced dentistry for a year. Life then took us to Queen Creek where I spent two years at Skyline Dental Group and Orthodontics. Our family was thrilled at the opportunity to return again to the Gila Valley and this time put down roots.
My passion is creating the perfect patient experience for all of my patients. I hold myself to the highest standard when it comes to providing quality care in a comfortable, stress-free setting. I have a genuine interest in understanding my patients desires and thrive on helping them maintain strong teeth, healthy gums, and a beautiful smile for life.
An avid learner, I've completed 500 hours of continuing education during my six years in practice, much more than the state requirement of 150 hours. My focuses of study have been implants, cosmetic dentistry, and surgery.
When not at the office, I enjoy staying active in the community. I love working with kids, be it as a youth advisor at church, educating local kindergarten students about oral hygiene, or coaching little league baseball. Mary and I have four children: Chad (12), Alli (10), Taylor (7), and Nick (5).
I was raised on a farm and ranch outside of Willcox. I grew up riding horses and driving tractors. I actively competed in barrel racing throughout my childhood, until I moved away for college. I received my Bachelor of Science degree in physiology. I then went on to get my Master of Science degree in physiology with an emphasis in endocrinology. I went to dental school in Mesa at the Arizona School of Dentistry and Oral Health. After receiving my Doctorate of Medical Dentistry degree, I went on to specialize in orthodontics and completed my residency and Doctorate of Health Sciences degree at the Arizona School of Dentistry.
After I graduated from my orthodontic residency, I worked in a large private practice in West Texas. We recently moved back to Arizona to be closer to family. My husband, Craig, provides anesthesia care at a local hospital. We just had a baby boy, Casen James, last March. We are very excited to be back in Arizona. Craig and I enjoy spending time outdoors, riding horses, and cooking together. We are thankful to be living and raising our family in the country environment that a more rural area offers. I look forward to being a leader in my community and being involved in church, school, and rodeo functions. My career in orthodontics has allowed for an exceptional family life as well as the chance to come back home, where I can serve a population dear to my heart.