Our Dental Team

Mark D. Anderson, DDS

Personal Information:

Dr. Anderson graduated from the LSU School of Dentistry in 2000. Upon graduating dental school, Dr. Anderson began working as an associate dentist under Dr. Ronald Villars in downtown New Orleans. He has been practicing dentistry in the CBD (central business district) for the last 9 years. In that time Dr. Anderson has completed many hours of continuing education with an emphasis on orthodontic dentistry, including Invisalign® certification. He is one of the leading Invisalign providers in the greater New Orleans area. Dr. Anderson is also a lifetime member of the Untied States Dental Institute, the oldest program in the industry for education of orthodontics for general dentists. He has also received specialized training in the placement of IMTEC mini dental implants.

Dr. Anderson is fluent in Spanish. He is a member of both the Hispanic Dental Association and the Louisiana Hispanic Chamber of Commerce. He also does a monthly dental radio show on La Fabulosa (830am).

In 2009, Dr. Anderson was voted by his peers as one of New Orleans' Top Dentists. His profile appeared
in the March issue of New Orleans Magazine.

Dr. Anderson was born and raised in New Orleans, Louisiana. His father is also a native New Orleanian (in fact, he was born and raised in the Mid-City area). His mother is a native of Havana, Cuba. He is married to Summer Anderson, a native of Baton Rouge, Louisiana. He has 2 sons and a daughter. He also enjoys traveling, camping, hiking, and playing/watching ALL sports.

Education:

Benjamin Franklin Senior High School,
New Orleans

Louisiana State University,
Baton Rouge

Louisiana State University School of Dentistry, New Orleans

Organizations:

American Dental Association

Louisiana Dental Association

New Orleans Dental Association

Hispanic Dental Association

Academy of General Dentistry

United States Dental Institute

Louisiana Hispanic Chamber of Commerce

Psi Omega Dental Fraternity

Additional Links:

L.S.U. Sports

Saints Football

New Orleans Hornets

Visit a National Park - Go hiking!

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Joy is a native of southern California and was raised in nearby Tijuana, Mexico. In 2000 she moved to New Orleans with her family. After graduating from West Jefferson High School, Joy entered Bryman College where she trained and became certified in Dental Assisting and Dental Radiology. Joy has been working alongside Dr. Anderson since April of 2005. She worked as his personal dental assistant from 2005 to 2007 and also worked in the front office of his prior location gaining much expertise in all matters pertaining to office management. At Mid-City Smiles, Joy is the front office leader. She handles all the front office duties including insurance, making her a key integral part of the team. Joy is married and has two sons, Nahum (7 yrs old) and Ansel (2 yrs old).

Dayana is a native of Guantanamo ,Cuba. She moved here to New Orleans with her family in 2005. Dayana is a graduate of Grace King High School and is currently a pre-nursing student at Delgado. This is Dayana's first experience working in a dental office. She assists Joy in all front office duties primarily at the check-in desk, greeting all patients as they enter the office. Dayana's warm personality is a welcome addition to the Mid-City Smiles team.

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Melissa Milano, RDH

Melissa is a graduate of the LSU School of Dentistry's Dental Hygiene program. She received her Bachelor of Science Degree from the LSU Health Sciences Center in New Orleans in May of 2009. She also received official certification for the administration of local anesthesia in May 2009. Melissa was very active in her years as a dental hygiene student. She was a Student Government Representative from Fall 2007-Spring 2009 and attended the Louisiana Dental Hygienists' Association Annual Session in Baton Rouge in March 2008. She was also involved in community projects like the Relay for Life, a fundraiser to promote awareness involving oral cancer. Melissa is also an active member of the American Dental Hygienists' Association.

Melissa is a native of Gonzales, LA. She is a graduate of East Ascension High School where she was an honor student and a member of the dance team. Her passion for dance led her to eventually become a member of the Saintsations, the official dance team of the NFL's New Orleans Saints. Although she no longer dances with the Saintsations, Melissa is still an avid Saints fan and season ticket holder. Melissa is the newest member of our family here at Mid-City Smiles. Her energy and knowledge in the field of oral hygiene make her an essential team member.

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Jeannete Salas is a native of Santa Cruz, Bolivia. Jeannete is a dentist in her native Bolivia. She received her DDS degree from the Universidad Mayor de San Andres in La Paz, Bolivia in 1999. Jeannete had her own private practice in Santa Cruz, Bolivia from 1999 to 2006. Here in Santa Cruz, the largest and most industrialized city in Bolivia, Jeannete gained a wealth of experience and expertise in dental private practice. She became especially skilled in the areas of prosthodontics and oral surgery. Amid political turmoil in Bolivia in 2006, Jeannete decided to try her luck in the United States. Fortunately for us she decided to come to New Orleans. Jeannete has served as Dr. Anderson's personal dental assistant since January of 2008. In mid 2008 Jeannete trained at the LSU School of Dentistry and received certification in dental radiology and state certification as an expanded duty dental assistant. Jeannete has also attended multiple CE courses alongside Dr. Anderson. Jeannete's ultimate goal is to attain her dental license to practice here in the United States. Until that time comes, she is happy and feels fortunate to work in her field. At Mid-City Smiles, Jeannete leads the back office team. She assists Dr. Anderson in all dental procedures including orthodontics. In addition to this, Dr Anderson allows Jeannete to participate in the treatment planning of many cases.

Joselyn is a native of La Ceiba, Honduras. In 1998, following the aftermath of Hurricane Mitch, Joselyn first moved with her family to Miami and then eventually to New Orleans in 2002 . Joselyn is a graduate of West Jefferson High School where she played soccer for all four years. She also is very involved with her church and actually plays keyboard in the church band. Joselyn is currently a full time pre-dental student at the University of New Orleans. She has been working as a dental assistant of Dr. Anderson since January of 2008. In mid 2008 Joselyn trained at the LSU School of Dentistry and received certification in dental radiology and state certification as an expanded duty dental assistant. Joselyn has also attended multiple CE courses with Dr. Anderson on topics ranging from pediatric dental care to forensic dentistry. At Mid-City Smiles Joselyn is a very versatile member of the team. She primarily works as a chairside assistant in all procedures including orthodontics and also helps out in the front office.

Michelle is a native of New Orleans. Both of Michelle's parents are from Nicaragua making her fluent in Spanish. In fact, Michelle's mother was a dentist in her native Nicaragua. Michelle is a graduate of Archbishop Blenk High School where she was a member of the student council, swim team and also a cheerleader. She currently is a full time student at the University of New Orleans in the pre-dental hygiene curriculum. Michelle has been working with Dr. Anderson as a dental assistant since 2007. In 2008 Michelle trained at the LSU School of Dentistry and received official certification in dental radiology and state certification as an expanded duty dental assistant. At Mid-City Smiles, Michelle is a valued member of the back office assisting in all areas including orthodontics as well as helping out up front when needed.