Mark Nelson, DDS, MSD

As the son of an orthodontist, I was fortunate to grow up in the wonderful world of orthodontics!  My father, James, practiced orthodontics in Ballard and Magnolia for over 40 years. As a high school student, I worked in my father’s lab making orthodontic study models and appliances.  Before entering dental school, I spent a year working as an assistant in my father's Ballard office. Those years working for my father gave me a great appreciation for the impact orthodontics has in our patients’ lives.

Following my undergraduate education at Brigham Young University, I received my Doctorate of Dental Surgery from the University of the Pacific in San Francisco, CA in 1996. I then completed my two year orthodontic residency at the University of the Pacific in 1998, receiving my Master’s degree and Orthodontic Certificate.

Upon graduation, I considered many different options to begin my career, ultimately choosing to start my own practice from the "ground up" on the Sammamish Plateau.  It was a great decision!  I have been in practice for 13 years and I'm so grateful to practice in such a wonderful community. 

Outside of work, I can be found spending time with my wife and four children. I love coaching, playing, and watching sports -particularly football, basketball, and golf. I also love watching many of my patients play for the Eastlake, Eastside Catholic, and Skyline football and basketball teams. I am active in my church and support many local and national charitable causes including Operation Bald Eagle, Relay for Life and Mamma’s Hands, among many others.

Professional Memberships

• Seattle King County Dental Society
• Washington State Dental Association
• Pacific Coast Society of Orthodontists
• American Association of Orthodontics
•  Cascade Orthodontic Study Club

• AAO
• ADA

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