MARK EVANS, DDS

Dr. Mark Evans has been practicing dentistry since 1993. He was born in Colorado and moved frequently due to his father’s career in the United States Air Force. He grew up spending time in Spain, Italy, Ohio and then settled in Tennessee in 1979. Dr. Evans graduated from Chattanooga Christian School in 1985. He attended Covenant College, the University of Tennessee, Chattanooga and is a veteran of the US Army Reserve. Dr. Evans attended the University of Tennessee College of Dentistry and received his Doctorate of Dental Surgery. He is active within the dental profession gathering extensive continuing education world wide. He is a member of the ADA (American Dental Association), a fellow of the AGD (Academy of General Dentistry), a member of the AAID (American Academy of Implant Dentistry), and is a diplomat of the ICOI (International Congress of Oral Implantologists). In 2012, Dr. Mark D. Evans received the highest Diplomat status within the International Congress of Oral Implantologists (ICOI).  Dr. Evans retains hospital privileges at Blount Memorial Hospital. He is an active member of River Oaks Community Church and enjoys serving through missions at the Lost Sheep, Trinity Dental Clinic in Maryville and internationally on mission trips. He is a proud husband and father. He is an outdoor enthusiast enjoying whitewater kayaking, backpacking, camping, snowboarding, beekeeping, and is an avid runner.

MITCH PRATER, DDS

Mitch Prater has been an associate dentist at Natural Smiles since 2018. A Blount County
native, he is a 1983 graduate of William Blount High School, and he earned his bachelor’s
degree from the University of Tennessee in 1987. Dr. Prater served in U.S. Navy as a dental
officer from 1993 to 2018. He and his wife Kelli are members of North Star Church. They
enjoy spending time with their children and grandchildren. Dr. Prater enjoys playing, golf,
hiking, and working on his father’s Black Angus cattle farm.

MATTHEW HILLIS, DDS

Dr. Matthew Hillis has been practicing dentistry since 2011. He received his Doctorate of Dental Surgery from the University of Tennessee in 2011. After graduation, he commissioned as a Captain in the Army Dental Corps and completed an Advanced Education in General Dentistry residency at Ft. Carson, Colorado, where he received training in complex dental cases and procedures. He was then assigned as a brigade dental surgeon in the 101st Airborne Division at Ft. Campbell, KY, and deployed to Jalalabad, Afghanistan in 2015. While deployed, he provided dental care to soldiers, trained Afghan medical personnel, and served as triage officer at the field hospital at Forward Operating Base Fenty.

After returning from deployment, Dr. Hillis was stationed with his family for three years in Vicenza, Italy before joining Natural Smiles. He has earned the Fellowship in the Academy of General Dentistry (FAGD), a distinction achieved by only about 6% of general dentists in the U.S. Often regarded as a mark of board certification in general dentistry, this honor requires over 500 hours of continuing education and the successful completion of a comprehensive written exam. It reflects Dr. Hillis’s commitment to advanced training, clinical excellence, and lifelong learning in patient care.

In addition to comprehensive general dentistry, Dr. Hillis is proud to offer both traditional braces and clear aligners to straighten teeth and brighten smiles. Kids especially enjoy visits thanks to Dr. Hillis’s balloon animals and the friendly presence of Nemo, the pet clownfish, swimming in the operatory aquarium.

Dr. Hillis and his beautiful wife Mallory have three boys and a baby girl. They enjoy spending time together as a family, riding bicycles on the Maryville Greenway and in Cades Cove. The family are members of River Oaks Community Church and actively participate in the local Classical Conversations homeschooling group.

WENDY

SIERRA

In 2003, Sierra began her college career at the University of Tennessee Knoxville. She later graduated from East Tennessee State University in 2008 earning her Bachelor of Science degree in Dental Hygiene.  Sierra joined our Natural Smiles team in 2022. She loves getting to know our patients and making them smile. Sierra strives to make her patients feel welcome, comfortable, and well-educated about their dental health. Outside of the office, Sierra enjoys hiking , spending time with friends and family, and rooting on the UT Vols!

CASSIE

Cassie has been a Dental Hygienist since 2012. She grew up in Soddy Daisy, TN and attended Hiwassee College, where she graduated with her dental hygiene license. One of Cassie’s favorite parts of her job is getting to know her patients, helping them feel comfortable and confident with their smiles. She also loves the Christian environment at Natural Smiles. Cassie and her family live in Knoxville, TN. She is married to Jordan and has 2 incredible and rambunctious boys. In their free time, you can find them outdoors, whether that means riding bikes, being at the ball field, or simply enjoying family time at home. Cassie truly loves her job and is thankful to be a part of Natural Smiles.

LAUREL

Head Dental Assistant

Laurel is an expanded function dental assistant with 40 years of experience. She has been serving the Maryville community here at Natural Smiles since 1995. Born in Florida, she moved to Tennessee at 16 years old, and promptly delved into the field of dentistry while still in high school. When not at the office, Laurel enjoys spending time with her husband and 7 grandchildren, reading, and watching movies.

Joy

Joy is a an Expanded Functions Dental Assistant, she joined Natural Smiles in 2015. She completed her dental assisting training at the Dental Learning Center in Maryville, TN. Joy is happily married to Dylan Sparks. She loves hiking and enjoying Gods creation. She loves to run and a forever TN Vols fan. She has a compassionate heart and desire to serve and love our patients well.

CHRISSY

Chrissy is an expanded functions dental assistant with over 15 years experience. She loves working in the dental field and learning new things about dentistry. Chrissy feels blessed to be a part of the Natural Smiles team. Chrissy enjoys baking, decorating, attending games and school events for her children, spending time with her family and cheering on her Alcoa Tornadoes! Chrissy and her husband Di'Andre, Sr have two children, Di'Andre Jr. and Daziyah. Chrissy and her family attend High Praises Church.

ALLISON

Allison has been a dental assistant since 2012, and has her EFDA certification. She loves working in the dental field and cannot see her self doing anything else. Allison is a Blount county native and enjoys spending time with her children and family. She also enjoys traveling, camping and seeing movies.

Edye

Edye is a native of East Tennessee and has worked over 25 years in business administration. She is a former dental assistant and is very knowledgeable of dental procedures having a unique perspective to offer patients while helping them understand their recommended dental treatment and financial obligation. Edye enjoys cooking, traveling, riding motorcycles with her husband and spending time with her family.

KELLEY

Kelley has worked in dentistry since 2005. She is a dental assistant and is very knowledgeable of dental procedures. Since joining Natural Smiles in 2020 she has transitioned to a patient coordinator role and continues to assist as needed. Kelley is married to Rusty and has two daughters. She enjoys spending time with her family on the lake, hiking and camping.

ANGELA

Angela joined Natural Smiles in 2021. She enjoys learning about dentistry and loves helping people. Originally from Indiana, Angela moved to East Tennessee in 2007. Angela and her husband Derrell have two boys and two girls. In her free time she loves spending time with her family and friends, traveling, and enjoys watching her kids sporting events.

VANS

Vans joined Natural Smiles in 2024. She spent her early years in Georgia but moved to EastTennessee with her family in 2007. Vans is passionate about serving our veteran patients. Inher free time, she enjoys reading and walking.