At Shallowford Family Dental Group, we are proud of our history. This practice began back in 1940 with one doctor dedicated and committed to providing the best care possible to his patients. As the years passed, the practice has gained thousands of wonderful patients who have entrusted us with the health of their family. Today we continue that commitment of care in our modern, state-of-the-art facility with our four experienced doctors.
Our three dentists bring over 100 years of combined dental experience into one team. For decades, we’ve practiced right here in Chattanooga, and we are proud to serve our community with dedication and care. Our multi-doctor team creates a healthy environment of experience and expertise that benefits every patient.
Tom M. Gardenhire, D.D.S.
Dr. Tom Gardenhire is a Chattanooga native and graduated from East Ridge High School in 1974. He then graduated with honors from UTC with a BS in Biology. During college, Tom was a member of the Sigma Chi Fraternity. It is notable that all four doctors at Shallowford Family Dental Group were members of the Sigma Chi Fraternity during their college years.
Tom completed his dental training at the University of Tennessee Dental School in Memphis in 1982. During his senior year, Tom won the anesthesiology award. He has been practicing dentistry in Chattanooga since 1982.
Tom founded Shallowford Family Dental Group in 2002 with a vision for excellence in dentistry practiced by a group of doctors in the same office. "I enjoy the variety of personalities working togehter in our practice," says Tom. "It's exciting to see different temperaments, talents and convictions working toward a common goal of caring for people. We have a true family atmosphere among the staff and patients."
Charles V. Ankar, D.D.S.
Dr. Charles V. Ankar is a Chattanooga native and has been practicing at Shallowford Family Dental Group since July 2002.
He graduated from Notre Dame High School and then received his Bachelor of Science from the the University of Tennessee, Chattanooga. His dental training was completed at the University of Tennessee, Memphis.
“I feel my greatest asset is my relationship with my patients. I truly make an effort to treat each person like family,” says Dr. Ankar. When he is not at his practice, Dr. Ankar spends time at the Orange Grove Rehabilitation Center providing dental care to mentally and physically challenged patients.
He is a member of the American Dental Association, Tennessee Dental Association and the local Chattanooga Area Dental Society.
He and his wife, Misa, recently celebrated the birth of their first child Arianna Rose.
J. David Lewis, D.D.S.
Dr. J. David Lewis is a native of Chattanooga and graduated from East Ridge High School in 1972. He then graduated Magna Cum Laude with a Biology and Chemistry double major from the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga in 1976. He completed his dental training at the University of Tennessee Dental School in Memphis in 1981; returning to Chattanooga to begin practicing dentistry.
“At Shallowford Family Dental Group, we always keep up with the latest technology,” says Dr. Lewis. “We follow lots of studies and research, which is a great benefit to our patients as we continually study our craft and make improvements. We are always learning better science and methods for dentistry.”
Dr. Lewis is an avid fan of University of Tennessee sports and is always happy when his schedule allows for a round of golf. He is an animal lover with four dogs and three cats at his home. He is involved in the Chattanooga Area Humane Society and served for five years with the Child Advocacy Center in Catoosa County.
Dr. Lewis was recently awarded Best Dentist in the Chattanooga People's Choice Awards. He is a member of the American Dental Association and Academy of Operative Dentistry.
This year, Dr. Lewis is celebrating more than 25 years of marriage with his wife, Linda.
Joseph D. Prince, D.D.S.
Dr. Joseph D. Prince retired from the profession of Dentistry in 2010 after practicing for 45 years. He was admired by his colleagues and loved by his patients.
He graduated from Emory University in Atlanta in 1961, and graduated from the University of Tennessee College of Dentistry in Memphis in 1965. After practicing dentistry for two years in the Army, Dr. Prince practiced on Brainerd Road in Chattanooga for nearly four decades before joining the doctors at Shallowford Family Dental Group.
Dr. Prince’s memberships and accolades were numerous. He was a member of the American Dental Association, Tennessee Dental Association, Chattanooga Area Dental Society, Tennessee Valley Dental Study Group, the International College of Dentists, and the Academy of Operative Dentistry. In addition, he was a Fellow in the American College of Dentists and served on the Tennessee Board of Dentistry from 1996 until 2002, including 3 years as president of the board.