Dr. Orr is a dentist who skillfully combines science and art to improve smiles, helping to create a happier community. Since beginning his practice in 2008, he has been driven by a passion to integrate the artistry and precision of his work to restore what has been lost—not just in terms of dental health but also in physical appearance and self-confidence. His professional journey is marked by a commitment to using his skills for direct impact, an ethos that led him from an initial interest in biochemistry and computer science to the hands-on, compassionate world of dentistry.
Dr.Orr believes that success isn't merely measured by the procedures completed, but by the smiles that light up once hesitant faces. These smiles, are a sign of a job well done, signify the growth of a community bound by trust and happiness—two elements he considers fundamental to his practice. For him, the excitement of dentistry lies in the joy and well-being that comes from restoring not just dental health but also an individual's reason to smile freely.
Dr. Orr's choice to join the oral healthcare field was influenced by his desire for direct, tangible ways to aid others, coupled with the observation that dentistry was among the least represented health professions in mission work—a field to which he felt a strong calling. Bringing joy and wellness into people's lives is a privilige he doesn't take lightly. A smile is a universal symbol of joy, peace, and community—attributes he strives to foster in every patient encounter. Furthermore, his ability to detect and address dental issues before they escalate is a service he considers essential, not just for dental health but for overall well-being, thus preventing further suffering and extensive repairs. In Dr. Orr's view, every smile restored is a testament to a mission fulfilled—a mission that goes beyond teeth, to blessing lives and his community.
Excellence in Education
Dr. Orr completed his dental education at the University of Tennessee Health Science Center (UTHSC) in Memphis, Tennessee, where he distinguished himself by receiving the Pathology Award upon his graduation in 2008. He further honed his expertise by serving in the United States Air Force, where he completed an Advanced Education in General Dentistry (AEGD) in 2009, gaining additional training in specialties such as Intravenous Conscious Sedation.
Dr. Orr's commitment to lifelong learning is evident in his continuous pursuit of continuing education. He went above and beyond during his dental school years, engaging in extra rotations in Endodontics, Pathology, and Oral Surgery. His dedication to advancing his knowledge didn't stop there; he joined the Academy of General Dentistry and has achieved notable milestones, including becoming a Fellow of the Academy in 2013 and an Associate Fellow of the American Academy of Implant Dentistry in 2014 after completing a rigorous 300-hour MAXI course in Atlanta. His leadership within the Middle Tennessee Dental Study Club—as Secretary, Chairman, and Continuing Education Chair—further reflects his dedication to the dental profession and commitment to staying at the forefront of dental techniques and patient care strategies.
Professional Memberships
- American Dental Association
- Academy of General Dentistry
- American Academy of Implant Dentistry
- DOCS
- Christian Medical & Dental Association
- American Academy of Dental Sleep Medicine
Outside the Office
Dr. Orr is dedicated to his family. His wife Marijo, stands by his side as they navigate the bustling world of parenting three teenagers. Their eldest, Garrison, at 17 years old, mirrors his father's adventurous spirit with a passion for travel and the energetic pace of high school soccer. William, one year Garrison's junior, shares a love for soccer but also exhibits finesse on the tennis court. MaryElizabeth, their spirited 13-year-old daughter, makes her mark on the basketball court and joins her brother in tennis, showcasing the Orr family's love of sport. The younger members of the household include Jensen, a 2-year-old mountain cur with boundless energy, Millicent "Milly" Orrie Buttons, a 1-year-old Taco terrier with a personality as quirky as her name, and Bubba, a 3-year-old Leopard Gecko whose calm demeanor brings balance to the lively household.
Away from work, Dr. Orr is rarely still, often found energetically supporting his children from the sidelines of various sporting events. His free time is a blend of outdoor pursuits and community engagement—he enjoys hunting and fishing and reveling in the beauty and bounty of nature. He enjoys fellowship with his church family, the Rotary club, and his brethren in the Gideons. Dr. Orr also enjoys participating in Tennessee Long Hunters shooting contests or immersing himself in short-term missions with CMDA through GHO. Creativity flows through him, whether he's wielding a paintbrush on canvas or weaving words on a page. Passionate about his faith, his family, and God's creation, Dr. Orr is moved by a good story, whether it's shared around a campfire, found in the pages of a book, or observed in the silent narratives of nature's vistas.
A Focus on Community
Dr. Orr's commitment to his community is not just a duty; it's a calling that he embraces with unyielding enthusiasm and dedication. As a repeated President of the Franklin County A.M. Rotary Club, Dr. Orr has not only led with vision and commitment but has also brought the world closer to home by hosting international exchange students, enriching both their lives and that of the community with diverse cultural exchanges and shared learning experiences.
His membership in the Gideons and the Christian Medical & Dental Associations (CMDA) underscores his devotion to spreading goodwill and support both spiritually and medically. Dr. Orr’s participation in the ONEDAY community outreach initiative reflects his belief in the power of unity—of a community coming together for the common good, offering a helping hand to those in need.
At the heart of Dr. Orr's community service is his support for local life-affirming organizations like the LifeChoices center, where he contributes to nurturing the sanctity of life and providing support to those facing difficult life decisions. His compassion extends further into the realm of recovery and second chances, actively supporting programs like Blue Monarch, Mosaic, R3, Be the Bush, and Miriam House. These programs, each in their unique way, provide pathways to healing and rehabilitation, embodying hope for many in the shadows of hardship.
Dr. Orr's philosophy of service is rooted in the wisdom of St. Paul, seeing every day needs its own redeeming and is an opportunity to weave a stronger thread in the fabric of his community. He finds joy and fulfillment in service, suggesting that the act of giving to others is not just redemptive but also a source of joy. His tireless work within these diverse community roles showcases his unwavering belief that the true value of life lies in how much of it is given away in service to others.
