Dr. Daron Clark

Dr. Daron Clark is the founder of Downtown Dental in Nashville, where he blends leading-edge technology with a whole-health, integrative approach to dentistry.

As a physiologic dentist with special interests in aesthetics, TMJ/TMD, and sleep medicine, he focuses on solving the “why” behind your symptoms—not just fixing teeth. His goal is simple: help you feel better, function better, and enjoy a healthy, beautiful smile for the long term.

Why Patients Choose Dr. Clark

• Integrative, whole-health focus – looks at how your teeth, jaw, airway, muscles, posture, and overall health are connected.
• Biologic, conservative dentistry – protects your natural teeth and avoids unnecessary drilling.
• Advanced technology & digital workflows – more precise care, often in fewer visits and with greater comfort.
• Expert in complex cases – especially bite issues, TMD, and restorative/cosmetic cases that require thoughtful planning.

Integrative, Biologic & Conservative Dentistry

Over the past decade, Dr. Clark has completed 2,500+ hours of advanced post-doctoral training in physiologic dentistry, TMD and craniofacial pain, dental sleep medicine, orthodontics, laser dentistry, and conservative restorative techniques.

A major part of his philosophy is biologic, conservative care:

• Preserve natural tooth structure whenever possible
• Prefer inlays and onlays over traditional full-coverage crowns
• Use minimally invasive bonded restorations instead of aggressive preparations
• Design conservative bite treatments that work with the biology of your teeth and joints

He is pioneering cosmetic techniques such as:

• Prep-less veneers
• Ultra-conservative bite restorations

These approaches allow patients to get stunning cosmetic results without unnecessarily grinding down healthy teeth.

Innovation & Industry Leadership

Dr. Clark is a recognized leader in digital dentistry:

• Works directly with dental technology companies to refine CBCT imaging, CAD/CAM, and 3D printing workflows
• Serves as a Key Opinion Leader for several dental technology companies
• Sits on the Planmeca Board of Education, helping shape how modern dentists use digital tools to deliver better care

Clinical Instructor & Published Author

In addition to caring for patients in Nashville, Dr. Clark is:

• A clinical instructor at the Las Vegas Institute for Advanced Dental Studies (LVI)
• A teacher of digital, physiologic workflows he has developed to deliver faster, more effective TMD and restorative treatment
• A published author in dental industry publications, sharing insights on integrative, biologic, and technology-driven care

Dr. Clark doesn’t just practice conservative dentistry—he teaches it.

He trains clinicians on how to:

• Remove less tooth structure
• Replace crowns with inlays and onlays when appropriate
• Use advanced materials and digital workflows to deliver strong, beautiful, long-lasting restorations with less trauma to teeth

Patients at Downtown Dental benefit from the same protective, future-focused approach he teaches to dentists worldwide.

What It’s Like to Be His Patient

Patients consistently say they value that Dr. Clark:

• Takes time to explain what’s really going on
• Clarifies how the mouth connects to the rest of the body
• Outlines clear, step-by-step plans instead of quick fixes

If you’re ready for a dentist who protects your natural teeth, respects your whole health, and uses advanced technology to make treatment easier and more predictable, Dr. Clark and the Downtown Dental team are ready to welcome you.

Professional Training, Affiliations & Leadership

(for the “Curriculum Vitae / Affiliations” page – simplified, patient-friendly)

Education & Advanced Training

• Doctor of Medicine in Dentistry (DMD), University of Mississippi Medical Center
• B.S. in Biology, Mississippi College
• Fellowship with the Las Vegas Institute for Advanced Dental Studies (LVIF), completing the full Core Continuum and advanced courses in:
  • Physiologic dentistry and full-mouth reconstruction
  • Advanced TMD and craniofacial pain therapy
  • Dental sleep medicine
  • Full face / controlled arch orthodontics
  • Myofunctional therapy and airway-focused care
• Laser dentistry certification and advanced courses in laser surgery and periodontal therapy through the Chen Laser Institute
• Additional training in: CBCT interpretation, implant placement and restoration, conservative adhesive dentistry, and prepless veneers.

Technology & Industry Leadership

• Member, Planmeca Board of Education (guiding education around CBCT imaging and CAD/CAM restorative workflows).
• Key Opinion Leader (KOL) for Planmeca USA and Desktop Health, collaborating on digital and 3D printing workflows used in modern dental and TMD care.
• Clinical instructor at LVI, teaching digital physiologic workflows for more efficient, predictable TMD and restorative treatment.
• Contributor to dental industry publications and education platforms, including Dental Economics and other professional resources.

Professional Memberships & Affiliations

• American Dental Association (ADA)
• Tennessee Dental Association (TDA)
• American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry (AACD)
• American Academy of General Dentistry (AGD)
• International Association of Physiologic Aesthetics (IAPA)
• Associate Fellow, World Clinical Laser & Imaging Institute
• Fellow, Las Vegas Institute for Advanced Dental Studies

Recognition & Awards

• Named “Nashville Top Dentist” in multiple consecutive years in Nashville Lifestyles Magazine.
• Bradford A. Gordon Memorial Award, University of Mississippi School of Dentistry Alumni.

What this means for you as a patient

• More answers, fewer surprises: Advanced diagnostics and physiologic training help uncover the true cause of pain, wear, and functional problems.
• Fewer appointments, more comfort: Digital workflows and in-house technology streamline many treatments and can reduce the need for multiple visits.
• Whole-health focus: Care plans are designed around your bite, airway, posture, and overall health—not just single teeth.