Meet Dr. L. Sean Mullins- Your Bristol, TN Orthodontist

L. SEAN MULLINS, DDS

MAKING A DIFFERENCE BY IMPROVING SMILES

I decided, when I was about 14, that I wanted to be an orthodontist. I was going through my own orthodontic treatment then and saw the changes it made in my life and my friends’ lives. I wanted to bring those same positive, lasting changes to others.

As an orthodontist, I love seeing the transformations each of my patients goes through. At work, my favorite day is one when we remove a person’s braces and they get to see their finished smile for the first time. The joy on their face, as we compare their before and after photos, and how astonished they are, never gets old. It is truly a blessing to be able to make this type of difference in someone’s life!

I love the relationships that develop between my patients and myself. Because treatment takes several years to complete, and I see most patients every six to eight weeks, I really get to know who they are. I enjoy our conversations and watching each person grow and develop as their smiles grow, develop, and improve.

EDUCATION AND CONTINUING EDUCATION

I’ve always said, “I like to stay one small step behind the cutting edge of orthodontic technology.” This allows me to thoroughly evaluate and choose new technologies and treatments that have proven to improve the quality of care and results.

I participate in many hours of continuing education each year. My ultimate goal, as an orthodontist, is to provide the highest quality care in the most efficient manner, using advanced, exceptional treatments.

COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT 

L. Sean Mullins Orthodontics sponsors:

• Avoca Youth Baseball
• Bristol Ballet
• Bass Fishing Team at Virginia Tech
• Tennessee High School Booster Club
• Sullivan East High School
• Virginia High School Booster Club
• Sullivan Central High School Booster Club
• Mountain Mission School
• ACTS Warriors Basketball Team
• Bristol Dance Academy
• Shelby Lodge #162
• Tennessee Dental Association
• Love-N-People
• Discovery Church
• American Cancer Society
• Relay for Life
• Cancer Outreach Foundation
• Young Life Bristol

PROFESSIONAL MEMBERSHIPS

• American Association of Orthodontists
• Tennessee Association of Orthodontists
• Virginia Orthodontic Education and Research Foundation
• American Dental Association
• Tennessee Dental Association

PERSONAL LIFE

I grew up in the small coal-mining town of Grundy, VA. My wife, Dianna and I moved to Bristol, TN, in 1995, as soon as I finished my orthodontic residency. We were high school sweethearts and have been married for 30 years. We have two awesome children, Carter and Bailey.  Carter is married to his high school sweetheart,  Kayla Duncan Mullins.  They live in Memphis, Tennessee where he is currently enrolled in dental school at the University of Tennessee Health Science and Kayla is an art teacher.  Bailey graduated from Clemson University with honors and is now enrolled in the physical therapy program at the University of Tennessee Health Science Center in Memphis as well.  We have a bernedoodle named Hazel, a cat named Kitty and a rescue named Laci.   

I love being outdoors. My dad took me hunting and fishing when I was very young and these remain passions of mine. I also enjoy wakesurfing at the lake.

I’m a very active member at Discovery Church, in Bristol. I serve on several committees that support the daily operations and missions of the church.

I’m also a Smiles Change Lives orthodontist. This program provides orthodontic care for children from local families that cannot afford the cost of treatment.

I love being an orthodontist. I feel blessed to be able to provide this type of life-changing care to people who need it. As I look back at my life, I can see that God has been actively involved in getting me over each of the hurdles it takes to become an orthodontist. I believe this is one of God’s purposes for me. I cherish the time I get with each of my patients and try my best to shine the Light of God’s goodness through me to them.