Former LDS Missionary Returns To Tennessee To Practice Dentistry

  • Friday, July 10, 2020

Chattanooga dentist, Dr. Paul Gardner, originally from Puyallup, Wa., served a volunteer two-year mission in eastern Tennessee for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints before returning to establish Emerald Dental – a family/cosmetic practice located near Hamilton Place Mall on Gunbarrel Road.  
 
After completion of his mission, he completed his undergraduate studies in biochemistry at Brigham Young University in Provo, Ut. and was later accepted to the University of Washington School of Dentistry in Seattle.  He graduated with honors and completed a post-graduate hospital-based residency at the Veterans’ Affairs Hospital in Wilkes-Barre, Pa.  Upon receiving advanced training in the practice of general dentistry, he then moved back to Tennessee to pursue his career in dentistry.  He and his wife, Erka (originally from Albania) are active members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and the parents of two daughters.  Their daughters attend Westview Elementary and the Baylor School. 
 
Dr. Gardner said his experience as a missionary anchored his testimony in Jesus Christ. “I was able to serve and teach the gospel of Jesus Christ and how it has been restored in its fullness in our day,” he said.  “I was also able to stand in the beautiful waters of baptism with those who listened and accepted Christ’s message of love. My mission came to define my life as a believing Christian – and I’m so thankful for the opportunity I’ve had to return to Tennessee.”
 
In his local congregation, Dr. Gardner serves as Sunday school president.  “This year, our focus is teaching and learning from the Book of Mormon, a companion to the Bible that stands as another testament of Jesus Christ,” he said. “Although we are apart in person during the COVID crisis, we can be together reading the words of Christ. 

“Christ’s message of love is what brought me to Tennessee and why I stay.  I love living in Chattanooga and being a part of this wonderful community of believers."

Church
"You've Got What We Need" Is Sermon Topic At Middle Valley Church Of God On Sunday
  • 6/27/2025

Middle Valley Church of God, at 1703 Thrasher Pike in Hixson, announced that Pastor Mitch McClure will be preaching on Sunday, June 29, in the 10:30 a.m. service. His sermon title will be "You've ... more

Bob Tamasy: Thinking About Words Written in Red — And In Black
Bob Tamasy: Thinking About Words Written in Red — And In Black
  • 6/26/2025

Over the years, a number of popular tunes have been written and sung about the letters and words “written in red” in the Bible – direct quotations of Jesus highlighted in red. We can find them ... more

Dr. Renee Gordon To Speak At SCWN July Luncheon
Dr. Renee Gordon To Speak At SCWN July Luncheon
  • 6/26/2025

Dr. Renee Gordon, international best-selling author, will be the guest speaker at the Scenic City Women's Network Marketplace Luncheon on Thursday, July 24 at noon at the Walden Club, 633 Chestnut ... more