Leon Nelson

aka THE ORIGINAL

Our story begins with Dr. Leon Nelson, a practicing dentist for 44 years prior to his retirement in 2003. He was the original “Dr. Nelson” in Redding. His overwhelming drive was to provide a painless dental visit, and quality restorations and repairs that would last decades, and they have! Dr. Leon coined slogans such as “Clean Teeth Taste Good!”, “We Cater to Cowards!” and “Happiness is No Cavities!”. He published the first book on Cosmetic Dentistry in 1984: “The Bonding Book”, and holding leadership positions in numerous dental associations, Dr. Leon sites his proudest achievement in dentistry as something different: “Clearly, having my son, Mike, choose dentistry for his career, and then want to practice in close association with me.” Read Dr. Leon’s Obituary Here.

Mike Nelson

aka MOUNTAIN MIKE

Shortly after Mike became the second Nelson to graduate from the University of the Pacific’s dental school in 1981, he and his father embarked on a “solo-group” practice, the space-sharing arrangement where father and son worked extremely well together. In 1990, they moved across the street to a new, larger location (the current 2710 Eureka Way office location), and the office was featured on the cover of “Dental Economics” magazine for innovation and design. As Mike recalls, “My dad and I worked alongside each other for 20 years, and until he passed, we loved doing things together, both inside and outside of the office” In the over 40 years of practice as a dentist Dr. Mike has seen it all and continues to be very motivated to achieve “dream smiles” for his patients.

Chris Nelson

the JUGGLING DENTIST

That had to serve as a role model for the latest in the Nelson clan of dental incredibles, Mike’s son, Chris. After attending Shasta High School (like dad and grandpa), and graduating from the University of California, Davis, Chris accepted an offer to attend—you guessed it—the alma mater of his father and grandfather, now called the Arthur A. Dugoni School of Dentistry.

in January 2023, Dr. Chris purchased the business from Dr. Mike and the two Nelson doctors continue to work as a team with Dr. Chris full-time and Dr. Mike working two days a week, enjoying some more time for outdoor adventure with his grandkids and Chris’ mom, Rhonda. In 2022 the office was selected as the Redding Chamber of Commerce “Business of the Year” and as the new leader Dr. Chris is entirely committed to serving patients and the legacy of his father and grandfather.

Three generations of over-achievers—all in the field of dentistry—are members of one family: the Nelsons of Redding, California.

(text originally drawn from Enjoy Magazine and the Pride Institute Dental articles, and original text).