Meet the Dentists

It's a real family affair at our dental practice in Hattiesburg, MS.

Alan Lucas DMD

“I want to know why YOU are here and what your main concerns are. I like my patients to know that I understand what they would like to accomplish for their oral care while being treated in my clinic.”
One of our dentists, Dr. Alan Lucas smiling and wearing his scrubs

Dr. Alan Lucas is originally from Hattiesburg, MS. He is happily married to Dr. Melinda Gray Lucas and is the proud father of two daughters, Meredith and Elizabeth – both of whom have followed him into the dental profession.

In dentistry, Dr. Lucas has found the ideal way to combine his preferred lifestyle while providing for his family. Motivated by his childhood orthodontist and general dentist, he enrolled in dental school, where he discovered his true calling – working with people to help correct their health problems.

As a general dentist, Dr. Lucas’ outstanding skills allow him to provide patients with excellent care and amazing results. What’s more, he truly loves building lifelong relationships with his patients while helping you feel more comfortable with your smile.

Outside of the office, Dr. Lucas loves spending time with his beloved family and friends. He also enjoys being outdoors with his dog, Champ.

Education
  • BS, University of Southern Mississippi
  • DMD, University of Mississippi Medical Center Dental School
  • General practice residency certificate, University of Mississippi Medical Center Dental School
Memberships Interesting Fact
Both of Dr. Lucas’ daughters, Meredith and Elizabeth, have chosen the path of dentistry. In fact, Meredith works alongside her mother and father at Oak Grove Family Dentistry…Get more information on our homepage….

Melinda Gray Lucas DMD

“I’m going to make sure that we take the very best care of you. We will do everything possible to do an excellent job for you in a comfortable environment.”
One of our dentists, Dr. Melinda Lucas who is wearing his scrubs
Dr. Melinda Gray Lucas grew up on a farm in Brooksville, MS. She is married to Dr. Alan Lucas, and together they have two beautiful daughters. Dr. Melinda has two brothers, one of which is also a dentist.

As a young girl, Dr. Melinda always enjoyed her visits to the dentist. She enjoyed them so much, she ended up working for her dentist during her college years.

In addition to these positive experiences, Dr. Melinda chose dentistry because helping people is what gives her the most joy. Whether she helps you remove years’ worth of pain or makes your smile brighter, she does everything with your needs in mind.

As a people person, Dr. Melinda is always building meaningful relationships with her patients and coworkers. Her creative nature and incredible skills are an enviable combination when creating beautiful smiles.

Away from dentistry, Dr. Melinda enjoys playing tennis, being outdoors, playing with her pets, cooking, and crafting.

Education
  • BS, Mississippi State University
  • DMD, University of Mississippi Medical Center Dental School
  • General practice residency certificate, University of Mississippi Medical Center Dental School
Memberships Interesting Fact
If Dr. Melinda was not a dentist, she would probably be a landscape architect. She enjoys the creativity and design capabilities of this career. Plus, she loves gardening.
One of our dentists, Dr. Melinda Lucas who is wearing his scrubs

I had my first appointment with Dr. Alan Lucas yesterday. I loved the location. It has a beautiful view overlooking the lake while you get your dental work done. Dr. Lucas and his staff were awesome.

Stacey H. (Actual Patient)

Meredith Gray Lucas DMD

“I will walk you through the entire procedure, step by step, before starting, and explain each step during. Your comfort is my priority."
One of our dentists, Dr. Meredith Lucas smiling
Dr. Meredith Gray Lucas was born and raised in Hattiesburg, MS, by her parents Dr. Alan and Melinda Lucas.

Growing up, she was engulfed in dentistry and enjoyed assisting her parents in their dental practice. During her educational years, she traveled to Honduras with her father on a mission trip through Baptist Medical Dental International…Opens a new window to the official website…. It was on this trip that she realized she truly wanted to pursue a career in dentistry.

To achieve her new goal, Dr. Meredith moved to Jackson, MS, where she attended the University of Mississippi Medical Center and received a Master’s in Biomedical Sciences and also her Doctorate in Dental Medicine.

During your appointments, Dr. Meredith places a particular emphasis on patient education, so you always feel informed and empowered. No matter how small your procedure, she’ll explain each step and answer any questions. Your comfort and relaxation are her top priority!

Outside the office, Dr. Meredith enjoys running with her dad and her dog, Sissy. She also adores spending time with her family and friends.

Education
  • BS, University of Southern Mississippi
  • Masters in biomedical sciences, University of Mississippi Medical Center Dental School
  • DMD, University of Mississippi Medical Center Dental School
Memberships Interesting Fact
Dr. Meredith summited Mount Kilimanjaro with her mother, two brothers, and cousin back in 2012/13. What’s more, she descended on her 22nd birthday.

Zachariah Lea Crawford DMD

“If this wasn’t the best thing for you, we wouldn’t be doing it.”
Headshot of our dentists, Dr. Zach Crawford
Dr. Zachariah Lea Crawford lives in Hattiesburg, MS, with his lovely wife, Jodi, beautiful son Cole, and two puppy dogs, Bella and Jaxon.

As a child, Dr. Crawford had always been interested in the medical field, thanks to both his parents being medical physicians. However, he only started thinking about becoming a dentist after a soccer accident at the age of 12. He had to have a root canal, and Dr. Lucas was the one who performed the procedure. This experience was the beginning of Dr. Crawford’s journey in dentistry.

As a professional, his love for helping people has remained his primary motivation. Also, he enjoys the daily challenges dentistry presents and how he can help solve them.

He has significant experience as he has served on the Mississippi Board of Donated Dental Services. He has also been the secretary, treasurer, and president for the South Mississippi Dental Society.

Outside of the office, Dr. Crawford is an avid outdoorsman. He loves to go fishing and to spend time with his family.

Education
  • BS, University of Southern Mississippi
  • DMD, University of Mississippi Medical Center Dental School
  • Residency in Advanced General Dentistry with training in surgery and implant at the University of Mississippi Medical Center
Memberships Interesting Fact
Dr. Crawford used to be a good soccer player and had a lot of fun doing it.
Headshot of our dentists, Dr. Zach Crawford
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