Dr. Mark Hixson
Dr. Hixson has been in the specialty practice of orthodontics for over 20 years. In 1970, he received a B.A. in Chemistry at the University of North Carolina-Chapel Hill. He then went on to receive his Doctor of Dental Surgery (D.D.S.), in 1974, after being awarded a Health Services Scholarship by the Department of Defense. Dr. Hixson received his orthodontic certificate and Master's Degree from Marquette University in 1981. He practiced dentistry and orthodontics in the U.S.Army for 11 years where he taught a General Practice Residency as Chief of Clinic and rose to the rank of Lt. Colonel. He has practiced in the Raleigh area for over 18 years. As an author, his work has been published in the American Journal of Orthodontics. He is a member of such prestigious organizations as the American Dental Association, American Association of Orthodontics, Southern Association of Orthodontists, Wake County Dental Association and the North Carolina Dental Society.

He gives back the community by doing volunteer work for the Coastal Conservation Association, coaching and financial supporting youth sporting teams, and serving charitable foundations, including the Anthony J. Trentini for Wake Forest-Rolesville High School.

He has been married to Gipsie Warren Hixson of Reidsville, NC for over 30 years who blessed him with two sons, Kris and Todd, both grown. In his spare time, he loves to fish, participate in Bible study, and follow the Tar Heels.

Dr. Steve Bumgarner
A native of North Carolina, Dr. Steve Bumgarner, was born in Burlington and spent his childhood in Charlotte. His family then migrated north and Steve later attended college at the University of Maryland, where he received a B.S. in Biology. He went on to attend the Baltimore College of Dental Surgery where he received numerous honors and awards for both academic and clinical excellence. An elected member of the Omicron Kappa Upsilon national dental honor society and recipient of the American Association of Orthodontist Award, Dr. Bumgarner graduated Magna Cum Laude with a Doctor of Dental Surgery (D.D.S.) degree in 1999. Following graduation from dental school, he completed a general practice residency at the VA hospital in Baltimore, Maryland. Dr. Bumgarner then completed a 2 ½ year post-graduate residency in Orthodontics at the Medical College of Georgia in Augusta, GA, where he received his certificate in orthodontics. Dr. Bumgarner is also board eligible by the American Board of Orthodontics. His memberships include: The American Dental Association, North Carolina Dental Society, Raleigh-Wake County Dental Society, the American Association of Orthodontist, the Southern Association of Orthodontist, the North Carolina Association of Orthodontist, the Christian Medical and Dental Association, the Christian Dental Association and the Wake Forest Dental Study Club. Dr. Bumgarner is currently the President-elect of the North Carolina Dental Society Fourth District. He is also board certified by the American Board of Orthodontics, a distinction attained by fewer than 40% of orthodontists nationwide.

His interests include golf, soccer, triathlons, tennis and watching ACC basketball. Dr. Bumgarner has participated in dental misson trips to Mexico, Native American Indians reservation in Arizona, Honduras, Ecuador, and Nicaragua and has a srong interest in continuing his involvement. He volunteers for the Wake Smiles Dental Clinic in downtown Raleigh. Dr. Bumgarner has lectured to the orthodontic residents at UNC and hopes in the future to be able to continue giving back to the dental profession by teaching on a part time basis.

Dr. Bumgarner and his wife, Nancy, also a NC native, are thrilled to be back in their home state. Nancy grew up in Brevard, NC and graduated from UNC. She and Dr. Bumgarner are the proud parents of Will, Katie and Emily.

Dr. Art Stone
Dr. Arthur C. Stone was born in Raeford, North Carolina and grew up in the Oxford Orphanage. Dr. Stone worked hard to overcome his circumstances and attended college at the University of Southern Mississippi where he received a B.Sc. in Business Administration. He then went on to receive his Doctorate of Dental Surgery from the University of Louisville. Art then practiced general dentistry in Alexandria, Virginia before deciding to return to school for advanced training in orthodontics. At the University of Manitoba, Dr. Stone was award a Masters in Science degree and received his certificate in orthodontics. Following graduation from orthodontic residency, he spent four years in active duty in the US Marine Corps where he reached the rank of Captain. In 1972, Dr. Stone decided to leave the Marines and open a private orthodontic practice in Raleigh, NC. Dr. Stone is currently enjoying retired life by spending time with his grandchildren, playing tennis, traveling and working out with his trainer. He is married to Carolyn and has three grown children.

When asked to reflect over his long career in orthodontics, Dr Stone stated, “My most interesting aspect of orthodontics was the early interceptive treatment which usually led to better and more stable treatment.” He went on to add that, “the most rewarding part was the close relationship with the young patients and getting to know the many fine young people thus realizing that our future would be in good hands.”