NASHVILLE, TN — Dr. Drake Dudley was born in Pembroke, Illinois; however, spent most of his adolescence in Memphis, TN. He lived and attended high school in a socially 
disadvantaged community. A graduate of Tennessee State University, Dr. Dudley went on to obtain a doctorate degree in dentistry from Meharry Medical College and afterwards completed a general practice residency at Columbia University’s Harlem Hospital Center.
As a community leader his main area of focus is improving access to dental health and education, with a strong emphasis on preventative care. He is a co-founder of Project Dream, an organization that provides structure, support, and guidance to students from disadvantaged backgrounds. This mission is very important to Dr. Dudley. He noted while in college he saw both a shortage in academic support and in mentorship programs geared toward students from similar underserved backgrounds.
Project Dream hopes to help solve this issue by improving students’ knowledge of the healthcare field and increasing their resources, thus improving their chances for success.
Dr. Dudley is currently an associate at First Impressions Family Dentistry and is opening his own practice called, Smiles UP. His office provides 24-hour emergency, family and cosmetic dental services. Dr. Dudley and his staff pride themselves on delivering comprehensive accessible dentistry to the public. His office is located at 1916 Patterson Street, Suite 712, Nashville, Tennessee 37203. He is currently taking appointments at (615) 678-8965 and is officially seeing patients on August 19, 2019.
Dr. Dudley participates in organized dentistry were he currently holds the position of Vice President of the Nashville Dental Association and is working with Metro and Charter schools to implement programs to reduce health care disparities within the community. He is also on the Pediatrics committee for the American Dental Association.
“I take great pride in supporting Dr. Drake Dudley”, says Carolyn Waller, President of the Nashville Black Chamber of Commerce. Dr Dudley, is a true example of a Strong Young Black Man who understands his mission towards a successful career and the importance of giving back to his community.”
