About Our Doctor

Dr. Pearson

Dr. Mel Pearson spent his childhood and youth in Minnesota. He earned a Bachelor of Science degree from St. Cloud State College. Following graduation, he attended Naval Officer Candidate School and went on to complete Underwater Demolition Training in Little Creek, Virginia. He served nearly seven years in the UDT’s and, subsequently, as a “plank owner” member of the newly created SEAL Teams. Following his Navy service, he was a manager with Pacific Telephone in San Diego for six years.

In 1972 he decided to pursue a career in dentistry and returned to college, ultimately being admitted to the University of Oregon Health Sciences Center, School of Dentistry. He graduated with a Doctor of Dental Medicine degree in 1978 and went on to complete a one-year General Practice Residency at the U of Oregon hospital before entering private practice.

Dr. Pearson’s practice in Rio Vista includes most of the usual preventive, restorative and cosmetic procedures found in most general dental offices, but he also has incorporated orthodontic treatment into his practice. His interest in orthodontics led him to start taking courses in 1982 and he continues studying and treating patients with orthodontic needs.

Dr. Pearson and his wife, Norma, live in Trilogy. His five sons and eight grandchildren are spread across the country from Washington State to the Washington, D.C. area.

Dr. Pearson says, “Dentistry has provided me with the opportunity to be of service to my community while meeting hundreds of wonderful people, my patients.” Since moving to Rio Vista in 2001, Dr. Pearson joined the Rio Vista chapter of Rotary International which has provided him with another avenue of serving the local community. He also currently serves on the board of Rio Vista CARE, a local non-profit service agency.