Dr. Mirna Armaleh Caldwell

Dr. Mirna grew up in Wakefield, Massachusetts and graduated from Wakefield High School. She graduated at the top of her class and played Varsity tennis.

She earned her Bachelor of Science degree in Biology-Psychology from Tufts University in Massachusetts, where she received several academic scholarships. Her interests were far and wide, from Japanese Literature and Arabic to Neuroscience. In addition, she really liked working with people (especially children) and with her hands.

Dr. Mirna continued her education at Tufts University School of Dental Medicine, one of the top New England schools for dentistry. She realized quickly that her dental skills with children came naturally and that minimizing their fears brought her joy. She went on to earn her specialty certificate in Pediatric Dentistry at Tufts University/New England Medical Center, an intense three year program focused on the growth and development of children and their unique needs. This additional three years of specialty training is what sets her apart from general or family dentists. As a pediatric dentist, she is also qualified to treat patients who have special mental, physical, or emotional needs.

Dr. Mirna is an Assistant Clinical Professor at Vanderbilt Children’s Hospital and the past President of the Tennessee Society of Pediatric Dentistry. She is also a Diplomate of the American Board of Pediatric Dentistry, and a member of the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry, the American Dental Association, and the Tennessee Dental Association.

Dr. Mirna Caldwell is also a Fellow of the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry. This is a special distinction that not all pediatric dentists attain. An AAPD Fellow is a person who has contributed above and beyond in the field of pediatric dentistry and organized dentistry.

Dr. Mirna is married to Robert, a pediatric dentist and Nashville native. They have two beautiful and energetic children. They also work together at their main office in Nipper’s Corner in Nashville, called Caldwell Pediatric Dentistry.

 Dr. Laurel Bateman

Dr. Laurel Bateman is a native of Jackson, Tennessee.  She graduated at the top of her class from the University School of Jackson, participating in varsity tennis, choir, and theater.  She attended Lambuth University on full academic scholarship, where she enjoyed the tennis team and concert and madrigal choirs, and served several leadership roles in her sorority Phi Mu.  She graduated summa cum laude, with a major in Biology and a double minor in French and Chemistry. 

Laurel trained at the UTHSC College of Dentistry in Memphis, Tennessee.  She graduated in the top five of her class and was inducted into several honor and leadership societies.  Her summer research on shrinkage stress in composite restorations was accepted for publication in Dental Materials.  During her time in dental school, she served as president of the American Academy of Women Dentists and participated in elective courses in oral pathology and advanced pediatric dentistry.  But most importantly, experiences in dental school helped her recognize her love of working with children and helping create in them a love for coming to the dentist!

Laurel earned her specialty certificate in Pediatric Dentistry at Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center, a top children’s hospital in the United States.  Her time at CCHMC brought invaluable training in all areas of pediatric dentistry, from caring for persons with special needs to trauma to growth and development.  She went on to earn her board certification through the American Board of Pediatric Dentistry.

Laurel is a diplomat of the American Board of Pediatric Dentistry and a member of the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry, the American Dental Association, and the Tennessee Dental Association.  

Laurel has been married to her husband Jake Bateman, a cosmetic dentist with Nashville Aesthetic Dentistry in Brentwood, since 2016.  She practiced in Johnson City, Tennessee for seven years before moving to Nashville to be closer to her West Tennessee roots.  Outside of the office, free time is hard to come by while raising her three daughters Ayres, Lottie, and Ann Elise.  The Batemans are excited to call Nashville home!