Dr Derrick Mendez

Before he began his career in dentistry, Dr. Mendez attended Auburn University and graduated in 2008 with a degree in software engineering. Though he enjoys working with technology and the software behind it, Dr. Mendez realized during his time in Auburn that his true passion lay in his early childhood dream of becoming a dentist. Thus, he began his pursuit of making this dream become reality; in 2010, he completed a second major in biology at UAB. Dr. Mendez graduated from the University of Alabama School of Dentistry in 2014 and joined Mahan Creek Dental in 2016 after practicing in Montgomery for two years. He then joined Luma Dentistry, where he has practiced in Montevallo and Columbiana since 2021. In 2022, Dr. Mendez was named Outstanding Young Alumnus by the University of Alabama School of Dentistry Alumni Society. In both 2022 & 2023, Dr. Mendez and his team in Columbiana had the honor of being selected as “Best Dental Office” by readers of Shelby Living Magazine. LEADERSHIP INVOLVEMENTS: During his dental training at UAB, he served as a class officer and was very active in the American Student Dental Association. After graduating, he became a member of the American Dental Association. He has served on the Alabama Dental Association’s Council on the New Dentist as well as the Alabama Dental School Advisory Board. Dr. Mendez is particularly passionate about the Academy of General Dentistry (AGD). For the 2018-2019 term, he served as the President of the Alabama AGD. At time of induction, he was youngest member to have attained that honor. He currently serves on the Alabama AGD Annual Meeting Planning Committee. Having logged over 400 hours of continuing education, Dr. Mendez is well on his way to earning Fellowship status within the Academy of General Dentistry.