Our Surgeons

Born and raised in Nashville, Dr. McLaughlin’s education and training have taken him to both Alabama and Florida. He received his bachelor’s degree from Auburn University in Exercise Science. He then followed in his grandfather’s footsteps and earned his Doctor of Dental Medicine from The University of Alabama at Birmingham. Dr. McLaughlin continued to earn his Doctor of Medicine from the University of Florida and completed his residency training in oral and maxillofacial surgery at the University of Florida, Jacksonville.

Dr. McLaughlin is excited to be in Nashville and be part owner of Midstate Oral Surgery! He practices the full scope of oral and facial surgery including dentoalveolar surgery, corrective jaw surgery, noninvasive facial cosmetics, TMJ surgery, pathology and reconstructive surgery, and facial trauma surgery.

Dr. McLaughlin is board certified by the American Board of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery. He is also an active member of the American Association of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons, the Tennessee Society of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons, the Tennessee Dental Association, and the American Dental Association.

Dr. McLaughlin and his wife, Lauren, have three children, and together they enjoy traveling and finding new outdoor adventures! Dr. McLaughlin enjoys mountain biking and golfing in his free time. He and Lauren also enjoy spending time on the lake with friends and returning to Auburn on weekends in the fall to enjoy college football.

Dr. DiLuzio was born and raised in Tallahassee, Florida. He received his bachelor’s degree from the University of Florida before his education and training took him to Alabama. He earned his Doctor of Dental Medicine, Doctor of Medicine, and completed his surgical residency in oral and maxillofacial surgery at The University of Alabama at Birmingham.

Dr. Duckworth was born in Salt Lake City, Utah and is happy to be in Nashville to practice with Mid State Oral Surgery & Implant Center. He received his Bachelor of Science degree in Economics with a minor in Korean at Brigham Young University in Provo, Utah. After completion, he then went on to earn his Doctorate of Dental Surgery from University of Maryland, Baltimore School of Dentistry where he was heavily involved in orofacial pain research as well as community service and leadership opportunities.

His education brought him to Nashville, Tennessee where he worked with Dr. Mckenzie prior to his matriculation into his Oral Maxillofacial residency training. At that time, he and his family fell in love with Southern hospitality, the people, the food and the rolling hills of Tennessee. After a short year, opportunity took him to Phoenix, Arizona where he completed his oral maxillofacial surgical training at Banner/University of Arizona’s OMFS program. There he developed clinical interests in maxillofacial trauma, dentoalveolar surgery (dental extractions, bone grafting, implants), maxillofacial reconstruction, pathology, jaw corrective surgery, and Temporomandibular Joint (TMJ) Surgery. He also completed research on temporomandibular joint surgery and technological advancements for safe anesthesia delivery.

Dr. Duckworth is board certified with the American Board of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery. He is also an active member of the American Association of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons, the American Dental Association, and the Tennessee Dental Association. He is passionate about education, active involvement within the specialty, and innovation.

He is thrilled to be back in “Music City” to provide services for the community. He and his wife, Tori have four beautiful children and are anxious to plan their southern roots. As a family, they are actively engaged in their community schools, athletics, and their faith. Dr. Duckworth is often found on some adventure with his children, spending time with his wife, running, or enjoying the outdoors. Given his love of snow skiing, giving up the slopes of Utah was a hard sale for Dr. Duckworth, but joining the strong values and incredible team of Mid-State Oral Surgery was well worth the sacrifice.

Dr. Mills is a deeply committed and experienced oral and maxillofacial surgeon with a rich family history in dentistry spanning over a century. Born and raised in Enterprise, Alabama, Dr. Mills hails from a long line of dedicated dentists, with his father, grandfather, and great-grandfather all having served the community as general dentists. This family tradition of oral healthcare delivery has been ingrained in him from an early age, driving his passion for dental excellence.

Dr. Mills attended college at the University of Alabama, where he nurtured his academic prowess while cheering for the Crimson Tide. He then furthered his passion for oral health at the University of Alabama at Birmingham School of Dentistry.
Seeking to expand his horizons and delve deeper into the medical field, Dr. Mills then pursued his medical degree at Vanderbilt University School of Medicine, subsequently completing a rigorous residency in Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery at Vanderbilt University Medical Center.

Today, Dr. Mills is board certified with the American Board of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, and specializes in extractions, dental implants including zygomatic implants, and orthognathic (jaw) surgery.

Dr. Cook grew up in the scenic landscapes of Southeast Idaho and is delighted to now call Nashville home. He earned his undergraduate degree at Weber State University, where he was actively involved as a school ambassador and was honored with the prestigious Man of the Year award. He then went on to receive his Doctorate of Dental Surgery from the University of Utah School of Dentistry.

His path then led him to Nashville, Tennessee, where he was fortunate to be accepted into residency at Vanderbilt University Medical Center. During his residency, Dr. Cook developed a keen interest in dentoalveolar surgery, non-malignant pathology, corrective jaw surgery, maxillofacial trauma, and the management of temporomandibular joint disorders. He also gave time to research, specifically focusing on innovative techniques in corrective jaw surgery. He is board eligible by the American Board of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery.

Outside of the office, Dr. Cook enjoys a bustling home life and cherishes time with his wonderful, supportive wife and their four adventurous children, with another little one on the way! As a family, they love getting out and exploring all that beautiful Tennessee has to offer, whether it’s through biking, hiking, swimming, visiting local parks, or cheering on their kids in various sports. Dr. Cook is thrilled to be joining Mid-State Oral Surgery and is committed to continuing their dedication to excellent patient care.

Dr. Nicholson was born and raised in Sheboygan Falls, Wisconsin. He attended
Marquette University in Milwaukee and received his bachelor’s degree in
biomedical sciences. He continued his education at Marquette where he also
earned his Doctor of Dental Medicine. Looking for a change of scenery, he then
moved to the south where he earned his Doctor of Medicine and completed his
residency training in oral and maxillofacial surgery at the University of Alabama
at Birmingham.

During his residency, Dr. Nicholson participated in research in
temporomandibular joint surgery, head and neck pathology, and resident training
and education. His clinical interests include dentoalveolar surgery, dental
implantology, corrective jaw surgery, facial trauma surgery, and head and neck
pathology.

Throughout his training, Dr. Nicholson enjoyed the opportunity to be a part of
numerous volunteer and community service groups as well as going on several
faith-based international mission trips to provide dental and medical care.
While in residency, Dr. Nicholson met his wife (and operating room nurse) Taylor.
Desiring to stay in the south, they moved to Nashville to join Mid-State Oral
Surgery. During his free time Dr. Nicholson enjoys cycling, running, reading,
being involved in his church, and spending time with his wife.