Dr. Cecilia Mitchell
At Gracelight Community Health, compassionate care isn’t just a philosophy—it’s a commitment lived out by providers like Dr. Cecilia Mitchell, our dedicated Dental Director. With 18 years at Gracelight and a career spanning decades in community health, Dr. Mitchell has made it her mission to provide high-quality dental care to those who need it most.
Dr. Mitchell’s journey into dentistry was shaped by an early influence—her sister, who was dating a dentist at the time. “She told me what a great profession it was for women,” Dr. Mitchell recalls. At the time, she was torn between medical school and dental school, but the demanding lifestyle of medicine, including long nights and residency, led her to pursue dentistry instead. She enrolled at UCLA Dental School, setting the foundation for a fulfilling career.
Before joining Gracelight in 2007, Dr. Mitchell served as a dental director at another organization. However, she soon found herself overwhelmed by administrative duties in a large system, pulling her away from patient care. Wanting to return to hands-on dentistry, she sought a role that allowed her to focus on what she loved most—treating patients.
“When I came to Gracelight, it was exactly what I needed. It allowed me to do my job without unnecessary interference, and that has made all the difference,” she says.
Now, 18 years later, Dr. Mitchell continues to bring compassion and expertise to the patients she serves. Over the years, community health dentistry has not only fulfilled her professionally but also extended her career, giving her the opportunity to make a lasting impact.
For Dr. Mitchell, Gracelight’s compassion, empathy, and continuity of care distinguish it from other healthcare providers.
“Our patients don’t get shuffled between dentists. They see the same provider at every visit, and that makes a huge difference,” she explains. “That kind of consistency builds trust, and it’s something that often gets lost in larger systems.”
One of the biggest challenges in dental health today? Education.
Dr. Mitchell notes that many common oral health issues, such as cavities and periodontal disease, stem from a lack of knowledge about proper dental care. Teaching patients how to take care of their teeth can dramatically improve their oral health outcomes.
“Diabetes is also a major factor in our community,” she says. “It directly impacts oral health, so it’s essential that our patients receive proper education to prevent complications.”
For Dr. Mitchell, the greatest reward isn’t in performing complex procedures—it’s in the simple moments of care that transform a patient’s experience.
“Sometimes, just a basic cleaning can mean the world to someone,” she shares. “I love seeing how grateful patients are, especially in community dentistry. In private practice, it’s often about aesthetics, but here, it’s about real, tangible care that changes lives.”
After being at Gracelight for almost two decades, Dr. Cecilia Mitchell’s passion for community dentistry remains unwavering. Through her work, she continues to bring dignity, education, and high-quality care to patients who need it most, ensuring that oral health is never a privilege, but a right for all.