Meet Dr. Lew Sample - Board-Certified Orthodontist in Decatur & Hartselle, AL
Dr. Lew B. Sample is a board-certified orthodontist - a Diplomate of the American Board of Orthodontics - who has cared for smiles in Decatur, Hartselle, and across North Alabama since 1999. As the lead orthodontist at Valley Orthodontics, he combines advanced specialty training, decades of hands-on experience, and a genuine love for this community. Whether he’s guiding a child’s first checkup or perfecting an adult’s smile, Dr. Sample brings the same careful, detail-oriented approach to every patient who sits in his chair.
Education & Training
| Degree | Institution | Detail |
|---|---|---|
| B.S., Biology | Samford University | Omicron Delta Kappa; varsity football captain |
| DMD | University of Alabama School of Dentistry | Graduated with honors, 1994 |
| Orthodontic Residency + Master’s | Birmingham, AL | 3-year residency; post-doctoral master’s in clinical dentistry |
Dr. Sample built his expertise on a strong academic foundation. He earned his Bachelor of Science in Biology from Samford University - where he was inducted into the Omicron Delta Kappa honor society and served as captain of the varsity football team - before completing his dental degree with honors at the University of Alabama School of Dentistry. He went on to complete a three-year orthodontic residency in Birmingham and earned a post-doctoral master’s degree in clinical dentistry, the specialized training that separates an orthodontist from a general dentist.
Board Certification & Professional Leadership
Dr. Sample is a Diplomate of the American Board of Orthodontics (ABO) - having successfully completed all phases of the rigorous ABO examination. Board certification is a voluntary step that not every orthodontist chooses to pursue, and it reflects a commitment to the highest standards in the specialty. You can verify his standing on the ABO Orthodontist Locator, and read more on our board-certified orthodontist page.
Along the way, he earned the Shepard Award for achieving the highest score in the nation on the ABO Phase 2 written examination - a distinction that speaks to the depth of his expertise. He has also co-authored several scientific articles published in orthodontic journals.
His professional leadership includes:
- Past President, Alabama Association of Orthodontists
- Member, Edward H. Angle Society of Orthodontists
- Alabama Delegate, Southern Association of Orthodontists Board of Directors
- Assistant Professor, University of Alabama School of Dentistry
- Member of the American Association of Orthodontists, the American Dental Association, and the Alabama Dental Association
Dr. Sample’s Approach to Care
Patients and parents choose Dr. Sample for his experience, precision, and clear communication. He takes the time to explain every option in plain language, plans and monitors each case carefully from start to finish, and focuses on healthy bites and beautiful smiles built to last. It’s an approach grounded in decades of practice - and in genuinely caring about the people of North Alabama.
Our offices use modern tools like the iTero® digital scanner and 3D imaging, so treatment is planned with precision and comfort from day one - no goopy impressions required.
Beyond the Office
Dr. Sample has called the Decatur area home for decades and is deeply involved in the community he serves. He’s active with the Kiwanis Club of Decatur, the Fellowship of Christian Athletes, and the Decatur General Hospital Foundation. He and his wife, Mandy, have three children - Marilyn, Carter, and Saxon.
Honors & Recognition
- Shepard Award - highest national score on the ABO Phase 2 written exam
- Voted Decatur’s “Best of the Best” in nearly every one of the last 20 years, and Hartselle’s “Best of the Best” every year since our Hartselle office opened
- Diplomate, American Board of Orthodontics · Member, Edward H. Angle Society
Schedule With Dr. Sample
Ready to meet Dr. Sample and the Valley Orthodontics team? Your first visit is a free consultation - no cost, no obligation, just a friendly conversation about your smile.
Decatur Office - 2014 Danville Park Dr SW, Decatur, AL 35603 · (256) 355-5255 Hartselle Office - 220 Karl Prince Dr SW, Hartselle, AL 35640 · (256) 773-8613