Dr. Mark McCullough, DDS
Dentist & Founder — Serving All BluSky Locations
Meet Dr. Mark McCullough
Dr. Mark McCullough is the founder of BluSky Dental, serving patients across all BluSky locations in Ottawa. With his Doctor of Dental Surgery degree from the University of Toronto (2002) and a Bachelor of Science from the University of Western Ontario, Dr. McCullough brings over two decades of clinical experience and a lifelong passion for dentistry to every patient interaction.
Dr. McCullough decided to become a dentist at age twelve, and that early commitment has only grown stronger over the years. After graduating from dental school with an award for excellence in treatment planning and diagnosis, he began his career in Peterborough before relocating to Ottawa in 2004. He has since dedicated himself to building a practice centered on clinical excellence, advanced technology, and genuine patient care.
A Journey in Dentistry
Dr. McCullough grew up in Peterborough, Ontario, raised by parents who instilled in him the values of hard work, loyalty, and commitment. Though there were no dentists in his family, he set his sights on the profession at twelve and never looked back.
In high school, he joined the co-operative education program and spent time in a dental office and dental laboratory, confirming his passion for the profession. He went on to earn his B.Sc. in biochemistry and chemistry at the University of Western Ontario before being accepted to the University of Toronto Faculty of Dentistry.
After graduating in 2002, Dr. McCullough practiced as an associate at Kawartha Dental Clinic in Peterborough under Dr. Don Foster, one of the most influential mentors in his early career. In 2004, he moved to Ottawa and joined Holland Cross Dental Centre, where he worked alongside Dr. Byrne Reesor, Dr. Derek Turner, Dr. John Hill, and Dr. Robert Ganske, each of whom contributed to his development as a clinician.
Over the following decade, Dr. McCullough travelled extensively across North America and Europe to train with leading dental educators. His pursuit of advanced education in digital dentistry, implant surgery, bone regeneration, and complex surgical procedures shaped the clinician he is today.
He later purchased Holland Cross Dental Centre and began building what is now BluSky Dental — a practice that represents everything he has learned throughout his career about strong teams, mentorship, lifelong learning, and patient-centered care.
Clinical Expertise
Integrated Implantology
Dr. McCullough is highly trained in Integrated Implantology, combining 3D cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) with intraoral scanning to produce detailed 3D models of each patient. This allows dentistry and surgery to be simulated on a virtual model first, resulting in precision within fractions of a millimeter. Patients benefit from shorter procedures, faster healing, and more predictable outcomes.
CEREC & CAD/CAM Dentistry
Dr. McCullough utilizes CEREC (Chairside Economical Restoration of Esthetic Ceramics) technology, employing CAD/CAM (Computer Aided Design / Computer Assisted Manufacturing) to design and mill dental restorations chairside. Crowns and onlays that once required multiple appointments can now be completed in a single visit.
Microscope-Enhanced Dentistry
By incorporating dental microscopes into his practice, Dr. McCullough achieves exceptional precision in complex procedures such as root canals and restorative work, delivering outcomes that would not be possible with the naked eye alone.
Advanced Qualifications
Dr. McCullough's continued passion for learning drives him to pursue advanced training across multiple disciplines. His qualifications include:
- IV Sedation — Certified to provide hospital-level sedation comfort for anxious patients and complex procedures
- Microscope Enhanced Dentistry — Precision care using high-powered magnification for superior outcomes
- Digital Dentistry — Advanced proficiency in 3D imaging, intraoral scanning, and digital treatment planning
- Integrated Implantology — 3D-guided implant placement combining CBCT and intraoral scanning
- Zirconia & Titanium Implants — Placement of full zirconia dental implants (Ceraroot) in addition to traditional titanium implants
Teaching & Professional Leadership
Dr. McCullough's passion extends beyond patient care to educating the next generation of dental professionals and advancing the profession. His teaching and leadership roles include:
- Algonquin College Instructor — Teaching in the dental assisting and restorative hygiene programs since 2005
- Dental Advisory Committee — Sits on Algonquin College's Dental Advisory Committee, helping shape dental education
- National & International Lecturer — Lectures dentists across North America and internationally on dental technology and integrated implantology
- Ottawa Dental Society Council — Active member contributing to the professional dental community
- Ottawa CEREC Study Club — Founded this peer-education forum for dentists advancing in digital restoration
- Capital Dentistry Study Club — Co-founded Capital Dentistry and the Capital Dentistry study club
- Industry Beta Tester — Beta tests materials and methods for major dental companies in digital implant, restorative, and sleep dentistry
Community Involvement
Giving back has always been central to Dr. McCullough's practice. Together with his colleague Dr. Winlow, a friend of over 30 years, he helped establish a program with CHEO (Children's Hospital of Eastern Ontario) to re-establish the oral health of pediatric cancer survivors in need of treatment.
This commitment to community reflects the broader BluSky philosophy — that exceptional dental care extends beyond the clinic and into the lives of those who need it most.
Dr. McCullough's Philosophy
BluSky Dental represents everything Dr. McCullough has learned throughout his career — the importance of strong teams, mentorship, lifelong learning, and above all, patient-centered care. His approach combines cutting-edge dental technology with genuine compassion, ensuring every patient receives precise, comfortable treatment in an environment where they feel truly cared for.
When you choose BluSky, you're choosing a practice founded and led by a dentist who teaches other dentists — someone whose expertise is sought by dental manufacturers and professionals alike, and whose commitment to excellence has only deepened over more than two decades in the profession.
Book an Appointment with Dr. McCullough
Experience the care and expertise that Dr. McCullough and the entire BluSky team bring to every visit. Whether you need a routine checkup, advanced implant work, or anything in between, we're here to help.
Richardson: (613) 829-5921
Centrepointe: (613) 224-8600
Holland Cross: (613) 728-1511
McCarthy: (613) 526-9876
At BluSky we BEElieve in bringing life to your smile. 🐝