About Us

Meet the Award-Winning Dentist Behind Your Smile

August 31, 2026
By MSC Team

At Marion Smile Center, we believe exceptional care begins with exceptional dental experts. Our practice is home to two of them: General and Cosmetic Dentist, Dr. Mark Marion, DMD, FAGD and Implant and Root Canal Specialist, Dr. Melanie Quest, DMD, each bringing a wealth of knowledge, experience, and genuine care to every smile they treat.

This post focuses on Dr. Marion. We sat down with him to ask a few questions – both professional and personal – so you can get to know the person behind the practice before you ever sit in the chair.

An Award-Winning Legacy of Care

Dr. Marion is an award-winning, third-generation dentist with decades of clinical expertise. He has been repeatedly recognized as a “Top Dentist” and “Top Cosmetic Dentist” by Pittsburgh Magazine and continues to receive top honors and national recognition from his peers. He holds a Doctor of Medicine in Dentistry (DMD) and is a Fellow of the Academy of General Dentistry (FAGD).

Getting to know Dr. Marion

What inspired you to pursue a career in dentistry?

“Dentistry has been in my life for as long as I can remember. As a toddler, my father was a dental student at the University of Pittsburgh, and I have memories of him bringing teeth models home and his passion for dentistry. He loved it! During college and dental school, I spent time during the summers working for my father as a dental assistant. After graduation from University of Pittsburgh Dental School, I worked as a dentist with my father for a few years until I opened my own office in Zelienople. In fact, it was in the building right next door to where Marion Smile Center is today.”

Many of Dr. Marion’s patients first came to him as children, after following him from his father’s practice in the neighboring town. Today, some of those same patients are bringing their own children to see him. There’s something incredibly special about caring for multiple generations of the same families.

What do you love most about your work?

“Dentistry offers me opportunities to help people in various ways. By addressing any pain or infection first, patients are able to resume their normal lives pain-free. Then, we restore their teeth to help them function properly allowing them to eat comfortably. Now, we can help patients achieve their most beautiful smiles and develop more confidence by addressing their other dental needs. My favorite part of dentistry is mixing science with art and creating smiles that they can be proud of.”

Click to see before-and-after smiles transformed by our amazing team →

What’s your favorite dental procedure to perform – and why?

“My favorite procedure to do is a single-visit root canal. Using cutting-edge technology, such as digital scanners, 3D imaging, intraoral camera, etc., we can treat a tooth causing pain and restore it with a custom crown in the very same appointment. The patient walks out with a tooth that is healthy, strong, and beautiful all at once.”

How do you help nervous patients feel more comfortable in the chair?

“People want to be heard and understood. By listening to patients’ concerns while maintaining a calm and caring demeanor, I let them know that they are in the right place, that we are able to help them, and we will make them as comfortable as possible. My favorite patient remarks are “I didn’t feel a thing!; You are so gentle; I like the way you tell me what you’re going to do before you do it.”

Click here to see what we offer patients to make them feel more comfortable, including nitrous.

Here’s one of many reviews: “As someone who has a lot of anxiety with the dentist Marion has completely changed that outlook. I was upfront with being nervous and they made me feel extremely comfortable. I felt confident and welcomed by everyone there. This is the place to go! Extremely knowledgeable!! They explained what they were doing and made me feel comfortable. I no longer get anxious knowing I have a dental appointment. 10 out of 10!” – Jacquelyn H. (Google)

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At Marion Smile Center, we prioritize trust and clear communication, tailoring every treatment to unique needs for an anxiety-free experience. Our office is also fully stroller- and wheelchair-accessible.

The Heart Behind the Hands

To the team and the community, Dr. Marion is more than just a dentist. Here are a few more personal details about our favorite guy around the office:

Hobby most people don’t know about: Martial arts including nunchucks.
Favorite local spot: Kaufman Tavern
Favorite destination: Cabo San Lucas, Mexico
Song that puts him in a good mood: “Deeper Than the Holler” by Randy Travis
Community Involvement: Through our “Doing Good” initiative, Dr. Marion partners with local charities and participates in fundraising events throughout the Zelienople-Harmony area
Most “you” thing in your office? My putter and golf balls in the corner of my office

From the Team

Patients often note that Dr. Marion’s exams are incredibly thorough, identifying issues that prior dentists missed. He utilizes in-depth intraoral photographs of problem teeth and oral cancer screenings to ensure nothing is overlooked. As one long-term patient shared, “Dr. Marion has a very calming demeanor and is very gentle. He always makes sure you know why he is doing any procedure”.

Ready to Meet Dr. Marion?

New patients are always welcome! We proudly serve the North Hills of Pittsburgh, Zelienople, Harmony, Cranberry Township, and surrounding areas in Butler and Beaver Counties.