Dr. Chris Canales received an appointment to the United States Naval Academy in Annapolis, Maryland where he earned his commission as a naval officer and a Bachelor of Science in System Engineering in 1995. Following graduation his tours of duty included service onboard a frigate in Yokosuka, Japan and with the Marine Corps in Camp Lejeune, NC. His 10 years of active service included multiple oversea deployments including the Persian Gulf. In 2001, Dr. Canales entered the Navy Reserve to begin full-time study of dentistry. He continues to maintain an active role in the reserves and has recently been selected for the rank of Commander.
In 2004, Dr. Canales returned to Alabama to study dentistry at the University of Alabama at Birmingham. He graduated with his DMD in 2008 and was awarded the prestigious Dean's Medal for outstanding scholarship and leadership. Following dental school, he focused on the study of orthodontics and received his certificate and post-doctoral master's degree from the University of North Carolina in Chapel Hill.
In his spare time, Dr. Canales enjoys travel, tennis, and sailing. He loves old cars and has restored a 1968 Camaro. As a big fan of music, he loves to see live shows and has played bass guitar in several bands over the years.