Dr. Ryerson started our practice in Muscle Shoals in 1977. While not a native of the Shoals, he has chosen to live here and is committed to our area. His wife Lisa and daughter Isabella are still at home while his older daughters Amanda, Monica and Heather have continued their lives in other cities after leaving the nest. His background includes a B.S. degree in Chemistry from the University of Alabama in 1967. This was followed by a Doctor of Medicine in Dentistry Degree from the University of Alabama at Birmingham in 1971. Prior to coming to Muscle Shoals, he served six years in the U.S. Army Dental Corps, four of them in Germany.

On the subject of Continuing Education, Dr. Ryerson says “as a member of the American Dental Association, my staff, Dr. Gillespie and I routinely exceed the number of continuing education hours required annually. Far beyond these guidelines, I am committed to the special effort and considerable expense necessary to stay on the cutting edge of dentistry, both technically and managerially. Though not a popular topic, I have learned that the ‘business of dentistry’ is inseparably linked to the ‘delivery of fine dentistry’.”

Continuing Education Classes:
   • Dr. Peter Dawson–St. Petersburg, Florida, the foremost teacher of
      advanced dentistry in the U.S.
   • L.D. Pankey Institute for Advanced Dental Education in Coral Gables, FL
   • Researched Dr. Bob Barkley, who pioneered the concept of preventive
      dentistry and behavior modification to achieve a healthy mouth.
   • Dr. Michael Schuster–Center for Professional Development in Scottsdale, AZ for an efficient business.
   • Fortune Management, an Anthony Robbins Company, for team harmony.
   • J.P. Consultant Institute, a California based company to implement the newest and best techniques, medication, and treatment for controlling periodontal disease.
   • Las Vegas Institute for Advanced Dental Studies. The premier teaching institute in the world for Cosmetic Dentistry.

Memberships:
   • American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry
   • American Dental Association
   • American Academy of Implantology
   • International Academy of Implantology
   • Alabama Academy of General Dentistry
   • Alabama Dental Association
   • Tri-County Dental Society

Dr. Mary Leigh Gillespie, "Dr. G.", to the patients and staff, is a lifelong resident of the Shoals area. Born at ECM hospital, she was raised in Sheffield as Mary Leigh Grissom, daughter of the late Jackie Grissom and Jackie McCarley. She relocated to Florence at age eleven where she met her husband, Bradley Gillespie, who is originally from Moulton. She graduated from Coffee High School in 1991, then continued her education at the University of North Alabama. Mary Leigh received her Bachelor of Science in Biology and Chemistry in 1996. She went on to earn her Doctor of Medicine in Dentistry at the University of Alabama at Birmingham School of Dentistry. Dr. Ryerson and staff welcomed Dr. G. to the practice in 2002.

Dr. Gillespie has brought digital photography into the practice to utilize the cutting edge techniques in the ever changing high tech dental environment. She has recently furthered her dental education by completing “Root Camp” taught by Dr. Arthur “Kit” Weathers, Jr., D.D.S. This course has increased her knowledge and efficiency of root canal therapy. Technology has grown in leaps and bounds throughout dentistrym, and Dr. G. is happy to bring the computer-age into the practice. We now have voice-activated periodontal charting so that the patients will receive a map and a report card explaining how to maximize their home care. Also,digital radiography is now being used to increase the efficiency of root canal therapy.

Continuing Education Classes:
   • Studied under Dr. Kit Weathers, Pioneer of Endodontics
   • Las Vegas Institute for Advanced Dental Studies. The premier teaching
      institute in the world for Cosmetic Dentistry
   • Dr. Peter Dawson–St. Petersburg, Florida, the foremost teacher of
      advanced dentistry in the U.S.

Memberships:
   • American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry
   • American Dental Association
   • Alabama Academy of General Dentistry
   • Alabama Dental Association
   • Tri-County Dental Society- Treasurer