Dr. Ryerson has a passion for dentistry that goes above and beyond the treatment of tooth decay and gum disease. His focus is on the patient and their happiness and well-being, whether that be managing pain, creating a beautiful smile with his talent for cosmetic dentistry, or soothing anxiety through the use of sedation dentistry. Read more about what makes Dr. Ryerson such a great leader in our office below!

Dr. Ryerson graduated from the University of Alabama with a degree in chemistry. At UA, he was a very dedicated member of the Million Dollar Band, in which he played clarinet. After he graduated, he attended the University of Alabama at Birmingham (UAB) School of dentistry where he earned his Doctor of Medicine in Dentistry degree. 

Dr. Ryerson, along with his love for dentistry and serving his patients, also has a heart for giving back to his community. Every year, for 15 years, he has held a free dentistry day called "Dentistry From the Heart" in which he provides completely free dentistry to all people who need dental treatment and who do not have the financial means to attain it. He also does the same for all Veterans on Veterans Day every year, as Dr. Ryerson is a veteran himself. 

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Dr. Ryerson has also donated his time and knowledge for 14 years to give free dental evaluations and hygiene lessons to children who participate in Give-a-Kid-a-Chance.

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Dr. Ryerson has been a dedicated member of the Rotary Club for 6 years.

Prior to settling in Muscle Shoals, Dr. Ryerson served six years in the U.S. Army Dental Corps, four of them in Germany; he started our practice in 1977. Dr. Ryerson's practice has seen consistent growth throughout economic struggles, competition, and other external conflicts because his motive remains the same: he has an unwavering dedication to treating his patients with the respect, care, and understanding he believes they deserve. 

• American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry (AACD)

• American Academy of Implant Dentistry (AAID)

• American Dental Association (ADA)

• Academy of General Dentistry (AGD)

• International Academy of Implantology​

• Alabama Dental Association​ (ALDA)

• Tri-County Dental Society

• Occupational Safety and Health Administration Standards (OSHA)

• Basic Life Support (BLS)

• Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS)

• CPR

• IV Sedation

• Periodontics

Dr. Ryerson has 4 daughters: Amanda, Monica, Heather, and Isabella. He also has 4 grandchildren: Hannah Faith, Nate, Morgan, and Zoey. He has been married to his wife, Lisa, for 30 years.

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During his free time, Dr. Ryerson enjoys working in his beautiful yard with his wife, spending time on the Tennessee River, and cheering on the University of Alabama in their athletic endeavors (mainly football). Roll Tide!

• Dr. Peter Dawson | St. Petersburg, Florida | The foremost teacher of advanced dentistry in the U.S.

• L.D. Pankey | Coral Gables, FL | Institute for Advanced Dental Education. ​

• Dr. Michael Schuster | Scottsdale, AZ | Center for Professional Development: How to Establish an Efficient Business

• Anthony Robbins Company | Fortune Management & Team Harmony

• J.P. Consultant Institute | California based company focused on implementing 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.

• Actively Researches Dr. Bob Barkley | Pioneered the concept of preventive dentistry and behavior modification to achieve a healthy mouth.

Dr. Johnson grew up in Killen, Alabama and, after serving a mission in the Spanish language, becoming fluent, he returned to Florence, Alabama. He met Dr. Ryerson in 2015 and it led to his pursuit of dentistry. Dr. Johnson is passionate about saving teeth and restoring function, as well as having a strong focus on prevention. He feels that: “It is better to maintain than repair, and better to repair than replace”. He also believes strongly in family practice and the importance of a genuine connection, between a patient whose trust has been earned and a provider whose strengths are listening, compassion and quality of care.

Dr. Johnson holds a BA degree in Communication, theater performance focus, and a BS degree in Biology, with a chemistry minor, both from the University of North Alabama. He graduated Magna Cum Laude each time. Dr. Johnson attended dental school at Case Western Reserve University, in Cleveland, Ohio. He completed a general practice residency at Promedica Toledo Hospital, in Toledo, Ohio.

• The American Dental Association (ADA)

• The Academy of General Dentistry (AGD)

• The Alabama Dental Association (ADAL)

• Occupational Safety and Health Administration Standards (OSHA)

• Basic Life Support (BLS)

• Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS)

• CPR

• General Practice Residency (GPR)

​Dr. Johnson feels strongly about the importance of giving back. He is an Eagle Scout, has volunteered at many free health and dentistry clinics and volunteers each month at La Clínica Cristiana, in Muscle Shoals. He has been a CASA volunteer and offered interpreting in many different facilities and capacities. He has volunteered with the Shoals Community Clinic, both in a general and dental capacity. Arnold Schwarzenegger has said: “There is no such thing as a self-made man. Once you realize that you are the product of a lot of help: you will acknowledge that you must help others”. Dr. Johnson is deeply grateful to all of those who have encouraged and assisted him along the way, and continues to look for even more opportunities to contribute to the local community and to the wider world.

Dr. Johnson is an avid woodworker, writer, home chef and baker, gardener, retired competitive natural bodybuilder and a proud Southern gentleman. He loves relaxing by a firepit, with friends. He has experience as an actor, voice actor, director and stand-up comic. He is happiest in the woods and has a deep reverence for, and appreciation of, natural beauty. He looks forward to the new challenges and fulfillment that will come with private practice and associateship, this newest chapter of his life. He resides in Muscle Shoals, Alabama.