Making a difference in someone’s life begins with building a relationship with them. I enjoy asking my patients questions and really listening to their answers. Hearing about their experiences, goals, and dreams gives me a connection to each as a person and also helps me understand how best to address their dental needs.
I appreciate the opportunity to get to know each patient personally, listening to their joys and sometimes their sorrows, and sharing in their lives through the years. I love developing relationships with my patients and treasure each connection we build.
Being a dentist both allows me to help take care of people’s health – improving their oral and overall wellness – and to be involved in their lives. I cannot imagine a more fulfilling profession.
Education and Experience
I have been in practice as a dentist in Murray, Kentucky, for 25 years.
I was interested in dentistry at a young age, as I had braces when in middle school and made many trips to my local dental office. Then, in college, I was influenced by Dr. Michael Ridley, a local Oral Surgeon. He encouraged me to reconsider teaching and coaching and go into dentistry.
I attended Murray State University, where I received my Bachelor of Science. My Doctorate of Dental Medicine (DMD) was then obtained at the University of Louisville School of Dentistry.
Continual Learning and Professional Affiliations
Dentistry, like all areas of healthcare, is constantly advancing. Research leads to new technologies, materials, and methodologies, which have the potential to improve patient care and outcomes. As a professional, it is my responsibility to stay current on the latest developments in order to provide my patients with the quality, conservative dentistry they deserve.
I am an active member of the Kentucky and American Dental Associations and through these organizations I have access to numerous avenues to learning. In addition to in-person and online courses, I regularly attend meetings, seminars, and lectures. I have completed a range of training in everything from general dentistry to OSHA updates, opioid abuse/KASPAR courses, and Invisalign® certification coursework.
Beyond the Practice
I’ve lived here in Murray for 35 years and the last 29 of those years have been spent with my wonderful wife, Lee Ann. We have three incredible children:
Samantha Shipley and her husband Zach are both Murray State University graduates. They live in Jonesboro, Arkansas, and are on staff with Campus Outreach ministries. Ann Young and her husband, Jordan, are also graduates of Murray State. Ann is working on a Master’s in Speech Pathology and Jordan is an Engineer with Barnhart Crane of Memphis. And Gabe Taylor, our youngest, is attending Murray State with eyes on dental school.
Time with family and loved ones is a priority when I’m not at the office. I also enjoy working on my angus cattle farm, boating and fishing at Kentucky Lake, and teaching adult Bible school each Sunday at Hardin Baptist.
In the Community
High school and college ministry is my passion. I coached high school football for over ten years and enjoyed helping grow high school men into Christian husbands and fathers. I no longer coach, but still love to lead small groups of high school and college men to learn more about the Christian walk.
Through Hardin Baptist and Fellowship of Christian Athletes (FCA), I volunteer in college ministry at Murray State. I also speak to athletic teams in our tri-state region through my non-profit, 46Power, which provides FCA bibles and devotionals. I currently serve on the FCA board, along with my wife; we are helping launch this group onto Murray State’s campus.
