When Dr. Johnson first envisioned Brocks Gap Dental Group, he wasn’t just thinking about teeth, he was thinking about family. He dreamed of a place where patients of all ages could receive high-quality care under one roof, a practice built not only on convenience but on connection. That dream took root in 2007, when Pediatric and Adolescent Dentistry opened its doors to care for the community’s youngest smiles.

From there, the vision kept growing, just like the families it served. In 2018, Brocks Gap Orthodontics joined the practice, expanding care to children, teens, and adults looking to perfect their smiles with confidence. By 2019, the addition of Brocks Gap Dentistry made it possible for parents and adults to enjoy the same comprehensive and cosmetic dental care their children had come to trust.

Today, the practice includes Drs. Lauten Johnson, Lacey Sullivan, Lauren Denson, Dane Hoven, Patrick Nassetta, Al Jones, Elisabeth Cantrell, and Nick Conley. Each brings unique expertise, creating a collaborative environment where patients can receive pediatric, orthodontic, adult, and specialty care without leaving the practice.

Dr. Nick Conley, the newest addition, graduated from Auburn University in Biomedical Sciences (2016) and earned his Doctor of Medicine in Dentistry from UAB School of Dentistry, graduating Summa Cum Laude and as a member of the Omicron Kappa Upsilon Honor Society in 2021. His passion for dentistry and his warm, approachable nature make him a wonderful fit for the team. When he’s not in the office, Dr. Conley enjoys golf, watching sports, traveling with his wife, Mckinley, and spending time with their golden retriever, Doug.

The office is also preparing to welcome Dr. Jeff Fairchild, an endodontist, allowing patients to receive specialized treatments like root canals in-house, reducing delays and preventing dental issues from worsening.

Behind every smile is a dedicated team of over 40 employees, many of whom have been with the practice for nearly a decade. Guided by Dr. Johnson’s core value of giving back to the community, the team collaborates through off-site retreats, service projects, and sponsorships – supporting local schools, youth programs, businesses, and causes that make a meaningful impact in the greater community.

That spirit of service extends far beyond Hoover. In 2008, Dr. Johnson founded The Smile Foundation, a nonprofit that restores smiles and vision for people in underserved areas. Each summer, he leads a team of dentists, hygienists, optometrists, ophthalmologists, and students to provide free dental and eye care in Isla Mujeres and X-Can, Mexico. In 2025, the group served nearly 500 patients, with plans to expand to new communities in the years ahead.

At the core of Dr. Johnson’s work—both at home and abroad—is a belief in lifelong dental relationships. “It’s important to not only find a dental ‘home’ that’s convenient, but one you can truly trust with your family’s care,” he says. He encourages parents to establish that dental home by age one to build familiarity and comfort early. “Should there ever be an emergency, having that trusted relationship already in place helps ease an already stressful situation.”

From caring for neighbors across Hoover to bringing smiles to communities in Mexico, Brocks Gap Dental Group continues to grow, serve, and inspire. It’s not just a dental practice—it’s a reflection of Dr. Johnson’s dream to make the world brighter, one smile at a time.