Dr. J. Lamar Johnston, DDS, is a lifelong resident of Ruston, Louisiana. He graduated from Cedar Creek High School in 1975 and attended undergraduate studies at Louisiana Tech University. Following in his father’s footsteps, Dr. Johnston found his passion for dentistry. He furthered his education at Louisiana State University School of Dentistry, where he obtained his Doctor of Dental Surgery (DDS). In 1983 he joined his father, Dr. Jerry Cecil Johnston. Carrying on his father’s legacy, Dr. J. Lamar Johnston’s mission is to provide the best dentistry with exceptional service.

Dr. Johnston is committed to using the latest technologies and continuing in the most recent dental advancements. Dr. Johnston has completed extensive surgical implant training from CIRP, Comprehensive Implant Residency Program in Birmingham, Alabama. Placing and restoring implants has become one of his most refined skills and a favorite service to offer his patients because of the significant advantages they provide. Dr. Johnston is dedicated to always listening to his patients and providing every option available.
When Dr. Johnston isn’t serving his patients, he enjoys spending time with family, reading the Bible, traveling, hiking, and playing golf and tennis. Dr. Johnston is a member of the Academy of General Dentistry, American Dental Association, a lifetime member of the Louisiana Dental Association, and Sunrise Dental Solutions.

Dr. S. David Murphy is a Quitman, Louisiana native and graduate of Cedar Creek High School in 2012. He then attended Louisiana State University in Baton Rouge, where he graduated Summa Cum Laude with a Bachelor of Science Degree in Biology. He then went on to attend the Louisiana State University School of Dentistry. Despite the CO-Vid pandemic, he attained a Doctor of Dental Surgery degree in 2020.

After working as Johnston’s Associate for 2 years, Dr. Murphy became a partner in May of 2022. He strives to provide excellent oral health care to everyone he gets to care for. Dr. Murphy’s services include general restorative dentistry, implant dentistry, IV sedation, cosmetic dentistry, Invisalign, laser therapy, root canal therapy, extractions, and others. His focus is to provide the best dentistry with exceptional service and believes in treating people the way you would treat your own family members, is the only way to practice dentistry.

Dr. Murphy does not stop learning. Since graduation in 2020, he has become certified in administering IV Sedation as well as received intensive training in dental implant surgery. He is a member of the American Dental Association, Louisiana Dental Association, Academy of General Dentistry, Community and Clinical Education for Modern Dentist (CDOCS), Spear Education, and the Ruston- Lincoln Chamber of Commerce. David is an active member of Sweetwater Baptist Church and the Lincoln-Rotary.

David is the founder of the annual “Johnston & Murphy Dental Care Give Kids a Smile Day”. This is an annual event in which the practice gives free dental care and educates children in the importance of keeping teeth healthy and cavity free. David is also a pillar to the LA Tech Pre-dental students. Students filter in, and job shadow him frequently. Dr. Murphy offers support and guidance as he teaches and explains the ins and outs of dentistry to each of these students. His impact is helping emerge them in so many ways.

Mr. Murphy’s favorite thing about dentistry is giving someone their smile back. He is eager to provide patients with an excellent and unique oral health care experience.
He is married to Sidney Ann White. Together they have a one-year-old daughter, Caroline, and two silver Labrador Retrievers, Benelli and Remi. When not practicing dentistry, Dr. Murphy enjoys spending time with family and friends, hunting, fishing, canoeing, camping, cooking gumbo, and anything outdoors.