By Jason Zasky
Dr. Amber Johnson knew she wanted to be a dentist before finishing elementary school.
“I had braces in fifth grade, and I was really self-conscious about my teeth being crooked,” she begins. “Once I finished braces, I had a lot more confidence and a real interest [in becoming a dentist],” which became evident in middle school when she attended the Middle Tennessee Science Fair and did a presentation entitled: “What Substance is Most Effective for Cleaning Teeth?” Then In high school, she went so far as to shadow the dentist she went to while growing up.
Fast forward to today, and Dr. Johnson owns Berry Farms Dental on Hughes Crossing in Berry Farms, where she practices alongside Dr. Brooke McVey.
“I knew early on that I wanted to do something in medicine and something where I interacted with people,” says Dr. Johnson. “I stuck with it, and it has worked out.”
Indeed it has, as Berry Farms Dental is now approaching its eighth anniversary, founded by Dr. Johnson after she spent six years working at a group practice with locations in Madison and Mt. Juliet.
“I have patients who followed me from there,” she adds, noting that she and her team of five hygienists and three dental assistants go the extra mile to offer the best possible patient experience. “I am big on investing back into the practice so we can give our patients a great experience. We want to make sure patients are comfortable, so we offer heated massage chairs and have televisions on the walls and ceilings,” she continues.
More importantly, Johnson and McVey offer the latest in terms of technology and procedures, providing all general services, as well as cosmetic services and specialty services like dental implants.
“A big thing that sets us apart is we have the technology that allows us to make crowns in our office the same day, so patients don’t have to come back for a second visit,” says Dr. Johnson. “A lot of patients come to us specifically for that because they know they want [crowns] done in one day.”
Parents also appreciate that Berry Farms Dental treats patients of all ages, from toddlers to the elderly.
“You can have your appointment, and your children can come at the same time,” says Dr. Johnson, before noting that she and Dr. McVey are very comfortable treating children. In fact, both are moms, with three children and one child, respectively. “We treat kids the way we would want our kids to be treated,” she adds.
That fits well with the community-oriented atmosphere, which is enhanced because most of the employees live in Berry Farms or elsewhere nearby.
“I like working in the community in which I live because I see my patients everywhere,” continues Dr. Johnson. “It’s really neat because it’s like an extended family, and as a family-owned office, we are able to spend extra time with patients and provide better care.”
Dr. Johnson—who received her undergraduate degree from Lipscomb University and graduated from the University of Tennessee Health Science Center in Memphis—also gives back to the community on an ongoing basis by providing free dental services on a volunteer basis. That includes volunteering at Interfaith Dental Clinic, a nonprofit clinic with locations in Nashville and Murfreesboro.
Perhaps not surprisingly, Dr. Johnson can’t see herself living or working anywhere else.
“When I started the practice, we wanted to move here because we loved the community, knew it was a growing area and wanted to raise our kids here,” she concludes. “I’m here for life.”
Contact Berry Farms Dental
4020 Hughes Crossing
Ste. 140
Franklin, TN 37064
Phone: 615-435-3274
https://berryfarmsdental.com