About Our Practice
When Dr. Mac Garrison first began this Harrisonburg private practice in 1983, many of his patients entered his office saying, “No offense, Doc, but I hate dentists.” Now, over thirty years later, many of those same patients enter the office with a smile and a warm greeting. That’s the part of dentistry that we enjoy most: the long-term relationships we have developed by helping patients conquer their apprehension, providing dental care, and motivating them to practice better oral hygiene. Now both Mac and Evan Garrison together continue the tradition of comprehensive care in a friendly atmosphere.
Another aspect of dentistry that we embrace is the ever-evolving landscape of technology, such as computers that make crowns while you wait and lasers that treat gum disease. Keeping abreast of evidence-based dentistry and the latest developments in the field is one of our highest priorities. Both Mac and Evan Garrison are members in the Academy of General Dentistry, an organization that promotes professional study and education. In 2003 Dr. Mac Garrison earned Mastership in the Academy of General Dentistry, the highest achievement within the AGD, awarded upon completion of over 1000 hours of clinical continuing education.
Dr. Mac Garrison
Dr. Mac Garrison grew up in Pulaski, Virginia, and attended Hampden-Sydney College where he studied Biology. After moving to Richmond, he obtained his Doctor of Dental Surgery from the Medical College of Virginia School of Dentistry. He completed a General Practice Residency at Charlotte Memorial Hospital in Charlotte, NC. While in Charlotte, his wife gave birth to their daughter and upon completion of the program, Dr. Garrison decided to move to the beautiful Shenandoah Valley to raise his young family and set up a practice.
He has twice served as President of the Shenandoah Valley Dental Association as well as on numerous committees of the Virginia Dental Association. More locally, he founded the Harrisonburg-Rockingham Free Dental Clinic in 1994 and continues to treat Free Clinic patients. He also volunteered for Rockingham Memorial Hospital in the event of dental emergencies. As a volunteer ski patroller at Massanutten Resort for seventeen years, he treated injured skiers and taught Outdoor Emergency Care to ski patrol candidates.
In his free time Dr. Garrison enjoys snow skiing and mountain biking. He recently built a beautiful 12′ wooden dinghy, which he is learning to sail.
Professional Organizations and Memberships
- American Dental Association
- Virginia Dental Association
- Shenandoah Valley Dental Association
- Harrisonburg-Rockingham Dental Study Club
- Fellow in the American College of Dentists
- American Academy of Dental Sleep Medicine
- Master in the Academy of General Dentistry
- Millennium Institute for Advanced Laser Dentistry
- CEREC Doctors
- First Presbyterian Church
- Shenandoah Valley Bicycle Coalition
Dr. Evan Garrison
In 2017, Dr. Evan Garrison joined the family practice, allowing us to give our patients more attention to their needs and questions. Dr. Garrison has a special interest in surgery, replacing missing or broken teeth, and assisting geriatric patients with their changing oral condition.
Evan is the daughter of April and Mac Garrison. She grew up in Harrisonburg and pursued a degree in Economics and Asian Studies at James Madison University. While assisting at the Harrisonburg Free Clinic with her dad, she realized her desire to provide health care and decided to go to dental school.
She attended Virginia Commonwealth University/MCV School of Dentistry in Richmond for her Doctor of Dental Surgery degree. At VCU, Evan earned a scholarship of merit every year, held numerous leadership roles, and participated in many community service events. She traveled to Dominican Republic and Jamaica for dental mission trips and was selected by her professors for an externship in Qingdao, China. She spent three weeks over her winter break treating patients in a Chinese dental hospital.
Dr. Evan Garrison is currently serving as the President-Elect for the Shenandoah Dental Association. And like her father, she loves mountain biking and skiing.
Professional Organizations and Memberships
- American Dental Association
- Virginia Dental Association
- Shenandoah Valley Dental Association
- Academy of General Dentistry
- International Congress of Oral Implantologists
- Delta Sigma Delta Community Service Dental Fraternity
- National Ski Patrol Alumni
Dr. Holly Legg
We are excited to welcome Dr. Holly Legg to our team as a third dentist. Dr. Legg is a native of Roanoke, Virginia, and a graduate of the University of Virginia. She went on to earn her Doctor of Dental Surgery degree from Virginia Commonwealth University School of Dentistry. Most recently, Dr. Legg practiced in Memphis, Tennessee while her husband completed his medical residency. She is a member of the Shenandoah Valley Dental Association, Virginia Dental Society, and the American Dental Association. Dr. Legg aims to improve the oral health of her patients and increase the confidence in their smiles by providing the highest quality of care. In her free time, she enjoys hiking, cooking, and traveling with her husband and two children.
Avery
Registered Dental Hygienist
Avery Graduated from LFCC Dental Hygiene School in May 2022 and joined our practice shortly after. She strives to ensure patients are relaxed and comfortable during their dental appointments by creating a stress-free environment. In her spare time, Avery likes to travel to North Carolina where she practices with her competitive dance team and teaches the younger dancers. She also enjoys skiing, hiking, and spending time with her family and three dogs.
Lisa
Registered Dental Hygienist
Lisa joined our office in 2005. She enjoys learning about the latest dental health research, including the links between oral and systemic health. Lisa strives to provide patients with not only a positive dental experience but also personalized strategies for maintaining their optimal oral health. She loves to read, play the piano, and spend time with family and friends.
Tammy
Registered Dental Hygienist
Tammy started with us in early 2020. Happy to be back in the office with clients, Tammy loves helping patients create and maintain healthy smiles. This mom of two adult children and two cats likes to travel, read, garden, walk, and hang out with her spouse and family. We all love Tammy’s laugh. Her positive outlook and happy conversations keep everyone in good spirits.
Gracie
Dental Assistant
Gracie graduated from Massanutten Technical Center’s dental assisting program in 2022. She started here as our summer intern, and we loved her so much we insisted that she stay. She is compassionate and sensitive to the needs of patients, and she hopes to help everyone feel comfortable during their visit. She learns like a sponge and has demonstrated great skill and flexibility. In her free time she enjoys camping, kayaking, and fishing.
Kelcie
Dental Assistant
Kelcie graduated from the ATS Dental Assisting program in 2014 and joined our team in 2016. She has a passion for continuing education and has had additional training in customizing crown color and implantology/implant placement. Seeking out new learning opportunities is important to Kelcie so she can better serve her patients. She enjoys camping, traveling, and spending time with family and her puppy and two cats.
Siarah
Dental Assistant
Born and raised in Churchville, Virginia, Siarah graduated from Valley Career Center in 2018 with a certificate in the Dental Careers Program. We are happy to have her in the field of dentistry; she started in the diesel mechanics program. She loves spending time with her little boy – he is her pride and joy. The two of them have a passion for dogs and cattle and love taking care of their animals together. Siarah started with Garrison Family Dentistry in January 2022. She takes pride in assisting the doctors with their patients and helping patients feel at ease during their visits.
Virginia
Dental Assistant
Virginia was born and raised in Oaxaca, Mexico, and speaks three languages: Mixteco, Spanish, and English. Her passion for dentistry and desire to be a role model for her children led her to pursue a career as a dental assistant. She started with Garrison Dentistry in 2019, not long after she graduated from Massanutten Technical College. She loves to interact with patients and make them feel comfortable. She loves taking x-rays (and she is quite skilled). In her free time she enjoys gardening, traveling, and playing with her kids.
Professional Organizations and Memberships
Get in Touch Today
Phone: (540) 434-5702
Email: smiles@macgarrisondentistry.com
Address:
129 University Blvd Suite D
Harrisonburg, VA 22801