About the Practice
About Brocks Gap Dental Group
THREE DENTAL PRACTICES IN ONE LOCATION
At Brocks Gap Dental Group, you’ll find a team of skilled dentists who genuinely care about their patients’ oral health and well-being through every age and stage of life. We strive to create a fun and comfortable environment where kids and adults alike feel welcomed and positive about their dental experiences.
We provide high-quality dentistry to Hoover families, and our three dental teams have specialized and advanced training in general, pediatric, and orthodontic dentistry. We understand the unique needs our patients face at every age and can take care of everyone in the family at the same location—no need to make separate trips between multiple offices. We also provide support and education to kids and parents to help establish healthy at-home routines that pave the way for healthy smiles.
Meet the Dentists
Dr. Lauten Johnson is the sole owner and leader of Brocks Gap Dental Group. He is driven by a desire to give children the best possible dental care. Dr. Johnson completed his Doctor of Dental Medicine (DMD) at UAB and obtained his Alabama state dental license in 2006. He completed his residency in pediatrics in 2008 and is a board-certified pediatric dentist. He is also a Diplomate of the American Board of Pediatric Dentistry. Dr. Johnson is certified in the use of oral sedation. He has privileges at Children’s Hospital and can take children there for general anesthesia whenever necessary.
In 2006, Dr. Johnson won two clinical awards in excellence at UAB. First he earned the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry Pre-Doctoral Student Award, which is given to the student with the greatest proficiency and interest in pediatric dentistry. Then he received the Birmingham District Dental Society Award for outstanding clinical ability.
Dr. Johnson is also the founder of a nonprofit organization called The Smile Foundation. He and a team of other doctors and specialists travel to Mexico each year to provide free dental and eye care to underprivileged kids in need.
Dr. Johnson’s favorite thing to do outside the office is spend time with his three amazing kids, Callie, Sanders, and Mary Carmen.
EDUCATION:
- Doctor of Dental Medicine, University of Alabama at Birmingham
ORGANIZATIONS:
- American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry
- American Dental Association
Dr. Lauren grew up in Nashville, Tennessee. She attended Belmont University on a golf and academic scholarship. After graduating, she moved to Alabama to attend dental school at the University of Alabama at Birmingham. There, she met her husband, Doug. They currently reside in Vestavia with their three kids, Grey, Hayes, and Miller, and their dog, Millie.
Dr. Lauren chose pediatric dentistry because she loves working with children. She enjoys creating positive experiences for her young patients so they love coming to the dentist. She also helps to instill good oral hygiene habits so her patients can enjoy healthy smiles.
When she isn’t doing dentistry, you’ll find Dr. Lauren chasing her kids around. She also enjoys time at the lake, golfing, and college football. Dollywood is her favorite place on the planet!
EDUCATION:
- Doctor of Dental Medicine, University of Alabama at Birmingham
Dr. Lacey was born and raised in Nashville, Tennessee. She knew from a young age that she wanted to work in the medical field. Dr. Lacey moved to Alabama in 2010 to attend Samford University (go Bulldogs!) with a major in biology. She spent many hours shadowing her sister, who is a dentist and inspired her to pursue dentistry. Eventually she received her Doctor of Dental Medicine (DMD) from UAB School of Dentistry in 2018.
Dr. Lacey has a heart for children and loves working with kids of all ages. She strives to make the dental office a fun and enjoyable place where kids learn the importance of oral health.
When she’s not working, you will find her and her husband, Chris, doing anything outdoors, traveling, and spending time with their son, Walker.
EDUCATION:
- Biology, Samford University
- Doctor of Dental Medicine (DMD), University of Alabama at Birmingham
ORGANIZATIONS:
- American Dental Association
Dr. Patrick Nassetta received his undergraduate degree from Birmingham-Southern College in 1999. He graduated from UAB School of Dentistry in 2003 and completed his residency in pediatric dentistry at UAB in 2008. Dr. Nassetta has been a Diplomate of the American Board of Pediatric Dentistry since 2009.
Dr. Nassetta owned and operated his pediatric dental office in Cullman, Alabama, for 10 years following residency. He then decided to pursue his passion in caring for children’s dental care needs in the operating room. Since 2018, he has been working with Dr. Lauten Johnson and Brocks Gap Dental Group, focusing on sedation dentistry and hospital cases. Dr. Nassetta has performed over 10,000 of these cases.
Dr. Nassetta is married to his wife, Lauren, and they have two children. He enjoys spending time with his family and enjoying their many activities as well as traveling, cooking, and sports.
EDUCATION:
- Biology/Psychology, Birmingham-Southern College
- Doctor of Dental Medicine (DMD), University of Alabama at Birmingham
ORGANIZATIONS:
- American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry
- American Dental Association
Dr. Elisabeth Cantrell Sewell grew up in Bluff Park, Alabama, and went to Hoover High School. Being at Brocks Gap Dental Group has brought her back to her old stomping grounds, so to speak. After having braces as a child, Dr. Sewell realized how big of an impact they had on her life and self-image. This inspired her to go into a profession that can help improve people’s confidence.
Dr. Sewell provides everything from general dental services, such as crowns, root canals, and fillings, to advanced treatments, including implants, extractions, and bone grafts. Dr. Sewell specializes in implant and surgical dentistry, which are her passions. She strives to provide comfortable and personalized treatment tailored to each patient’s unique needs and goals.
Outside of the dental office, Dr. Sewell has a range of interests. She is an avid gardener and enjoys preserving and canning her own food. She also loves hunting, hiking, and fly fishing with her husband. Most of their free time is spent outdoors.
EDUCATION:
- Microbiology, Auburn University
- Doctor of Dental Medicine (DMD), University of Alabama at Birmingham
ORGANIZATIONS:
- Academy of General Dentistry
- American Dental Association
- Alabama Dental Association
Dr. Dane Hoven was involved in a serious car accident when she was 15 years old. She suffered serious facial injuries, which resulted in her losing three of her front teeth. Intensive dental care and multiple dental procedures were necessary in her recovery, including dental implants, to restore her smile and function. This journey led Dr. Hoven toward a career in dentistry. Before becoming a dentist herself, she worked at several dental offices in her hometown of Columbus, Mississippi, and in Tuscaloosa. She has now been practicing dentistry in the state of Alabama since 2006 and has treated thousands of patients.
Dr. Hoven is married to her husband, Bruan, and they have twin boys. Outside of work, she is a cheerleader for her children’s sports and enjoys tennis, hiking, traveling, and puzzles.
EDUCATION:
- Biology, University of Alabama
- Doctor of Dental Medicine (DMD), University of Alabama
- Advanced Education in General Dentistry, University of Alabama at Birmingham
- American Academy of Facial Esthetics: Botox Certification
Dr. Jones is a Birmingham native and attended the University of Alabama at Birmingham for both his undergraduate and doctorate. In dental school, he was named Outstanding Graduating Student of the Year by the Birmingham District Dental Society. He also received the Best of the Best Award for excellence in prosthodontics, the Special Patient Care Award, and the Oral Biology Award. After dental school, Dr. Jones attended Saint Louis Center for Advanced Dental Education, where he earned his Master of Science and Certificate in Orthodontics.
Dr. Jones is married with three young children. Two hilarious boxers, Emmy and Charlie, make up the other two members of their family. In his spare time, Dr. Jones enjoys saltwater fly fishing and golf.
EDUCATION:
- Biology and Chemistry, University of Alabama at Birmingham
- Doctor of Dental Medicine (DMD), University of Alabama at Birmingham
- Master of Science in Dentistry and Certificate in Orthodontics, Saint Louis Center for Advanced Dental Education
ORGANIZATIONS:
- American Board of Orthodontics
Adult Dentistry Team with Dr. Sewell
Pediatric Dentistry Team with Drs. Sullivan and Johnson
Orthodontic Dentistry Team with Dr. Jones
Business Team
Pediatric Front Desk Team
Our philosophy of care is built on:
HIGH-QUALITY SERVICES
We provide exceptional care to our patients using the latest dental technology and treatment techniques.
GENTLE CARE
Our team is experienced in working with both kids and adults and genuinely cares about your comfort.
MAKING DENTAL VISITS FUN
We offer a warm and friendly atmosphere where everyone can relax and enjoy their dental visits.
Are you looking for a trusted dental home your whole family can visit?
Contact our team to arrange an appointment today.