Page 87 - South Mississippi Living - June, 2019

PHONE: 228.832.1000
LOCATION:
13179 Three Rivers Road Gulfport
KINYATTA BENNETT
MEDICAL DEGREE:
University of Southern Mississippi, Doctor Of Dental Medicine, University of Mississippi Medical Center
ROY L. IRONS
BOARD CERTIFICATIONS:
Mississippi State Board of Dental Examiners, Tennessee Board of Dentistry, and the Jamaica Dental Council
MEDICAL DEGREE:
University of Iowa
ROY L. IRONS, DDS, DABFD
Roy L. Irons hails from Corinth, Mississippi, but did not realize in his younger years that his destiny would be driven by a multifaceted life that would give him the privilege of service to others. His general dentistry career began immediately in Gulfport, Mississippi and spanning 28 years of active and reserve service with the United States Navy.
He retired as a Navy Captain, having accepted three commands.
Seeing a necessity for critical quality and skill in dental care and treatment in South Mississippi, Dr. Irons settled in Gulfport, where, in 1980, he established the highly successful Gulf Coast Dental Center. His
mantra of maximal dental pro ciency was an impetus to join the faculties
of the University of Mississippi School of Dentistry and the UMC Community Dentistry Department.
He also worked as a forensic odontologist for Harrison County and was Center Dentist for 22 years with
the Gulfport Job Corps. Beyond these established halls, his expertise manifested itself in a cumulative and more global presence. Dr Irons’ voice would become a leading one in dentistry in the state
of Mississippi and elsewhere. He was the 88th President of the National
Dental Association. He also served as
FOR MORE REFLECTIONS OF THE GULF COAST >> www.smliving.net
June 2019 • SOUTH MISSISSIPPI Living 87
commissioner with the MS State Port Authority.
Dr. Irons imbedded into his body of work, paying forward in a number of volunteer roles. He mentors youth and young adults and provides free dental services for underserved populations. Dr. Irons is founding Archon of the Mississippi Gulf Coast Delta Omicron Boule’ and serves as Southeast Region Sire Elect.
In his personal life, Dr. Irons is a Life Member of Alpha Phi Alpha and Sigma Pi Phi Fraternities, and a 33rd Degree Mason and Shriner. He is a proud father and grandfather.