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. 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 obtained his Bachelor of Science in Biology. Dr. Murphy graduated from Louisiana State University School of Dentistry with his Doctor of Dental Surgery degree in 2020. Shortly thereafter, he and his wife Sidney, a dental hygienist returned home to serve the North Louisiana communities. After working as Johnston’s Associate for 2 years, Dr. Murphy became a partner in May of 2022. The practice is now Johnston & Murphy Dental Care. Dr. Murphy looks forward to continuing the tradition of excellence in the Ruston community for many more years to come.

In his free time, Dr. Murphy enjoys spending time with family and friends, hunting, fishing, cooking, and working with his dogs, Benelli and Remi. Dr. Murphy is a member of the Louisiana Dental Association, American Dental Association, and Academy of General Dentistry. He also enjoys staying up to date with the latest techniques in dentistry. In 2021, Dr. Murphy competed all the requirements to provide IV Sedation for the patients of Johnston & Murphy Dental Care. He is eager to provide patients with an excellent and unique oral health care experience.

Dr. Kenneth L. Cox recently joined our Johnston and Murphy Dental Care team bringing his significant and long-standing expertise in general dentistry and comprehensive dental care. Like most of our team, Dr. Cox is a proud native of Ruston, attending Louisiana College for his undergraduate studies and Louisiana State University. He obtained his Doctorate of Dental Surgery degree.

Dr. Cox has been practicing general dentistry for more than 34 years. When he’s not in the exam room, you can likely find him at the camp hunting or fishing. He enjoys spending time with his wife, Denise, his daughters Bethany and Mallory, his son Lane, son-in-law Collin, and his grandson, Joshua. Dr. Cox is also a very active member of Temple Baptist Church.

Dr. Jimmy Leonard is new to the Johnston and Murphy Dental Care team but certainly not new to dentistry. This Ruston native has been practicing dentistry for more than 45 years. Dr. Leonard attended the University of Louisiana Monroe and then pursued his Doctorate of Dental Surgery degree from Louisiana State University.

Dr. Leonard is a very active member of Bridge Community Church. He is happily married to his wife Susie (also our newest Registered Dental Hygienist). When he’s not practicing dentistry, he and Susie are either on a mission trip blessing others with the gift of dentistry or busy with their children and 5 grandchildren.