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.

Our dentists in Hoover provide high-quality dental care for patients of all ages, and our three dental teams have specialized and advanced training in general, pediatric, and orthodontic dentistry. We understand the unique needs patients face at every stage of life and can care for the whole family in one convenient location, eliminating the need to visit multiple offices. We also provide guidance and education for children and parents to help establish healthy at-home routines that support lifelong oral health and healthy smiles.

I love this office. We have seen the adult and pediatric side of the office, plus the orthodontic as well. Everyone is very friendly and inviting. The office has a very comfortable feeling. And I've always had good communication regarding appointments and payments. I never wait long to be seen.

BECKY E.

Meet the Doctors

Male dentist smiling in Brooks Gap Dental Group scrubs at Hoover dental practice.

Dr. Lauten Johnson

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 Denson

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

Sullivan dental team member smiling in professional portrait at Hoover practice.

Dr. Lacey Sullivan

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

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. Dane Hoven

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

Male dentist smiling in professional portrait wearing blue checkered blazer.

Dr. André Ferreira

Dr. André Ferreira is a second-generation orthodontist with over 25 years of experience at the intersection of clinical excellence, digital innovation, and exceptional patient care. Originally from Brazil, he completed his foundational dental studies before earning a second dental degree alongside a Master's in Orthodontics from the University of Alabama — a rare academic achievement that set the foundation for a truly distinguished career.

For nearly a decade, Dr. Ferreira served as a faculty member and clinical educator at the University of Alabama at Birmingham (UAB), helping shape the next generation of orthodontic professionals. Concurrently, he built and maintained a highly successful private practice in Anniston, Alabama, spanning eighteen years — a testament to the trust and loyalty he has earned from patients and families across the region.

He is widely recognized as a leading expert in digital orthodontic workflows and clear aligner biomechanics, and is deeply committed to delivering outstanding results alongside a second-to-none patient experience. Together, his clinical, academic, and private practice background brings a rare and exceptional depth of knowledge to our Brocks Gap family.

When he isn’t practicing Orthodontics, Dr. Ferreira feeds his passion for technology, fitness, hiking, and camping. Above all, he treasures his family, sharing over 25 years of marriage with his wife, Dr. Andrea Nunes (a general dentist), and their two daughters, Julia and Olivia.