Dr. Ricky Lane, a dentist based in Statesboro, has taken on the role of president of the Georgia Academy of General Dentistry. He has officially led the organization since January, and at his induction he highlighted the importance of ongoing education for dental professionals. Dr. Lane told members that continuous learning is crucial in dentistry, saying his membership in the association began just after he finished dental school. He credits the Academy’s Mastertrack program, which requires 1,100 hours of practice across 16 dental specialties, as playing a major role in his development. Top dentists from around the world teach in the program, giving members a chance to learn advanced skills.
Dr. Lane began his dental career in Statesboro in 1992 and is originally from Swainsboro. He decided as a ninth grader that he wanted to be a dentist. Reflecting on more than 23 years in practice, Dr. Lane said he has never regretted his choice. He started out with few resources and significant college debt but says organized dentistry has helped him find both professional success and personal satisfaction. Dr. Lane explained that as dentists, fixing dental problems and helping patients bring him fulfillment every day.
The Georgia Academy of General Dentistry encourages its members to volunteer both within the organization and in their own communities. Dr. Lane has volunteered for a long time with the Ogeechee Fair ministry, where local dentists give free care to carnival workers. According to Reverend Ricky Allen of the First Baptist Church, Dr. Lane was one of the first dentists to join this effort when it started in 2001. He also helps out at the Hearts and Hands Clinic, further supporting dental care for those in need.
Dr. Lane earned his Doctor of Dental Surgery degree from Northwestern University in 1989, after completing undergraduate studies in zoology and biochemistry at the University of Georgia. He received post-graduate training at the L.D. Pankey Institute in Florida, focusing on restorative and esthetic dentistry as well as splint therapy, and trained with the American Academy of Facial Esthetics.
Outside of his dental practice, Dr. Lane contributes to the field by serving on the advisory board for Ogeechee Technical College’s Dental Assisting Program. He is active in his community, a longtime member of the First Baptist Church, and has belonged to the Downtown Statesboro Rotary Club since 1995. Dr. Lane is also a father to three sons: Zachary, Ellis, and Justin.
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