At dental school, Dr. Ryann’s research on the effects of soft drinks on fillings won several awards. She was asked to give presentations at several meetings around the country about her research. She was also voted as having the “Best Chair Side Manner” in dental school by her peers and won awards in Oral Biology and Treating Special Needs Patients.
Dr. Ryann did additional research and specialized patient care during her orthodontic residency at Saint Louis University. Her research tested the level of understanding between general dentists and orthodontists on how best to treat orthodontic patients. In addition to her normal studies, she also did a fellowship with Washington University’s Cleft Palate and Craniofacial team. In 2017, Dr. Ryann finished a week long mini-residency with Dr. Jeff Okeson learning more about TMD and Facial Pain.
Dr. Ryann has always wanted to be an orthodontist since she was 7 years old. She started working at the office at age 15 and has been a receptionist, lab technician, and chair side assistant over the years. Working at this office has been a lifelong dream of hers! Now, she is very active in the local and state dental societies since 2011. She was the President of the Decatur District Dental Society in 2014-2015 and most recently in 2023-2024.
Some things people might not know about Dr. Ryann is that she LOVES criminal and science related TV shows. When possible, she walks with her family or anyone who is willing to talk with her! She has been married since 2014 to Joey Mize and has a 4-legged Coonhound-mix, Harley. Dr. Ryann has two squeezable children, Knox and Monroe. Also, she tries to spend time with her sister (Heather), brother-in-law (Eric), Juliet Babycakes (Boxer) and Diesel (Pitbull) who lives in Arkansas.
