Our Doctors

Dr. John D. Marshall's journey began in Panama City, Florida, where he graduated from Rutherford High School and Gulf Coast State College. Remarkably, he enlisted in the Army National Guard at just 17, serving 6 years in infantry and 4 years in the dental corps.

In 1991, Dr. Marshall relocated to Birmingham, Alabama, to further his education at UAB, earning a B.S. degree in natural sciences while also being an active member of Theta Chi fraternity. Subsequently, he pursued his dental education at UAB dental school, graduating among the top 10% of his class in 1997.

Following graduation, he made Tuscaloosa his home and joined Dr. Robert H. Davis's practice in Northport as an associate. After 4 years, Dr. Marshall became a partner in the practice, where he has dedicated himself for the past 27 years.

Beyond his dental career, Dr. Marshall is a commissioner with the Alabama Athletic Association, demonstrating his ongoing involvement in the state's combat sports arena. He has been happily married to Rhonda Rushing Marshall since 1994, and together, they have three children: Anna Grace Marshall, a Physical Therapist in Birmingham; Alison Blair Marshall, a professional dancer in Dallas, Texas; and Lane Marshall, currently a mechanical engineering student at Texas A&M.

In his leisure time, Dr. Marshall enjoys traveling, particularly in their Tiffin Motorhome, indulging in boating, staying active with exercise, and cherishing moments spent with his family.

Dr. Shofner, originally from Montgomery, Alabama, graduated from Trinity High School. He attended college at the University of Alabama at Birmingham (UAB), majoring in Mathematics and Natural Science.

He continued his education at Pittsburgh Dental School, where he met the love of his life, Dr. Phan. When not caring for patients, Dr. Shofner is a dedicated 'girl dad,' spending quality time with his daughters, sharing their interests in volleyball, surfing, and piano. He enjoys golfing, traveling, and giving back. One of his favorite serving memories including a mission trip to Vietnam seven years ago. Dr. Shofner's commitment to both his profession and his family is at the heart of our practice.

Dr. Emma Pelton, a Mississippi native, graduated high school from Corinth High School in Corinth, MS. She committed to the University of North Alabama to run cross country and track. There, she pursued her bachelor's in Chemistry with a minor in Biology followed by her Doctorate of Dental Surgery from the University of Tennessee Health Science Center. 

Dr. Pelton met her husband, Miller Pelton, during undergraduate in Florence, AL. He moved to Tuscaloosa in 2021 and has been a barber at Greasy Hands in downtown Tuscaloosa for 4 years and counting. 

As a runner, Dr. Pelton prioritizes a healthy lifestyle and overall well-being, and the oral cavity is no exception. To achieve this integrated approach to health, Dr. Pelton advocates for preventative and patient-focused care that caters to each individual patient. Dr. Pelton is passionate about helping her patients lead cleaner lives though informed and compassionate dental care. She enjoys all aspects of general dentistry from improving aesthetics to reclaiming function and providing pain relief for patients of all ages. She is committed to continuing her education especially in areas that interest her such as implant dentistry, botox/filler, and full-mouth restoration. When she's not in the office, you can find her out running, in the kitchen, or cross-stitching at her favorite coffee shop.