Since 1981, when he earned his doctorate in dental medicine and began to practice, Dr. Steve Murphree has pursued postdoctoral education in advanced cosmetic and restorative dentistry. He is a graduate of the well-known Pacific Aesthetic Continuum in San Francisco, and he has passed the written examinations toward accreditation with the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry (AACD), making him a sustaining member.
A History of Winning Smiles
A graduate of Auburn University and the University of Alabama at Birmingham’s School of Dental Medicine, Dr. Murphree joined the AACD in 1987. He has belonged to that organization longer than any other dentist in Alabama. It is the world’s largest organization of cosmetic dental professionals, representing more than 7,600 members located in 76 countries.
Over the years, Dr. Murphree’s peers at the AACD have recognized his cosmetic work with ten winning medals—including two gold and four silver medals—in the academy’s International Smile Gallery Competitions. Dr. Murphree has also consistently expanded his knowledge of the artistic and technical aspects of cosmetic dentistry by attending the AACD’s Annual Scientific Sessions.
Restorative Dentistry and Dental Implants
Dr. Murphree’s enthusiasm for the aesthetics and function of cosmetic dentistry is matched by his passion for restorative dentistry, the science of restoring the teeth to optimal health.
Knowing that form and function are inseparable, Dr. Murphree is committed to being a student of this fundamental aspect of patient care. Whether the need is for repairing damaged teeth, eliminating decay, replacing missing teeth, providing dental implants, or overcoming other restorative challenges, Dr. Murphree takes genuine satisfaction in helping his patients.
His postdoctoral training with dental text author, Pete Dawson, DDS, at the Dawson Centers for Advanced Dental Study in Clearwater, Florida, focused on the interconnected relationships between the “bite”—the TMJ or jaw joint—and tooth wear patterns, and their roles in day-to-day comfort, long term function, and overall health. Successful completion of this course required approximately 120 hours.
Additional Education and Service
Dr. Murphree has completed the American Society of Dental Aesthetics continuing education series. In addition, his postdoctoral training has encompassed issues of communication and human relations, wellness, treatment planning, photography, oral art and design, dentistry for children, advanced systems, methods, materials, and technology, and many other areas of study.
Finally, since 1988, Dr. Murphree has been one of only 200 dentists in the nation to serve as a Clinical Research Advisor for Clinical Research Associates—a non-profit research institute dedicated to evaluating dental materials, devices, and concepts for clinical usefulness.
An Alabama Native
Originally from Decatur, Dr. Steve Murphree earned his bachelor of science in biology at Auburn University. He always wanted to be in the medical field, and he felt that dentistry offered him the best opportunity to have long-term doctor-patient relationships. He also really wanted to be his own boss and create a successful practice.
The enjoyment he gets from working with his team and his patients is what brings him to work every day. And he likes watching families grow, as his patients bring their children to him for dental care, and they grow up and have children of their own.
His long-term goal is to become better every day and to always progress in knowledge and skill, especially in the cosmetic and restorative aspects of dentistry. He feels that mentoring other dentists is part of that goal.
Steve Murphree and his wife Denise have three daughters—Stacie, Stephanie, and Alli—and two grandchildren—Kate and Ellie, so family time is a big part of their lives. He also enjoys golf and attending sporting events. He feels that Huntsville is an ideal place to live because it’s a progressive city that draws people from all parts of the United States, has the perfect population size and year-round mild weather.
Memberships and Affiliations
American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry
Tennessee Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry
Clinical Research Associates
Pacific Aesthetic Continuum
American Dental Association
Academy of General Dentistry
Alabama Dental Association
The Tennessee Valley Dental Society