OUR ASSOCIATE
DDS · General & Restorative Dentistry · Ball Ground, GA
“Dentistry has the power to be transformative — not just cosmetically, but in the way a person carries themselves and feels about their health. That’s what gets me excited every single day.”
University of Georgia
BS Biology & Nutrition, Summa Cum Laude
UNC Adams School
DDS, Distinction in Service
Canton, GA Native
Returned Home 2025
Clear Aligner Academy
Member, AACA
Dr. Riley Hewgley is a proud University of Georgia graduate, where she earned her Bachelor of Science degrees in Biological Sciences and Nutrition Science — summa cum laude, with highest honors. She went on to earn her Doctor of Dental Surgery degree from the University of North Carolina’s Adams School of Dentistry, graduating with honors for distinction in service. Her background in nutrition has shaped a distinctive preventive mindset that informs every aspect of her clinical care.
Post-Graduation – 2025
Dr. Hewgley spent three years practicing in the Triangle region of North Carolina, developing her skills across the full spectrum of general dentistry — from restorative care to oral surgery — and building a reputation for her calm, reassuring chairside manner with anxious patients.
Late 2025
Dr. Hewgley and her husband Jacob decided to move back to their hometown of Canton to be closer to family. She joined Ireland Restorative Dentistry, bringing her warmth, her clinical range, and her love of the community back home to Cherokee County.
Dr. Hewgley has a special place in her heart for patients who are nervous about the dentist — because she has been one herself. As someone who has personally experienced procedural anxiety, she brings genuine empathy to every appointment. She doesn’t just manage anxiety; she understands it from the inside out.
Her nutrition background gives her a prevention-first mindset that distinguishes her approach. She believes that the best dental outcome is the one you never have to treat — and that good health starts long before a patient sits in the chair.
Dr. Hewgley enjoys all aspects of general dentistry, from restorative care to minor oral surgery, and has a particular enthusiasm for helping patients achieve straighter smiles through Clear Aligners and clear aligner therapy. She is a member of the American Academy of Clear Aligners.
Since her diagnosis with Type 1 diabetes at age 11, she has also been a passionate advocate for T1D education — conducting research, speaking publicly, publishing, and leading organizations dedicated to the diabetes community.
Dr. Hewgley grew up in Canton, attended Creekview High School, and is thrilled to be practicing dentistry in the community she has always called home. She and her husband Jacob — who teaches special education math and coaches wrestling at Sequoyah High School — moved back after the birth of their daughter Emerson to be closer to family. “Dentistry has the power to be so transformative,” she says. “Being able to offer that in my own community makes it even more meaningful.”
Come meet Dr. Hewgley. We think you’ll love it here.
Call 678-845-0366
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IN OUR PATIENTS’ WORDS
“Ireland Restorative Dentistry is hands down the best dental experience I’ve ever had. The office itself is absolutely beautiful and so comfortable. It immediately puts you at ease the moment you walk in. Dr. Hewgley is the most caring and soft-handed dentist I have ever had. She takes her time, listens, and makes sure you feel comfortable every step of the way.”
— Jake · Google Review · 5 Stars
ALSO ON OUR TEAM
Founder · Prosthodontist · 30+ Years Experience
Dr. Ireland founded Ireland Restorative Dentistry after more than two decades of prosthodontic practice and teaching. Her expertise in fixed and removable prosthodontics — including full-mouth rehabilitation, dental implants, and complex restorative cases — makes her one of the most experienced dental specialists in Cherokee County.
