Dr. Jay Melvin was born in Savannah, grew up in West Chatham, and graduated from Groves High School in 1990. Other than leaving for college and military training, he has lived in this area his whole life. After graduating from high school, Jay enlisted in the Navy Reserves and served 8 years as a Hospital Corpsman. Jay graduated from the University of Georgia in 1995 with a degree in Biology. He received a Nursing degree in 1998 from the Medical College of Georgia. Jay continued his studies at MCG and became a Doctor of Dental Medicine in 2004, while simultaneously working as an ER nurse to support his family. As soon as his higher education was complete, Jay came home to open his practice and settled his family in Pooler.

    Jay's commitment to public service was instilled in him by his father and grandfathers. Jay's father, Jimmy Melvin, is a career law enforcement officer, and current police chief of Port Wentworth. His grandfathers, both retired from the army, taught him a loyalty to family and to country that is with him to this day. Jay's paternal grandfather, Barney Melvin is pictured below. Jay Melvin admires the grit that makes people serve their country and fellow citizens in this way, and will always be on the side of civil servants and the military. He will continue to be a supporter of those who risk their lives to defend and protect us.

    While in dental school, Jay served as a legislative liaison for the American Student Dental Association. This position allowed him a chance to lobby congress about issues that effect both dentists and dental students, as well as the responsibility to keep classmates informed of any pending legislation that would be of interest to them. Jay remains active in organized dentistry as a member of the Savannah Dental Society and the American Dental Association, as well as serving on the advisory board for the Dental Hygiene program at Armstrong Atlantic State University. Jay currently serves on the Pooler PUD (Planned Unit Development) Review Board and is on the Selective Service local board.

    Jay married Tricia in 1995. They have 3 sons, Tyler (9), who is close to earning his black belt; Tanner (7),who is playing football for the first time this fall; and Tripp (3), who cheers his big brothers on as they play little league and practice their tae kwon do. The Melvin's are active members of Gateway Community Church in Pooler.