Dr. Jay Melvin was born in Savannah, grew up in West Chatham, and graduated from Groves High School in 1990. Other than during his undergraduate and doctoral studies, he has lived in this area his whole life. After graduating from highschool, Jay enlisted in the Navy Reserves and served 8 years as a Hospital Corpsman. Jay graduated from the University of Georgia in1995 with a degree in Biology. He received a Bachelor's of Nursing degree in 1998 from the Medical College of Georgia. Jay continued his studies at MCG and earned his 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 came from 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, instilled a loyalty to family and country that is with him today. 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 the legislative liaison for the American Student Dental Association. This position required him to lobby congress about issues that effect both dentists and dental students, as well as keeping fellow 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 (7), Tanner (5), and Tripp (1). They are members of Trinity United Methodist Church in Pooler, where Jay serves as the chair of the Staff Parish Relations Comittee, and Tricia serves as the coordinator of the local MOPS group.