Est. July 15, 1971
Our Story
For over 54 years, three generations of Americus families have trusted Riccardi General Dentistry with their smiles. What began as one young dentist's dream has grown into a family legacy built on genuine care and deep community roots.
54+
Years of Care
A Family Legacy
From Father to Daughter, One Practice, Two Generations
On July 15, 1971, Dr. Louis A. Riccardi opened the doors of his dental practice on the streets of Americus, Georgia. Fresh from Emory University's School of Dentistry, where his graduating class ranked second in the nation on dental boards, Dr. Lou brought with him a simple conviction: treat every patient like family.
His daughter, Dr. N. Alexandra Riccardi-Turner, grew up watching her father care for the community. She played in the office hallways as a child, later earned her DMD from the Dental College of Georgia, and returned home in 2015 to practice alongside the man who inspired her career. In 2023, Dr. Alex purchased the practice, carrying forward her father's legacy while bringing a new generation of skill and energy to the team.
When the local newspaper featured Riccardi General Dentistry for its 50th anniversary, the article captured what patients already knew: this practice is woven into the fabric of Americus. With the addition of Dr. Miranda Peck in 2025, the tradition continues to grow.
“To provide the highest quality dental care possible in a friendly and caring environment.”
The Riccardi family mission, since 1971
Your Dental Team
Meet Our Doctors
Founder & Senior Dentist
Dr. Louis A. Riccardi, DDS
“Dr. Lou”
Education
BS in Chemistry, University of Georgia (1966). DDS, Emory University School of Dentistry (1971). Class ranked 2nd nationally on dental boards.
Honors
Elected to Omicron Kappa Upsilon Dental Honorary Society. Lifetime member of the ADA and GDA.
Community Service
Americus Rotary Club (1971-2018), President 1977-1978, Rotarian of the Year 2017-2018. Board of Trustees, Southland Academy (1994-1999), Chairman 1999. Board of Directors, Citizens Bank of Americus (27 years).
Personal
Married to Candy (Katianne) Gibbs. Father of four daughters. Member of St. Mary's Catholic Church. Enjoys jogging, gardening, and cheering on UGA Athletics.
When Dr. Lou established his practice in 1971, he made a commitment to Americus that has defined his life. Beyond the operatory, he has served the community through decades of Rotary leadership, school board stewardship, and banking oversight. After more than half a century of practice, his dedication to patients remains as steady as the day he started.
Owner & Lead Dentist
Dr. N. Alexandra Riccardi-Turner, DMD
“Dr. Alex”
Education
Southland Academy (2006), ranked #5 in class. BS in Biology, Reinhardt University (2010), Summa Cum Laude. DMD, Medical College of Georgia / Augusta University (2015).
Honors & Memberships
Dental College of Georgia Outstanding Young Alumnus of the Year (2025). Pierre Fauchard Academy Fellow. Member: ADA, GDA, Hinman Dental Society, AAFE. Reinhardt University “10 under 10” (2017).
Community Recognition
Sumter County Chamber of Commerce Sparky Reeves/Leadership Award. Junior Service League Service Member of the Year (2017). Played collegiate softball at Darton College and Reinhardt University.
Personal
Born and raised in Americus. Married to Wes Turner (March 2020). Daughters Foley (2023) and Blakely (2024). First United Methodist Church praise and worship team member.
Dr. Alex grew up in her father's practice, literally. The hallways where she played as a child became the operatories where she now cares for multi-generational patient families. After graduating Summa Cum Laude and earning her DMD, she returned to Americus in 2015 to join Dr. Lou. She purchased the practice in 2023, becoming the second generation to lead Riccardi General Dentistry. Her passion for cosmetic dentistry and facial esthetics complements the practice's comprehensive approach to whole-patient care.
Associate Dentist
Dr. Miranda Peck
Joined August 2025
Dr. Peck is the newest member of the Riccardi dental family, joining the team in August 2025. Her addition reflects the practice's continued growth and commitment to providing accessible, high-quality dental care to more families across Americus and Sumter County. Patients have already come to appreciate her gentle approach and attentive chairside manner.
The Heart of Our Practice
Our Team
Over 200 combined years of experience caring for your family
Candy Riccardi
Candy Riccardi
Administrative Assistant & Bookkeeper
35+ years
Phyllis Barfield
Front Office & Financial Manager
25+ years
Debbie Herndon
Bookkeeper & Record Keeping
33+ years
Fredia Gardner
Front Office
Since 2023
Iris Berry
Registered Dental Hygienist
30+ years
Shelia Bivins
Registered Dental Hygienist
25 years as RDH
Ali Rigsby
Registered Dental Hygienist
Fifth generation family patient
Shelbie Brannen
Dental Assistant
Since February 1999
Cassie Jordan
Dental Assistant
Since April 2015
Taylor Joiner
Dental Assistant
Since 2025
Reana
Dental Assistant
The Riccardi General Dentistry family
Woven Into the Fabric of Americus
Community Involvement
Americus Rotary Club
Dr. Lou served the Americus Rotary Club for 47 years (1971-2018), including a term as President in 1977-1978. He was honored as Rotarian of the Year for 2017-2018, recognizing nearly five decades of “Service Above Self.”
Education & Civic Leadership
Dr. Lou served on the Southland Academy Board of Trustees (1994-1999), chairing the board in 1999. He also spent 27 years on the Board of Directors for Citizens Bank of Americus (1991-2018), helping guide financial stewardship for the community.
Junior Service League
Dr. Alex was named Junior Service League Service Member of the Year in 2017, continuing the Riccardi tradition of community involvement. She also received the Sumter County Chamber of Commerce Sparky Reeves/Leadership Award for her dedication to the area.
Give Kids a Smile
Riccardi General Dentistry participates in the ADA's Give Kids a Smile program, providing free dental care to children in need. Because every child in Sumter County deserves a healthy start.
Faith & Family
The Riccardi family is active in the Americus faith community. Dr. Lou and Candy are longtime members of St. Mary's Catholic Church, while Dr. Alex serves on the praise and worship team at First United Methodist Church.
Multi-Generational Patients
Many of our patients are third and fourth generation. Hygienist Ali Rigsby is a fifth-generation family patient who grew up in the practice and now cares for other families. That kind of continuity says everything about the trust built here.
Join Our Dental Family
Whether your family has been with us for decades or you are looking for a new dentist, we would love to welcome you. Experience the difference that 54 years of genuine, personal care can make.