Dr. Ryan Collins was born in upstate New York, but his parents quickly moved down to Florida when he was 2 years old. While living in Melbourne Beach, he went to Gemini Elementary, Hoover Junior High, and Melbourne High School.
When it came time for college, Dr. Collins attended his first and only choice, the University of Florida at Gainesville. During his freshman year of undergrad, he was one of three applicants selected for the UF College of Dentistrys Early Admission Program. Also his high school sweetheart, Ashley, moved up to Gainesville to be with him and to start her career in coaching gymnastics. As soon as he graduated dental school, they moved back to Melbourne Beach, an obvious decision as they both have family in the area, and they both believe this area is a little slice of paradise. When he graduated at age 24, Dr. Collins was the youngest licensed dentist in the state of Florida.
In the seven years since graduating, Dr. Collins has practiced dentistry in several different styles of offices throughout Brevard and Indian River Counties. Private offices in Melbourne and Merritt Island, a corporate office in Palm Bay, a non-profit clinic in Fellsmere, and most recently an emergency walk-in office in Rockledge. This variety of experience allowed Dr. Collins to work with young children in the public health setting, and also develop skills to treat adults with high anxiety and phobias in the emergency clinic.
Dr. Collins married Ashley in 2012 at Ryckman Park in Melbourne Beach, and they moved to Indian Harbor Beach in 2014. Shortly thereafter, Dr. Collins became fishing buddies with Dr. McHenrys son. One day while driving back from a kayak-fishing adventure in the Thousand Islands of Cocoa Beach, they discussed that Dr. McHenry was soon to retire, and Dr. Collins would be a perfect fit to takeover. In April 2017, Dr. Michael McHenry retired after serving his loyal patients for 40+ years on the beachside, and Dr. Collins took the helm.
Since we at Banana River Dental are all about our pets, Dr. Collins dog is named Buddy, and he is a 2 year old rescue puppy. He looks and acts similar to a yellow lab, but since he has a purple tongue, some have even suspected hes part-Chow. Buddy is extremely playful, full of energy, and loves swimming and chasing anything that moves.
Reviews
Rating 4.8 out of 5 based on 52 reviews
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newest oldest highest lowestZan Marchan
2 years ago
(Translated by Google) Excellent widely recommended despite my language limitation Dr Collins and his team helped me. grateful to have found it (Original) Excelentes ampliamente recomendados a pesar de mi limitante con el Idioma el Dr Collins y su equipo me ayudaron. Agradecida por haberlo encontrado
Barb Chimwin
2 years ago
I moved to IHB couple of years ago and had dental emergency. I needed root canal and crown for my back molar. Also new crown on my front tooth. I can't believe how patient this office was in trying to save my tooth before doing the root canal and crown. They also went above and beyond to contact my previous dentist to get correct materials and color for my broken front tooth to make it match despite it was 20 years ago. The results are great and can't thank them enough.
Bonnie Hopps
2 years ago
My family and I love Banana River Dental. Everyone is always friendly and helpful. I make back to back appointments for my children and myself to get checkups and cleanings done at one time since I work and the kids are in school. We've had a few emergencies which are always handled with concern and priority. Thank you, Dr. Collins and staff!
Michaelene Fiacco
2 years ago
Not in network (Cigna PPO) for one of the biggest companies in brevard county, what a shame.
Erin
2 years ago
Needed a local dentist and my sister recommend me to Dr.Collins and my smile has never looked so good . This is the most welcoming , comfortable environment ever after dealing with being scared of the dentist my whole life i finally look towards my appointments . Thank you Dr.Collins and all the girls as well
Woody Patrick
2 years ago
I had a dental emergency late on a Friday afternoon and contacted Banana River Dental. Dr. Collins, along with his staff, stayed late to address my situation. The dental assistants are professional and skilled. Dr. Collins' demeanor, appearance, and knowledge were wonderful. He is now my family's primary dentist. Our beachside community is fortunate to have him, and his incredible Banana River Dental staff.
John Foster
2 years ago
Dr. Collins is hands down the best dentist I've been to (sorry Erin (in MO) but you were a close 2nd), and his staff is excellent too. They don't try to get you to do extra dental work you don't need, and when I did need a root canal and crown he was able to do it all in his office including making the crown. I can't say enough good things about Dr. Collins and his team!
Paul Fish
2 years ago
I am 74 years old and have seen dozens of dentists over the years (30+ years in the USAF, and saw a different dentist every year), and without any hesitation, I can say that Dr. Collins is the best I have ever known. He is really focused on pain-free dentistry, and his calm, professional demeanor made me feel very relaxed throughout the rather difficult extraction. His staff are brilliant, caring, and personable. As an added bonus, you will also not have a "wallet-ectomy" on your way out of his office. I unhesitatingly recommend Dr. Collins and his very professional staff.
jared gagnon
2 years ago
after going to aspen dental and being told i need almost 10k worth of work and all these extra treatments it was nice to go to someone who actually makes you feel like they care and take your concerns into account, i have a horrible dental anxiety and told them that, i had to have a root canal done and i felt nothing the entire time and even a day after i'm in no pain or discomfort, just put in my headphones and almost fell asleep in the chair, hands down the best dentist in the area !
Natasha Cutter
3 years ago
Phenomenal service!
matt peters
3 years ago
I've been going to Banana River Dental for a few years now. I've had a bit of restorative work as well as regular cleanings. Dr. Collins and his entire staff are awesome! No need to be nervous, these folks know their biz and will make your experience better than you could imagine. They've got all the latest technology and the expertise to go along with it. Highly recommend Banana River Dental.
Paul Fish
3 years ago
I am 74 years old and have seen dozens of dentists over the years (30+ years in the USAF, and saw a different dentist every year), and without any hesitation, I can say that Dr. Collins is the best I have ever known. He is really focused on pain-free dentistry, and his calm, professional demeanor made me feel very relaxed throughout the rather difficult extraction. His staff are brilliant, caring, and personable. As an added bonus, you will also not have a "wallet-ectomy" on your way out of his office. I unhesitatingly recommend Dr. Collins and his very professional staff.
jared gagnon
3 years ago
after going to aspen dental and being told i need almost 10k worth of work and all these extra treatments it was nice to go to someone who actually makes you feel like they care and take your concerns into account, i have a horrible dental anxiety and told them that, i had to have a root canal done and i felt nothing the entire time and even a day after i'm in no pain or discomfort, just put in my headphones and almost fell asleep in the chair, hands down the best dentist in the area !
Richard Maradiaga
3 years ago
Banana River Dental is definitely the place to go to if you want a great dental experience! I recently had to have a bad tooth removed and was told that this was the place to go! The environment is absolutely amazing, the staff makes you feel at home and makes sure to take time to actually get to know there patients and create a bond with them. Going on, I had an appointment to check in a bum tooth I had. Assistant Amber Worthington along with Dr. Ryan Collins did an absolutely flawless job with the treatment, explaining everything clearly and handling the procedure with care and precision, always checking to make sure I was comfortable and managed to remove my bad tooth and gave me more confidence in my smile again!
John Foster
3 years ago
Dr. Collins is hands down the best dentist I've been to (sorry Erin (in MO) but you were a close 2nd), and his staff is excellent too. They don't try to get you to do extra dental work you don't need, and when I did need a root canal and crown he was able to do it all in his office including making the crown. I can't say enough good things about Dr. Collins and his team!
Meredith Anderson
3 years ago
I cannot thank Dr. Collins, Nicole and Reagan enough for helping me with a broken molar amid the peak of the Covid-19 pandemic. The office and even waiting room were immaculately sanitized and they couldn't have been kinder to work with emergency issues during a global shut down. I have definitely found my dentist in FL now and will be back for future visits when things are back to "normal". Thank you thank you thank you!!!
Brendan Matthys
3 years ago
Whenever I go here, they always are the friendliest dental office I have been to. They genuinely care about you and make sure you're happy with your smile. Way to go :)
Paige Hardy
3 years ago
My normal dentist has been closed due to COVID-19. I went to Dr. Collins for a tooth extraction and could not be happier. He and Reagan are both incredibly friendly and easy to talk to, and made the entire procedure go as smooth as possible. Additionally the office was very sanitized and well taken care of. Dr. Collins is without a doubt going to be my new primary dentist, I cannot say enough great things about the team.
Natasha Cutter
3 years ago
Phenomenal service!
Richard Maradiaga
3 years ago
Banana River Dental is definitely the place to go to if you want a great dental experience! I recently had to have a bad tooth removed and was told that this was the place to go! The environment is absolutely amazing, the staff makes you feel at home and makes sure to take time to actually get to know there patients and create a bond with them. Going on, I had an appointment to check in a bum tooth I had. Assistant Amber Worthington along with Dr. Ryan Collins did an absolutely flawless job with the treatment, explaining everything clearly and handling the procedure with care and precision, always checking to make sure I was comfortable and managed to remove my bad tooth and gave me more confidence in my smile again!
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