Meet Our Physicians
Meet OUR PHYSICIANS
Dalton ENT’s Ear, Nose & Throat Specialists – Our Doctors Who Specialize in Your Ear, Nose & Throat Healthcare
David L. Dinges, MD
Otolaryngologist – Ear-Nose-Throat Specialist
“Throughout medical school, I was fascinated by the complex anatomy, the diseases and the surgical problems that are present in the head and neck region. Today, I still enjoy the complex and intricate anatomy and the delicate precision required for surgery. “I want my patients to feel that their voices are heard and that I have given them time to express their concerns. I also hope to give them a sense that they are cared for and confidence in my treatment recommendations. I am a good listener. No two patients have the same problem or require the same treatment. Taking the time to listen to your concerns helps me customize my treatment to your individual needs. “I am fortunate to work with a wonderful group of people. I enjoy my office staff and nurses. Together, we look forward to taking care of you and your family.”- Board-Certified: American Board of Otolaryngology
- Residency: Otolaryngology–Head & Neck Surgery, Medical College of Georgia, Augusta, GA
- Internship: General Surgery, Medical College of Georgia
- MD: University of Kansas, Wichita, KS
- BS: University of Kansas
- Member: American Academy of Otolaryngology–Head & Neck Surgery, American Rhinologic Society, Alpha Omega Alpha Medical Honor Society
Stephen H. Ryals, MD
Otolaryngologist – Ear-Nose-Throat Specialist
“I enjoy the diversity of medical and surgical problems in the intricate anatomy of the head and neck. That’s what attracted me to the otolaryngology field in medical school.” “Although it seems that otolaryngology is somewhat limited, in reality, it is very diverse. I enjoy all aspects of this specialty from ear, nasal and sinus problems to treating major head and neck cancers. It also allows me to treat patients of all ages, from infants to seniors. “My goal is for patients to feel comfortable with the experience they have in our office. My hope is that patients will feel that their problems are addressed beyond their expectations.”- Board-Certified: American Board of Otolaryngology
- Residency: Otolaryngology–Head & Neck Surgery, Medical College of Georgia Hospital & Clinics, Augusta, GA
- Internship: General Surgery, Medical College of Georgia Hospital & Clinics
- MD: Medical College of Georgia, Augusta, GA
- BS: Chemistry & Pre-Med, University of Georgia, Athens, GA
- Member: American Academy of Otolaryngology–Head & Neck Surgery, Georgia Society of Otolaryngology–Head & Neck
- Surgery, American Medical Association, Medical Association of Georgia, Whitfield-Murray County Medical Society
- Appointments: Former Chairman, Department of Surgery, Hamilton Medical Center; Former President of Medical Staff, Hamilton Medical Center
Sean C. Coleman, MD, FACS
Otolaryngologist – Ear-Nose-Throat Specialist
“I have always been intrigued with the art of surgery. I explored other surgical fields such as general, cardiac and vascular surgery but was most interested in and drawn to the complex and challenging anatomy of the head and neck. Further, I enjoy being the medical and surgical specialist for the head and neck region. Some problems that I treat are predominantly medical, such as allergies, ear disease and some sinus infections. Other problems require surgical intervention.
“I am particularly interested in rhinoplasty and endoscopic sinus surgery. I also have a deep interest in the management of thyroid and parathyroid problems. And I’m interested in complicated head and neck cancer surgery and excited by reconstructive surgery.
“I always try to involve the patient and family in medical decisions and do not impose my will on them. After all, they are making a decision about their own health. My goal is to give them hope, understanding and information about their condition or illness. I want my patients to feel truly cared for and important in the medical process because it’s about them, not me.”
- Board-Certified: American Board of Otolaryngology
- Fellow: American College of Surgeons
- Residency: Otolaryngology–Head & Neck Surgery, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN
- Internship: General Surgery, Vanderbilt University Medical Center
- MD: Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA
- BS:Biological Sciences, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY
- Member: American Academy of Otolaryngology–Head & Neck Surgery, American Academy of Otolaryngic Allergy, American Academy of Facial Plastic & Reconstructive Surgery, Medical Association of Georgia, Alpha Omega Alpha Honor Society
Alyssa Sellers Garner, MSN, RN, APRN, FNP-C
Nurse Practitioner
Mrs. Alyssa Sellers Garner is a board certified Family Nurse Pracitioner with the American Academy of Nurse Practitioners (AANPCP). She is a member of the Society of Physician Assistants in Otorhinolaryngology – Head and Neck Surgery, the Chattanooga Area Nurses in Advanced Practice, and the American Academy of Nurse Practitioners. She began practicing at Dalton, Ear, Nose and Throat in 2016.
She has a diverse background in healthcare and has worked in the medical field since 2011. She began her career as a registered nurse in 2011 where she worked at Hamilton Medical Center in the emergency department. She also spent a year working as a travel nurse in Wyoming and Arizona in 2013. She graduated from Southern Adventist University in Collegedale, Tennessee in 2016.
She attends the annual ENT for the PA-C conference and enjoys working with the experienced and knowledgeable physicians at Dalton, Ear, Nose, and Throat. Mrs. Garner is from Dalton and a graduate from Northwest Whitfield High School. She is thankful to have the opportunity to practice in an area where she feels a part of the community.
Katy Poole, FNP-BC
Nurse Practitioner
Katy Poole is a graduate of Georgia Southern University in Statesboro, GA where she earned her Masters of Science in Nursing (MSN). She received her Bachelor’s of Science in Nursing at the Medical College of Georgia (BSN) and also obtained a Bachelor of Science in Psychology from the College of Charleston.
Ms. Poole is a board certified Family Nurse Practitioner through the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC).
Prior to joining Dalton Ear, Nose & Throat, Ms. Poole worked at Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta at Scottish Rite as a registered nurse (RN) for five years.
She is a member of the American Association of Nurse Practitioners, Chattanooga Area Nurses in Advance Practice, and Sigma Theta Tau, the Honors Society of Nursing.
Ms. Poole currently resides in Chattanooga with her husband, Matt, and their dog, Hobie. She is excited to join the team at Dalton ENT and provide care to the
community of Dalton.
Our Patient Care Services
- Relief for Ear, Nose, Throat & Hearing Problems
- Nasal and Sinus Treatment
- Balloon Sinuplasty
- Allergy Care & Management
- Comprehensive Pediatric ENT Care
- Sleep Apnea Diagnosis & Treatment
- CT Scanning Services for Head & Neck
- Hearing Problems, Diagnostic Testing & Hearing Aid Fitting
- Chronic Cough
- Ear Pain & Infection
- Skin Lesion & Cancer Removal
- Balance & Vestibular Disorders
- Head & Neck Masses
- Thyroid & Parathyroid Problems
- Nose & Ear Cosmetic Care
Allergies
Sneezing? Itchy eyes or skin?
Allergies are more common than ever, affecting up to one-third of the population. People suffer with everything from allergic rhinitis and asthma to hay fever, eczema, food allergies, hives and sinusitis.
Balloon Sinuplasty
Chronic or Recurrent Sinusitis?
An alternative to medication therapy or aggressive sinus surgery, balloon sinus dilation is a simple office procedure that gently expands the natural sinus openings to fix underlying drainage problems.
Thyroid & Parathyroid
Tiring Easily? Forgetful?
Frequently feeling tired or weak, depressed, forgetful or generally unwell with no apparent cause can be a sign of a thyroid or parathyroid disorder that may be affecting your health.