Dr. Jernigan attended Gilbert High School, graduating in 1992. He then continued his education attending Winthrop University, in Rock Hill, South Carolina completing his undergraduate work and achieving a Bachelor of Sciences degree in biology in 1996. He then attended dental school and achieved his degree at the Medical University of South Carolina. He graduated dental school in 2000. Dr. Jernigan knew that he wanted to become an orthodontist primarily because he enjoyed the more creative aspect of dentistry and he really enjoyed helping individuals and seeing the transformation that takes place as patients realize a beautiful smile. Their level of self-esteem is elevated and that is very rewarding to Dr. Jernigan. Dr. Jernigan achieved his Certificate of Orthodontics at Vanderbilt University Medical Center, completing his residency in 2003.

Dr. Jernigan is a member of the American Dental Association, the American Association of Orthodontists, the Southern Association of Orthodontists, the South Carolina Dental Association, the South Carolina Central District Dental Association and the Mid Carolina Dental Study Academy.

He grew up in Gilbert, South Carolina and married his college sweetheart Jennifer from Winthrop. Jennifer is from NE Columbia. They have two daughters, Kate and Meredith. Dr. Jernigan is a member of Village Church and plays guitar in the band worship services. He enjoys spending time with his family, running, reading - as Dr. Jernigan is a big history buff, and following sports of all kinds especially USC football.