South’s Greatest Dentists 2021/22

There’s nothing more Southern than a beautiful smile. We tracked down the South’s greatest dentists to get the latest on everything from simple cleanings to entire reconstructions.

Photo: Colin Gray

Dr. Ryan M. Reeves / Beyond Exceptional Dentistry

Beyond Exceptional Dentistry is a true legacy of elite dental care for the South. Dr. Ryan M. Reeves as the new part-owner moved his family to Savannah to continue this legacy, if not to revolutionize it. With his modern techniques and attention to detail in the engineering of life changing smiles, Beyond Exceptional Dentistry is truly sought after as the best of its kind. Custom dentistry that is truly in a class by itself.

Learn more about Dr. Ryan M. Reeves and Beyond Exceptional Dentistry:
Savannah, GA • 912.234.8282 and beyondexceptionaldentistry.com

Photo: D. Paul Graham

Dr. Karen Cooper / Custom-Made Smiles

Specializing in creating timeless smiles that are the talk of the town. Unmask your smile with Smile Designs by Dr. Karen Cooper.

“I always had great experiences as a child when going to the dentist, and that is one of the reasons I chose dentistry as a profession. Awesome experiences as a child can lead to adult patients that are not fearful of the dentist and come on a regular basis.” Dr. Karen Cooper

APPROACH

My approach is to provide comprehensive dentistry for all my patients. Aesthetic dentistry and function go hand and hand so that I can provide full mouth reconstruction.

WHEN AND WHY

I always had great experiences as a child when going to the dentist, and that is one of the reasons I chose dentistry as a profession. Awesome experiences as a child can lead to adult patients that are not fearful of the dentist and come on a regular basis. My ultimate desire is to provide complete mouth wellness for all my patients.

OUTSTANDING MOMENT

I have outstanding moments every day when I can provide comprehensive dentistry that leads to overall wellness through gentle care, and I can give complete information to patients about the pros and cons of different treatment modalities.

OUTSTANDING ORGANIZATIONS

I support Urban Hope. Saying children are the future is so cliche, but it is so true. Assisting children’s build a strong foundation in education, provides them with many opportunities in life, and helps them become productive citizens in our community.

OUTSTANDING TECHNOLOGY

Amongst our incredible tools we utilize digital implant placement, which gives precise places of implants down to microns by using a 3D CT cone beam.

COVID-19 CHALLENGES

While COVID-19 did provide some challenges, I must say my staff sailed through all the difficulties with flying colors. They have (and always will have) my profound gratitude.

Learn more about Dr. Karen Cooper and Smile Designs:
Savannah, GA • 912.920.6202 and savannahsmiledesigns.com

Photo: John Alexander

Dr. Stephanie Joy Sweeney / Cosmetic and General Dentistry

Savannah Dental is a spa-like cosmetic dental office, where extra effort is placed to make sure every patient has an amazing experience from the initial phone call to the patient-centric techniques utilized.

“I love seeing how people change when they have the confidence to smile proudly.” Dr. Stephanie Joy Sweeney

APPROACH

Technology is changing dentistry so quickly. I put a lot of time and expense into staying at the forefront of dental technology from creating a digital smile that takes x-rays, digital models, and photos/videos as part of the design to a dental laser that allows us to do fillings without anesthesia and helps prevent snoring. It also naturally increases collagen production for anti-wrinkle treatment.

WHEN AND WHY

As someone who experienced dental trauma myself, I know how important a healthy beautiful smile is for your confidence. I love seeing how people change when they have the confidence to smile proudly.

OUTSTANDING MOMENT

Probably one of the best awards I won was South’s Greatest Bosses. It is the biggest compliment from my team. We are a family and we truly care about each other. The culture we have created is amazing and our happiness at the office allows us to pass on the best care for our patients.

OUTSTANDING PEOPLE

I have to say the outstanding people in my life are my team!

OUTSTANDING TECHNOLOGY

We have the fotona lightwalker laser. This allows us to do fillings painlessly and without anesthesia. It also decreases post operative pain on many surgeries versus traditional methods. It can speed healing of oral herpes and can treat snoring!  We can also use the laser to stimulate your body to regrow collagen which reduces wrinkles, does natural lip plumping, and so much more.

Learn more about Dr. Stephanie Joy Sweeney and Savannah Dental:
Savannah and Richmond Hill, GA • 912.355.8821 and savannah.dental

Photo: D. Paul Graham

Dr. Scott Cohen / Maintenance / Dental Implants / Cosmetic Make Overs

If you are looking for a cosmetic dentist that is friendly, patient focused and highly skilled, look no further than Cohen Dental.

“I was eight years old when my godmother gave me a ‘dentist kit.’ I was fascinated with this gift, and I remember having a lot of fun using tin foil shavings to fill the ‘cavities.’” Dr. Scott Cohen

APPROACH

The practice of dentistry involves more than just knowledge. A good dentist must concentrate on giving patients the best combination of experience, skill and artistry.

WHEN AND WHY

I was eight years old when my godmother gave me a ‘dentist kit.’ I was fascinated with this gift, and I remember having a lot of fun using tin foil shavings to fill the ‘cavities.’

OUTSTANDING MOMENT

I have outstanding moments every time we finish a makeover and the patient breaks out a huge happy smile.

OUTSTANDING PERSON

I credit my late godmother Gladys Goldwasser for my inspiration. As a young boy growing up in Alma, Georgia, she influenced me in so many ways. Most importantly, igniting my creativity and lighting the ‘dentist fire’ back in 1970.

Gladys Goldwasser

OUTSTANDING ORGANIZATIONS

Throughout my career I have always been involved in charitable organizations. I have chaired the American Diabetes Association campaign, and I’ve been a ‘shoe guy’ for Ronald McDonald House fundraisers. Our office annually raises money to donate to Greenbriar Children’s Center for Christmas. Most recently, due to the generosity of our patients, we raised over $12,000 for Ronald McDonald House Charities winning me the title ‘King of Sole’ at the Wine, Women and Shoes event.

COVID-19 CHALLENGES

Dealing with the challenge of a pandemic has made me grateful for all we have in life. I am very happy that our staff and our immediate families have made it through so far. I’m thankful for the trust our patients placed in us to continue giving them the best quality care we can provide.

Learn more about Dr. Scott Cohen and Cohen Dental:
Savannah, GA • 912.353.9533 and savannahdentalcentre.com

Photo: D. Paul Graham

Dr. Mark Dye / Gentle, Conservative Dental Treatment

We are a family dental practice that sees patients from ages 3 years and up and our main focus is to help you achieve your dental goals. We have state-of-the-art equipment for creating some of the best cosmetic dentistry in the Savannah area.

“I was mowing grass when the light bulb went off, and I realized that I liked working with my hands and dentistry was the answer.” Dr. Mark Dye

APPROACH

I truly approach my job as a dental healthcare provider, and not a salesman. We structure a treatment plan that meets our patient’s goals without trying to upsell additional dental treatments.

WHEN AND WHY

I had just ended a long-term relationship, living in rural southwest Virginia, and I had a master’s degree in counseling and wasn’t happy with the direction that my life was headed. I always wanted to do something in medicine, but could never put my finger on what field. I was mowing grass when the light bulb went off, and I realized that I liked working with my hands and dentistry was the answer.

OUTSTANDING MOMENT

After working for a year and a half with an area dentist, I bought the practice and established my own LLC. This was a major turning point, as I now owned my own business.

OUTSTANDING PERSON

My father was an architect in Savannah, and he designed several buildings in the Landings. As a solo architect, the one thing that he stressed to me was he found it quite empowering to be able to choose the projects that he wanted to work on. That was when I knew that one day I wanted to be my own boss and call my own shots.

OUTSTANDING TECHNOLOGY

We have a digital scanner at our office that saves time, helps create better restorations, and patients love it because it means no more goopy impressions that make patients gag when completing crown and bridge work. The restorations fit more accurately and it cuts down on appointment times.

COVID-19 CHALLENGES

COVID-19 presented several challenges to our practice. We had to close our doors for about three months. In the dental world, we schedule our hygiene appointments for six months for the next appointment. When you have a period of time with no patients on the schedule, the recovery to get the schedule back on track will be about one-and-a-half-to two years.

Learn more about Dr. Mark Dye and The Savannah Dentist:
Savannah, GA • 912.355-2424 and thesavannahdentist.com

Dr. Elizabeth Abell / Cosmetic and Family Dentistry

Harbor Point Dentistry provides a high-quality approach to dentistry. Your experience begins with warmth and concludes with a feeling of satisfaction knowing you received exceptional service.

“Full smiles and functional rehabilitation cases are mutually rewarding. These cases result in a beautiful smile, but often reveal a deeper, significant story… perhaps the story of a tragic accident, or one of a caregiver, or that of a sole family provider that always placed their own needs last.” Dr. Elizabeth Abell

APPROACH

I approach dentistry with an emphasis on delivering top-tier, quality and compassionate care to each individual. Dentistry requires a high skill level of dexterity, but one must also possess interpersonal skills such as effective communication and the altruistic desire to serve others. It is my pleasure serving our community and restoring one’s confidence in their smile.

WHEN AND WHY

I enjoyed art projects as a child that required a lot of dexterity. While dentistry requires a mastery of science, it is also an art technique. I began to view dentistry as a profession that is defined by the applications of science, the highest standards of professionalism, and the goal to promote proper oral healthcare to improve the lives of others.

OUTSTANDING MOMENT

Full mouth esthetic smile and functional rehabilitation cases are mutually rewarding for the recipient as well as the dental provider. These cases result in a beautiful smile, but often reveal a deeper, significant story… perhaps the story of a tragic accident, or one of a caregiver, or that of a sole family provider that always placed their own needs last. There is no better reward than providing a smile that is a true reflection of  the patient

OUTSTANDING PERSON

My patients influence and impact my career daily. I am constantly inspired and renewed by the relationships that I have formed with them and many have become dear friends and I look forward to their visit with our office.

OUTSTANDING TECHNOLOGY

Messy, long lasting, and gag-worthy impressions are now a thing of the past. Our office is impression-less. We can now take your impressions with a digital scanner and a flick of my “tooth fairy” wand.

COVID-19 CHALLENGES

Our office has always been OSHA compliant, but the pandemic allowed us the opportunity to showcase our high level of sanitation and disinfection measures. We received many compliments in regards to our strict adherence to a COVID-19 protocol and the safety and security that it provided them.

Learn more about Dr. Elizabeth Abell and Harbor Point Dentistry:
Bluffton, SC • 843.492.0386 and dentistblufftonsc.com

Photo: D. Paul Graham / { L-R: Traci Greene, Lacy Newberry, Dr. Natalie Wermuth, Hattie Gunby, Katherine Kreiner }

Dr. Natalie Wermuth / Quality Dental Care / Patient Comfort

Dr. Wermuth enjoys the reward of converting a patient with trepidation about dental treatment into one that leaves with a genuine smile using cutting edge technology.

“The human spirit business is equally important as the excellent dentistry we strive to give our patients.” Dr. Natalie Wermuth

APPROACH

Each morning my team meets before we start our workday where we engage in meaningful conversation about how to make the day run smoothly. It is always striking to me how consistently the effort is to create a warm and sincere experience for each patient. The human spirit business is equally important as the excellent dentistry we strive to give our patients.

WHEN AND WHY

It has always been my vision to create a dental practice that people truly look forward to coming to.

OUTSTANDING MOMENT

In a commitment to continuing education, I have completed comprehensive training for botulinum toxin and derma fillers, recently earning membership into the International Academy of Facial Aesthetics. This additional skill set enables me to deliver a continuum of care beyond teeth and gums. As an expert in symmetry of the face, I feel this an extension of services I can provide.

OUTSTANDING TECHNOLOGY

This is too small a space to list all the new technology. Just know that I am constantly learning about what is coming out and make sure I bring the newest and best technology into my practice to make sure our patients get the best care possible.

OUTSTANDING ORGANIZATIONS

I am so excited to be involved in an organization making a difference at the local level. I have served on the board of the Chatham County Oral Health Campaign since January 2020. We have developed a strategy with different phases to serve the uninsured and underinsured in Chatham County. Phase one was implemented in August this year, and we were able provide dental services at no charge for hundreds of individuals. We are indebted and grateful for the many volunteers that came forward to help in this effort.

COVID-19 CHALLENGES

A great deal has changed due to the COVID-19, and our office is changing as well to better serve our patients and keep them safe.

Learn more about Dr. Natalie Wermuth and Marshpoint Dentistry:
Savannah, GA • 912.898.0090 and marshpointdentistry.com

Photo: John Alexander

Dr. Christopher Comer / Comprehensive Dental Care

At Comer Dental we pride ourselves on our ability to provide comprehensive dental care to your entire family in a gentle environment. We are committed to keeping your smile beautiful and healthy.

“Dentistry combines the American entrepreneurial spirit with science and medicine. Everyday, I am privileged to improve the oral health and self confidence of Savannahians.” Dr. Christopher Comer

APPROACH

I take a very pragmatic approach to case design; every patient has different goals and I love to use technology to help them meet those goals. We are proud that the bulk of our new patients are referred to us by current patients. We like to provide the friendly alternative to the ‘big box’ practices.

WHEN AND WHY

In a possibly unconscious attempt to stay in college forever, I tried just about all the possible majors. They finally realized I had met the requirements to receive a degree in finance. I then went back to dental school and I have now taken that business education to build a career in health using the American entrepreneurial spirit combined with science and medicine.

OUTSTANDING MOMENT

After practicing dentistry for several years, all dentists face similar challenges such as insurance battles and pandemic setbacks. The outstanding moment for me is when we can create a quiet and serene atmosphere for each client and have them leave happy with their results.

OUTSTANDING PERSON

After dental school, I pursued a hospital residency in the Veterans Administration where Dr. George Hall set the standard for the ideal practitioner. Dr. Hall guided me through difficult implant surgeries, making them seem effortless.

OUTSTANDING TECHNOLOGY

I enjoy employing digital radiographs, 3D bone scans and 3D intra-oral scanning, but nothing has caught my interest quite like 3D printing in the office. I can now prototype smiles for patients to show their families, create realistic dentures and sleep appliances. Fabricating everything in office has dramatically lowered the cost to patients and made dentistry more accessible.

COVID-19 CHALLENGES

Every small business owner faced challenges and stresses during the pandemic. During my office closure, I took the gift of an intermission in patient care to improve the office. I made several renovations and technology upgrades. Once able to reopen, my team hit the ground running and we have yet to slow down.

Learn more about Dr. Christopher Comer and Comer Dental:
Savannah, GA • 912.355.8771 and comerdental.com

 


To read this story in its entirety, subscribe now to the print edition for the full article or get instant access to our interactive digital edition.