Meet Our Dentists
SUSAN COUZENS, DMD
Dr. Susan Couzens received her dental degree from the University of Kentucky in 1995 and practiced dentistry in Danville, Kentucky for more than 25 years before relocating to Hilton Head, SC, to begin her next chapter. With a commitment to clinical excellence, she stays up to date with current research and continuing education, which allows her to implement use of the latest technology, materials, and techniques. In addition to membership in the American Dental Association, she is a member of the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry and the American Academy of Dental Sleep Medicine.
Education and Credentials
Dr. Couzens also has been certified by the American Academy of Facial Esthetics, due to her expertise in both BOTOX® and dermal filler treatments. By including cosmetic rehabilitative dentistry in her practice, she goes beyond making improvements in the health of her patients. She offers patients the opportunity for a beautiful, healthy smile and with it, a better quality of life.
Affiliations
- American Dental Association
- SPEAR Faculty Club
- CEREC
- DOC
- American Academy of Dental Sleep Medicine
MARY ANN CHILDS, DMD
Originally from St. George, South Carolina, Dr. Mary Ann Childs brings a wealth of experience and expertise to the Couzens Dental Group. Upon graduating with a Bachelor of Science in Pharmacy from the University of South Carolina in 1993, Dr. Childs began pursuing her passion for dentistry, earning her Doctorate of Dental Medicine from the Medical University of South Carolina in 2000.
Education and Credentials
Dr. Childs is fully committed to staying at the forefront of dental advancements and techniques. She has undergone additional training and education at prestigious institutions including the Pankey Institute, Dawson Academy, Eubank Teaching Institute, and has affiliations with professional organizations such as the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry, American Dental Association, and the Academy of General Dentistry.
About the Doctor
With almost 25 years of experience in dentistry, Dr. Childs joined the Couzens Dental Group in November 2023, bringing her dedication to transforming lives through comprehensive dentistry. She loves being able to witness the profound impact a healthy and beautiful smile can have on her patients’ lives, from enhancing functionality to boosting confidence and overall well-being. In addition,
Dr. Childs is passionate about advancing the field of sleep dentistry. Drawing from her experiences in Greenville, SC, where she owned a prestigious dental practice specializing in TMJ disorder and adult restorative dentistry, Dr. Childs became deeply involved in the study of airway and sleep breathing disorders. From this, she developed the Sleep Buddy – an innovative oral appliance designed to treat snoring and obstructive sleep apnea by increasing airway size and promoting nasal breathing.
Dr. Childs is happily married to her supportive husband Brad, and together they love spending time with their daughters Pressley Ann and Brooke. In her free time she indulges in hobbies like running, boating around picturesque Hilton Head Island, and getting together with friends.
Affiliations
- American Dental Association
ROBERT G. SAVARESE, DMD
Dr. Robert Savarese began practicing on Hilton Head Island in 1985. He’s become a mainstay in the community and is going to continue to treat patients alongside Dr. Couzens and Dr. Pauls. He is a native of Wantagh on Long Island, NY, and graduated from Bucknell University in 1977 with a degree in Biology. He attended graduate school at the University of Pennsylvania where he earned his Doctor of Medicinal Dentistry and taught in the prosthetic department. Dr. Savarese served four years with the Navy at Parris Island where he received extensive training in Endodontics and Prosthodontics.
Education and Credentials
Dr. Savarese is an active member of the American Dental Association and the Southeastern Academy of Prosthodontics. He has completed extensive continuing education at the Dawson Academy focusing on comprehensive dentistry and full mouth reconstructions and has over 20 years of experience in implant dentistry, advanced crown and bridge, and cosmetic dentistry. He has been restoring implants and placing porcelain veneers since 1985. He currently works with a periodontist to treat advanced periprosthetic cases and the placement of implants.
About the Doctor
Dr. Savarese’s lovely wife Pat is a native of Short Hills, NJ, and a teacher of Spanish at Hilton Head Christian Academy. They have four amazing children. Anthony is a 2007 graduate of Winthrop University, Kathryn is a 2009 graduate of Furman University, Elaine is a student at the College of Charleston, and Peter attends high school at Hilton Head Christian Academy. Dr. Savarese enjoys spending time with his family and fishing the waters surrounding Hilton Head Island. He also has played guitar for the last 40 years and continues playing in his leisure time.
MARTIN PAULS, DMD
Dr. Martin Pauls began practicing on Hilton Head Island in 1984. He loves practicing dentistry and is going to continue to treat patients alongside Dr. Couzens and Dr. Savarese. He grew up in the small town of Bethany, WV, attended undergraduate school at West Virginia University, and then on to the WVU School of Dentistry. Upon graduation in 1981, he entered the US Navy and proudly served three years as a dentist at Parris Island, SC where he came to love the Low Country.
Education and Credentials
Dr. Pauls has taken extensive continuing education courses in comprehensive dentistry and full mouth reconstruction with special emphasis on complex crown and bridge, implant, and cosmetic dentistry. He has been restoring implants and placing porcelain veneers for over 20+ years. He is a member of the American Dental Association, the SC Dental Association, and the Southeastern Academy of Prosthodontics and holds dental licenses in multiple states.
About the Doctor
Dr. Pauls is also a community leader. He is a 20+ year member of the Hilton Head Rotary Club and a multiple Paul Harris Fellow. He is a graduate of Leadership Hilton Head. For over 20 years, he has been on the board of directors and has twice been board president of the Island Recreation Association and was instrumental in pushing for the building of many of the public parks on Hilton Head. He has also been a member of the Hilton Head Sportfishing Club since its beginning. Dr. Pauls is a PADI scuba instructor and has a Coast Guard Captain’s License. He is an avid outdoorsman and enjoys all the hunting and fishing that the Low Country has to offer.
DIANNA LENICK, DMD
Dianna Lenick grew up in Northern New Jersey and pursued her passion for microbiology at the University of Maryland, graduating in 1979. She went on to earn a dental degree at the University of Maryland Dental School in 1983, and did her General Practice Residency in 1984. Dianna is a scholar of the L. D. Pankey Institute and an accredited member of the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry. With more than four decades of experience in dentistry, she thrives on learning and solving complex dental cases. As an educator, Diana has had the privilege of being a visiting instructor at the Pankey Institute and an assistant instructor with Dr. Jimmy Eubanks. Outside of work, she enjoys her dogs, beach walks, and golfing with friends. Dianna shares a joyful life with her husband, two children, and grandchildren.
Meet Our Team
Christine H.
Registered Dental Hygienist
Christine has been working as a dental hygienist at Hilton Head for two years. Aside from being a dental hygienist, she is an Ironman triathlete warrior! She is passionate about teaching patients to understand the mouth-body connection. There is a direct correlation between oral disease and a higher incidence of several systemic diseases. Therefore the healthier your mouth the healthier your body! She is blessed with a wonderful husband and is “obsessed” with her dogs Charlie and Cooper.
Melisa D.
Scheduling Coordinator
Melisa has been a Scheduling Coordinator at Hilton Head for eight years but she’s been working in the dental field for more than 43 years in total. Her favorite part of the job is interacting with patients and emphasizing that their oral health is connected to their overall quality of life. Melisa is a proud grandma who loves to spend her free time boating, gardening, and reading. It can’t get better than that!
Sharon K.
Dental Hygienist
Sharon has been a Dental Hygienist at Hilton Head for more than 20 years. She loves the long-lasting relationships she’s built with patients over the years and wishes more people knew that the more they do at home, the easier each dental visit will be. She’s a pro at oral cancer screenings, X-rays, patient education, and everything in between. She has a wonderful husband Jack, a granddaughter Samantha, a stepdaughter Nikki, and her dog Romeo who keeps her going. In her free time, you can find Sharon cooking/baking anything and everything (especially candy!), traveling, and spending time at the beach.
Danielle H.
Front Office Coordinator
Danielle is the newest member of our team! She’s a Front Office Coordinator and has lived in Hilton Head for 20 years. Daily, she’s in charge of everything from processing payments to advising on financing options and scheduling patients. Originally from New Jersey, she loved everything about living in the Low Country. In her free time, Danielle enjoys spending time with her sons. She also has two fur babies: a chihuahua named Sunny and a cat named Cloudy.
Emerald Keen
Dental Assistant
Emerald Keen hails from Elberton, Georgia, where she graduated from Elbert County High School before studying at Athens Technical College. With less than a decade of experience in the dental profession, Emerald is certified in CPR, BLS, and AED. She finds joy in helping patients, connecting with people, and making a positive impact on others. When she is not working, Emerald enjoys spending time with her Marine husband, David, her son, and two dogs, the beach, the gym, or walking outdoors. She comes from a large family, being one of nine siblings, which ensures there’s never a dull moment.
Mary Lynne
Registered Dental Hygienist
Mary Lynne frequently moved during her childhood due to her father’s job as a chemist, living in places like Ware, Cincinnati, St. Louis, and Detroit. She studied dental hygiene at the University of New England in Portland, Maine, earning both her dental hygiene degree and a bachelor’s degree in science. With over four decades in the dental field, Mary is passionate about educating patients on the importance of oral health for systemic wellness. Her hobbies include gardening, practicing nutrition, and exploring the South with loved ones. Married to her best friend Pat since 1982, she enjoys spending time with her extended family and their fish. Her dedication to dental hygiene and her faith in Jesus bring her joy.
Cheramie C. Sawejka
Hygiene Scheduling Coordinator
Cheramie C. Sawejka grew up in Minglanilla, Cebu City, Philippines, and graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Computer Science from the University of San Jose Recoletos in 1990. With over a year of experience in the dental profession, Cheramie loves helping patients find convenient appointment times and ensuring smooth office operations. In her spare time, she enjoys learning new things, watching movies, and spending time outdoors. Cheramie, described as friendly and caring, finds joy in kindness, achieving personal goals, and witnessing acts of generosity.
She has two children and is the second of four siblings in a family of educators. In her spare time, she enjoys learning new things, watching movies, and spending time outdoors with her husband Rick.
Lisa Beddie
Practice Manager
Lisa Beddie is a Practice Manager who brings our team a wealth of experience and a passion for patient care. She grew up in Minnesota and earned her bachelor’s degree in Business Management from St. Mary’s College. Lisa started her career in dentistry as a dental technician in the United States Navy, serving in San Diego, Pearl Harbor, and San Francisco. With four decades of experience, she has spent countless hours building and leading great teams to provide outstanding patient care. Her favorite part of the job is seeing patients happy with their care.
Outside of work, Lisa has a vibrant and active lifestyle. She grew up figure skating and has been playing ice hockey for over a decade. Lisa enjoys spending time with her family, who are her absolute joy and a significant part of her life.
Tiffany
Bio Coming Soon…
Tonya
Dental Assistant
Tonya’s favorite part of her job at Couzens Dental is spending time with patients and making them smile. With over 10 years of experience in the field, Tonya helps beautify those smiles by using her empathetic nature and extensive training in various dental disciplines, including CEREC®. Growing up in Bamberg and Beaufort, South Carolina, Tonya grew to love gardening and cooking–hobbies she still embraces today. She relishes every minute she spends with her family, which includes three wonderful children and four grandkids that keep her on her toes.
Linda
Hygiene Scheduling Coordinator
Bio Coming Soon…
