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.
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.
Lisa W.
Dental Hygienist
Lisa Walker has been a Dental Hygienist at Hilton Head for 17 years. As a Dental Hygienist, she assesses dental and medical histories, screens patients for oral cancer and disease, and so much more. Her favorite part of her job is developing relationships with patients to improve their oral and overall health as well as connecting through life’s stories and sharing a smile, hug, or good laugh. One of her primary goals with patients is to be gentle and maintain as high a level of comfort as possible while still achieving treatment goals. Lisa has a miniature poodle named “Tu” and a beagle named “Louie.” They have a handsome Tuxedo kitty brother named “Smitty.” She has two nieces who live in North Carolina and she loves being active and outdoors. She’s even taken up competitive rifle shooting!
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.