Meet Our Doctors

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.

Committed to clinical excellence, Dr. Couzens stays current with research and continuing education so she can incorporate up-to-date technology, materials, and techniques into patient care. She is a member of the American Dental Association, the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry, and the American Academy of Dental Sleep Medicine.

Dr. Couzens has also been certified by the American Academy of Facial Esthetics due to her expertise in BOTOX® treatments. Through cosmetic rehabilitative dentistry, she offers care focused on improving oral health, smile appearance, and quality of life.

Affiliations include

• American Dental Association
• SPEAR Faculty Club
• CEREC®
• DOCS
• American Academy of Dental Sleep Medicine

MARTIN PAULS, DMD

Dr. Martin Pauls began practicing on Hilton Head Island in 1984 and continues to treat patients alongside Dr. Couzens. He grew up in Bethany, WV, attended West Virginia University, and earned his dental degree from the WVU School of Dentistry.

After graduating in 1981, Dr. Pauls entered the U.S. Navy and served three years as a dentist at Parris Island, SC, where he came to love the Lowcountry.

Dr. Pauls has completed extensive continuing education in comprehensive dentistry and full-mouth reconstruction, with emphasis on complex crown and bridge, implant, and cosmetic dentistry. He has been restoring implants and placing porcelain veneers for more than 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.

Dr. Pauls is also active in the Hilton Head community. He has been a 20+ year member of the Hilton Head Rotary Club, a multiple Paul Harris Fellow, a graduate of Leadership Hilton Head, and a longtime board member and past board president of the Island Recreation Association.

Affiliations Include:

• American Dental Association
• SC Dental Association
• Southeastern Academy of Prosthodontics

JOHN VARGO, DMD

Dr. John Vargo is a periodontist with extensive experience in periodontics and implant dentistry. He graduated from West Virginia University School of Dentistry in 1982 and completed a post-graduate residency in periodontics at the University of Maryland Dental School in 1984.

For more than three decades, Dr. Vargo served the Charleston, WV community, specializing in periodontics and implant dentistry. Since relocating to the Lowcountry in 2016, he has volunteered with Volunteers in Medicine on Hilton Head.

Dr. Vargo achieved board certification with the American Board of Periodontology in 1989. Outside of dentistry, he enjoys golf and is a member of Harbour Town Golf Links and Secession Golf Club. He shares his life with his wife, Dr. Dianna Lenick, and their family, including two children and four grandchildren.

TANYA SCHULZ, DDS

Dr. Tanya Schulz brings nearly three decades of experience in dentistry and practice leadership. A graduate of the University of Minnesota School of Dentistry, she built and led a dental practice in Minnesota for 28 years.

During her career, Dr. Schulz had the privilege of practicing alongside her father, continuing a family legacy in dentistry. She is passionate about creating healthy, confident smiles through modern cosmetic and facial esthetic dentistry.

Outside the office, Dr. Schulz enjoys spending time with family and friends, volunteering, and maintaining an active outdoor lifestyle