Paul Giddings, DMD, FAGD

Dr. Giddings began practicing dentistry in Pickens County in 1982, following his graduation from dental school at the Medical College of Georgia in 1980, and completion of a two year general practice residency at the Medical University of South Carolina in 1982. An avid student, Dr. Giddings enjoys constantly improving his skills as a dentist. Because of that commitment, he was rewarded a Fellowship in the Academy of General Dentistry (FAGD) in 2000. He is currently a student with the L.D. Pankey Institute, and is certified in placing dental implants. Dr. Giddings’ commitment to excellence is evident in every aspect of the treatment you receive while in our office. From our well trained and professional staff to the way our youngest patients are cared for, you find a dental office that will exceed your expectations in every way.

Dr. Giddings finds true joy in providing the best quality dental care available anywhere, while maintaining a caring, small town atmosphere for his patients. When asked why he loves dentistry so much, he says, “It is an honor to be able to share life with our patients - as they grow up, marry, and become parents and grandparents. I share in their ups and downs, and have the privilege of caring for their dental needs all along the way.” In his spare time, Dr. Giddings enjoys playing guitar and singing, cooking, gardening and hiking, as well as spending time in Rocky Bottom with family and friends. He is a father of 3 grown daughters and one wonderful granddaughter. Dr Giddings is a Rotarian, an elder in Pickens Presbyterian Church, and sings in the PPC Men’s Chorus.

 

Hunter Hicklin, DMD

 Dr. Hunter Hicklin joined our practice in April of 2011 after graduating from the Medical University of South Carolina Dental School in 2009 and completion of a 2 year General Practice Residency at the University of Alabama in Birmingham.  During his residency, Dr. Hicklin acquired an expanded knowledge of many dental procedures and became uniquely qualified to treat medically complex patients.  He continues his education through the Academy of General Dentistry, the American Dental Association and the South Carolina Dental Association. 
Dr. Hicklin currently takes care of patients on Mondays and Fridays at Great Oaks.   He fits right in with our friendly staff and he adds to the comfortable and caring atmosphere we cultivate.   Dr. Hicklin says, "For me, dentistry does not feel like work - I can't imagine doing anything else! I enjoy the variety of procedures and the hands on, personal characteristics of dentistry."

Dr. Hicklin grew up in Spartanburg and graduated from Furman University with a BS in Biology in 2005. Like Dr. Giddings, he is a Presbyterian, and he attends First Presbyterian Church in Spartanburg.  Dr. Hicklin enjoys spending time with his fiancé, Anna Louise Sanford, and spending time outdoors running, biking, hunting and kayaking. 

 

Ellen Thrailkill, DMD

ellen

We are excited to announce that  Dr. Ellen Thrailkill will be joining our practice in July, 2012!  Dr. Thrailkill is a 2006 graduate of Wofford College in Spartanburg, SC where she earned a BS degree in biology.  She received a Doctor of Dental Medicine degree from the Medical University of South Carolina in May, 2010, and is coming to us from a 2-year graduate program at the University of Alabama - Birmingham where she was chief resident and received advanced general dentistry training from 2010-2012.  Dr. Thrailkill chose to pursue a general dentistry residency upon graduation from dental school in order to provide her patients with the most comprehensive dental care she possibly can.  Dr. Thrailkill is qualified to perform sedation, root canals, restorative dentistry, and a variety of surgical procedures such as dental implants.

In addition to serving our patients here at Great Oaks Dental, Dr. Thrailkill enjoys teaching general dentistry to students and residents and hopes to incorporate that into her professional career.  She was inducted into Omicron Kappa Upsilon National Dental Honor Society in 2010 and is a member of the South Carolina Dental Association, the American Dental Association, and the Academy of General Dentistry.  She is also active in Dental Community Fellowship, a local chapter of the Christian Medical and Dental Association, and has been on various dental mission trips with the group including Kenya, Burundi, Ecuador, Costa Rica, Honduras, and Haiti.  Dr. Thrailkill is so excited to join Great Oaks Dental and is looking forward to meeting all of our great patients!