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 current with the latest research and continuing education, enabling her to implement the most up-to-date 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 has also been certified by the American Academy of Facial Esthetics due to her expertise in both BOTOX® and dermal filler treatments. By incorporating cosmetic rehabilitative dentistry into her practice, she extends her care beyond improving her patients’ health. 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, and the Eubank Teaching Institute, and has affiliations with professional organizations such as the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry, the 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
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 went 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 a 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.
Affiliations
- American Dental Association
- SC Dental Association
- Southeastern Academy of Prosthodontics
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.
Affiliations
- American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry
JOHN VARGO, DMD
Dr. John Vargo is a distinguished periodontist with a rich history of expertise and community involvement. A graduate of West Virginia University School of Dentistry in 1982, he honed his skills with a post-graduate residency in periodontics at the University of Maryland Dental School, completing it in 1984. For over three decades, Dr. Vargo served the Charleston, WV community, specializing in periodontics and implant dentistry. Since relocating to the Low Country in 2016, he has been actively volunteering with the Volunteers of Medicine on Hilton Head, demonstrating his commitment to giving back. Dr. Vargo achieved Board Certification with the American Board of Periodontology in 1989, underscoring his dedication to his field. Outside of his professional life, he enjoys playing golf and is a member of Harbour Town Golf Links and Secession Golf Club. Dr. Vargo shares his life with his wife, Dr. Dianna Lenick, and together they cherish their family, which includes two children and four grandchildren.