Dentist in Pawleys Island, SC

The brief descriptions below are designed to familiarize you with our staff's training, professional credentials and work experience.

Nicholas A. Papadea DMD, FAGD

Dr. Nicholas Papadea grew up in Columbia, SC. He attended Wofford College, graduating in 1994 with a BS in Biology. He continued on to the Medical University of South Carolina’s College of Dental Medicine, receiving his DMD in 1999. That same year he moved to Murrells Inlet and opened his practice in Pawleys Island with the help of Dr. Benton DuBose. In 2016 Dr. Papadea received his Fellowship in the Academy of General Dentistry. To achieve this distinction he had to complete 500 hours of continuing education, pass a comprehensive exam, and attend the AGD annual session.

Dr. Papadea is an active member of the American Dental Association , South Carolina Dental Association , The Academy of General Dentistry , and the Grand Strand Dental Society. He is also a founding member and volunteer dentist at Helping Hands Emergency Dental Clinic, providing emergency extractions to the uninsured of Georgetown County. He is the two-time past-President of the Pawleys Island Lions Club and a member of St. John the Baptist Greek Orthodox Church. His wife, Meredith, is a pediatric dentist. They have a son and a daughter. Dr. Papadea enjoys surfing, fishing, running, home brewing, and spending time with his family.

In April 2017 Dr. Papadea was awarded a fellowship in the Pierre Fauchard Academy. The mission of the Pierre Fauchard Academy is to recognize and grow leaders in the dental profession, their communities, and society. In 2022 Dr. Papadea was awarded a fellowship in the American College of Dentists. The mission of the ACD is to advance excellence, ethics, professionalism, and leadership in dentistry. Later in 2022 Dr. Papadea was awarded a fellowship in the International College of Dentists. The ICD is dedicated to the recognition of outstanding professional achievement, meritorious service, and the continued progress in the profession of dentistry for the benefit of all humankind. 

Dr. Papadea served as the President of the South Carolina Dental Association in 2022 and continues to serve on the SCDA Board as Immediate Past President.

Tyler Perry, DMD

Dr. Tyler Perry received his Bachelor of Science in Biology at Wofford College in Spartanburg, South Carolina. He is a proud graduate of the Medical University of South Carolina College of Dental Medicine in Charleston. After graduating with honors, Dr. Perry completed an Advanced Education in General Dentistry residency at East Carolina University. A native of Florence, South Carolina, Dr. Perry has been practicing in his hometown with the Palmetto Smiles private dental office since completing his residency in 2017.

Dr. Perry has been very involved in using his dental skills to give back to the community. He has participated in dental mission efforts in Cambodia and Jamaica. He has also volunteered at the Mercy Medicine Clinic and numerous Dental Access Day events, where free dental care is provided to thousands. He is a member of the American Dental Association, the American Dental Education Association, the American Dental Political Action Committee, and the Christian Dental Society. Dr. Perry is also a member of the Academy of General Dentistry, with his sights set on attaining Fellowship status.
Dr. Perry has a deep-rooted passion for music, having played the drums since he was five. He has collaborated with numerous musicians over the years and has performed numerous times in and around South Carolina. He is also an avid outdoorsman, spending his leisure time hunting and fishing.
While he has enjoyed his years practicing in Florence, Dr. Perry is fortunate to fulfill his life’s goal of practicing dentistry along the coastline of the Palmetto State. He is excited for the opportunity to work with Dr. Papadea and his team!

Joseph Siegwald, DMD

Dr. Siegwald grew up in Kenmore, Washington and later moved to Mt Pleasant, South Carolina in high school. He then attended Anderson University where he competed in Track and Field and graduated Magna Cum Laude with a BS in Biochemistry. During his time at Anderson University Dr. Siegwald fell in love with dentistry as a profession and knew it was for him. He continued his pursuit at JBE Medical University of South Carolina College of Dental Medicine where he received his DMD. Dr. Siegwald wants to continue his educational pursuits and achieve his Fellowship with the Academy of General Dentists (AGD). He is also a member of the American Dental Association.

Dr. Siegwald enjoys serving his community and has given his time at East Cooper Community Outreach, Lady of Mercy, the Coastal Center and the Greenville Medical Clinic where free dental care is given to patients in need. He is looking forward to helping at local clinics here in the Waccmaw Neck area.
When away from the office Dr. Siegwald enjoys spending time outdoors with his family and friends. He is happily married to his beautiful wife who is an art teacher in the area and they have one goldendoodle named Koda. Some of his hobbies are fishing, hunting, golf, pickleball, and recently has picked up disc golf.

Dr. Siegwald is excited to join the team!

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Front Office:

Roberta Ward Roberta is our scheduling coordinator. You will hear her lovely southern voice as she schedules and confirms appointments. She has been employed with our office since August 2001. In her free time, she enjoys spending time with her great-grandson. In 2020 Roberta received the South Carolina Dental Association's Team Member Award. It is the highest honor given to a dental team member by the Association.

Diane Zabka Diane joined our team as a front office specialist.  She had worked in the dental field for over40 years in Rhode Island before her move to South Carolina. In her free time, she loves going to the beach, taking long walks with her dog, Grace, and cheering for her favorite sports teams, the Boston Bruins and New England Patriots Assistants: Mindy Whitmire Mindy is dually trained as a front office specialist and chairside assistant. She graduated from Andrews High School in 2011 and has been working in the dental field for over 10 years. She loves being on the river and hunting when not at work.

Corey Hughes Corey graduated from Horry Georgetown Technical College in 2001 as an expanded duty dental assistant. She joined our team in June 2008 and is Dr. Perry's chairside assistant. She loves spending time with her family and gardening.

Rae Jordan Rae graduated from Florence Darlington Technical College in 2006 as an expanded duty dental assistant. She joined our team in May 2008 and is Dr. Papadea's chairside assistant. She enjoys spending time with her family and is an avid Clemson fan.

Hygienists:

Jodie Crews Jodie graduated from Horry Georgetown Technical College in 2003 with as Associate Degree in Health Science. She has been with our office since September 2003. She loves spending time with her family, traveling, and attending church.

Marianne Jordan Marianne Jordan graduated from Horry Georgetown Technical College in 2005 with an Associate Degree in Health Science. She has been with our office since November 2005. She enjoys spending time with her family and boating.