Smiling Faces 2018

www.ChsDentists.com | www.MountPleasantPhysicians.com | www.MountPleasantMagazine.com smiling faces D r. Charles Anderson has been serving Mount Pleasant since 2001 at his office located at the foot of the Ravenel Bridge. The Charleston native and MUSC College of Dental Medicine graduate started practicing dentistry back in 1985 on Wentworth Street near the College of Charleston. Dr. Anderson offers comprehensive dental services and cosmetic services but emphasized that he doesn’t try to do it all – if someone would be better served through a specialist, he will refer them out. “I try to distinguish myself by providing great customer service and first-class dental care,” explained Dr. Anderson. Anderson Dentistry sees patients of all ages, including children, though Dr. Anderson stressed that he won’t hesitate to send a child to a pediatric dentist if that’s what is best for that patient. “We’re happy to see kids unless they need a specialist,” he noted. Although they are accepting new patients, Anderson Dentistry is not a large practice, nor is he interested in attracting high volume. “My practice is more focused on smaller quantity and greater quality,” elaborated Dr. Anderson. He has been involved in continuing education since launching his practice in 1985, attending courses at the L.D. Pankey Institute, The Dawson Academy, the WhiteCap Institute and other learning institutions around the country. What sets Anderson Dentistry apart, said Dr. Anderson, is that so many practices are insurance-driven, whereas his practice is not. While they are happy to accept all types of insurance, they are not dictated by it and strive to provide the most affordable care possible for their patients. “We are committed to our patients. We are committed to excellence,” said Dr. Anderson. Volunteer and Community Outreach Dr. Anderson is active in giving back to underserved populations and feels it is his obligation as a humanitarian and Christian who has been blessed with these skills to assist the less fortunate. He has taken 14 mission trips over the past 18 years to countries such as Ecuador, Haiti and Honduras to serve indigent populations with no access to professional dental care. The missions are coordinated through a Charleston Christian-based organization called Dental Community Fellowship, which dedicates itself to including dental students in its international charity work, with the goal of instilling a sense of giving back. Locally, Dr. Anderson donates his time at several free dental clinics, including East Cooper Community Outreach, where they treat patients who cannot afford dental care. Additionally, he volunteers as a clinical instructor at the James B. Edwards College of Dental Medicine at MUSC, where he works in the dental clinic, helping students hone their talents and inspiring them to do charity work. He also volunteers at an annual event sponsored by the South Carolina Dental Association called DAD (Dental Access Day), where volunteer dentists provide free dental care in various cities throughout the state on a rotating basis. During DAD, 350 volunteers will see as many as 2,000 patients. Earlier this year, the SCDA honored Dr. Anderson with the Meritorious Achievement Award for his significant achievement in dentistry, which recognized his professionalism, leadership, academics and research in the field. Dr. Anderson said that in doing this extensive charity work, what has stood out to him the most is the “incredible need and the limited access to adequate dental care.” “It’s a just a matter of giving back using the gifts that I’ve been given,” said Dr. Anderson. BY COLIN MCCANDLESS DR. CHARLES ANDERSON Anderson Dentistry 317 Wingo Way, #301 Mount Pleasant 843-884-2021 www.anderson-dentistry.com Photo courtesy of Anderson Dentistry.