Keowee Smiles - Dr. Kenneth C. Dobson

Dr. Kenneth C. Dobson, DMD, practicing in a state-of -the-art facility, is one of the most advanced dentists in the upstate. He is committed to understanding the needs and desires of each patient and takes great pride in providing the best dentistry has to offer. Dr. Dobson always goes the extra mile to ensure the satisfaction of each patient and is quickly becoming one of the upstate's leading dentists for people who want to improve their lives through cosmetic dentistry.

Dr. Dobson graduated from Walhalla High School in 1973. He obtained a BA degree in Mathematics with a minor in Microbiology and Biochemistry from Clemson University in 1977. In 1982, he graduated from the Medical University of SC, College of Dental Medicine with a DMD degree. Since then, he attends yearly continuing education classes and seminars to stay current in the latest technologies and advances. Dr. Dobson also trained with the nation's leading implant dentists to perfect his skills in implant dentistry. He is a member of the Piedmont Dental Society, South Carolina Dental Society and American Dental Association.

He served as a Dental Missionary in El Salvador, Central America for 3 years (1996-1999). Living in El Salvador with his family was a very rewarding experience and Dr. Dobson continues to be involved in mission work on a regular basis to provide dental care for underprivileged children and adults.

In his free time Dr. Dobson enjoys his horses, camping, and working outdoors along with his beautiful wife Karen. Dr. and Mrs. Dobson have 5 children. They are very involved in their church, Six Mile Baptist, where they teach classes for Sunday school and the Children's program. They also sing in the church's praise team and choir.

Dr. Chuck Garabadian is a meticulous and talented dentist who has been practicing in the upstate for over 35 years. He is committed to excellence and is thrilled to be a part of Dr. Dobson's team at Keowee Smiles.

Dr. "G" received his B.S. degree in Biology from Fairleigh Dickinson University in Teaneck, NJ, and went on to receive his D.D.S. degree in 1970 from Fairleigh Dickinson School of Dentistry. After graduation, he was commissioned as a captain in the U.S. Army and served in Vietnam. He and his wife, Audrey, fell in love with the South Carolina upstate after visiting her brother who played football for Clemson. They decided to make the upstate their home and moved to Pickens, where they raised their three children and Dr. "G" practiced dentistry for 16 years.

While furthering his education related to sleep breathing disorders (SBD) and cranio-mandibular orthopedics (CMO), he worked for 2 years with the Mercer Group in Santa Barbara, California, as a practice consultant and financial advisor. In 1990, Dr. "G" opened a private practice treating SBD and CMO patients in Seneca, SC. He is a fellow of the American Academy of Craniofacial Pain and has a mastership in the International College of Craniomandibular Orthopedics. He has lectured both locally and nationally, as well as internationally. He currently holds two patents for oral devices relating to SBD and CMO and is committed to research and continuing education.

Dr. "G" and Audrey enjoy golf, boating, working in their yard and visiting their children and nine grandchildren. They are active members of Foothills Community Church in Seneca. Dr. "G" and Audrey have served on mission teams through various churches and organizations and had the privilege of working with Dr. Dobson in El Salvador.

Denise Duncan graduated from Tri-County Technical College in 1995 and has enjoyed being a dental assistant for many years. She is now in the office management position, while occasionally working chair side with patients. She is a native of Oconee County and loves working and caring for those whom she meets every day. She enjoys and appreciates being a member of a qualified and friendly office that operates with a high tech advantage, without diminishing the human touch quality. Her philosophy is to treat others with the greatest of care and understanding, because that is how she would prefer to be treated. Denise has continued to maintain excellent skills and patient care, while working side by side with Dr. Dobson and his team since the conception of Keowee Smiles in 2003. Denise is married and enjoys spending time with her husband and two children, Devan and Daniel, her daughter-in-law Melissa and two grandchildren, Megan and Ray. In her spare time she loves to spoil grandbabies, spend time with friends and family, and serves God in worship and song.

Amy has been practicing dental hygiene since 2002 and has been part of the Keowee Smiles team since 2003. She graduated at the top of her class in the dental hygiene program at Greenville Technical College. During which time she received the award for Excellence in Clinical Dental Hygiene. In addition to her dental hygiene licensure she is licensed to administer local infiltration anesthesia. Amy loves working with people and assisting her patients in attaining and maintaining optimal oral health. Amy prides herself in being a perfectionist and gives all of her patients the best available care. Amy’s dedication and commitment to her patients make her an integral member of our team. As a native of Asheville, N.C., she has a love of the outdoors. She enjoys the lakes and mountains that abound in this area. She has a wonderful husband and has 3 boys. When not working, Amy spends most of her free time enjoying her family.

Maryann Roach has been a resident of Oconee County for 21 years. She graduated from Tri-County Technical College with a degree in Dental Assisting in 2002. Maryann eagerly joined Keowee Smiles in 2003 and continues to be a valuable member of the team. She enjoys meeting new people and making a difference in the smiles of her patients. In her spare time, Maryann enjoys watching movies and spending time with her family.

Maryann now has a beautiful baby boy, Gunner, who is three months old. What a wonderful addition to their family!!

Jessica, aka Jessie, joined the Keowee Smiles team in 2009. Since that time, she has become a very important member of our team. Jessica graduated from Tri-County Technical College in 2002 and now enjoys working side-by-side with Dr. Dobson and Dr. Garabadian to improve and maintain her patient’s optimal oral health. Jessie enjoys camping, swimming and spending time with her children, Destiny, Korbin, and Addie and serving the Lord.

Kristen received her certification in assisting from the Georgia Dental Association and has been in dentistry for eleven years. She is from Rome Georgia and has been with Keowee Smiles since January of 2009. Kristen is passionate about seeing peoples lives changed through great dentistry. Kristen is married to Travis Holmes and they have one son Griffen, who is ten, and one daughter Katie, who is 1 year old. Kristen also loves the outdoors and playing with their two dogs, Maggie and Samson.

A new addition will be ariving soon to the Holmes family. God bless this new arrival and their time in their family>

Jessica graduated from Tri-county Technical College in 2007 as an expanded duty dental assistant. She joined the Keowee Smiles Team in 2009. Her kind spirit and personality are great assets to our team. In Jessica's free time she enjoys her baby girl and spending time with family. Welcome Jessica!

Vicki and her husband Roy and their three children moved to Seneca over 12 years ago from Sandusky, Ohio. Their son Shawn graduated from Clemson University, daughter Carrie attended Lee University in Tennessee and daughter Kassi graduated from Anderson University. Two cats and one dog are also an important part of their household.

Vicki joined our team in 2008. She has become a very important part of our team dealing with all insurance questions and claims. She has a wonderful spirit and wants all patients to benefit greatly from the investment they have made in their dental insurance. As you walk through the door you will be greeted with a warm smile and gracious assistance by Vicki.

Anna joined the Keowee Smiles team in February of 2010. Anna is a very fun loving and adventurous person. She loves to hike, paint and hang out with friends and her animals.

Dr. Ken Dobson adopted Anna from Brazil. She spent much of her childhood on the mission field in El Salvador watching her dad take care of patients in great need. Anna's interest in dentistry grew and her career goals are to work in the dental field in some capacity in the future. We welcome Anna and are so glad that she is with us.

Miranda has recently joined our Keowee Smiles team in 2010. She loves meeting people and helps with all front desk duties. Showing hard work and enthusiasm and a true love of people has been a great asset to our team here at Keowee Smiles. Miranda is a wife and mother of three. She enjoys spending time with her husband, Chris, and children, Marshall, Mackenzie and Emma. Being involved in church activities, particularly with the youth program at Open Door Baptist Church and providing services on many mission trips, has been a great delight to Miranda. Welcome!

Shana Stewart Within the 10 years of practicing dental hygiene, Shana anxiously joined Keowee Smiles in 2010. Upon graduating with a degree in Dental Assisting in 1998, she went on to pursue her Dental Hygiene degree in 2001 from Greenville Technical College. While working, Shana values her one-on-one time with her patients. She is a compassionate listener in caring for each specific dental need. With her gentle touch and kind-hearted spirit you are sure to feel important here at Keowee Smiles.

Overall, Shana enjoys small town living amongst the peaceful countryside in Six Mile. While at home, she admires the fun-loving moments spent with her devoted husband and two children. As a family, they are active in full-time ministry and ongoing missions at Keowee Baptist Church. Most of all, Shana loves the Lord and is grateful for the bountiful blessings at work and at home.

Ginger Seavey

Ginger Seavey Ginger is a 1998 graduate of Southern Wesleyan University. She started working for Dr. Dobson in January, 2009 in a part-time capacity as Bookkeeper. She has recently joined our team full time in patient services. Ginger loves working with people and assisting them any way possible. Before joining the team she served as Executive Director of the Littlejohn Community Center, a Spokesperson for Habitat for Humanity, A counselor at a domestic violence shelter, and her favorite job, as a homemaker. She is married to Joel Seavey, the finance officer for the City of Seneca, and they have four wonderful children, Ariana, Tiana, Brady and Josie. In her spare time, Ginger enjoys baking, gardening, sewing and spending time with her husband and children. They are actively involved in their church, Trinity Wesleyan.

Julie Cook

A photo of Julie Cook Julie graduated from Tri-County Technical College in August 2011 as an Expanded Duty Dental Assistant and immediately joined the Keowee Smiles team. She received the 2011 SC Mary Clary Dental Assisting Award for the most outstanding work in advancement of the dental assistant profession. She has lived in Seneca for more than 30 years, enjoys gardening and playing with her dog, Abe. She likes to go hiking, golfing, and playing tennis. She is also busy planning a spring wedding. Julie is proud to be part of the Keowee Smiles team and likes helping make a positive difference in changing people's lives.

Sonya Blackwell

A photo of Sonya Blackwell After working for 31/2 years in Clemson, Sonya joined Keowee Smiles in August 2011. Sonya graduated from Greenville Technical College in December 2007 with an Associate Degree in health science with a license in dental hygiene and anesthesia. Sonya began working at a dental office her senior year of highschool, and knew right away her future career would be in the dental field. She loves the patient interaction and the appreciation of the patients. Sonya is married to her highschool sweetheart, Kyle Blackwell, who is a financial advisor with Edward Jones. The couple lives in their hometown of Westminster.

Sonya enjoys running, resistance training and taking part in her life group at church. Both Sonya and her husband are members of Foothills Community Church where they serve the children's ministry and are involved in various bible studies and life groups. Sonya keeps her faith the foundation of her life and lives by Phillipians 4:13. She is so grateful for the opportunity to work at Keowee Smiles and be surrounded by Christ followers everyday; it's truly a blessing.