At Meares Dentistry, our goal is to treat you with care, consideration, and expertise. We build our practice on a foundation of positive and long-lasting patient relationships. Led by Dr. Austin Meares, Meares Dentistry aims to be a place that you and your family know and trust. We are committed to learning new techniques and advancements in dental technology so that you can be confident in your smile. We dont just see patients, we see people. Thats why in everything we do, our focus is on you. Come visit us and experience personalized dentistry today.
Dr. Austin B. Meares is a native of Columbia, SC. He attended Wofford College, earning a Bachelor of Science in 1994. Upon receiving his degree, Dr. Meares worked in a dental lab for two years before venturing to the Medical University of South Carolina where he obtained his Doctor of Dental Medicine degree in 2000.
Wanting to gain all the experience and training available, he then attended the University of Mississippi residency program in Advanced Education in General Dentistry prior to beginning his private practice in 2001.
Dr. Meares has received accreditations from The Dawson Center for Occlusion, American Academy of Dental Sleep Medicine, Invisalign, CAD/CAM CEREC Comprehensive therapy, implant treatment, and laser therapy. In addition, he is attending continuing education courses to keep himself and his team up-to-date on all the latest technology dentistry has to offer.
In his personal time, Dr. Meares is a dedicated father to his children, Archer and Avery. He is also a hunting enthusiast with special interests in archery, and fishing. On the weekends you can find him spending time with family, enjoying the outdoors no matter the season.
I am person that has always been scared of dentists, doctors etc. But this dentist office is the absolute best at everything they do. Alana was perfect!!!!! Dr Meares is great!!! The entire office staff is great!!! I would recommend them to anyone. They actually made me feel good and not afraid of getting a root canal tomorrow. Thank yall so much
Aleisha is our resident insurance specialist and office manager. She pursued her Business Administration degree from Columbia College and has worked in insurance for 20 years, exclusively focusing on dental for the past 10 years. Aleisha is the most senior member of Dr. Meares team and is always available to help in whatever capacity needed. She was born and raised in the outskirts of Columbia, and resides in Elgin with her husband, Brian, three children, two dogs, and a cat. Her hobbies include singing, baking, and tending her house plants.
Kaitlyn is Dr. Meares lead chairside assistant. She began her career as a dental assistant in 2011 and joined Dr. Meares team in 2019. Kaitlyn has a passion for making patients feel welcome and comfortable. Always striving to broaden her skillset, Kaitlyn holds several certifications including advance training in radiography, CEREC crown fabrication, nitrous oxide administration, and is currently working toward becoming a registered dental hygienist. Born and raised in Elgin, when Kaitlyn is not in the office, you can find her enjoying the great outdoors with her husband, Travis, and their dogs.
Born and raised in the Lexington area,Shea is Dr. Meares lead hygienist. Shea has been in dentistry for 24 years. She obtained her degree in Health Science while working as a Certified Dental Assistant. She then continued to further her education by securing her hygiene degree, and has now been a Registered Dental Hygienist for 20 years. Not only is she passionate about teeth, but what truly drives her are the people behind them. Shea treats her patients as extended family, and she always provides the very best care to everyone in her chair. When shes not working she enjoys spending time with her own family.Shes been married 21 years to her husband, Joey, and they have two beautiful children, Tyler and Emory, as well as two boxers.
Nicole joined our team in 2020 after graduating from the Carolina Career School for Office Administration and Dental Assisting in 2019. She has over 10 years of experience in client relations and service. As our scheduling coordinator and front office liaison, Nicole shines with a positive can-do attitude. Outside of work you can find her with family or soaking up sun and salty air on the coast of Beaufort. She resides in downtown Columbia with her partner Sturgis, three dogs, and two cats.