Dr. Kevin Raines loves the joys and challenges of being a Pediatric Dentist; in fact, it is something he wanted to do since he was in the 4th grade. He grew up in the Midlands area and graduated from Chapin High School. He then continued his education at Newberry College as a Biology major where he graduated Summa Cum Laude while lettering in basketball and baseball. Dr. Raines attended dental school at the Medical University of South Carolina then continued his specialty training in pediatric dentistry at the Dental College of Georgia at Augusta University (formerly known as the Medical College of Georgia). He then returned to the Midlands to begin practice with Dr. Cross who was his pediatric dentist while growing up!
Dr. Raines has been very involved with organized dentistry since joining the profession. He is a member of the following professional organizationsGreater Columbia Dental Association, South Carolina Dental Association, American Dental Association, South Carolina Society of Pediatric Dentistry, Southeastern Society of Pediatric Dentists, American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry, Pierre Fauchard Academy (an International Honorary Dental Organization). He has served on several Task Forces within the SCDA and as President of the SC Society of Pediatric Dentistry. He has also been involved with several dental volunteer and charity events to serve those in need. Dr. Raines attends many hours of Continuing Education courses every year seeking ways to improve care for his patients on many different aspects of pediatric dentistry. He is also a member of the (g)nathos continuing orthodontic education group.
Dr. Raines values family time. He is married to his high school sweetheart and they have four children that keep them very busy. Whether boating on Lake Murray, shooting hoops, throwing baseball, or playing golf, he looks forward to the time spent with his family and friends. Dr. Raines has been very active coaching youth sports so he often sees many of his patients out in the community as they compete. He is a member of Gateway Baptist Church where he is a regular volunteer in the childrens ministry and has been involved with the Fellowship of Christian Athletes as a board member.
A native of Irmo South Carolina, Dr. Rob Nieders graduated magna cum laude with a degree in Biology from Wofford College in Spartanburg, SC and was inducted into Phi Beta Kappa National Honor Society.
He then attended Dental School at the Medical University of South Carolina on a Navy Scholarship where he again graduated with honors and was inducted into Omicron Kappa Upsilon National Dental Honor Society. He spent a year in Beaufort, SC completing an Advanced Education in General Dentistry Residency at Parris Island Marine Corps Recruit Depot before heading overseas to the Naval Hospital in Rota, Spain as a general dentist.
After his time in the Navy, Dr. Nieders returned to Charleston to complete his specialty training in Pediatric Dentistry at MUSC. He then returned home to join the dental practice he grew up in, Palmetto Smiles!
Dr. Nieders is board certified by the American Board of Pediatric Dentistry and serves as a Board Consultant and Board Examiner. He is an Assistant Clinical Professor of Pediatric Dentistry at MUSC and holds hospital privileges at Lexington Medical Center. He is a member of the ADA, SCDA, AAPD, SSPD, SCSPD, and attends church at Our Lady of the Hills in Irmo.
Dr. Nieders is married to his high school sweetheart and best friend and is the father of two active boys who keep him very busy with Boy Scouts, swimming, and soccer! Dr. Nieders enjoys mountain biking, camping and travel, and reads in the little bit of free time he can carve out in between driving his boys around!
Jamie Cross Gomez is a native of the Columbia area. She attended Irmo High School and Clemson University. After exploring a number of careers in the medical field, she decided that her talents were best suited for Dentistry.
Dr. Gomez is an active member of the American Dental Association, the South Carolina Dental Association, the MUSC Dental Alumni Board, and the Greater Columbia Dental Society. Volunteer work has always been important to Dr. Gomez and she routinely volunteers at the Children's Dental Health Clinic and Dental Access Days providing dentistry to the uninsured. Dr. Gomez is a member of a Frank Spear study club which meets regularly with area dentist to discuss the latest trends in dentistry today.
Caring for patients and attention to detail are two of the qualities that attracted Dr. Gomez to the dental profession. She has attended numerous continuing education courses on pediatric dentistry, orthodontics, and cosmetic dentistry. She has been a certified Invisalign provider since 2004 and loves to help patients improve their smiles and oral health. In 2011 Dr. Gomez incorporated computer aided dentistry into the practice. She can now provide crowns and onlays in one visit.
Dr. Heather Hopkins is originally from New Orleans, LA, but spent time in many states around the Southeast during her childhood. She attended Centre College in Danville, KY, where she graduated Summa Cum Laude with degrees in Biochemistry and Molecular Biology. She went on to obtain her dental degree from the University of Kentucky College of Dentistry, where she graduated at the top of her class, leading to her induction into the Omicron Kappa Upsilon Academic Honor Society. After dental school, she attended the University of Louisville School of Dentistry, where she earned her certificate in orthodontics and a Master's Degree in Oral Biology. Dr. Hopkins stays up to date on the latest orthodontic trends and has lectured both nationally and internationally on various orthodontic topics.
Before moving to South Carolina, Dr. Hopkins had the opportunity to work in a cosmetic office in Beverly Hills. There she had many unique opportunities including working with Katy Perry on her 'Last Friday Night (T.G.I.F.)' music video. Dr. Hopkins also appeared on several TV shows including 'The Doctors', 'Extra,' and MTV 's 'Fantasy Factory.' While treating patients in Southern California, she gained extensive experience in Invisalign and Lingual (on the inside of your teeth) braces.
Dr. Hopkins and her husband Jeff have a two year old daughter Harper, and are excited about the birth of their second child this Spring! Outside the office Dr. Hopkins enjoys staying active, and she has completed over 25 marathons and 1/2 marathons all across the country. She enjoys long training runs with her dogs Sebastian and Winston.
Dr. Hopkins enjoys volunteering with several organizations. She has a brother who suffers from autism; and working with special needs children is dear to her heart. She works with the Special Olympics and Challengers Sports League. Additionally, she has competed in multiple Team in Training events, an organization dedicated to raising money for The Leukemia and Lymphoma society.
Reviews
Rating 4.9 out of 5 based on 225 reviews
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newest oldest highest lowestFranmary R Cordero G
a year ago
They're extremely professional. Thanks for all you do for our kids'smiles.
Tara Fontana
a year ago
The staff is so friendly and professional. Made us feel right at home. Clean environment. Very welcoming
Nelda
a year ago
I've been taking my children to Palmetto Smiles since they were little and I'm a patient there too. Everyone is amazing!! I will never use another dentist or orthodontist for me and my children.
Elizabeth Lauren DeFrenn
2 years ago
Dr. Raines & the entire Palmetto Smiles staff are wonderful! They go above & beyond to make sure my daughter is comfortable during her teeth cleaning.
Danielle D
2 years ago
My daughter and I have been going for over a year. I Can't rave enough about the best orthodontist place in town! They are always professional and nothing but top of the line customer service. The whole Hopkins team, Jenny especially and all the staff there really pride themself in giving the best care for their patients. All of the staff is welcoming and ready to help. They are beyond amazing with kids. Thank you for all the hard work and support you all give your clients. Sincerely, Cassidy Crawford's Mom
Andrea Ossenfort
2 years ago
Our son has been seeing dentists at Palmetto Smiles since he was 6 years old and now he is getting braces with their orthodontist. I highly recommend them!
Ken Early
2 years ago
Best dentist office in Lexington by far! Staff is first class and welcoming to new patients and old. Great experience!
Asia Mason
2 years ago
Absolutely love this dentist office! They treat you kids like they are their own! Always friendly and catering staff!
Magan Y
2 years ago
My family is new to South Carolina and were in search of a pediatric dentist for our daughter . We do not have dental insurance, so I messaged to find out what the cost of an exam , cleaning , and x-rays would be . They were able to get my daughter in the very next day which was nice . The office staff was very welcoming and everybody was friendly . However , I was told the appointment was at 10:10. We arrived at 10:00 so I could fill out paperwork prior to the appointment. We ended up waiting for almost 45 minutes in the waiting room ! That's a bit much in my opinion . The wait in the waiting room took longer than her entire appointment. They then proceeded to give me a treatment plan of almost $2000 to fix a few cavities in my daughters front teeth . She's been to 2 other dentists prior , and due to her age and the fact that those teeth will fall out in about the next year , they suggested watching them unless they are causing pain . The hygienist then gave her fluoride without asking and our family is against the use of fluoride. I went to check out and pay , and was given a price that was $130 higher than what I was quoted all because they took extra x-rays and didn't ask and gave her fluoride that I didn't approve. Also, if you prefer that every other person in the building not know your child's dental issues , this is not the place for you ! It's a big open room with dental chairs pretty much on top of each other . The person next to you an see & hear everything that's going on with your child's appointment.
Mindy Kyzer
2 years ago
Amazing experiences both visits with my toddler. 2 goes no where in public well..because he's 2. Both visits have been a delight and make him look like an angel. They were so incredibly patient and took the majority of the time to ensure he was comfortable with the idea of the dentist. Dr Neiders sang to him, was, silly and generally patient. The hygienist was incredible with him. He got a really great prize at the end he's still proud of and even wanted to give them all a hug when he left. He told everyone he saw that day he want to the dentist and as soon as we walked out he requested "one more time?!". We're sold. This is our dentist.
Jacqueline Salters
2 years ago
Very pleasant office! Family friendly and they really care about the patients. Kid friendly waiting area. All of the staff are pleasant to talk to and very helpful with any concerns you may have. I've had the pleasure of working with both Dr. Nieders and Dr. Hopkins for my children and they have both been exemplary in taking care of their dental needs. They explain exactly what is needed and why it is needed and answer any questions you may have. Always available to answer your questions. Highly recommended.
Savannah Faust
2 years ago
Everybody is professional, nice, and helpful. I always have a great experience here!
agnes Dabrowski
2 years ago
This office is always wonderful and my children love going there. The staff are super friendly, the site is always clean, and the services are thorough without taking excessive amounts of time, but do not leave you feeling like you're being rushed. The dentists and orthodontists are excellent at what they do, and will give you their honest opinions....which is huge for me.
Kurt McKaughan
2 years ago
Very satisfied with everyone at Palmetto Smiles. Everyone is very knowledgeable and friendly.
Brooke Keisler
2 years ago
Always friendly service!!
Jennifer Okey
2 years ago
Went in for Invisalign and was told I'd hear back within a few days on next steps. It's been over two weeks and nothing. Really upset I wasted my time..
Danielle Dilbone
2 years ago
Top notch customer service. The whole staff is super friendly, welcoming and super knowledgeable. I couldn't rave about this place enough. The whole staff, from the front desk, Kelley, Jenny and the Dr. Hopkins Team has been a true blessing in this process. They go above and beyond for their patients and care about giving the best service/ treatment. I visited two other ortho places before here getting consultation on my daughters treatment plan. Most kids don't like going to the dentist or ortho etc. as well as even adults. The whole team makes your child and you feel at ease throughout the process. My daughter loved going to see her specialist and would say that was here favorite person. Thank you all for the work and care you give your patients
Tracy Guyette
2 years ago
Dr. Hopkins and her staff are very friendly and accommodating.
Xomic Man
2 years ago
Compassionate and took time to explain
Greg Fuller
3 years ago
My son was in braces when we moved from a new state. They were able to continue our treatments with great service. Every appointment is quick and most importantly my teenage son enjoys going. I would highly recommend.
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