Dr. Laura Mills Summers joined Upstate Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery in July 2012. She is a native of Spartanburg and received Bachelor of Science degrees in Biology and Business Administration from the College of Charleston in 2004. Following college, she attended the Medical University of South Carolina, College of Dental Medicine, where she received her DMD degree in 2008. She then went on to complete a four year residency in Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery at the Medical University of South Carolina. She is trained in the full scope of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery including dental alveolar surgery to include extractions and surgical removal of impacted wisdom teeth, orthognathic surgery, dental implants, bone grafting procedures, pathology and facial trauma, all of which can be performed under general anesthesia in our clinic.
Dr. Laura Mills Summers is a Board Certified Fellow of the American Board of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, a member of the American Association of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons, the Southeastern Society of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons, the American Dental Association, the South Carolina Dental Association and the Spartanburg County Dental Society.
Giving back to our community is important to Dr. Laura Mills Summers. She is a member of First Presbyterian Church of Spartanburg, the Spartanburg Rotary Club and she enjoys volunteering in community projects including recently becoming involved with Women Giving for Spartanburg.
Dr. Josh Summers, a general dentist who owns Spartanburg Family Dentistry, is her husband. They met while in dental school and married in Charleston, South Carolina in 2009. They have three children; Elliot was born February 2015, Warren, was born August 2016 and Ann Palmer, was born October 2018. Family time is important and you will often see this active family enjoying themselves in Spartanburg community activities. In addition, Dr. Laura Summers is an accomplished equestrienne, having been a member of the College of Charleston Equestrian Team and now enjoys riding for pleasure and sport. Cooking and traveling, gardening, time with her two dogs and pet chicken are also favorite pastimes.
Dr. Laura Mills Summers is grateful to continue the family tradition by continuing the practice begun in 1994 by her father Dr. William Mills and Dr. George Graham, the first Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeon to practice in Spartanburg.
Dr. James W. Strider, Jr. holds a BS degree in Biology from the University of South Carolina and his DMD degree from the Medical University of South Carolina. He completed a general practice residency at Martin Army Hospital, Ft. Benning, GA. and his Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery residency at William Beaumont Army Medical Center, El Paso, TX. Dr. Strider served as Chief of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery at the 121st Army Hospital, Seoul, Korea; Chief of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Blanchfield Army Community Hospital, Ft. Campbell, KY; and Program Director of the Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery Residency at Eisenhower Army Medical Center, Ft. Gordon, GA. He served 25 years in the United States Army before retiring as a Colonel. Dr. Strider joinedDr. MillsatUpstate Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery in 2001.
Dr. Strider is a Diplomate of the American Board of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, a Fellow of the American Association or Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons (AAOMS), member of American Cleft Palate Craniofacial Association, and a Diplomate of the American Dental Society of Anesthesiology.
Reviews
Rating 4.8 out of 5 based on 30 reviews
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newest oldest highest lowestMaggie Nouanemanivong
2 years ago
Dr. Summers and her crew are wonderful, they make you feel comfortable and take good care of their patients. I got 4 wisdom teeth taken out and was put to sleep and before you know it I was finished! Very quick and painless. Definitely recommend Dr. Summers to anyone that need oral surgery. & if your lucky enough, Winston, the poodle in the office may come and greet you.
Stephanie Pennington
2 years ago
Dr Summers office is AMAZING!! All of her staff including her are so outstanding!! They went out of there way to get me in and out before I had to go to work!!!
Precious Co.
2 years ago
This place is great. What makes it better is the staff! I was so nervous after having many surgery's when I was younger. Then neglecting my oral health for many years after. I Expressed that to the first staff and they were so nice and talked me though the process. The doctor I have, Mrs. Summers is impeccable!! Far beyond my expectations. She talked me though the entire surgery step by step. That helped a lot w. My anxiety. Her team was also great and very helpful. I would recommend this place to everyone.
Nick Collins
2 years ago
I have to admit I was very nervous to have all 4 of my wisdom teeth removed especially since my bottom teeth was impacted. I met Dr. Summers and she explained the whole process to me. The prices was very reasonable so I decided to make my appointment. A few days later I showed up to have my wisdom teeth removed and I have to say Dr.Summers did a fantastic job. I was sore after for awhile but the night of Dr.summers called me to check on me which I thought was very kind of her because I know she has a lot of patients. If you need this done please go see her and give this office a chance to take care of you because they did a great job taking care of me. very polite office staff and easy to talk too.
Tanya
2 years ago
I was referred to Dr Laura Summers by my primary dentist. Please hear me when I tell you that Dr Laura and her staff are super professional and accommodating. From the moment I walked in the first day I met them up until my procedure, has been absolutely fantastic! I am super afraid of any mouth procedures but Dr Laura made me feel calm and the procedure was super quick with minimal discomfort. I would give them 100 stars if I could. Special shout out to Caroline for being one of the best humans you could ever meet. She's awesome! I was not asked to write this review. I just want the world to know how great this place is. See for yourself.
Mark Alexander
2 years ago
Was a fair experience at a fair price. Front desk staff got snarky with us over a return to work letter we requested. Will update review if we ever recieve it without having to call 8 more times. Edit: They sent it, but continued to be as snarky as possible.
Latasha Bowser
2 years ago
Take it from someone with bad dental anxiety, Dr. Summers and her staff (Heather) were absolutely amazing. They were quick, caring, and walked me through the procedure. They even called me later that night to ensure I was okay. You are in good hands with this office.
Laura Hatcher
3 years ago
Dr. Summers and her staff are highly-skilled, professional and compassionate. I recently had three, surgical extractions at this office and I have a lot of upcoming dental work planned, over the remainder of the year. I'm confident that I am in good hands.
Rand0m US3R
3 years ago
I really wish I could give them more stars. Our 12 yr old daughter needed to have 2 extractions. She has a huge fear of needles, to the point of passing out. Our first appt was for October 2nd. Our poor daughter was so scared, she just about passed out. Dr Summer called for some help and all of a sudden there were five people in that room each doing their part to help our daughter. No one fumbled around. They each had a specific job and did it. They were very organized. Needless to say, we had to reschedule cause our daughter was so scared. Our next appointment was for October 12th, 8am. They sat our daughter in the chair, Dr Summer started chatting with her and before we knew, she had the IV in. After that, it was breeze. We were there less than an hr. We are on 2nd day of recovery and our daughter is in very little pain. Only regular tylenol. I highly recommend Upstate Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery.
Latasha Bowser
3 years ago
Take it from someone with bad dental anxiety, Dr. Summers and her staff (Heather) were absolutely amazing. They were quick, caring, and walked me through the procedure. They even called me later that night to ensure I was okay. You are in good hands with this office.
Verlin Kerns
3 years ago
Couldn't be happier with my experience here. Everyone was attentive super kind, and answered all of my questions. I was even called the evening of my surgery to check on how I was doing. I highly recommend. Thank you Dr Laura Summers DMD!
Todd Danielson
3 years ago
Oral surgery is not something to look forward to. But all of the staff here made the entire experience the best I've had at any doctors office. They were all so nice, especially Dr Summers, who even personally called me the evening after the surgery to check on me. I give them my highest recommendation!!
Kim Griffiths
3 years ago
I really wish I could give them more stars. Our 12 yr old daughter needed to have 2 extractions. She has a huge fear of needles, to the point of passing out. Our first appt was for October 2nd. Our poor daughter was so scared, she just about passed out. Dr Summer called for some help and all of a sudden there were five people in that room each doing their part to help our daughter. No one fumbled around. They each had a specific job and did it. They were very organized. Needless to say, we had to reschedule cause our daughter was so scared. Our next appointment was for October 12th, 8am. They sat our daughter in the chair, Dr Summer started chatting with her and before we knew, she had the IV in. After that, it was breeze. We were there less than an hr. We are on 2nd day of recovery and our daughter is in very little pain. Only regular tylenol. I highly recommend Upstate Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery.
Laura H
3 years ago
Dr. Summers and her staff are highly-skilled, professional and compassionate. I recently had three, surgical extractions at this office and I have a lot of upcoming dental work planned, over the remainder of the year. I'm confident that I am in good hands.
Amber Williams
3 years ago
I had all 4 wisdom teeth pulled. Everyone was excellent from the front office staff to the clinical staff and Dr Summers and Dr Strider. Everyone was very nice and accommodating. I highly recommend.
HANK LONG
3 years ago
Dr. Strider and staff are excellent. Removed our sons 4 wisdom teeth and did an outstanding job. Quality, compassionate care, extremely knowledgeable and skilled surgeon. Even called that night to check on him. Thank you Dr. Strider, would give more stars if possible.
Michael Pittman
4 years ago
I've had 2 oral surgeries here and Dr.Summers has been excellent. I could not have ask for a better Dr. Highly recommended
Amber Williams
4 years ago
I had all 4 wisdom teeth pulled. Everyone was excellent from the front office staff to the clinical staff and Dr Summers and Dr Strider. Everyone was very nice and accommodating. I highly recommend.
HANK LONG
4 years ago
Dr. Strider and staff are excellent. Removed our sons 4 wisdom teeth and did an outstanding job. Quality, compassionate care, extremely knowledgeable and skilled surgeon. Even called that night to check on him. Thank you Dr. Strider, would give more stars if possible.
Todd Danielson
4 years ago
Oral surgery is not something to look forward to. But all of the staff here made the entire experience the best I've had at any doctors office. They were all so nice, especially Dr Summers, who even personally called me the evening after the surgery to check on me. I give them my highest recommendation!!
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