TEAM
Meet the Team
Dr. Nicole Yates
Dr. Nicole Yates grew up in Columbus, GA. She received her undergraduate degree in chemistry from Georgia State University in Atlanta, and graduated from the Dental College of Georgia at Augusta University (formerly the Medical College of Georgia).
Upon graduating dental school Nicole, spent four years serving as a Lieutenant in the United States Navy, during which a one year General Practice Residency was completed at a Naval Hospital. Subsequently, Dr. Yates completed implant training with the Zimmer Biomet Institute as well as the Misch Resnick Implant Institute, obtained cosmetic and dermal filler certifications from the American Academy of Facial Esthetics, and trained with Dr. David Galler, a premier Invisalign Provider.
Her husband, Steven, and their two young sons, Warren and Holden, welcomed a return to the sunshine of the southeast after being stationed in Rhode Island for three years. Outside of work, the Yates family enjoys being outdoors kayaking, fishing, or enjoying the beach. Warren and Holden obtained passports very young, as the family enjoys world traveling. On the rare occasion that there is time, Dr. Yates enjoys reading non-fiction, sewing, and cooking.
The Effingham Smiles team were honored with the title of “Effingham’s Most Fab Dentist” in 2021 and 2022 and strive to continually serve the Effingham County community.
Dr. Sydney Buck
Dr. Sydney Caskey-Buck is from central Indiana. She graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Chemistry as a student athlete from Butler University in Indianapolis, Indiana. She received her Doctor of Dental Surgery degree from Indiana University School of Dentistry. Searching for warmer winters, she and her husband moved to Bluffton, SC, where she practiced general dentistry before joining our team here.
As a member of the American Academy of Facial Esthetics, Dr. Buck trained in cosmetic and chronic pain management with Botox and other neurotoxins. She is Invisalign certified and has trained with premier Invisalign coaches to elevate her Invisalign knowledge and case load. She has completed continuing education courses in laser therapies, and implant restorations.
Dr. Buck strives to create a peaceful and light-hearted energy in the dental office to put patients’ nerves at ease. Outside of our office, she has a passion for volunteer dental organizations serving populations both here in the US and abroad.
She and her husband, Nathan, take advantage of all low country activities and enjoy being near the coast. She enjoys reading, biking, and art projects on her days off.
Dr. Vlad Cobzaru
Dr. Vlad Cobzaru is a Romanian-born native. He grew up invested in academics, fascinated by sciences and how the human body works, and playing competitive basketball. His dream was to come to the United States where he could pursue both academics and basketball at the highest levels. A miracle happened in junior year of high school, leading him to Vermont, USA away from friends and family. Two years later he received a scholarship to play for Augusta University. He went on to receive a Bachelor of Science in Chemistry from AU and a Doctor of Dental Medicine Degree from the Dental College of Georgia. After dental school, he completed a one-year Advanced Clinical Training in Implants and General Dentistry at Revive Dental in Chattanooga, TN. This program expanded his knowledge and skills in comprehensive and surgical dentistry. Dr. Cobzaru’s passion for his trade is only equaled by his desire to serve his patient’s needs. Be it pain relief, esthetics, function, or anxiety-free treatment, Dr. Cobzaru aims to bring a sturdy, healthy foundation to then build your forever smile. He serves our patients with a wide array of procedures from extractions, bone grafts, implants, and periodontal surgery to crowns, overdentures, or All-on-X prostheses all offered under IV Sedation. When not treating patients, Dr. Cobzaru loves spending time with his wife Lauren, and with friends and family. He enjoys traveling, hiking, playing basketball, pickleball and seldomly attempts to play golf. Dr. Cobzaru welcomes you to our family and is humbled by the opportunity to provide you with the dental care you deserve. He hopes to better our community one smile at a time
Jessica
Office Manager
Andrea
Treatment Planning Coordinator
Maggie
Treatment Planning Coordinator
Nikki
Registered Dental Hygienist
Brooke
Registered Dental Hygienist
Brittany
Registered Dental Hygienist
