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. Turner Welch
He and his wife and high school sweetheart, Megan, recently relocated to the area and are excited to become part of the community. In his free time, Dr. Welch enjoys playing pick-up basketball, mountain biking, cooking and exploring new places with his wife and adopted long-haired dachshund named Frank.
Dr. Grant Dye
Dr. Dye’s passion for surgery comes from his appreciation of how quickly surgery can improve a patient’s condition and bring their anatomy back to a functioning state. He possesses advanced training in, but not limited to: implants, bone grafting, periodontal surgery, tori removal, and wisdom teeth extractions. Dr. Dye is drawn to the learned and perceptual abilities in dentistry acquired to achieve not only successful esthetic and functional procedural outcomes, but also patient comfort during treatment. He has built a strong knowledge base with an expanded understanding of IV sedation in order to better treat those with dental anxiety.
When not treating patients, Dr. Dye enjoys activities such as water sports, fishing, downhill skiing, golf and spending time with family and friends. He has a passion for sports and enjoys staying active by competing in various adult leagues within the community. Dr. Dye looks forward to maintaining your dental health through a safe and welcoming environment for you and your family. He finds the most rewarding part of practicing dentistry is the relationships and friendships he has cultivated with his patients along with his team of dental professionals. He considers it an honor to be your dentist and have you as part of our family.
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.
Jessica
Office Manager
Andrea
Insurance Coordinator
Maggie
Treatment Planning Coordinator
Emily
Front Office Assistant
Marcie
Treatment Planning Coordinator
Brooke
Registered Dental Hygienist
Nikki
Registered Dental Hygienist
Kimberly
Dental Assistant
Lauren
Front Office Assistant
Chandler
Hygiene Assistant
Whitney
Insurance Liaison
Alyssa
Hygiene Assistant
Blessing
Hygiene Assistant
Kim
Dental Assistant
Lena
Registered Dental Hygienist
Morgan
Hygiene Assistant
Summer
Hygiene Assistant
Tina
Dental Assistant
