By Anne Toole
The road that led to being a successful business owner and pediatric dentist was not always clear or easy for Ladson native Dorothy Baker, DMD. She faced challenges like graduating dental school during a recession, coping with tragic loss and being a single mom, but her determination and positive outlook helped steer her path.
Dr. Baker started Summerville Pediatric Dentistry in 2009 and has since opened four award-winning locations, but the accolades are just the icing on the cake for her. “What matters most is the privilege of being a female business owner who can give back to my community,” she shared. “Supporting local schools, charities and student athletes isn’t just a responsibility – it’s a joy.”
In addition to providing the best care for her patients, she takes pride in supporting her employees. Dr. Baker worked with the South Carolina Board of Dentistry to address a noticeable gap in certain certification opportunities for dental assistants, and, today, she said she is proud to be the first and only private practice to provide them with hands-on nitrous oxide certification classes.
Efforts like this ensure that her patients receive the highest standard of care and set them up for positive experiences. “Dental phobia starts in childhood. But if we can build positive, trusting relationships early, we can break that cycle,” she explained.
Positive experiences yield return visits, and one of Dr. Baker’s greatest inspirations is getting to see her patients grow and succeed in life. “From their wobbly toddler years when they bump a tooth to their high school basketball days when I patch them up after an elbow to the face,” she laughed. “My goal has always been to create a space where kids and their parents feel comfortable, cared for and even a little excited about visiting the dentist.”
Dorothy Baker, DMD
Summerville Pediatric Dentistry
384 E. 5th N. St., Summerville
843-821-6433
summervillepediatricdentistry.com/
