Meet Our Team
Friendly, local care right here in Surfside Beach. We focus on comfort, clear communication, and a great experience every visit.
Dr. Alexis Patel
Dentist
Dr. Alexis Patel is a proud Lowcountry native dedicated to serving her community with compassionate, comprehensive dental care. She earned her Bachelor of Science in Wildlife & Fisheries Biology from Clemson University before completing her Doctor of Dental Medicine (DMD) degree at the Medical University of South Carolina.
Dr. Patel is passionate about patient education and believes that informed patients are empowered to make the best decisions for their oral health. Her approach to dentistry focuses on creating a gentle, comfortable experience while always keeping her patients’ best interests at heart.
She provides a wide range of dental services, including restorative fillings, crowns and bridges, root canals, extractions, dentures, and more. A strong believer in lifelong learning, Dr. Patel stays current with advancements in dentistry through continuing education and is an active member of the South Carolina Dental Association and the Academy of General Dentistry.
Outside the office, Dr. Patel enjoys spending time outdoors with her family, friends, and her Labrador retriever, Red.
Bailey Deas
Registered Dental Hygienist
Bailey Deas was born in Asheville, NC and raised between Hickory, NC and Myrtle Beach, SC. A proud South Carolina resident since 2010, she graduated from Socastee High School and The Academy for the Arts, Science, and Technology, where she focused on pre-medicine. She went on to earn her Associate of Applied Science in Dental Hygiene from Horry Georgetown Technical College and has been serving the Grand Strand community since 2019.
As our hygienist, Bailey is passionate about delivering high-quality patient care with a focus on comfort, education, and long-term oral health. She believes in working closely with each patient—through every stage of life—to prevent dental and periodontal issues before they begin.
Bailey brings experience working with special needs patients, children of all ages, seniors, and members of the Spanish-speaking community.
Outside the office, Bailey enjoys spending time with her husband, son, and their rat terrier, Minerva. Her hobbies include watercolor painting, weightlifting, salt and freshwater fishing, kayaking, and practicing yoga.
Kathy Terrell
Patient Coordinator
Born in Georgetown, SC and raised along the beautiful Grand Strand, Kathy has strong ties to the community and a genuine passion for helping others feel at ease. With over 20 years of experience in dentistry, she brings both warmth and knowledge to every patient interaction. Whether you are calling the office or arriving for your visit, Kathy is the friendly face and voice that helps make your experience smooth and welcoming.
“The best part of my job is meeting new people every day and helping them feel comfortable while they are here,” she says.
Outside the office, Kathy enjoys traveling, horseback riding, and bike rides. She is a big Mickey Mouse fan and loves spending time on the beach with friends and family.
Ginger Johnson
Patient Coordinator / Dental Assistant
A Columbia, SC native, Ginger Johnson has proudly served the communities of Richland and Horry counties for nearly 20 years. She began her dental career through on-the-job training and completed her education at Midlands Technical College, becoming an Expanded Functions Dental Assistant. Over the years, Ginger has gained valuable experience both chairside and in dental administration.
Outside of work, Ginger enjoys her Bible education work and cherishes time with her husband, Corey, along with their family and friends.
At Surfside Smiles, Ginger is often the first friendly face you’ll see at the front desk alongside Kathy—but don’t be surprised if you also spot her assisting Dr. Alexis Patel chairside from time to time. Her versatility and dedication make her an essential part of our team!
Chettele Hoyle
Expanded Duty Dental Assistant
Originally from Northampton, Massachusetts, Chettele brings over 20 years of experience in dentistry to our team. She began her career after graduating from Porter and Chester Institute in Chicopee, where she earned her credentials as an Expanded Duty Dental Assistant.
In 2017, Chettele traded snowy New England for the sunny shores of South Carolina and quickly made the Lowcountry her home. Her passion for oral health is matched by her dedication to creating a welcoming, comfortable experience for every patient she meets.
Outside the office, Chettele enjoys spending time at the beach with her family, friends, and her beloved dog, Jazzy. She’s also an active member of VFW Post 10420, where she lends her time and heart to fundraisers and community outreach programs.
Rebecca Rella
Registered Dental Hygienist
Rebecca was born in New Jersey and raised in Myrtle Beach, where she has lived for over 25 years. She graduated from Horry-Georgetown Technical College in 2015 and has been practicing dental hygiene ever since.
Rebecca is passionate about patient comfort and creating a positive experience at the dentist. She believes patient education is essential and enjoys helping patients better understand their oral health. By taking the time to listen and understand each patient’s needs, she strives to deliver high quality care and ensure every visit is a great one.
Outside the office, Rebecca enjoys spending time with her son, daughter, and fiancé. In her free time, she loves reading, shopping, and caring for her animals.
Our Staff
At Surfside Smiles, our staff is committed to providing gentle dental care for the whole family in Surfside Beach. We understand that visiting the dentist can be stressful for some, which is why our team goes the extra mile to ensure a comfortable and positive experience for every patient.
Our skilled and compassionate professionals specialize in gentle, patient-focused dentistry, delivering personalized treatments that meet the unique needs of each individual. We take the time to communicate clearly, answer questions, and help you feel confident about your dental health.
From the front desk to the treatment rooms, our staff is dedicated to making your visit smooth and stress-free. Whether you need a routine checkup, cosmetic enhancements, or restorative treatments, you can trust the team at Surfside Smiles to provide the highest level of care.