Q: Are you a morning person or a night owl? I am a morning person 100%! I wake up ready to greet the world and jump into my day.

Q: Favorite book or author? I love to read, mostly fiction especially if it has a plot twist. I have been in a bookclub with the same friends for over 15 years. I’ve never read the same book twice. I recently read Theo the Golden by Allen Levi. I think it will become one of my favorite books from now on. There is a very kind and good hearted main character and the story has surprises and twists and mystery.

Q: Have you picked up a new hobby or interest lately? In the last couple years, I have taken up hiking. A couple years ago I volunteered for a 10 mile hike to raise funds for the Make-A-Wish Foundation. After three months of training on a bunch of different trails into the Midlands, I grew too appreciate and enjoy a good hike. It’s a great way to clear your head, get around some nature, and get exercise.

• University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill

Dr. Julia Mikell was born and raised in Philadelphia as the oldest of three children and decided by age 12 that she wanted to become a general dentist. Dr. Mikell was drawn to the blend of science, art, and healthcare that dentistry offers, and that early interest shaped her professional path.

Dr. Mikell attended dental school in Chapel Hill, North Carolina, and after graduation joined the United States Navy. Dr. Mikell’s naval service included four duty stations: Charleston, South Carolina; Yokosuka, Japan; Parris Island; and service aboard the USS Puget Sound during a Mediterranean deployment. While stationed in Japan, Dr. Mikell met her husband, who is originally from Columbia, South Carolina. They later married and settled in Columbia, where they have lived for 30 years.

Over the past three decades, Dr. Mikell has built a rewarding dental career while raising a family and serving her community. Dr. Mikell is the proud mother of two grown children, one an emergency room physician and the other an officer in the U.S. Navy. Community involvement has always been a priority for Dr. Mikell through church activities, her children’s schools, and organized dentistry.

Dr. Mikell has served the South Carolina Dental Association at the regional, state, and national levels. In recognition of her contributions, Dr. Mikell received a Presidential Citation in 2022 and the George P. Hoffman, Jr. Distinguished Dentist Award in 2023. Dr. Mikell continues to serve as a delegate representing South Carolina at the American Dental Association and also holds a governor-appointed position on the South Carolina Board of Dentistry. Through these roles, Dr. Mikell has developed a strong appreciation for the connection between oral health and overall health, as well as the responsibility dentists have to advocate for their patients and communities.

Dr. Mikell’s daily motivation comes from patient care. Dr. Mikell focuses on helping patients understand their dental concerns, reviewing their options, and developing customized treatment plans that match their needs and goals. Dr. Mikell is committed to patient education, trust, and compassionate care.

Outside the office, Dr. Mikell and her husband embrace their empty nest with the help of their fun-loving Goldendoodle, Captain. They enjoy gardening, traveling, and spending quality time with family and friends.