Q: Do you have any hidden talents or skills outside of dentistry? I am a pretty good chef and baker! I love to try new ethnic flavors and “wing it” to create my own spin. On the flip side, baking is more precise and that’s fun too- I even baked my own wedding cake! 

Q: What’s the best piece of advice you’ve ever received? Show love to others with the Platinum Rule. Slightly different from the Golden Rule, the Platinum Rule urges us to treat others as they would want to be treated, rather than how we would want to be treated. This slight shift in perspective leads us to be more empathetic in our actions!

Q: If you weren’t a dentist, what other career could you see yourself in? Pretty sure I would enjoy being an architect or some type of structural engineer. I love building things and imagining flow and function within a space. I guess this helps when treating a mouth as well 🙂

Q: What’s your favorite childhood memory? Every summer my family, along with several others, would travel on boats from Lake Marion to Charleston through the locks and waterways. We would spend a couple of days at the coast, then make the trip home. I looked forward to this more than anything when I was growing up!

Q: Who is a family member or person you know who inspires you the most, and why? My mom, Ruth Anne. She embodied a servant’s heart more than anyone else I’ve ever met. She met each day with an electric smile and brought others joy by caring for them- mostly, she was a fabulous cook and would bring you a meal when you were in need. She served her church, family, and community in ways that I hope I can mimic in my own life. 

• Clemson University
• MUSC in Charleston, SC

Dr. Anna Louise Hicklin grew up in Sumter, SC, and loved to dance, play tennis, and do arts and crafts-  three things she still enjoys! She attended Clemson University, majoring in Biosystems Engineering with a minor in Bioengineering. Her path to dentistry was an unlikely one- her studies led her to medical engineering research, but quickly realized her desire to interact with patients, seeing the engineering in action. While completing a research program at MUSC, she met dental students that encouraged her to consider dentistry. Realizing that the dental field is a blend of science, engineering, and artwork, she was hooked…and the rest is history! She then attended MUSC in Charleston, SC, graduating as a Presidential Scholar of the College of Dental Medicine. While there, she enjoyed volunteering at free clinics and also went on several international mission trips- three times to Ecuador, and once each to Honduras and Burundi, Africa. While on these trips, she learned the true meaning of sacrificial service and embracing cultural differences. One trip to Ecuador also was memorable because an older dental student named Hunter caught her attention…and they married a few years later!

Shortly after graduation from dental school, Dr. Hicklin attended a General Practice Residency in Columbia, SC at Palmetto Health Richland (Prisma Dentistry Residency Columbia). There she expanded her surgical and restorative skills, including wisdom tooth removal, surgical extractions, placement of implants, full mouth crowns and bridges, cosmetic procedures, as well as sedation. This broadened her confidence in handling complex treatment plans. After residency, she moved to Greenville, SC and has been seeing patients in private practice since 2011. She and Hunter got married in 2012, and not long after, started a family. They have three children- Mary Joyce, Sanford, and Wesley, and are active in their church and community. Hunter is also a general dentist in Greenville, and they often share advice and support each other in their careers!

Dr. Hicklin enjoys involvement in dental organizations at local and national levels. She is a delegate for the South Carolina Dental Association as well as a delegate representing SC at the American Dental Association House of Delegates. She is a member of the American College of Dentists as well as the Pierre Fauchard Academy. She also serves as a team leader for dental political action groups, traveling to Washington DC to promote important issues to our nation’s leaders. This has expanded her view of dentistry- she has learned so much from other providers across the United States and the world!

Anna Louise’s favorite part about dentistry is her relationship with her patients and truly feeling like she is making a practical and profound difference in their lives. And she really looks forward to meeting you and helping you feel healthy and confident in your smile!