There’s a New Dentist in Town
Meet Dr. Wil Waninger
story by JENNIFER BROWN-CARPENTER
For most young people, a trip to the orthodontist isn’t usually something they look forward to. But for one ninth grader, it was the personal interactions with his own orthodontist that sparked his dream of one day becoming a dentist.
That dream did, in fact, come true for Dr. Wil Waninger who recently joined Dentistry at Habersham in Beaufort as the new practice owner. A South Carolina native, Dr. Waninger says that he’s thrilled to own his own practice because it provides him autonomy as a small business owner. He says, “it gives me the freedom to do what is best for my patients, my staff, and my family.”
The previous owner, Dr. William Zimmer, started Dentistry at Habersham in 2007 as a small practice to serve the people of Beaufort. Says Dr. Waninger, “I was honored and humbled to be chosen to continue the excellent quality of dental care provided to their patients.”
Thinking about his youth, Dr. Waninger recalls that his dream to enter the dentistry profession never wavered. In fact, he planned his high school and college experience around the idea of pursuing dentistry. As he learned, he says, he became even more impassioned with the profession. It was during his time in dental school that his interest in dental materials and new technology grew. While orthodontics was his original goal, Dr. Waninger says general dentistry allowed him to pursue a wide array of procedures and gave him the ability to serve people in numerous ways.
“Dentistry is uniquely situated as a health profession because of the prevention, treatment of disease, and the artistic side of cosmetic dentistry that can change a person’s life,” explains Dr. Waninger, who says he loves being able to use his hands and his brain to problem solve and provide solutions for people. An added bonus, according to Dr. Waninger, is “the opportunity to meet new people, hear their stories, and help those who are in need or in pain.”
Dr. Waninger considers his office a family and cosmetic practice that offers a wide array of comprehensive services. Serving families and patients of all ages, he offers a wide variety of procedures including extractions, root canals, crowns, veneers, fillings, dentures, implant restorations, and whitening, among others. Looking ahead, Dr. Waninger says he plans to expand the practice to offer even more treatment options for his patients.
Dentistry at Habersham is a small “mom and pop” type office, he says, that prides itself on high-quality customer service and patient experience. “Our office has four amazing staff members, Roseann, BriNasia, Yvonne, and Katy, who keep the practice running smoothly,” he says, adding that his wife, Stephanie, also supports the office with a lot of “behind-the-scenes” work. Dr. Waninger and Stephanie have a 2-year-old daughter named Leah. “She is ‘daddy’s little girl’ and brings us both tons of joy.” Stephanie is a stay-at-home mom, “but really keeps Dentistry at Habersham going with her accounting background.”
Born and raised in Georgetown, SC, Dr. Waninger attended the University of South Carolina Honors College where he met his wife, Stephanie. Stephanie is a former Division 1 athlete, a swimmer, and they met while working as lifeguards for the Aquatics Center. (They remain loyal Gamecocks fans. Forever to Thee!) He graduated with honors with a BS in Biomedical Engineering.
After graduating college, Dr. Waninger spent four years in Charleston at the Medical University of South Carolina College of Dental Medicine. He graduated first in his class with a Doctor of Dental Medicine degree. After graduation, Dr. Waninger transitioned to active duty as a Lieutenant in the US Navy. He completed an Advanced Education in General Dentistry (AEGD) Residency while stationed in Great Lakes, IL. He was then stationed here in Beaufort and spent two years at Parris Island and another two years as the dental clinic director at the Air Station. Separating from the military life in July 2020, Dr. Waninger says, “I greatly enjoyed my time in the military and the many friendships I made along the way.”
A volunteer with the SmileMobile, a mobile dental unit sponsored by the Rotary Club, Dr. Waninger is passionate about giving back to the community through dental care. While stationed in Beaufort, he saw an increased need for dental care in Beaufort and Jasper counties where “quality of life” was negatively impacted for those who lacked access to dental attention.
“People who are underserved, due to their socioeconomic status, are just as deserving of good dental care but are often limited to waiting until something is an absolute emergency,” he explains, which often results in their going to the local emergency room. By offering services like the SmileMobile, patients can receive treatment that they may not have access to otherwise. Dr. Waninger’s desire is to continue his involvement in community outreach efforts.
One thing you can count on at Dentistry at Habersham is that Dr. Waninger’s heart is in the right place. Strong in his Christian faith, everything he does, he says, “is an outpouring of his love for the Lord” and he wishes “to reflect the love of Christ on his patients.”
Those looking for extra love and kindness along with an accomplished practitioner who provides quality dental care, may reach out to Dr. Waninger by calling his office at (843) 379-1007 or by visiting Facebook/Instagram online @DentistryatHaberhsam to learn more.
