Meet Dr. Tom and team
Tom Atkinson, DMD, MS
Dr. Tom Atkinson is a native of Greenville, SC and has practiced orthodontics here since 1990. He started practice in the same office with his father (the first pediatric dentist in South Carolina) and patients started call him Dr. Tom— they have ever since. He now treats many students of the very schools he attended years ago in Greenville: Beck Academy, J.L. Mann High School, and Furman University. His grown children Trey and Katie, are both graduates of Furman University and have diverse careers. Dr. Tom’s greatest reward in practice is the positive impact he makes for his patients which lasts their entire lifetime.
In addition to creating beautiful smiles Dr. Tom is also a craftsman and musician. His passion since the early 2000’s has been woodworking— creating one-of-a-kind pieces of heirloom quality furniture, repairing antiques, or crafting something unique for his home. He also plays electric bass guitar, something he has done since childhood, playing in several bands and performing for many church functions. Dr. Tom has also been involved in his church, serving as a deacon along with other leadership roles in his church.
After leaving Furman in 1983 he earned his doctorate in dentistry in 1987 from the Medical University of South Carolina, College of Dental Medicine (Charleston, SC) where he was awarded 4 prestigious honors:
International College of Dentists: Outstanding Achievement
Southeastern Academy of Prosthodontics: Outstanding Achievement
The Quintessence Award for Academic Achievement
American Association of Endodontists: Certificate of Merit
In 1990, Dr. Atkinson earned his Masters of Science in Orthodontics from Washington University (St. Louis, MO). He maintains membership in the American Dental Association, American Association of Orthodontists, and Southern Association of Orthodontists. He continues his education constantly, studying with the world leaders in orthodontics, various MasterMind groups, the Dawson Study Group locally, and various other associations. Dr. Tom is constantly teaching within his profession and regularly writes articles to educate fellow dentists professionals about orthodontics.
Kristie Harrill: Orthodontic Assistant
“I grew up in Nashville, Tennessee and lived there for about 30 years where I earned my degree as a Certified Dental Assistant from Nashville Technical College in 1994. After working in general dentistry for 6 years I had the opportunity to work with an orthodontist and I was hooked— I’ve been in orthodontics ever since. I’ve now worked in dentistry for over 20 years and I joined Dr. Tom’s team in the Spring of 2019 and love the people here.
I have 4 grown children, two boys and two girls, who are all local and I enjoy being with them as much as I can. My husband has been with Michelin for over 20nyears and we love to spend time with our children and our dogs. Grilling out and swimming are our favorite pastimes.
Fun Fact: I grew up spending Sundays at the airport with my grandfather watching the planes land and I would love to someday take flying lessons. As a side note, don’t tell anyone but I am TERRIFIED of bees!”
Lauren English: Appointment Coordinator
“Cranford, New Jersey was my childhood home but I’ve also lived in Clearwater, FL and I graduated Flagler College (St. Augustine, FL) in 1991. Prior to joining Dr. Tom’s team in December of 2013, I worked as a merchandising specialist and as a pharmaceutical sales consultant. My husband John and I have two beautiful girls- Maryn is the creative-free-spirit-dreamer, while Grace is a peacemaker-book lover-broadway music fanatic.
I love exploring new craft breweries with my husband, and I particularly enjoy decorating and “re-creating” things into something wonderful. I have a dream of buying land and opening what I call the “Rescue Ranch” where I see and care for dogs that nobody wants anymore.”
Fun Fact: I have opened 3 Etsy online shops where I sold handmade wooden fairy doors, felt hair bows, and unique jewelry pieces.
Tamarra Barr: Treatment Assistant
Growing up in Greenville my dentist as a child was Dr. Tom’s father (who happened to be the first pediatric dentist in South Carolina) and when I was 19, he began my orthodontic treatment. Dr. Tom happened to finish orthodontic school around that time and he actually completed my braces. Shortly afterwards, Dr. Tom asked me to come to work for him as an orthodontic assistant. I’ve been working with Dr. Tom on and off for over 30 years now!
My husband and I have two wonderful children and we love taking short trips together. My kids are everything to me. I love to sing and if you’re a patient in my chair you’ll hear me humming to the music.
Fun Fact: Don’t tell Dr. Tom that I’m afraid of trains, since he loves them and built a model train that runs around our office near the ceiling.
Kelley Duncan: Financial Coordinator
“I am a Greenville native, having attended Hillcrest High and Greeville Tech and I currently live in Simpsonville. My husband Bruce and I have 4 children along with 4 marvelous (and busy) grandchildren. I came to work with Dr. Tom in 2013 after having been the Office Manager for an Internal Medicine group for 12 years, and involved with medical billing for about 5 years before that.
I love spending my time at the lake with family, working in my flowerbeds at home, and babysitting my grandchildren.”
Fun Fact: I used to lift weights and compete in powerlifting matches.
Dana Hack: Treatment Coordinator
I grew up in Arlington, Texas and moved to Greenville in 1994 with my husband who I’d met in Dallas years before. We have two grown children and have developed a love of exploring new fun places to eat in the Greenville area. We also enjoy weekend trips to visit our children along with hikes with our rescue dog Frankie.
I have fun in my job as Treatment Coordinator because it is surprisingly similar to my former career as a Guidance Clerk for Northwood Middle School — I was surrounded there by teenagers for 10 years, and we have fun with the same age group here.
Fun Fact:
I’m a huge college basketball fan and my favorite team is the Kansas Jay Hawks “Rock Chalk JayHawk” (my husband’s alma mater).