Meet the waters family dentistry team
We may be a small business, but there is nothing small about how much we care!
John Waters
DMD
Raised in Iva, SC, Dr. Waters grew up in Anderson County and graduated from Crescent High School. From there he went to Clemson University, and graduated with a master’s degree in civil engineering. After working several years as an engineer, he decided to make a major career change. He wanted to work in an industry where relationships were on a more personal level. After a lot of thought and some long conversations with his childhood dentist, he decided dentistry was the career he was looking for.
After graduating from MUSC’s College of Dental Medicine, Dr. Waters was inducted into the National Dental Honor Society, Omicron Kappa Upsilon. He and his wife Ashley decided to return home to Anderson to raise their growing family.
They are blessed with three boys who keep them on their toes and make life fun! When he is not at the office, you can find Dr. Waters playing with his boys, coaching little league, strumming guitar, and cheering for the Clemson Tigers and Atlanta Braves.
Bayleigh Collins
Front DeskBorn and raised in Anderson, Bayleigh graduated from Palmetto High School. She is currently attending Waldorf University online for her bachelor’s degree in business administration.
In her free time, Bayleigh enjoys spending time with her husband and son. She likes being on the lake (who doesn’t?), painting, and going to football games. Bayleigh keeps everything running smoothly for us at the front desk, and she is always ready to help patients with anything from scheduling to insurance and financial questions.
Lauren Harrington
Dental HygienistLauren graduated from Florence Darlington Tech in 2009 with Associates degree in Health Science and loves being a Registered Dental Hygienist. Lauren been part of Waters Family Dentistry since 2016 after moving to Anderson with her husband, Michael. She enjoys working with Dr Waters because he always treats his employees and patients as he would his own family. The most rewarding moments as a dental hygienist are when she can educate and encourage patients to achieve optimum oral and overall physical well-being.
When not working, Lauren enjoys spending time with family, cooking, and cheering on the Carolina Gamecocks.
Lauren Hughes
Dental AssistantLauren is originally from Monteagle, Tennessee, and relocated to Anderson in 2018. She has been a Certified Dental Assistant since 2013 and is also recognized by the Dental Assisting National Board. She takes pride in ensuring quality dental care on every procedure, and her goal is to keep our patients healthy and happy!
Outside of the office, Lauren enjoys cooking, traveling, running, exercise, and time with her fiancé. She loves her two dogs – Sargent, a black lab, and Abby, a beagle. Lauren’s commitment to kindness and hard work are on display daily, and we are lucky to have her!
Debbie Jenkins
Dental HygienistOriginally from North Carolina, Debbie attended East Carolina University, and Greenville Technical College. She has been a certified dental hygienist for over 30 years. Debbie enjoys getting to know each patient and developing relationships with them, and their families.
When she is not at work, Debbie spends time with her three children, and six grandchildren. She lives with Billy Bob, her rescue cat, and loves to travel. Debbie has been snorkeling in Hawaii, ziplining in Puerto Rico, and hopes to see Alaska on her next trip!
Debbie brings a quiet sense of compassion to our office, and truly cares about her patients.
Sheila Plecha
Dental HygienistSheila is originally from Michigan and attended the University of Michigan Dental School to train as a hygienist. She has worked as a part time dental hygienist for 45 years! Sheila loves meeting patients and helping them clean and keep their smiles as well as becoming long term friends.
Sheila and her husband have lived in Anderson for the past 33 years and enjoy visits with family including their toddler grandson. She also loves going out to lunch with friends, exercising, women’s bible studies, and visiting the beach. We are so lucky to have one of the nicest hygienists in town!
Amanda Taylor
Dental AssistantAmanda is an Anderson native, and she graduated from Tri-County Technical College with her Certificate in Expanded Duty Dental Assisting in 2011. She is recognized by the Dental Assisting National Board as a Certified Dental Assistant. Amanda joined Waters Family Dentistry in January of 2012 and has been with us for over seven years now.
Amanda is always on the go, attending little league sports and other events, cheering on her stepchildren, nieces, and nephews. Family is very important to her! Amanda has one of the kindest hearts, and her care and compassion are an asset to our office.