Get to Know Us a Little Better

At Tidelands Dental, one of the things you'll likely notice first is our Southern hospitality. Sure, we rely on cutting-edge technology every day to help ensure your every visit here is as productive and painless as possible. But, it's more than that. It's heartfelt care and compassion. It's unwavering understanding and sincerity. It's a commitment to you that reaches past the patient chair and starts long before you enter our office doors.

What makes all of this possible, and truly sets Tidelands Dental apart from a sea of lookalikes, is our amazing  team. As individuals, we're both pioneers and experienced leaders in the field of dental medicine. As a team, our collective educations and years of experience in dentistry are matched only by our strong cohesiveness and our unwavering commitment to your oral health. At the base of this, is our shared goals, all centered around you, our patient. You see, you're what brings us together, what binds us, and it shows throughout your treatment process and in the consistently outstanding results we're known for.

Dr. Raymond Cleary, DDS
Dr. Raymond Cleary is a native of Cincinnati, OH and received his dental degree from Ohio State University. Upon graduation, he entered the United States Air Force and served as Director of Operative Dentistry at Shaw Air Force Base. Afterward, he moved to Surfside Beach, and established his first dental practice, which became Glenns Bay Dental in 1985.

Dr. Cleary has always had a strong sense of community and an unwavering desire to serve, which led him to his work as President of the Grand Strand Soccer League. Dr. Cleary also served as President of the Grand Strand YMCA, Sertoma, Rotary, the Dental Hygiene Board and the Board of South Carolina Dental Associates. He was also instrumental in the organization of two community banks, all the while maintaining a successful dental practice.

In 2004, Dr. Cleary was elected to the South Carolina Senate, where he sponsored and passed the first bill concerning autism and sponsored the Raffle Bill, which assists all non-profits, especially the Shriners and Lions Clubs. After 12 years in the Senate, and while simultaneously serving his dental patients, Dr. Cleary chose not to seek election for the then unopposed Senate seat. In 2018, Dr. Cleary left Glenns Bay Dental, where he most recently returned to its physical location (1625 Glenns Bay Road), and reopened the practice as Tidelands Dental.

Dr. Russell Boatwright, DDM
Dr. Russell Boatwright grew up in Columbia, SC. He graduated from the Citadel in 1981 and from MUSC's Dental College in 1986. Later that year, Dr. Boatwright moved to Conway SC, where he remained in dental practice for the next 34 years, expertly meeting the dental needs of residents of Conway and beyond.

Dr. Boatwright shares Dr. Cleary's strong sense of community and has served as Past President of Grand Strand Dental Society, Pee Dee District and the Conway Sertoma Club. Additionally, Dr. Boatwright was nominated Sertoman of the Year in 1992 and served on the MUSC Board of Visitors.

Longtime colleagues and friends, Dr. Boatwright and Dr. Cleary joined forces to open Tidelands Dental, which is now accepting new patients.