Meet Dr. Ellen Paulisick, Owner of Longboard Dental

Meet a Mom Monday! Meet Dr. Ellen Paulisick, Owner of Longboard Dental.  Dr. Ellen Paulisick has been a practicing dentist for 13 years. She served as chief resident of her General Practice Residency at the Baltimore VA, has been the lead dentist of the non-profit ECCO dental clinic and was selected as Benco Dental’s 40 under 40 dentist in America.  Her practice, Longboard Dental, serves children and adults of all ages and offers a variety of dental treatments including same day crowns/restorations, Invisalign, Botox cosmetic/therapeutic treatments and dental implants.  Read more below about Dr. Ellen, her practice, her favorite dental hygiene brand and about her life raising her children in the Lowcountry.  Fun Fact:

 

Where are you originally from and how long have you been in Charleston, SC?

I grew up in Pittsburgh but moved to Charleston pre-pandemic in 2019 – I have never looked back!

 

Tell us about your family.

I have two beautiful children, Fletcher (9) and Reagan (7)

 

One thing people would be surprised to know about you?

I grew up a competitive swimmer, so in college at the University of Maryland I actually lifeguarded the whole World Cup team – including Michael Phelps!

 

What’s your favorite thing about raising a family in Charleston?

The values! My children were born in Maryland but the crime and lack of real community drove me to find a better environment in sweet Charleston.

 

Tell us about your business, Longboard Dental, and when & why you decided to start this business.

I truly never had a desire to be a business owner but I was disappointed in my experience of smaller offices selling out to corporate entities and losing focus on the patient in front of you. I say, if I couldn’t find what I was looking for – I had to build it myself. I have always felt an awesome responsibility to build a relationship with my patients that puts their fears at ease and makes them comfortable enough that their whole family trusts me with their care.

 

What can a new patient expect with their experience at your office?

We truly want to create an environment that doesn’t make you think you’re at the dentist. We have lots of amenities like TVs, soundproof headphones, blankets and warm neck wrap to make the experience more enjoyable. My favorite part is also my commercial grade scent diffuser that pumps out a scent like an expensive hotel!

 

What is your best advice for parents helping their children keep their teeth clean / create a routine for teeth cleaning?

Join in on the fun! Children are always watching and when you can incorporate them into your own care routine, they want to do what you do! This could be everything from brushing your teeth, to flossing to even having spitting contents with mouthwash! I also tell parents it’s helpful to have toothbrushes in every bathroom so they can run in and brush if they’re in a hurry getting ready to school!

 

Do you have favorite brand(s) you work with for dental hygiene for kids?

I’ve been a huge fan of the Risewell brand – they have a children and adult line which provide cleaner options for oral health care (and great flavors too!)

 

Tell us more about your team at Longboard Dental.

My team is my heart and soul and we simply wouldn’t be a success without them. It has been a value of mine to make sure I show appreciation constantly and create a work environment that everyone enjoys coming to! I have worked in a lot of environments where that is lost and I dedicate myself to being better! Thank you, team <3

 

I know that you love to be a part of this community – do you have any upcoming events that you’ll be attending / hosting?

I just got the office approved as a site for a dental assisting school! My hope is I can encourage high school seniors to pursue a career in dentistry and I am currently working on grants to make my program free!

 

Tell us more about your work/life balance within motherhood.

I can’t help but thank the community of Carolina Park and Charleston as a whole for being an exceptional place to live where people value this balance and understand families come first. As a single mother, I simply wouldn’t be able to do it without my incredible tribe!

 

Who has most influenced you to be the mom that you are today?

I am constantly influenced by the women in my life – my own mother and family of course, but also the incredible network of inspirational women I am a part of. I was recently selected to be in a women dentist business continuum called Guiding Leaders and these women inspire me every day!

 

One thing you wish someone would have told you about motherhood?

The best times are often the quiet, unremarkable times when your kiddo just out of nowhere tells you they love you. Also, it’s hard. Real hard haha.

 

What advice would you share with a new mom or other moms?

Lean on each other and pay attention to each other- you may have a gift of joy to give when someone is having a hard day.

 

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