Meet the Team
DENTISTS
John J. Palmer, DMD
Dr. John J. Palmer has been improving lives with beautiful, healthy smiles from the time he graduated from the Medical University of South Carolina School of Dentistry in 1983 at the top of his class. He founded Palmer Distinctive Dentistry with the goal of providing individualized dental care in a comfortable atmosphere with biocompatible materials and gentle procedures. He incorporates the latest technology and stays at the forefront of new research and discoveries, to bring you the best that dentistry has to offer.Dr. Palmer, a pioneer in advanced dentistry, was among the first dentists nationwide to use CEREC. He incorporated the in-office restoration system in 1997. He has completed extensive Comprehensive Cosmetic Techniques training from the Baylor University. He has also received advanced training at the renowned Las Vegas Institute for Advanced Dental Studies.
As a dedicated holistic dentist, Dr. Palmer is one of the few professionals trained in the safe removal of amalgam fillings. He uses IAOMT (International Academy of Oral Medicine and Toxicology) established procedures, and maintains awareness that anything affecting your mouth also affects your whole body. Advanced laser technology and ozone therapy are among the safe and surgery-free techniques employed to treat periodontal (gum) disease.
Dr. Palmer is after long hours of research and the publication on safe amalgam removal. Read More
Dr. Palmer chose to establish the first Center for Dental Medicine in the region, with a vision of bridging the gap between the dental and medical communities. This helps in the identification of diseases in the mouth, which may have the potential for causing disease throughout the body.
Dr Palmer has his mastership with the International Academy Of Oral Medicine and Toxicology(IAOMT), which is the highest level of training within the IAOMT organization. He is a national speaker, as well as teaches the Fundamentals of Safely Removing Silver Mercury Fillings (amalgams) to members. He is a Board Certified Naturopathic Physician, with certifications from the American Naturopathic Certification Board and the Board of Integrative Medicine and Dentistry.
Memberships maintained by Dr. Palmer include Omicron Upsilon Dental Honor Society, International Academy of Biological Dentistry and Medicine, Holistic Dental Association, the International Association of Mercury Safe Dentists, and the International Academy Of Oral Medicine and Toxicology(IAOMT).
When Dr. Palmer isn't working or speaking with other dentists about mercury safety, he enjoys golfing, scuba diving, and spending time with his family.
Regular Dentist to a Biological Dentist: Dr. John Palmers Journey
Listen to Dr. John Palmers experience of being a dentist for more than 36 years after graduating from the Medical University of South Carolina. How a sudden illness changed his approach towards dentistry and what he now offers to all his guests at Palmer Distinctive Dentistry in Greenville, SC
Transcript
I have been practicing for 36 years graduated from the
Medical University of South Carolina. I started up
practicing like every other dentist does until I became
ill from mercury poisoning and that kind of changed the
way I looked at dentistry.
I started taking different kinds of courses to get treated for my mercury poisoning and went from a regular dentist to a biological dentist.
On the course of the way, I went through a period where I took a lot of aesthetic training, cosmetic dentistry type things and moved away from metals and developed a way to practice without metals and using more biocompatible materials over the years. We got a lot of special equipment and high-tech equipment.
I was one of the first in the country to use the CAD/CAM dentist to make crowns, we got the newest version of that system it’s the CEREC system, we have a laser that is able to prepare a cavity in a tooth usually with no anesthetic it eliminates the drill, digital x-ray, 3D x-rays. You name it I think we have it.
We do it because it improves our ability to diagnose and improve the experience for our guests.
Count on Palmer Distinctive Dentistry for your preventative, restorative, and cosmetic dental needs. Call our office at (864) 879-6494 to schedule your visit.
I started taking different kinds of courses to get treated for my mercury poisoning and went from a regular dentist to a biological dentist.
On the course of the way, I went through a period where I took a lot of aesthetic training, cosmetic dentistry type things and moved away from metals and developed a way to practice without metals and using more biocompatible materials over the years. We got a lot of special equipment and high-tech equipment.
I was one of the first in the country to use the CAD/CAM dentist to make crowns, we got the newest version of that system it’s the CEREC system, we have a laser that is able to prepare a cavity in a tooth usually with no anesthetic it eliminates the drill, digital x-ray, 3D x-rays. You name it I think we have it.
We do it because it improves our ability to diagnose and improve the experience for our guests.
Count on Palmer Distinctive Dentistry for your preventative, restorative, and cosmetic dental needs. Call our office at (864) 879-6494 to schedule your visit.
Debra G. Adams, DMD
Positive guest experience is of great importance to Dr. Adams as your dentist. Some things you will take away from your visit with her are - professional, gentle, guest, kind, and caring. As a guest at Palmer Distinctive Dentistry you can expect to receive extra personal care and attention regarding your dental needs. Dr. Adams works personally with each guest to offer a comprehensive approach to oral health. She believes in conservative, preventative dentistry, and her goal is to increase the longevity of guest’s teeth.Originally from Tallahassee, FL, Dr. Adams received her Bachelor of Science from Huntingdon College in Montgomery, AL. After graduation she became a dental assistant, where she discovered her love for dentistry. For dental school, she attended the University of Alabama in Birmingham and graduated in 2003. She then joined a private practice in Tallahassee. Dr. Adams has also taught at Marquette Dental School, been on several dental mission trips to both Lima, Peru and Nicaragua, and volunteered her dental services in many locations.
Receiving extra training at Las Vegas Institute for Advanced Dental Studies her areas of expertise include cosmetic dentistry, and extractions. She also has experience with pediatric, geriatric, and special needs dentistry, and she is comfortable with dental terms in Spanish.
Dr. Adams has had extended training in safe mercury protection, Ozone Therapy,the CEREC CAD/CAM system and she is also SMART certified.
Dr. Adams has been in the Greenville community since 2016 and joined Palmer Distinctive Dentistry in July, 2018 with the same values of the holistic techniques and biocompatible materials available today.
Dr. Adams is married to her husband David, and they have two elementary aged children. Her family is very involved with church activities and they enjoy doing things together outdoors.
Ashley Hurley, DMD
Palmer Distinctive Dentistry is pleased to announce that Dr. Ashley Hurley will be joining our team as a Dental Associate! Dr. Hurley completed her undergraduate degree at Louisiana State University(2012-2015), has received a certificate after successful completion of the LECOM post-baccalaureate program, and her Doctorate of Dental Medicine from Roseman University College of Dental Medicine in 2020.Dr. Hurley has been in private practice since 2020, and is so excited to be joining our holistic dental office. Dr. Hurley has participated in several research projects, and received numerous awards as an Allstar softball player for Louisiana State University. She has also helped in many capacities with community service over the years. Dr. Hurley and her husband Clay recently married in August, 2022, and are looking forward to helping impact the community in the Upstate.
Celia B. - Office Manager/Marketing Specialist
Hello, my name is Celia, and I am the Office Manager and Marketing Specialist at Palmer Distinctive Dentistry. I have been a team member with Palmer Distinctive Dentistry since July, 1998. I work behind the scenes to make sure everything is running smoothly and that our team and I are providing our guests with the exceptional care that you deserve. I look forward to meeting you and I love seeing our guests leave with the beautiful, healthy smile they came here to get!I have been married to the love of my life since 1997. Spending time with my husband Marc and my children, Tanner and Naomi is the highlight of my life! We enjoy hiking, camping, swimming, home ping pong tournaments, helping with ministries in our church, and making each other laugh. God has blessed me beyond my wildest dreams! "Whether therefore you eat or drink or whatsoever you do, do all to the glory of God! I Corinthians 10:31
Email : celia@palmerdmd.com
Hygienists
Karyn M. - Team Lead, RDH, HIAOMT, OMT Therapist
Hello, my name is Karyn, I became a team member of Palmer Distinctive Dentistry in 2013, and the Team Lead Hygienist in 2018. I have been a registered dental hygienist since 2006, graduating from Greenville Technical College. I have always enjoyed dentistry, even as a child, I loved to go to the dentist. My goal for all of my guests is that they will leave my chair with a healthy smile. I love the education aspect of my career and to be able to educate my guests is extremely rewarding. I look forward to meeting you and helping to make your smile beautiful and healthy!In my free time, I enjoy spending time with my family! I have a wonderful husband named Bill, four children: Ethan, Abigail and twins, Jacob and Hannah. We enjoy spending time being involved with and volunteering at our church, board games, going to the pool, movie nights, and any of the children's extracurricular activities. Of course, we always love traveling for family vacations and short weekend getaways.
Email : Karyn@palmerdmd.com
Katie B. - Registered Dental Hygienist, HIAOMT
Hi, my name is Katie. I've been a Registered Dental Hygienist since 1985 and a part of the Palmer Distinctive Dental team since 2018.I have a passion for helping people get healthy and I’m so happy to be a part of a team that aspires to do the same. I look forward to meeting you and help you attain your dental health goal.
Taylor F. - Registered Dental Hygienist, HIAOMT
Hi! My name is Taylor Farthing! I graduated Dental Hygiene School from Greenville Technical College and became a team member with Palmer Distinctive Dentistry in March 2021. I have a strong passion for making sure my guests have a healthy and beautiful smile, and look forward to building great relationships with each and every one of my guests.I grew up locally in the Simpsonville area and am happily married to my wonderful husband David. I love being a dog mom to my sweet German Shepherd pup, Bandit. In my free time I enjoy staying active with Zumba and line dancing, and spending time outdoors, hiking and camping. I also am a dedicated NASCAR fan and my husband and I love spending time at the racetrack!
I look forward to seeing you in my chair soon!
Assistants
Billie Jo C. - Team Lead Assistant
Hi, my name is Billie Jo. I graduated Greenville Technical College’s Dental Assisting program in 2001, and have been assisting in changing smiles ever since. I joined Palmer Distinctive Dentistry in 2020, and I am excited to continue to learn the holistic side of dentistry and to give my guests the best. I work alongside Dr. Palmer and Dr. Adams during your procedures as a dental assistant. My goal throughout your visit is to calm any anxiety or fear you may have. I tend to become a little anxious myself when I have to have work done, so I put myself in your shoes, and hopefully make your experience exceptional!I grew up in western New York, and moved to SC while I was in high school, & SC is now my home. I married my high school sweetheart, Travis, and we have 4 amazing kids! Our home life is always an adventure. When we are not at a ball field, gym or the horse barn, we are outside exploring. We love hiking & camping, and once summer arrives there is nowhere we would rather be than swimming. I joke that my family is a circus, and we are raising a school of fish 😊
I look forward to meeting you!
Email : Assistant@palmerdmd.com
Heather N. - Assistant
Hello, My name is Heather. I have been in dentistry since 1999 and have worked in a variety of settings. Coming to work for a Holistic dentist has opened my eyes to a new and exciting part of dentistry I never knew existed. I love to learn and expand my skills to help better serve my guests and give them an awesome experience every time I see them. I am also a massage therapist and love that I can integrate my knowledge and blend dentistry and massage therapy.I have a great husband and 4 children. Originally from Northeast Ohio, I moved here for the beautiful weather and the friendly people of Greenville.
Lexy N. - Assistant
Hi my name is Lexy, I graduated school 2020, I’ve been a part of this beautiful office since 2021. I am one of 4 wonderful dental assistants. I love helping our Guests on their health journey. We understand that the dentist isn’t everyone’s favorite place, but I would love to give you great comfort and care.Front office
Moriah L. - Front Office Team Lead
Hi, my name is Moriah. I am so excited part of the Palmer Distinctive Dentistry family since 2018. I grew up in the upstate of South Carolina, and after attending USC, I relocated to the Greenville area. I’m an avid CrossFitter and love going hiking with friends. I look forward to getting to know each and every one of our guests and making sure they enjoy their experience with us!Email : frontdesk@palmerdmd.com