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Dr. Elizabeth Gerhart-Sugg, DDS

Experience and Passion in Equal Measure

For more than three decades, Dr. Elizabeth Gerhart-Sugg has dedicated her career to helping patients achieve healthier smiles, greater confidence, and improved quality of life through exceptional dentistry and personalized care. As the founder of Ocean Dental and Ocean Aesthetics & Wellness in Hilton Head Island, she combines advanced clinical expertise with a compassionate, patient-first philosophy that has earned the trust of thousands of patients throughout the Lowcountry.

Dr. Elizabeth Gerhart-Sugg, DDS

A Lifetime of Dental Excellence

A native of Cleveland, Ohio, Dr. Sugg graduated from Case Western Reserve University, earning her Bachelor of Arts degree in just three years while completing a double major in Chemistry and Biology. She continued at Case Western Reserve University School of Dental Medicine, receiving her Doctor of Dental Surgery (DDS) degree in 1989. Her commitment to excellence was evident early in her career, earning a perfect score on the Operative portion of the Northeast Regional Dental Board Examination. 

Following dental school, Dr. Sugg joined the faculty at Case Western Reserve University School of Dental Medicine, where she enjoyed mentoring future dentists as a Clinical Instructor while simultaneously building a successful private practice. She later owned and operated a respected dental practice in Chagrin Falls, Ohio, for 14 years before relocating to Hilton Head Island.

In 2008, Dr. Sugg founded Ocean Dental with a vision of providing comprehensive, relationship-based dentistry built on trust, education, and uncompromising quality. During the early years of her practice, she was granted a U.S. Department of Defense Secret Security Clearance, allowing her to provide dental care for the United States Marine Corps at Parris Island. She also served with mobile dental units supporting the United States Army, experiences that further strengthened her commitment to excellence, precision, and service. 

Today, Dr. Sugg focuses her full attention on her Hilton Head Island and Bluffton patients. She believes that every patient deserves to understand their treatment options and actively participate in decisions about their care. Rather than rushing appointments, she takes time to listen, educate, and create personalized treatment plans that align with each patient’s goals, comfort level, and long-term oral health. This philosophy has become the cornerstone of Ocean Dental’s reputation for honest, patient-centered care. 

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Special Interests

Dr. Sugg has a special passion for cosmetic dentistry, full-mouth rehabilitation, and complex restorative care, where artistry and function come together to transform lives. She is also highly experienced in the diagnosis and treatment of sleep apnea and enjoys caring for patients of every age—from young children to grandparents. Her commitment to continuing education allows her to incorporate the latest proven technologies into her practice, ensuring patients receive modern, evidence-based care.

Inspired by the connection between oral health, facial aesthetics, and overall wellness, Dr. Sugg also established Ocean Aesthetics & Wellness. Her goal is to help patients look as healthy and vibrant as they feel through advanced, non-surgical facial rejuvenation and regenerative treatments that complement her comprehensive approach to health and confidence. 

Outside the office, Dr. Sugg enjoys spending time with her family, traveling the world, boating on the beautiful South Carolina waterways, tackling home improvement projects, and trying her hand at gardening. She also has a lifelong love of aviation and has often considered renewing her private pilot’s license. Whether she’s helping patients achieve a healthier smile, restoring confidence through aesthetic treatments, or enjoying life on the water, Dr. Sugg approaches everything she does with enthusiasm, curiosity, and genuine care for others.

“My greatest reward is building lifelong relationships with patients and helping them feel healthier, more confident, and proud of their smiles. Every treatment begins by listening, educating, and creating a plan together.” – Dr. Elizabeth Gerhart-Sugg