Visit Palmetto Periodontics in Columbia, SC, and meet our dedicated team, led by Dr. James P. Wilson. We are committed to providing exceptional periodontal and implant care, ensuring each visit is both effective and comfortable. Our team of highly trained professionals is here to support your dental health journey with expertise and compassion.

Located at 124 Alpine Circle, Columbia, South Carolina 29223, our office is just a short drive from downtown Columbia. We serve patients from across the Midlands, including Richland County, Lexington, and Kershaw County. Call us at (803) 788-0900 to schedule your visit and experience firsthand the comprehensive care and community-focused service that set us apart.

Kate Gafgen

Practice Administrator

Hometown or city of residence: Elgin, SC

Personal or professional goals: My goal is to cultivate a positive company culture, optimize operational efficiency and enhance the patient experience.

Mission statement and values: I want to offer support and inspiration to others through leadership and subject matter expertise.

Skills and expertise: I am skilled in team management, problem solving, process improvement, staff training and development, leadership and dental practice operations.

Interests and hobbies: I enjoy hiking, painting, and spending time with my family and pets.

Neida E. Rodriguez

Registered Dental Hygienist

Originally from Puerto Rico and now living in Chapin, SC, Neida is a skilled dental hygienist who takes pride in providing specialized care that combines education, prevention, and treatment.

She’s known for her compassionate nature and ability to connect with patients across language and cultural backgrounds.

Fluent in both English and Spanish, Neida ensures each visit is informative and comfortable.

Outside of work, she enjoys cooking, camping, hiking, and kayaking.

Chelsea Gooding

Registered Dental Hygienist

Chelsea, a native of Bishopville, SC, is committed to delivering excellent care while helping patients understand the importance of oral health.

With a goal of practicing dental hygiene until retirement, she finds joy in building lasting relationships with her patients.

Chelsea values her faith and strives to reflect it in all she does.

In her free time, she enjoys going to the beach and spending time with her husband and two sons.

Tori Blanchett

Certified Dental Assistant, Expanded Duty Dental Assistant

Tori, from Winnsboro, SC, is a certified expanded duty dental assistant with over a decade of experience in periodontal care.

She brings a strong sense of integrity and kindness to every patient interaction and is passionate about creating a calm, caring environment.

Tori values her faith deeply and incorporates that into her professional life.

When not at the office, she enjoys spending time outdoors with her husband and three children.

Alexis Perkins

Patient Coordinator

Originally from Ridgeway, SC, Alexis is dedicated to making every patient’s visit as pleasant and comfortable as possible.

She brings a strong work ethic, a dependable team spirit, and an eagerness to adapt and grow in new environments.

Alexis takes pride in being a thoughtful listener and is always ready to learn.

Her mission is to provide the best possible care to patients with maximum efficiency. Outside of work, she enjoys spending quality time with her family.

Rachael Wagner

Dental Assistant

Rachael was born in Cheyenne, Wyoming, raised in Blackfoot, Idaho, and now calls Columbia, SC home.

She brings a diverse healthcare background to her role, with experience in endodontics, prosthetics, and periodontics.

Rachael is passionate about providing high-quality, compassionate care and values being part of a supportive, family-like team.

Outside of work, she enjoys family time, puzzles, and making handmade crafts like crochet and lacework.

Tarsha McBride

Treatment Coordinator

A Columbia native, Tarsha brings over 21 years of healthcare experience and a strong commitment to helping patients navigate their treatment journey with confidence.

She’s known for her clear communication, kindness, and dedication to making each visit as smooth as possible.

Tarsha joined the Palmetto Periodontics team in early 2024 and loves being part of a patient-focused practice.

In her free time, she enjoys game nights and spending time with her family.

Jessica Smith

Hygiene Coordinator

Jessica, a native of Lugoff, SC, brings over five years of experience as a patient coordinator and is passionate about delivering exceptional care to our periodontal patients.

With a goal of returning to school to become a dental hygienist, Jessica is committed to continuous growth and professional development.

She values meaningful connections with patients and takes pride in offering excellent customer service. When she's not in the office,

Jessica enjoys spending time outdoors with her three children and their beloved animals.

Hannah Rose

Insurance Coordinator

Hannah, from Lexington, SC, is dedicated to helping patients understand and maximize their dental insurance benefits.

With a background in insurance and authorizations since college, she’s detail-oriented and committed to ensuring claims are processed smoothly and efficiently.

Hannah is always eager to learn more about the different roles in the practice.

Outside the office, she enjoys video games, reading, and spending time with her husband and their three dogs — Sadie, Remi, and Huntleigh.

Keyanna Addison

Front Desk Associate

Hometown or city of residence: Columbia, SC

Mission statement and values: We are here to serve, so why not with greatness.

Skills and expertise: Great patient and customer service is the #1 goal. I have 10 years of experience in the dental field from general dentistry to orthodontics as well as expanded services as a patient coordinator.

Interests and hobbies: I enjoy reading, hiking and exploring different varieties of restaurants, but mostly enjoying family time.

Want to schedule an appointment?