About Us

Dr. Keith S. Wickizer is an orthodontist that was born and raised in Summerville, SC.
 
“My hobby I spent the most time on in high school was art, Creating things on paper from a blank canvas allowed me to make beauty come alive that was once not there, orthodontics lets me accomplish this on others, Someone sees me for the first time and wants to improve their smile, and with orthodontics, I can do that. My greatest reward is seeing their confidence excel in front of my eyes; such a rewarding process for those both young and old.”
 
Education

• Bachelor of Science in Biology at the College of Charleston, Cum Laude
• Doctorate in Medical Dentistry at the Medical University of South Carolina, Magna Cum Laude
• Certificate in Orthodontics at the University of Louisville, Magna Cum Laude
• Master’s in Oral Biology at the University of Louisville, Magna Cum Laude
• Dr. Wickizer graduated at the top of his class in dental school with a 3.98 GPA

 
Awards

• Awarded the title of Top Clinical Student
• Recipient of the Outstanding Achievement in Orthodontics Award, given to him by the American Association of Orthodontists

 
Public Lecturer

• Dr. Wickizer has lectured to dental students both at the Medical University of South Carolina and the University of Louisville.

 
Organizations

• American Dental Association
• South Carolina Dental Association
• Southern Association of Orthodontists
• American Association of Orthodontists

 
Extended Bio
Dr. Keith is a native of Summerville, South Carolina. He began his pursuit of a career in orthodontics after getting his braces placed in his freshman year of high school, although his want for a lifetime career began much earlier than that.
 
At age 8, Dr. Keith stretches across his mother’s bed and told his mom that he wasn’t sure what he wants to do for a living, an odd question for a kid his age. His hard work ethic began very, very early. Dr. Keith began working before he was of age as a dishwasher and prep cook for a friend of the family’s local Italian eatery. Dr. Keith got his first glance at the inner workings of a business and took away a love of cooking. Being a family-friendly business, it was less like a job but more like an internship on customer service and how to treat people. Washing dishes night after night, however, was more like a job.
 
During his middle and high school years, Dr. Keith grew very fond of the visual arts. He excelled in drawing, painting, and sculpting; earning him many first-place wins in local and state-wide art contests. Dr. Keith was chosen to attend the Governors School of the Arts during his time at Stratford High School and was voted one of the top art students by the art faculty. He left his mark on Stratford, as he and a friend design the high school’s afghan during their senior year, which would be used for years and years by football fans. Some of Dr. Keith’s drawings and paintings still hang on the walls at Stratford.
 
During high school, Dr. Keith could be found working at the Blockbuster Video off St. James Avenue and as an usher at the North Charleston Coliseum. He was always a fan of entertainment and strengthened his customer service skills working at these two locations, One step into Acuity Orthodontics’ doors and you will feel this passion Dr. Keith holds for treating patients and parents like family.
 
After high school, Dr. Keith attended the College of Charleston on an academic scholarship. Knowing he wanted to become an orthodontist, his shift in studies turned toward the biological sciences. He also furthered his study for art and was accepted into a junior-level art class his freshman year; having to receive special permission from the dean to do so.
 
During his college summers, Dr. Keith began employment with Circuit City, and a new hobby blossomed, the enjoyment of computers and technology. This love never stopped, which is why Acuity Orthodontics is at the forefront of technology, Digital charting, digital X-Rays, and the most advanced orthodontic tools and materials are used on a daily basis.
 
Dr. Keith attended dental school at the prestigious Medical University of South Carolina. Are you ready for some awards and honors? In 2003, Dr. Keith was accepted into the Presidential Scholars Program, one of the most distinguished honors a student at MUSC can be given. He was elected into the Psi Omega Dental Honor Fraternity and was given the Outstanding Academic Achievement Award in his fraternity for having the highest GPA of its members, a 3.98. Dr. Keith graduated at the top of his class both on academic merit and clinical skill, combining superior knowledge with outstanding hand skills.
 
He received the Outstanding Achievement in Orthodontics Award from the American Association of Orthodontics during his senior year in dental school, along with the Outstanding Achievement Award in Operative Dentistry for his proficiency in dental restorations. He also extracted more teeth and treated more orthodontic cases than any student prior to him in the history of MUSC! Prior to graduation, Dr. Keith was inducted into the prestigious OKU honor fraternity, of which only the top 5% of graduating seniors are allowed to join.
 
Ask Dr. Keith to this day how he achieved all this, and he’ll be quick to tell you that he truly has a love for dentistry… “It’s arts and crafts every day of my life.” The further Dr. Keith studied in dental school, the more he realized that dentistry allowed him to use his passion for art in his work. Whether it comprised sculpting a tooth-colored filling, carving a porcelain crown, or creating the perfect smile with a set of braces, his art lives on in his work.
 
To make extra money in dental school, you could often find Dr. Keith in the dental lab creating other students’ dentures. Many sets of dentures were molded by Dr. Keith with individual acrylic teeth and wax. Dr. Keith once again took work and turned it into having fun, and taught himself how to alter smiles slightly by subtle changes in tooth position, which he now can manipulate with his braces and wires.
 
After receiving his doctorate from MUSC, Dr. Keith studied orthodontics at the University of Louisville in Louisville, Kentucky. He received his Certificate in Orthodontics along with his Masters in Oral Biology during his time here. Dr. Keith was faculty during his residency here, teaching orthodontic techniques and appliance fabrication to the dental students. He has also lectured to students at the Medical University of South Carolina since his return home. His love for teaching has also encouraged him to start his own school, the Advanced Dental Training Institute, or ADTI, which taught interested applicants dental assistance. Dr. Keith also donates time to the outreach dental clinic in North Charleston, which performs extractions on those that cannot afford dental care.
 
Dr. Keith is also a huge fan of the water. In high school, you could find him and his friends surfing at the washout on Folly Beach. Realizing he could make his own waves behind the back of a boat, his liking for surfing turned into a love for wakeboarding after graduation. During the winter months he also enjoys snowboarding, a sport he picked up while attending a residency in Kentucky.
 
After orthodontic school, Dr. Keith returned home to Charleston to rejoin his family and friends. He designed his office to encompass his many loves and with his mom’s advice “If you build an office son, make sure you have comfortable dental chairs!”. Dr. Keith took his mom’s advice, and once you sit in one of our memory foam chairs, you will experience just how comfortable a dental visit can be, combine this with a fun, family atmosphere, a kid’s room full of the coolest video games, and the latest clinical technology on the market, and you will experience just what Acuity Orthodontics is all about!

Dr. Grace is a general dentist that practices out of our Knightsville location.
 
“I chose dentistry because I love people, science, and art, and dentistry combines all three. I enjoy performing so many different procedures and services to help my patients smile. Personal care is important to me, which is why I only see and treat one patient at a time. This allows me to do my best work as a dentist while giving each patient the best possible care at a fair price.
 
Many patients over the years have become my friends. They know that I truly care about them and their dental health because I stay current with all the latest and most effective dental procedures and techniques and give them great results. They know they can rely on me for exceptional care and service, and that we wouldn’t have lasted 70 years if we did anything less than the best that dentistry has to offer.”
 
Organizations

• American Dental Association
• American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry

 
Certifications

• Board Certified in Dentistry
• Lumineers Certified (Veneers)

Being an orthodontist involves having the ability to touch each patient’s life, helping the person achieve the most wonderful smile. And building a friendship with everyone during the process. Our smiles are the most natural form of expression, going beyond our own cultures and allowing us to connect immediately with others. I believe everyone deserves a beautiful smile they can share with confidence!
 
Orthodontics is my life. Every new patient who comes to our practice brings a unique set of occlusal problems and personality nuances. Each person needs and deserves an individualized treatment plan that ensures efficient, comfortable care and gets him or her the best smile in a timely manner. I enjoy the puzzle each person presents, almost as much as I enjoy getting to know them and becoming their friend!
 
Education and Experience

• Doctorate of Dental Medicine – Medical University of South Carolina
• Master of Science and orthodontic certificate – University of Kentucky
• Specialty training in oral and maxillofacial radiology – University of Alabama
• In addition to practicing orthodontics for more than 20 years, I have been involved in academic dentistry for most of my professional life.

I served as chair of the Department of Orthodontics and Pediatric Dentistry at the Medical University of South Carolina for 12 years. In this role, I oversaw the education of both orthodontic and pediatric dentistry residents in training. I attend many orthodontic continuing education courses to stay current on new treatment techniques and technology. I believe in lifelong learning: That sets the foundation for how I use evidence-based research to continually improve the quality of care I provide our patients.
 
Professional Memberships

• American Association of Orthodontists
• South Carolina Association of Orthodontists
• Angle Society of Orthodontists
• Fellow, American College of Dentists

 
Serving Others
I am an active volunteer with Habitat for Humanity and the Special Olympics, and I love participating in the Give Kids a Smile Day. Additionally, I have been honored to have been appointed by the U.S. Department of State as Honorary Consul of Brazil in the State of South Carolina. In this position, I am able to help fellow citizens by providing free consular services and assistance to members of the Brazilian communities in South Carolina.
 
Beyond the Practice
I grew up in São Paulo, the mega-city in Brazil, and have lived in South Carolina since I finished my orthodontic residency in 1997. I currently divide my time between Charleston and Columbia and spend as much time as possible with my family. My wife, Dr. Renata S. Leite, is a periodontist. We have two young children, Sophia and Nicholas, who keep us very busy outside of our practices. We enjoy boating, hiking, and cooking together, and I’m an avid reader, too.

Dr. Andrew Kuelbs is originally from Minneapolis, Minnesota. He graduated from Creighton University School of Dentistry, a program well known for its strong emphasis on clinical dentistry. Andrew prioritizes patient comfort, and is always happy to address questions and concerns. In his free time, he enjoys hiking, biking, and spending time at the beach.