Meet the Dentists
Local Leaders in Patient-First Dentistry
At Tidelands Dental, our doctors bring decades of experience, advanced clinical training, and a shared commitment to personalized, high-quality care. From preventive checkups to full-mouth restorations, our team has the skill, technology, and heart to handle it all — right here in Surfside Beach, SC.
When you choose Tidelands, you’re choosing more than a provider. You’re choosing a team that sees you, hears you, and prioritizes your long-term health and comfort every step of the way.
Paul Cloninger, DDS
Diplomate – International Dental Implant Association
Dr. Paul Cloninger grew up in Lincolnton, North Carolina, and earned his Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering in 1994. In 2000, he completed his Doctor of Dental Surgery degree at the University of North Carolina School of Dentistry. With over two decades in practice, Dr. Cloninger has become known for his clinical excellence, approachable style, and commitment to lifelong learning.
He practiced in Cherryville, NC for many years, where he was deeply involved in the community — serving as Rotary President and participating on several nonprofit boards. In 2020, Dr. Cloninger and his family relocated to North Myrtle Beach to pursue their dream of coastal living.
Dedicated to advanced care, Dr. Cloninger holds Diplomate status from the International Dental Implant Association, reflecting his expertise in implant placement and restoration.
When he’s not treating patients, you’ll find Dr. Cloninger spending time with his wife, two sons, daughter, and their two Belgian Malinois.
Special Interests:
- Dental implants
- Restorative and surgical care
- Comprehensive general dentistry
Raymond Cleary, DDS
Founder, Legacy Leader & Advocate
Dr. Raymond Cleary is a native of Cincinnati, Ohio, and earned his dental degree from The Ohio State University. After serving as Director of Operative Dentistry at Shaw Air Force Base, he established his first practice in Surfside Beach in 1985 — laying the foundation for what is now Tidelands Dental.
In addition to dentistry, Dr. Cleary has a long-standing history of civic involvement. He served as President of multiple organizations, including the Grand Strand Soccer League, the YMCA, Rotary Club, Sertoma, and more. He also held leadership roles on dental boards and helped establish two community banks.
In 2004, Dr. Cleary was elected to the South Carolina Senate, where he served for 12 years and was instrumental in passing critical healthcare legislation. Despite his public service, he remained devoted to his dental patients.
In 2018, he returned to his original practice location on Glenns Bay Road and reestablished the office as Tidelands Dental — continuing his legacy of care with the same integrity and purpose that Surfside Beach families have trusted for decades.
Special Interests:
- Preventive and restorative dentistry
- Community health advocacy
- Patient education and long-term care planning
Jared Little, DDS
Owner and Founder of Raceway Orthodontics & Mint Hill Orthodontics
Special Interests:
- Implant-retained dentures
- IV and oral sedation dentistry
- Cosmetic restorations and full-arch cases
Dr. Jared grew up in Michigan where he attended college and dental school at the University of Michigan (Go Blue!). He escaped the Michigan winters and moved to San Francisco, California for his orthodontic specialty training, focusing on making beautiful smiles and perfect bites with braces and clear aligners for patients of all ages – Winning him a national Invisalign case competition the year he finished residency!
After completing his orthodontic residency, Dr. Jared ventured to Charlotte, North Carolina, where he fell in love with the beautiful weather, fun car culture, and his wife, Caroline. Since 2018, Dr. Jared leverages meticulous attention-to-detail, the latest technology, and an artistic eye to create smiles across the Carolinas.
When not straightening things out at the office, Dr. Jared can be found golfing, cheering on the Panthers, working on cars and bikes, or at any motorsports event he can find.
A Team That Treats You Like Family
