Faculty & Staff
Dental Residency Program – Faculty & Staff Bios
Sandra Halterman, DMD
Oral & Maxillofacial Surgeon
BIO
“Teaching residents to think critically and act confidently in surgery is one of the most rewarding parts of my role.”
Dr. Halterman earned her DMD from the Medical University of South Carolina and completed her residency in Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery at MUSC. She brings over 15 years of surgical expertise and leads LRMC’s hospital-based anesthesia training.
MELODY DAWSON WHITAKER, DMD
General Dentistry
BIO
“We teach residents to treat children with compassion, patience, and creativity—it’s not just about dentistry, it’s about trust.”
“Every patient has a story—and every resident has the power to change how that story ends.”
A native of South Carolina, Dr. Whitaker grew up in Florence. Dr. Whitaker is a proud Gamecock and graduated summa cum laude with honors from the USC Honors College. Dr. Whitaker then attended the Medical University of South Carolina College of Dental Medicine where she was on the Dean’s List and received the Public Health Dentistry Award her senior year. Next, Dr. Whitaker pursued a Geriatric and Special Care Dentistry fellowship at the University of Iowa. There she developed her passion for the geriatric dental patient and treatment of those who require special care. She received the Dr. Samuel Johnston Graduate Student Fellowship Award for her outstanding dedication and care in geriatric dentistry.
From Iowa, Dr. Whitaker moved to Chicago to teach clinical dentistry at the University of Illinois College of Dentistry while also maintaining a private practice in the city.
After a few years, Dr. Whitaker and her family wished to return to South Carolina and moved to Myrtle Beach. Little River Medical Center became the perfect dental home for Dr. Whitaker. Combining public health dentistry with a comfortable private practice feel has allowed Dr. Whitaker to deliver excellent care to patients of all ages: 0-100!
Pearce Ollar, DMD
Restorative & Sleep Dentistry
BIO
“I love watching residents master digital technology—it’s the future of dentistry, and they’re already leading the way.”
Dr. Pearce Ollar is a community advocate and dedicated dentist committed to providing exceptional patient care. He earned his DMD degree from the Arizona School of Dentistry and Oral Health where he also received his Certificate in Public Health. Since becoming a dentist, he has practiced in multiple settings including community health centers in Arizona, California and South Carolina, as well as, DSO, corporate, and private practices. Each setting allowed him to explore the critical components required to understand each unique patient population and helped him tailor his continued education interests to best serve each population’s needs. He has also spent substantial time in various parts of Mexico providing free dentistry to those lacking access to necessary dental care.
Dr. Ollar has completed most of his continuing education and post-graduate training in fields relating to interceptive orthodontics, growth and development of the jaws and airway, craniofacial sleep medicine, temporomandibular joint disorders, and proper evaluation and release of oral tethered tissues. He has also completed continued education in tooth extractions, bone grafting, implant placement, and implant restorations. In addition, he stays up to date on new materials/protocols needed for successful root canal therapy and has spent time learning dental esthetics at practices that pride themselves in cosmetic dentistry.
Dr. Ollar truly cares about improving the overall quality of life of his patients. He will not only discuss what is needed for optimal oral health, but for ideal overall health as well. He is very patient and works well with patients who may suffer from dental anxiety. Above all, he is a caring and compassionate provider that always keeps his patients’ best interests at the forefront of any care that may be needed. In his free time, he enjoys traveling to new areas with his beautiful wife and their two fur babies. He and his wife have also recently welcomed their first baby girl!
Vishali Aygari, DMD
Periodontics & Implant Dentistry
BIO
“Caring for underserved communities reminds us that dentistry is about dignity as much as it is about skill.”
Dr. Aygari trained at Emory University in Periodontics and teaches both surgical and non-surgical periodontal therapy.
Mark Janosky, DMD
General Practice
BIO
“By working across both clinics, I help residents see continuity of care through a wider lens—one that includes prevention, access, and equity.”
Dr. Janosky has always had a passion for public health and in 2018 he joined LRMC as the Chief Dental Officer. He has provided preventive care and oral health care for over 30 years. Dr. Janosky graduated from Penn State University and went on to obtain his Doctor in Dental Medicine from the University of Medicine and Dentistry of New Jersey.
Dr. Janosky started his career working in a hospital-based setting treating an underserved population in Port Jervis, NY. After leaving the hospital, Dr. Janosky went on to open a private practice in Dover, NJ.
In 2005, Dr. Janosky moved south to fulfill his desire to live in the Carolinas. Since his move, Dr. Janosky has worked in various public health settings, corporate settings, has served as adjunct faculty at University of North Carolina- Chapel Hill and is currently an Affiliate Assistant Professor at the Medical University of South Carolina. Throughout his career, Dr. Janosky has always enjoyed mentoring young new dentists.
When Dr. Janosky is not busy in the clinic, he enjoys spending time with his family and friends.
“When residents realize they can save a tooth—and someone’s quality of life—it’s a game-changer.”
JORDAN HOBEL, DDS
General Practice
BIO
Raised in a small town in the mountains, Dr. Jordan brings a grounded and compassionate approach to dentistry. After graduating from the University of Maryland School of Dentistry—the world’s first dental college—in 2016, he began his career in private practice before relocating to Myrtle Beach. He is passionate about preventing dental disease and restoring smiles through high-quality restorative care. Known for his dedication to both his patients and the community, Dr. Jordan strives to make a positive impact both inside and outside the office.
In his free time, you’ll find him traveling, enjoying the beach, and on a never-ending quest to discover the best restaurant along the Grand Strand. He also teaches several courses at Horry Georgetown Technical College in the expanded duty dental assisting and dental hygiene programs.
“Some of the most impactful care we provide happens in a moment of crisis—and our residents are always ready.”
Christian “Alex” Black, DMD
Endodontics
BIO
Dr. Black, a Medical University of South Carolina graduate and board-certified endodontist, specializes in complex endodontic procedures.
Michael Osborne, DDS
General Dentistry
BIO
“Every patient has a story—and every resident has the power to change how that story ends.”
A graduate of the University of Tennessee College of Dentistry, Dr. Osborne has provided comprehensive care in community settings for more than a decade. He focuses on restorative and preventive dentistry.
Steven Chichetti, DDS
General Dentistry
BIO
Dr. Chichetti earned his Bachelor of Science degree with honors from St. Thomas Aquinas College, where he was President of the New York Beta Chapter of the Alpha Chi Honor Society. He received his Doctor of Dental Surgery (DDS) degree with honors, graduating as Senior Class President from the State University of New York at Buffalo School of Dental Medicine. Following dental school, he completed a general practice residency at the Veterans Administration Medical Center in Buffalo, NY, receiving additional training in oral surgery, anesthesiology and maxillofacial prosthodontics. Dr. Chichetti has extensive post-doctoral training in all phases of general dentistry, including oral surgery, periodontics, prosthodontics, endodontics, implant dentistry, pediatric dentistry, and orthodontics. In his leisure time, Dr. Chichetti is an avid photographer and motorcyclist, and he also enjoys singing and playing keyboards in his rock and blues band.
“My goal is to help residents find their rhythm—so they walk into any room with confidence and clarity.”
Mark Janosky, DMD
General Practice (Also serves Carolina Forest)
BIO
“By working across both clinics, I help residents see continuity of care through a wider lens—one that includes prevention, access, and equity.”
Dr. Janosky has always had a passion for public health and in 2018 he joined LRMC as the Chief Dental Officer. He has provided preventive care and oral health care for over 30 years. Dr. Janosky graduated from Penn State University and went on to obtain his Doctor in Dental Medicine from the University of Medicine and Dentistry of New Jersey.
Dr. Janosky started his career working in a hospital-based setting treating an underserved population in Port Jervis, NY. After leaving the hospital, Dr. Janosky went on to open a private practice in Dover, NJ.
In 2005, Dr. Janosky moved south to fulfill his desire to live in the Carolinas. Since his move, Dr. Janosky has worked in various public health settings, corporate settings, has served as adjunct faculty at University of North Carolina- Chapel Hill and is currently an Affiliate Assistant Professor at the Medical University of South Carolina. Throughout his career, Dr. Janosky has always enjoyed mentoring young new dentists.
When Dr. Janosky is not busy in the clinic, he enjoys spending time with his family and friends.
“When residents realize they can save a tooth—and someone’s quality of life—it’s a game-changer.”
Jordan Hobel, DDS
Emergency Dentistry & General Practice
BIO
“Some of the most impactful care we provide happens in a moment of crisis—and our residents are always ready.”
Raised in a small town in the mountains, Dr. Jordan brings a grounded and compassionate approach to dentistry. After graduating from the University of Maryland School of Dentistry—the world’s first dental college—in 2016, he began his career in private practice before relocating to Myrtle Beach. He is passionate about preventing dental disease and restoring smiles through high-quality restorative care. Known for his dedication to his patients and the community, Dr. Jordan strives to make a positive impact both in and out of the office.
In his free time, you’ll find him traveling, enjoying the beach, and on a never-ending quest to discover the best restaurant along the Grand Strand. He also teaches several courses at Horry Georgetown Technical College in the expanded duty dental assisting and dental hygiene programs.
Vishali Aygari, DMD
Periodontics & Implant Dentistry
BIO
“Caring for underserved communities reminds us that dentistry is about dignity as much as it is about skill.”
Dr. Aygari trained at Emory University in Periodontics and teaches both surgical and non-surgical periodontal therapy.
Faculty Commitment
Our faculty represent a broad spectrum of specialties and care experiences, united by a shared mission: to guide the next generation of compassionate, community-driven dentists.
“At LRMC, we’re not just training residents—we’re nurturing advocates, leaders, and healers for the communities that need them most.”
