About/Meet the Team

More About Dr. Valis, Our Lead Dentist in Rock Hill, SC

Dr. Valis was born in Guatemala City, Guatemala as his parents were serving with the U.S. State Department. He grew up traveling to different countries and lived in South America and Europe. He graduated high school from The American School in London. Afterward, he moved to the U.S. to attend Virginia Commonwealth University where he earned a B.S. in biology and chemistry.


He then earned his D.D.S. from Georgetown University in Washington, D.C. in 1990. Dr. Valis remained in the D.C. area for five years following his graduation where he practiced in Maryland.

In 1995, Dr. Valis decided it was time to get out of the city and move to South Carolina. The Valis family spent the next 12 years in Spartanburg, SC. Ready for a new challenge, Dr. Valis purchased Baker Dental and moved his family to Rock Hill, SC. To put a fresh spin on this growing, vibrant dental practice, he renamed it Waters Edge Family Dental, making it a full-service family dentistry office that offers cosmetic dentistry, dental surgery, and a comfortable environment.


If you're looking for a dentist's office with an inviting atmosphere and a friendly staff that caters to your needs, you'll feel comfortable visiting Waters Edge Family Dental in Rock Hill, SC. We work with patients of all ages, from kids to elders. Prepare for a relaxing and enjoyable experience because we listen to you and address your concerns. Call today to schedule your dental appointment.

Staff biographies

Watersedge Family Dental

Joanna Helms, RDH

Joanna has been a part of the practice since 1994. She is a graduate of Southern Illinois University and followed her parents to South Carolina after graduation. Joanna lived in Charleston for the beginning of her career until moving to Rock Hill in 1994. She has been married to her husband for almost 16 years and has three grown children. Joanna enjoys yardwork, walking with her dog, Jordyn, reading, and most of all, anytime she gets to see her three beautiful grandchildren who live in Texas. Joanna enjoys working with and educating her patients on their overall health as well as their dental health.

Watersedge Family Dental

Tammy- Front Office

Tammy has worked in the dental field for 28 years as a Certified Dental Assistant. Tammy joined the Waters Edge Family Dental team in 2018 and currently works in our front office. She enjoys helping and interacting with our patients. Tammy grew up locally and resides in Rock Hill with her husband and two grown children. A lover of animals, she has three dogs, Max, Jake, and Kamikaze. She enjoys spending time with her family, friends, and traveling.

Watersedge Family Dental

Susan, RDH

Susan is a native of Rock Hill, SC. She has been a dental hygienist for 22 years and has worked at Waters Edge for almost 10 years. She has 2 daughters, ages 22, and 19. She likes reading, shopping, and cooking. She also enjoys being at Sunset Beach with her husband and spending time with her family. She loves seeing her patients and goofing around with her co-workers.

Watersedge Family Dental

Catherine Manning, DAII

Cathy has been with the practice since 1995. She was a graduate of the very first dental assisting class offered by York Technical College in 1979. She grew up in Indian Land and lived in Athens, GA for 16 years. She and her husband Joel have two teenage boys—Trey and Will. They enjoy traveling, love the beach, animated movies, and spending time with their extended family. They treasure their time as volunteers with the Area 11 Special Olympics and look forward to when Miracle Park opens to full capacity.

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To schedule a visit with our talented dentistry team, call today.

(803) 328-3891

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