Dr. Derek Griffith has called the Upstate of South Carolina home for over twenty years, since he moved with his family to the small town of Cowpens when he was 14. He truly could not think of a more wonderful place to work, live, and raise a family.

In college, Dr. Griffith was initially a biology major with a pre-med focus at the University of South Carolina Upstate. While he was excelling in his studies, in his junior year he began to rethink his future plans and what he really desired for his career. That’s when his older sister recommended he explore the field of dentistry, which appeared to combine his love for science, art, and working with his hands. After shadowing his family’s dentist, he was hooked! He knew right away being a dentist was the perfect career path for him and never looked back. After graduating from USC Upstate, he then went on to earn his DMD from the Medical University of South Carolina James B. Edwards College of Dental Medicine in Charleston.  

Dr. Griffith married his beautiful wife, MeLeah, in 2011, just two weeks before he began his studies at MUSC. From those initial years of marriage while they were in Charleston to where they are now, they are truly amazed at the journey God has allowed them to travel together, and are so thankful for the blessings they have been given. Together, they reside in Cowpens with their three incredible daughters, Calloway (10), Sullivan (7), and Quincy (3). And oh by the way, they are eagerly anticipating the arrival of baby girl #4 very soon! They also have recently added a sweet fluffy puppy to the family, Honey, and she is basically the cutest thing you’ll ever see! Dr. Griffith is proud of his “Girl Dad” status and couldn’t possibly love all of his girls any more. 

When not at the office, Dr. Griffith loves spending time with his wife and daughters, whether at home or traveling together. Their favorite vacation spot is Fripp Island! He attends church at the Mountain View Baptist Church in Cowpens, where he and his family are faithful members. He very much enjoys being in the great outdoors deer and turkey hunting, and has even been known to take a day or two off in the fall and spring for these pursuits. His staff thinks this is funny, and maybe even a bit odd, but Dr. Griffith thinks a day in the woods is a day well spent! He also loves reading a good book, and cheering on the Gamecocks and UNC Tar Heels basketball!

Dr. Griffith is proud to be a husband, a father, and a dentist, and tries to diligently carry out his responsibilities in each of these roles. But it’s his identity as a Christian that means the most to him. It is in essence the hub around which all other aspects of his life revolve. His faith shapes and guides his thoughts and therefore his actions, even affecting the type of dentist he tries to be. With that in mind, he wants Griffith Family Dentistry to be a place where patients feel loved, appreciated, and cared for, because that’s the right way to treat people. He is fully committed to treating the incredible patients of Gaffney and the surrounding communities for many years to come, and hopes you and your family will give him and his team a chance to provide you with the excellent dental care you deserve!