What’s it really like to lead a practice where every decision is rooted in doing the right thing for your patients AND your team, even when it's hard?

In this episode, Dr. Lance McGavin takes us on his extraordinary journey from military dentistry to opening White Palm Dental in the heart of Florida’s rapidly expanding Space Coast. Dr. McGavin reveals how his early experiences in the military shaped his patient-first philosophy and inspired a practice that feels uniquely personal in a sea of corporate clinics. He candidly shares the creative process behind naming and branding his office, a heartfelt collaboration with his wife to ensure the practice truly represented both the Florida spirit and their family’s values.

Dr. McGavin dives deep into the realities of launching a private dental practice in a competitive market, discussing the roadblocks that threatened his timeline and how unforeseen delays became golden opportunities for growth. You’ll hear inside stories of filling every role in his office (from front desk management to the nuances of social media) and the unwavering leadership principles that keep his team united and motivated. Listen as Dr. McGavin opens up about setbacks, successes, and what it really takes to serve a diverse community with integrity, empathy, and excellence.

What You'll Learn in This Episode:

• How military values shape patient-first care in private dentistry.
• The creative process of developing a brand that stands out locally.
• Distinguishing a solo practice in a corporate-dominated market.
• Dr. McGavin’s real-world strategies for team-building and leadership.
• Lessons learned from overcoming construction delays and startup hiccups.
• The importance of mastering every role in a small business.
• Ways to use social media to attract new patients and build trust.
• How to create a positive, no-drama work environment.
• The value of adaptability and hands-on management in private practice.
• Everyday business lessons that translate from the military to dentistry.

Tune in now to discover the real-life challenges and rewards of building a integrity-driven dental practice from scratch!

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Sponsors:‍

Net32: Founded by a dentist, for dentists. Net32 is the leading online marketplace for dental supplies, helping dental and medical professionals save on high-quality products for over 25 years. Start saving today at: net32.com/dentalmarketer

Guest: Dr. Lance McGavin

Practice Name: White Palm Dental

Check out Lance's Media:‍

Website: whitepalmdental.com

Instagram: instagram.com/whitepalmdental

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Host: Michael Arias

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Join this podcast's Facebook Group: The Dental Marketer Society

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