Lake Oconee Dentistry celebrates 25th anniversary

GREENSBORO, Ga. – This month marks the 25^th anniversary of Lake Oconee Dentistry.  Owned and operated by Drs. David and Patti Bradley, the practice first opened its doors on May 11, 1998.

The idea to open a dental practice in the lake area was several years in the making. 

“Patti and I first visited Lake Oconee in the early ‘90s when my parents were looking for a place to retire,” recalled Dr. David Bradley. “Over the course of our visits, we began to realize most people who lived here were traveling long distances for their dental care. We saw a need for convenient, quality dental care in Greene County.”

So, the pair constructed a building for their practice by the covered bridge at the entrance to Harbor Club, breaking ground in May 1997.

“As two young dentists just starting out, we couldn’t convince a bank to give us money for an office and a house, so we built an apartment above the office,” said Bradley.

“There were days we never went outside. We’d go downstairs to work in the morning, go upstairs to eat lunch, go back downstairs to work, upstairs to eat dinner, downstairs to clean the office, and upstairs to fall into bed. Then we’d get up and do it all again the next day.”

Lake Oconee Dentistry remained at its Harbor Club location for 15 years before moving to its current location between Publix and the movie theater in 2013. The practice has grown from two doctors and one employee to four doctors and 29 employees, including nine hygienists.

The growth the practice has experienced over the last several years has allowed Lake Oconee Dentistry to provide more convenient options and an unparalleled patient experience. Multiple practitioners allow the practice to offer early and late appointment times, as well as same-day options, so patients can always be seen at a time that works for their schedule.  Additionally, regular training helps ensure team members continue to expand their knowledge base, actively solve any issues that arise, and keep the patient the top priority. 

“Our practice has grown in the lake area and with the lake area. And so have we,” said Bradley. “We’ve raised our family here. We’ve volunteered on different boards, supported local charities and causes, and been part of initiatives to make the county better.

“A lot has happened over the last 25 years, but it’s the relationships we’ve built with the people in this community that have been among our greatest blessings. In the good times and bad times, it’s the relationships that mean the most.”