Building Dental Dreams: Insights from a 30-Year Industry Veteran

Building Dental Dreams 

For Wally Gardner, the dental industry is more than a career—it’s a lifelong passion. As he reflects on his 30 years in the field and 18 years of teaching future dentists, Wally’s excitement for all things dental shines through his words. “One of the neatest things is I’ll inevitably get a call at least once a year from someone who was sitting in this classroom,” he recalls. These calls are more than just casual catch-ups; they’re moments where former students seek mentorship as they embark on new chapters—whether they’re starting a practice, purchasing one, or remodeling their existing office.

One particularly memorable call came from a former student, Fahmi Farhan. “He came over here—it’s been a long time ago now—but five or six years after he was in my class, he called me up. He remembered something I had taught and wanted advice,” Wally shared with a smile. These connections fuel Wally’s passion for teaching this lecture series and highlight the impact he’s made on the careers of young dentists as they spread their wings across the country.

Insights from a 30-Year Industry Veteran

As the owner of Dental Office Consulting Services (DOCS), Wally is no stranger to the intricacies of running a successful business in the dental field. He has also spent considerable time educating students on the ins and outs of the equipment distribution industry, having been a part of the industry both in sales and in management before leaving to start his own company.

In his lecture, Wally notes the key national equipment distributors for students to look out for: Patterson Dental, Benco, and Henry Schein. He's also sure to highlight the growth of smaller, regional players such as Atlanta Dental or Nashville Dental in the southern US and what these new competitors mean for the dental equipment market. Every aspiring dentist in the crowd will surely come across these corporations, and it is key for each student to understand how to navigate working with these huge equipment companies as aspiring small business owners. It is insider information like this that sets Wally’s lecture apart from the other lessons these students will learn during their time in dental school.

Preparing for the Future of Your Practice

The lecture series isn’t just about sharing Wally’s insight from his industry connections; it’s packed with practical project management advice. For the current students, he emphasizes the importance of planning for the future. Whether you're considering a remodel or building your practice from the ground up, the lecture offers key insights to help navigate the complexities of setting up a dental office. The bulk of the lecture revolves around the often overlooked relationship between the precise design of a dental office and the particular type of equipment preferred by the dentist who plans to work there. These considerations are priceless for a new dentist to avoid a costly headache down the road.

“What I want to do today is spend this first hour touching on some key points for you to think about if and when you’re remodeling or building your own practice” Wally explains. His breadth of knowledge extends beyond aesthetic equipment choices—he’s guiding future dentists to think strategically about the structure and functionality of their practices before they see their first patient.

Speed Dating for Dentists: The Meet and Greet Event

Wally also speaks enthusiastically about an upcoming event he hosts annually for graduating dental students: The Doctor/Associate Meet and Greet. The night brings together veteran dentists from all over the region to meet with the soon-to-be graduate students. Held at a beloved local Italian restaurant, the event offers food, drinks, and an invaluable opportunity for networking. Wally likes to call it “our version of speed dating for dentists.”

At this event, students spend five minutes at each table, engaging with potential employers or mentors. "It's a great way for you guys to connect and potentially create an opportunity out there," Wally says, with a hint of excitement. The casual setting belies the professional significance of the connections formed. Many connections have been made over the years that have led to lifelong professional partnerships. 

The Future of DOCS: Digital Content and Beyond

In 2024, Wally has embraced technology to capture the vital information in his lectures and share it with more potential students across the country. With the help of Windword Writing LLC, a Memphis-based marketing company, Wally is producing digital content for students to access long after his in-person lectures are over. “We are putting together a new social media presence and a YouTube channel,” he explains. “For when you guys get out of here and you have auxiliary staff, we’re creating content for continuing education.” Wally plans to create an online course that can be accessed by any student interested in the knowledge he has to share.

This forward-thinking approach also ensures that former students have resources at their fingertips as they transition from school to practice, further cementing Wally’s role as a mentor and guide in their professional journey.

For Wally, teaching these rising dentists is about more than imparting industry knowledge—it’s about fostering relationships that last well beyond the classroom. And with his commitment to education, mentorship, and innovation, it’s clear he’s shaping the future of dentistry one lecture, one student, and one practice at a time.

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