For Dr. Lee Cochrane, clarity came through doing: learning on the fly, adjusting quickly, and letting the early chaos shape better systems. He talks about what it really takes to build a periodontal practice from the ground up, and why you often have to start before you feel “ready.”
A big part of his story is culture. Lee is honest about how much a practice depends on the people inside it. He describes the power of a team that feels safe, supported, and respected—both in their internal interactions and in how they show up for patients.
Standard operating procedures, consistent communication, and clear roles create room for better patient care. When excellence is repeatable, Lee says the entire practice feels lighter and more focused.
Mentorship shaped his career, and now leadership shapes his daily life. At the end of the day, Lee sees the team as the most valuable asset he has, and building an environment where they can thrive is the real marker of a successful practice. He explains how team empowerment, positivity, and trust ripple outward into every patient experience.
GUESTLeonard Cochrane, DMDPeriodontist + Owner of Coastal Periodontics
Lee Cochrane is a periodontist and the founder of Coastal Periodontics in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina. A native of Greenville, Lee graduated from Clemson University with a degree in Bioengineering before completing both dental school and a periodontics residency at The Medical University of South Carolina in Charleston, South Carolina. After launching his practice from scratch in 2022, Lee has grown it into one of the area’s most trusted specialty practices through a relentless focus on team culture, operational excellence, and patient experience.
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Myrtle Beach periodontist Dr. Leonard Cochrane
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@coastal.periodonticsThe Special Lists, presented by Referral Lab, is the podcast for dentists and dental specialists.
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Cameron Full, co-founder of Referral Lab, is a strategic problem-solver with expertise in business management and digital solutions. He combines leadership, creativity, and technology to drive success across various industries.
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Jason Souyias, DDSPeriodontist and Co-Founder of Referral Lab
Dr. Jason Souyias is a periodontist, educator, and co-founder...