What happens when two dentists take ownership of their careers and communities?

In this episode, Brian Swilling sits down with Dr. John Edmunds of Edmunds Dental and Dr. David Marsh of Duren & Marsh Dentistry to discuss the realities of building and growing a dental practice from the ground up and the lessons learned along the way. They share how leadership, risk-taking, and a people-first mindset helped them thrive beyond the operatory. From handshake agreements to community-driven marketing and leadership through change, this conversation offers candid stories, practical takeaways, and timeless strategies every dentist can learn from.

You’ll hear:

• How Dr. Edmunds turned a handshake agreement into a thriving small-town practice
• How Dr. Marsh cold-called dentists to find the perfect ownership opportunity
• The power of culture, community involvement, and staff retention in practice growth
• Real-world challenges around insurance, staffing transitions, and managing space challenges, and how to tackle them
• Advice for young dentists on building culture, defining success, and staying true to your values
• And more

Resources:

• NaviPath Financial
• Carolinas Center for Oral & Facial Surgery

Connect with Brian Swilling:

• NaviPath Financial
• LinkedIn: Brian Swilling
• brian@navipathfinancial.com

Connect with Dr. John Edmunds:

• Edmunds Dental
• LinkedIn: John Edmunds, DDS

Connect with Dr. David Marsh:

• Duren & Marsh Dentistry
• LinkedIn: Duren & Marsh Dentistry
• Facebook: Dr. Duren & Dr. Marsh Dentistry
• Instagram: @durenmarshdentistry

About Our Guests:

Dr. Edmunds is a native of Clover, SC, and will always call this community home. He holds a Bachelor of Science degree in biology from Clemson University, where he graduated Summa Cum Laude, and a Doctor of Dental Surgery degree from UNC Chapel Hill. As a professional, Dr. Edmunds understands the importance of lifelong learning. He prides himself on taking over 100 hours of continuing education courses each year, including attending the Pankey Institute for Advanced Dental Education and participating in several study clubs. He is a member of the American Dental Association, South Carolina Dental Association, and Central District Dental Association, of which he currently serves on the board. Dr. Edmunds is an active member in his church, where he currently serves as an Elder, and he sits on the board of the York County Clemson Club and the Clover Main Street Steering Committee. When Dr. Edmunds isn’t in the office, you can probably find him on the golf course, hunting, fishing, or helping his dad out on their family farm in Clover.

Dr. David Marsh is a native of Gaston County, graduating from East Carolina University School of Dental Medicine, where he accepted a commission in the United States Air Force. He spent four years serving in the Dental Corps at Eglin AFB, FL, and Sheppard AFB, TX. He is married to Rosa Marsh, and they have two daughters, Lily and Charlotte. Dr. Marsh’s practice philosophy is to give honest and responsible dental care to every patient.