Best and Brightest: Lee Cochrane

Lee Cochrane

Periodontist

Coastal Periodontics

33

Grand Strand

I’m honored to serve the Grand Strand as the founder of Coastal Periodontics, where I have the privilege of helping patients restore their health, confidence, and quality of life through specialized periodontal care. I founded Coastal Periodontics with a simple vision: to build a practice that sets a new standard for what specialty dental care can be. Building the practice from the ground up has been one of the most rewarding experiences of my life, allowing me to create a culture where patients feel genuinely cared for and team members are empowered to grow both personally and professionally. I believe the strongest organizations are built by investing in people, which is why developing our team is every bit as important to me as caring for the patients we serve. My long-term goal is to build an enduring organization that serves as a model for excellence in specialty dentistry while developing future leaders and making a lasting impact on our profession and the community we proudly call home. Giving back means investing in people, whether by supporting local nonprofits and community organizations, mentoring future health care professionals, or creating meaningful career opportunities. I believe success is measured not only by what we accomplish, but by the positive impact we leave on our patients, our team, and our community.

Favorite Quote and Why: "Abundance flows into your life when gratitude flows out of your heart" – Jon Gordon. This quote by Jon Gordon is a daily reminder that true success begins with gratitude. I've been incredibly fortunate to have mentors who invested in me, a team that shares a commitment to excellence, and patients who place their trust in us every day.

Definition of a Successful Leader: A successful leader is someone who is willing to place the needs of those they lead before their own. The best leaders earn trust through humility, integrity, and consistency.

Advice to 18-Year-Old Self: Work relentlessly, remain humble, and always be grateful. Success isn't about proving your worth to others, it's about using your gifts to create opportunities for the people around you.