In this episode of the Hey Docs! podcast, Jill chats with Dr. Lauren Carlson and Dr. Mike Seelig, the husband and wife team behind Shine Pediatric Dentistry & Orthodontics in Nashville. These two aren’t just building a business, they’re building a vision. As parents, associate doctors, and now co-owners of a brand-new ortho-pedo practice, they walk us through what it really takes to launch a joint specialty office while keeping their sanity and values intact.
Whether you’re dreaming of starting your own practice or just curious how others are making it work, Lauren and Mike’s story delivers smart takeaways, hard-earned lessons, and plenty of heart.
Their journey started in dental school, continued through the long-distance residency hustle, and eventually brought them to Nashville. That’s where the dream took shape: one building, two specialties, and one aligned vision.
Instead of blending their roles into a generic model, they designed Shine with intention. Pediatric dentistry and orthodontics each have their own structure, systems, and schedules. But everything operates under one roof, and the patient experience feels unified and seamless.
Running a dual-specialty practice isn’t just a logistical puzzle. It takes strategy, collaboration, and a clear plan for how two disciplines can thrive in the same space.
From layout to workflow, Lauren and Mike thought through every detail. The result is a schedule that works for their team, a space that supports both specialties, and a system that runs smoothly for patients and providers alike.
When asked what they’re most proud of, it’s not the equipment or the branding. It’s the culture. From day one, Shine was built to feel like family, starting with the people they hired.
They focused on finding team members who aligned with their mission, believed in the long game, and wanted to grow alongside the practice. That mindset has led to strong retention, minimal turnover, and a team that shows up for each other every single day.
Launching a practice while raising little ones is no joke, and Lauren and Mike are the first to say it’s not always easy. But with strong communication, clear boundaries, and shared priorities, they’ve found a way to make it work.
They protect time with their kids, stay aligned as partners, and lean on each other when things get busy. It’s not perfect, but it’s real, and it works for them.
One of the smartest things they did was streamline the experience for families. Instead of sending parents to separate locations, they coordinated ortho and pedo appointments under one roof.
It saves time, reduces stress, and makes Shine an easy choice for busy families who want comprehensive care without the extra hassle.
Strong interdisciplinary relationships aren’t just helpful, they’re necessary. Lauren and Mike are clear about the value of understanding each other's philosophies, communicating consistently, and working together toward shared outcomes.
This mindset improves treatment quality, strengthens the team dynamic, and makes the overall experience better for everyone involved.
Dr. Lauren and Dr. Mike didn’t just open a dental office. They built something that reflects their values, supports their community, and balances the demands of modern family and business life.
If you're considering a dual-specialty practice or looking for insight into what it takes to grow something meaningful, reach out to us at www.practiceresults.com.