Today we’d like to introduce you to Michael Thompson.
Michael, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
I was born and raised in Greenville, South Carolina, the youngest of three kids, with two loving and supportive parents. My mom stayed home with us, and my dad worked in sales, so I grew up watching what consistency, hard work, and showing up for your family really looked like. Around the age of eight, I began the dream of becoming a dentist. There was no family connection to the profession, but it was something that stuck with me and never really changed.
Fast forward a few years, I met my wife, Alex, in college and from that point on, this journey became a shared one. Alex carried me through dental school at MUSC and then to Augusta for my pediatric dental residency. These were very formative years that required sacrifice and a lot of trust in the long-term vision.
After specialty training, we returned home to Greenville, where I spent four years as an associate learning the realities of private practice and what it truly means to earn the trust of patients and families.
In 2020, after much prayer and trust in the Lord, I was given the opportunity to become a partner at Greenville Pediatric Dentistry. This was an experience that felt both humbling and full circle, allowing me to serve the community that raised me.
Today, Alex and I have two children, a daughter and a son, and becoming a parent has shaped the way I practice in ways I never anticipated. I’ve been incredibly blessed with opportunities and surrounded by support at every stage of this journey. I’m grateful to be doing work that feels meaningful, rooted in service, and aligned with the values I was raised with.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
It hasn’t always been a smooth road, but it has been a consistent one. From a young age, I knew I wanted to be a dentist, and that vision never really wavered. Like anything worth pursuing, the dream came with its share of challenges.
One of the earliest lessons came during college when my dad lost his job. That moment forced me to grow up quickly and taught me financial independence earlier than I expected. I worked three jobs while in school to cover my expenses, all while maintaining the Dean’s List. It wasn’t easy, but it did reinforce discipline, time management, and the understanding that progress doesn’t always look glamorous.
Dental school and residency brought their own set of challenges: long hours, pressure to perform, financial strain, and the mental grind that comes with caring for patients while still learning. There were seasons of exhaustion and self-doubt, especially during residency, when the responsibility felt heavy and the margin for error felt small. But each phase built confidence, resilience, and a deeper appreciation for the profession.
Looking back the road wasn’t smooth, but it was steady. Each challenge reinforced the commitment I had made early on and prepared me for the realities of ownership and leadership. Those experiences shaped the way I approach my work today with humility, and a long-term perspective.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your business?
Greenville Pediatric Dentistry is a specialty pediatric dental practice focused on caring for infants, children, adolescents, and patients with special healthcare needs. Our goal is to create positive early dental experiences that build trust and set the foundation for lifelong oral health.
We’re known for a calm, compassionate, and relationship driven approach to care. From routine preventive visits to dental trauma and more complex treatment needs, our team takes the time to meet families where they are and make both children and parents feel comfortable and confident.
What sets us apart is our culture. We’ve built a practice rooted in kindness, consistency, and clinical excellence, with a team that is genuinely invested in the families we serve. We’re most proud of the trust we’ve earned in the Greenville community and the reputation we’ve built for thoughtful, patient-centered care.
Greenville Pediatric Dentistry isn’t just a dental office, it’s a long-term partner in a child’s health, committed to education, prevention, and care designed specifically for kids.
Is there any advice you’d like to share with our readers who might just be starting out?
My advice would be to focus on consistency and don’t rush the process. Early on, I wish I’d realized that struggles aren’t signs you’re on the wrong path, they’re just part of learning. Surround yourself with people who support you, work hard, and trust that showing up every day adds up. And above all, protect the people and things that matter most outside of work they give you the perspective to lead well.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.greenvillepediatricdentistry.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/gvillepeddentistry?igsh=MXNjd3N2ZDAxb2ZiZA==
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/share/1BoHoLyVoS/?mibextid=wwXIfr
