Today we’d like to introduce you to Ian Mort.
Alright, so thank you so much for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, can you tell us a bit about how you got started?
If you told me ten years ago I’d be running my own dental practice in a small Tennessee town, I probably wouldn’t have believed you. I grew up in western New York and went to dental school at the University at Buffalo, finishing in 2016 before heading out to Denver for a one-year residency. That experience really shaped how I wanted to practice—putting people first, slowing things down, and focusing on relationships, not just procedures.
I moved to Nashville in 2017 to be closer to my brother, who’s an oral surgeon in the area and had trained at Vanderbilt. Over the years, I worked as an associate at 2 great offices in Mt Juliet and Brentwood TN, learned from some amazing mentors, and started dreaming about building something of my own.
Fast forward to today, and I’m coming up on one year of owning DDS Nolensville. It’s been a whirlwind—equal parts humbling, exciting, and fulfilling. Getting to serve this community and see familiar faces walk through the door every day is what makes it all worth it. Nolensville already feels like home, and I’m grateful to be growing right alongside it.
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
Definitely not all smooth—but I don’t think it ever is when you’re starting something from the ground up. Opening a dental practice comes with a steep learning curve, no matter how much experience you have. There were plenty of long nights, unexpected expenses, and moments of doubt along the way.
One of the biggest challenges has been learning to balance it all—running a new business while raising two little ones at home, ages 2 and 3. Parenthood is its own kind of beautiful chaos, and as busy as life gets, it’s also the most rewarding and grounding part of my day. I wouldnt not have been able to do any of this without my wife, Meghan’s support.
The business side of dentistry was new to me, too—figuring out everything from hiring and marketing to daily operations. But through it all, I’ve learned to lean on my team, stay flexible, and keep sight of why I started: to build something that reflects care, family, and community. The bumps in the road have made the journey that much more meaningful.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your business?
At DDS Nolensville, our tagline is something I see as a mantra or guiding principle “Dentistry Done Simply.” We focus on making dental care comfortable and approachable, creating a space where patients feel at ease—even in a setting that can sometimes feel intimidating.
Taking over the practice meant stepping into a legacy of trust in the Nolensville community, and it’s been an honor to continue that while adding my own personal touch. Our team prides themselves on honesty, transparency, and truly listening to each patient.
Being locally owned and operated sets us apart from a lot of the corporate dentistry out there that can leave patients feeling like just a number. Every decision we make—from the care we provide to the atmosphere of the office—is centered on what’s best for our community. For me, dentistry isn’t just about teeth—it’s about building relationships and helping people feel confident in their smiles.
We’d love to hear about how you think about risk taking?
I’d describe myself as a pretty logical and calculated person, so even when I take risks, they’re carefully thought out. I try to weigh all the likely scenarios and plan for potential challenges before making a move.
The biggest risk I’ve taken so far was opening my own dental practice. Leaving the stability of working as an associate to build something on my own was intimidating, both personally and professionally. But after years of preparation, mentorship, and planning, I felt ready to take that leap.
For me, risk isn’t about acting recklessly—it’s about stepping outside your comfort zone with intention, preparation, and the confidence that you can handle whatever comes next. Starting my own practice was a risk that’s already taught me more than I could have imagined.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.ddsnolensville.com/
- Instagram: ddsnolensville
- Facebook: DDS Nolensville
