Her Story
About Nancy
Nancy Martinez is an accomplished dental operations leader with extensive experience in orthodontic and general dentistry practice management. Currently serving as an Operations Manager with Lone Peak Dental Group in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, she specializes in practice development, performance improvement, staff training, and multi-site operational support. Throughout her career, she has successfully enhanced office efficiency, increased orthodontic growth, and developed high-performing teams dedicated to delivering exceptional patient experiences.
Nancy began her dental career through a highly competitive American Red Cross dental assisting program in Germany while her spouse was stationed overseas with the U.S. Army. Selected from hundreds of applicants, she built a strong clinical foundation before expanding into administrative and leadership roles. Over the years, she has gained broad experience across pediatric dentistry, orthodontics, front-office operations, and team development. Her expertise in coaching, workflow optimization, and operational excellence has enabled her to support multiple practices and mentor managers and staff throughout the region.
Driven by a passion for helping others grow professionally, Nancy is committed to fostering cultures built on honesty, communication, compassion, and accountability. She believes that continuous learning, adaptability, and individualized leadership are essential to organizational success. Recognized for achieving exceptional staff retention and cultivating strong workplace cultures, she remains dedicated to empowering teams, supporting practice growth, and making a positive impact on both patients and dental professionals.
Her Interview
Ten minutes with Nancy
01What do you attribute your success to?
I attribute my success to my ability to adapt to change and to effectively lead diverse teams. Working with people from different backgrounds and personalities has taught me resilience, flexibility, and the importance of communication. I have learned that leadership is not one-size-fits-all, and understanding individual strengths and needs allows teams to perform at their best. Compassion, patience, and the ability to remain resilient through change have been instrumental in my professional growth and success.
02What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
The best career advice I have received is to pursue what I truly want and not be afraid to go after my goals. I learned that experience can often outweigh formal degrees because experience cannot be taught—it is earned over time. I have also been encouraged not to remain in situations that do not bring fulfillment and to embrace change when necessary. Strong communication, flexibility, understanding, and compassion are essential qualities that contribute to success in any career and workplace environment.
03What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
I encourage young women entering the dental industry not to underestimate their value and not to wait until they feel completely ready before pursuing opportunities. Continuous learning is essential, and I believe there is always something new to discover. I take advantage of every opportunity to expand my knowledge because growth never stops. I also encourage women to trust their experience and to step outside their comfort zones. Personal and professional growth often happens when we challenge ourselves and embrace new opportunities.
04What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
One of the biggest challenges in the dental field is managing diverse personalities and navigating differences in work ethic across multiple generations. Another challenge is maintaining professionalism when dealing with unhappy, defensive, or difficult patients. I believe it is important to remain positive, patient, and composed, understanding that it is impossible to please everyone. Strong communication and individualized leadership approaches create opportunities to improve team performance, strengthen workplace culture, and enhance patient experiences. Staying professional and focused on providing the best possible care allows organizations and individuals to thrive.
05What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
Honesty is one of the most important values in both my professional and personal life. I believe in being open and transparent because honesty creates trust and allows others to provide support when needed. I also value loyalty, strong communication, compassion, resilience, and a solid work ethic. Maintaining open communication and treating others with understanding and respect are principles that guide my leadership style and relationships. These values help create positive environments where individuals and teams can succeed together.
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