Inside the Mind of Dr. Pete McClellan: Leadership, Discipline and the Future of Relationship-Based Dentistry

By Dr. Reza Ardalan

Get an inside look at how Dr. Pete McClellan built a thriving multi-location practice without losing sight of relationships, communication and clinical clarity. In this episode, he shares the systems, lessons and leadership principles that helped him scale sustainably, support mid-career dentists, and create practices where doctors can thrive without burning out.

Occasionally, I sit down with a guest whose story reminds me why I love doing this podcast. This week’s conversation with my good friend Dr. Pete McClellan was one of those moments. Pete is one of the most thoughtful, well-rounded dentists I know, and his path through athletics, military service, advanced clinical training, and entrepreneurship makes him one of the most compelling voices in dentistry today.

I still remember the first time we shared a meal. It started as normal chit-chat, then, within minutes, Pete asked a big question, and the entire table was locked into a deep conversation for more than an hour. As a pediatric dentist with ADHD, I was not prepared for that level of intensity, but I’ve learned to expect it every time we talk. Pete doesn’t do surface-level thinking. He’s open, intentional and never afraid to share what shaped him.

Pete’s journey into dentistry began early. As a teenager, he worked for his orthodontist, a larger-than-life mentor who taught him about business, leadership, and responsibility long before dental school. That exposure sparked something in him, and it’s reflected in the way he leads teams and empowers doctors today.

After dental school, Pete joined the U.S. Army. His grandfather, a World War II veteran, had always described military service as one of the most intelligent decisions of his life. Pete followed that example and ended up treating soldiers in Colorado Springs and later in Hawaii. The experience shaped him in ways that continue to influence his leadership style.

In the military, he learned the value of the chain of command, predictable systems, operational clarity, and believable leadership. He saw firsthand what it takes to run a large healthcare operation and how to set expectations, so people know exactly what success looks like. Those lessons now fuel his ability to build and manage multi-doctor practices without chaos.

An Athlete’s Discipline

Before all of that, Pete was a Division I soccer player who learned quickly that discipline isn’t optional. It’s a mindset you build through years of early workouts and relentless training. Today, he applies those same habits to protect his mental and physical health. He starts every morning with intention because he knows leadership demands a regulated, present, and positive version of himself.

Dentists who struggle with burnout often skip this part. Pete argues the opposite. Prioritize yourself first so you can lead from a stable place. As he said, the bigger your practice gets, the bigger the challenges become. If you’re not physically and emotionally ready for them, your entire operation will feel it.

A Complete Approach to Dentistry

Clinically, Pete practices comprehensive, relationship-based care. Early in his career, he treated a patient with significant TMD issues and realized he didn’t know enough. That moment led him to study with leaders like Dr. Pete Dawson. He learned to diagnose not just teeth and gums but stability, airway, and functional risk factors that influence long-term success.

He built his practice around that philosophy. Fewer new patients. More meaningful conversations. Clear explanations of risk. And dentistry that lasts because it’s planned with a complete understanding of how the system functions.

Scaling a Practice Through Clarity and Connection

One of the most powerful parts of our conversation centered on leadership and entrepreneurship. Pete doesn’t operate like the typical dentist-turned-business owner. He has always thought in teams, not silos. But he’s the first to admit he made mistakes early on by delegating without clearly defining what success looked like.

Today, he teaches his team through scoreboards and simple metrics. Not complicated dashboards. Not endless KPIs. Just clarity. Everyone knows what a win looks like and their role in achieving it.

It’s a refreshing perspective, especially in an industry where doctors often feel overwhelmed or underprepared to lead. Pete’s approach gives dentists permission to simplify, support one another, and grow at a pace that feels healthy.

Why This Episode Matters

If you’re a dentist trying to lead better, build a healthier practice, sharpen your clinical lens or find a more sustainable way to grow, this conversation is worth your time. Pete’s story isn’t just inspiring. It’s practical. He’s lived the challenges many of us face, and he’s built systems that allow him and his team to thrive.

This episode reminded me that excellent dentistry isn’t just about skills or technology. It’s about who you are, how you show up, and how well you understand the people you’re trying to help.

I hope you’ll take the time to listen to the full episode on the Dental Slang Podcast. It’s one of the most meaningful conversations I’ve had, and I know you’ll take something valuable from it.

In This Episode You Will Learn:

• How to build trust-based relationships with patients that make treatment conversations more effective.

• Strategies for identifying the right team members as you scale from one office to multiple locations.

• Common mistakes dentists make when expanding their practice and how to avoid them.

• How to delegate effectively to prevent becoming a bottleneck in your practice.

• The importance of having a clear vision and “why” before growing your practice.

• How to implement systems and processes that create consistency across multiple offices.

• When and why it makes sense to bring in outside experts to support your business growth.

• Lessons on managing people, expectations, and the patient experience for long-term success.

• How scaling a dental practice is more about leadership and systems than clinical skills.

• Ways to maintain autonomy, prevent burnout, and stay effective while growing your business.

Whether you’re just starting your career or planning the next chapter, this episode gives you the clarity and direction most dentists wish they had years earlier. Don’t leave your financial future to chance.

Listen to the full episode and take control of your financial journey today.