Drs. David and Patti Bradley: Pillars of Wellness for Georgia’s Lake Country
For the residents of Georgia’s Lake Country, Lake Oconee Dentistry is a household name. Now considered the premiere local dental practice, Lake Oconee Dentistry’s immense success is all thanks to the hard work and dedication of its founders, Drs. David and Patti Bradley.
Lake Oconee Dentistry
The Bradley’s were just a few years out of dental school in 1998 when they decided to take a leap of faith - building their own dental office here in Lake Oconee. After planting the small seeds of a very big dream, the practice grew and flourished. Over the practice’s formative years, David and Patti built an exceptional team, one that was dedicated to maintaining the highest standard of care. “Our team regularly completes continuing education courses and is well-versed in the latest advancements and techniques in dentistry,” states Dr. David. “Thanks to our efforts to always provide exceptional care to our patients, we’ve been repeatedly voted ‘Best Dentist’ in the Lake Oconee area as well as being recognized nationally for the way we treat our patients!”
Lake Oconee Dentistry features a plethora of small touches that make a big difference to visitors, such as a warm greeting when a patient walks in the door, complimentary beverages, a comfortable waiting area, chairs with back massage options, blankets, ceiling-mounted televisions, sedation dentistry for nervous/fearful patients, and more. "Everything has been designed with the patient in mind," says Dr. Patti. "We want our patients to feel comfortable and welcome from the moment they walk through the door."
Paired with the enjoyable amenities are tools that help make the dental care experience even more effective at every stage, from diagnosing problems to creating quality, long-lasting results for patients' smiles. Lake Oconee Dentistry features intraoral cameras, digital X-rays with the latest AI software, a 3D Cone Beam Scanner for implant placement, and more. With these valuable additions, you can expect safe, precise service that offers exceptionally high rates of success.
“It has been amazing to watch this community grow over the years and to grow with it,” continues Dr. David Bradley. “We have been provided with a unique opportunity to evolve as a practice as the community evolves around us, and our familial level connection to this area and to the people who here plays a major role in how we care for our patients. Patti and I are so incredibly grateful for the roots we have built here in Georgia’s Lake Country.”
Smiles from the Heart
Over the years, David and Patti Bradley’s connection to the well-being of Georgia’s Lake Country grew far beyond their work with Lake Oconee Dentistry. Through their practice and the platform it provided, they decided to find fulfilling ways to utilize their gifts and position in the community to give back. The first of these philanthropic ventures we would like to spotlight is “Smiles from The Heart”.
Held annually in October, “Smiles from the Heart” offers free dental care to those who cannot afford traditional dental care. The Bradleys, along with their team and Dr. David Miller from Lake Oconee Oral Surgery, provide free extractions, fillings, or cleanings on a first-come, first-served basis. This incredible partnership between Lake Oconee Dentistry and Lake Oconee Oral Surgery has been held annually since 2010.
The Spencer Bradley Foundation for Mental Health
David and Patti’s next humanitarian venture was born from a devastating loss when their son, Spencer, took his life in 2022. Instead of turning inward and making the tragedy a private matter, they chose to share their experience publicly and launched an effort to aid in the education and treatment of mental illness both locally and beyond Georgia’s Lake Country.
Mental illness and the incredibly damaging stigma around its acceptance and care remain a worldwide crisis. Because of this, many organizations have sought to destigmatize and raise awareness of this epidemic while providing tools, resources, and support for those in need. To better spotlight this ongoing mission, The National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI), annually sets May as “Mental Health Awareness Month” and September as “Suicide Prevention Month”. Though this work is steadfast and yearlong, these two monthlong campaigns do an excellent job at bringing the conversation to the forefront of the public eye. Each May and September, charities, nonprofits, and medical organizations worldwide set out to open the discussion anew, raising awareness of warning signs and offering invaluable, life-saving resources. The Spencer Bradley Foundation for Mental Health is a prime example of this mission, supporting families, communities, schools, and individuals with mental health awareness, education, and counseling opportunities.
Spencer’s life was marked by an incredible compassion for others who shared their struggles with him, and this foundation continues his legacy through promoting awareness and providing support of mental health programs for teens and young adults. For the last four years, the organization has been dedicated to equipping teachers, coaches, parents, pastors, grandparents, and community members with the tools needed to recognize warning signs of mental health struggles and suicide while connecting individuals and families with lifesaving resources.
Since its inception, the foundation has fulfilled grants totaling just under $500,000. Locally, these funds have provided training for teachers and students at Lake Oconee Academy, Greene County Schools, and Gatewood School. Through a grant to the University System of Georgia, the sponsored trainings are now supported in every public college and university in the state. Trainings are just now beginning in the Technical College System of Georgia. These two educational systems provide access to over 500,000 young adults. These trainings teach individuals what to recognize about someone who has a mental health crisis or suicidal thoughts. The training teaches what questions to ask, what to say, what to do, and how to refer for help. The courses guide participants in ways to diffuse someone in, or headed for, a crisis. The foundation is on track to reach its goal of training 100,000 people in the next five years (www.spencerbradleyfoundation.org).
Songs and Drives for Lives
Last month, in honor of “Suicide Prevention Month,” The Spencer Bradley Foundation launched its inaugural fundraiser, “Songs & Drives for Lives,” hosted by The Oconee Cellar.
Since its genesis, The Spencer Bradley Foundation has hosted an annual golf tournament to raise funds and awareness of its cause. With each passing year, the fundraiser grew increasingly successful, and in 2025, they raised over $70,000.
This year, the foundation decided to let the tournament evolve into something new and exciting, incorporating a brand-new musical element. On September 13th and 14th, a fantastic weekend of music, golf, and purpose took place right here in Georgia’s Lake Country. The Spencer Bradley Foundation for Mental Health’s inaugural “Songs & Drives for Lives”, presented by The Oconee Cellar, was held at Cuscowilla on Lake Oconee. The two-day event brought together nationally recognized Nashville songwriters, golf enthusiasts, community leaders, and local supporters for one shared mission: advancing mental health awareness, education, and suicide prevention throughout Georgia.
The event began Sunday evening with an intimate “Singer Songwriter Night”, featuring award-winning hitmakers Corey Crowder, Ray Fulcher, and Ben Williams. Guests enjoyed cocktails, dinner, a live auction, and an up-close performance as the trio shared the stories behind songs that have become country music favorites. Together, these incredibly talented songwriters have written chart-topping hits popularized by artists such as Luke Combs, Morgan Wallen, Florida Georgia Line, Kenny Chesney, Chris Young, and Dierks Bentley. Adding to the evening's local connection, Corey Crowder is also a Lake Oconee resident.
On Monday, the excitement shifted to Cuscowilla's award-winning golf course for the “Songs & Drives for Lives” Golf Tournament. This second day featured scramble play, on-course contests, food and beverages, prizes, and an awards reception. Participation was intentionally limited to just 30 teams, creating an exclusive and more intimate tournament experience while maximizing the event's fundraising impact.
This inspiring two-day fundraiser blended music, fellowship, and friendly competition in a profoundly unique way, while also serving to unite the community toward one singular goal. Thanks to its financial success and turnout, Songs & Drives for Lives is poised to become an annual Lake Country staple. In the years to come it will continue to serve as an opportunity for our community to come together, celebrate life, and help ensure that more people have access to mental health education, support, and hope. that can make all the difference.
The Smile Secret
In addition to their work with Lake Oconee Dentistry and The Spencer Bradley Foundation, David and Patti Bradley also found the time to write and publish their own book, The Smile Secret.
“Visiting the dentist has historically been a chore, a dreaded task, a necessary nuisance. However, if dental health isn't maintained, it can lead to severe, preventable consequences like infection and chronic pain. Your dental health is vital to not only your personal wellness, but your overall well-being. For something so important, your experience should be one you look forward to and anticipate. You deserve a dental practice that exists in a category apart from all the rest - a ‘category of one.’ That is why we have created a patient-centric approach to dental care that treats patients like family.” – Drs David and Patti Bradley
In The Smile Secret: Your Guide to a Healthy Smile and a Healthy You, you'll discover what sets Lake Oconee Dentistry apart and how they have created a unique environment focused on a comfortable, relaxed experience. You will also learn how to best care for your smile at every stage of your life, using it as leverage to:
Improve your overall health
Increase your self confidence
Reduce your risk of disease
Unlock your full potential
