Gwinnett County has a new style of dentistry from a team that prioritizes hospitality as much as it does top-quality clinical care. Dr. DeVonte Johnson and Dr. Dejuanquaries Stephens welcome patients at Eastside Dental Group in Norcross, a practice they cofounded just over a year ago.
“We want to make our health care environment more comfortable for patients and make people feel appreciated for coming in,” says Dr. Johnson.
That philosophy shows up in operational decisions that prioritize access and convenience. The practice is open beyond traditional hours, including nights and weekends — an intentional move to accommodate working people and families. “We don’t think people should have to take time off work to go to the dentist,” says Dr. Johnson. “And if you have a dental emergency over the weekend or if your child takes a soccer ball to the mouth Saturday morning, we’re available and can help.”
In addition to flexible scheduling, the founders have built a comprehensive, in-house service model. By offering everything from routine cleanings and fillings to cosmetic and surgical procedures, they streamline the patient experience. “Rather than working as general dentists or GPs, we aim to be Super GPs who can handle almost anything our patients need,” says Dr. Stephens.
Built on a Shared Vision
The two founders met during dental training and were roommates at Tufts University School of Dental Medicine in Boston. During late-night study sessions, they discovered a shared perspective on the future of dental care. “We’ve always wanted to break down barriers for dental care and make it easier for people to get the care they need,” says Dr. Johnson.
That vision is also reflected in how they approach first-time patients. The practice offers free or zero-out-of-pocket cleanings with insurance, giving patients a low-risk way to experience their care model firsthand.
“We want to welcome new patients and let them see how we work. With a free cleaning, they can see if they want us to be their dentist, and they can begin to trust us,” says Dr. Stephens.
Operational discipline reinforces that trust. The team closely monitors wait times and offers a gift card if a patient waits more than 15 minutes, an accountability measure that underscores their hospitality mindset.
Returning Home
Both doctors have deep ties to the area and were intentional about returning to serve the community.
Dr. Stephens explains, “I’m a product of Shiloh High School, and I wanted to serve the community that raised me. We know that we are standing on the shoulders of giants, and we are so grateful to be able to give back in such a welcoming community.”
After identifying a medical office space in Norcross, the founders quickly recognized both the location’s accessibility and the strength of the local business ecosystem.
“As soon as we connected with the Gwinnett Chamber, we saw how massive and well-organized this business community is,” says Dr. Johnson. “We feel like we hit a gold mine with all the support we’ve gotten from business leaders in the area.”
Scaling Through Access and Digital Reach
Eastside Dental Group’s approach is resonating. The doctors report adding 350 to 400 new patients per month, a pace that far exceeds the industry average and has required rapid operational scaling.
One driver has been a strong, organic presence on TikTok, where the founders share patient testimonials, doctor introductions, insights and even lighthearted content such as street trivia segments related to dentistry. The platform has become an effective, low-cost marketing channel that builds familiarity and trust before a patient ever walks through the door.
With growth continuing, the founders are focused on expanding both capacity and services. Plans include adding more treatment rooms, investing in staff training and introducing new offerings such as dental sleep appliances. “So many people struggle with sleep apnea and snoring, and traditional treatments are loud and uncomfortable,” says Dr. Johnson. “We’re diving into advanced sleep appliances that are more comfortable so our patients can finally get a good night’s rest.”
While their new business thrives, the doctors maintain balance with outside interests. Both describe themselves as “big foodies” who enjoy travel and good fellowship with friends. This appreciation for community and connection fuels their mission at Eastside Dental Group, ensuring that every patient who walks through the door feels like a neighbor.
