VBOC VETERAN BUSINESS SHOUTOUT
Platte River Orthodontics
Veteran-Owned · Gretna, Nebraska · Orthodontic Care with Purpose
At Platte River Orthodontics in Gretna, Nebraska, orthodontic care goes far beyond straightening teeth. The practice actively supports cleft palate care, pediatric airway health, adult sleep surgery, and oral health outreach efforts in West Africa. Founded by a veteran following his final transition from active-duty service, Platte River Orthodontics is built on a foundation of service, integrity, and mission-focused leadership.
We sat down with the founder Chad Carter to hear how his military experience shaped Platte River Orthodontics and what he’d tell any veteran ready to take the entrepreneurial leap.
Q: How did your military experience influence your decision to start a business?
“My time in the military further built the truths I carry every day that leadership is about serving others, building trust, and making sound decisions under pressure. It also reinforced the importance of discipline, accountability, and continuous improvement. Those lessons naturally translate into entrepreneurship. When we started Platte River Orthodontics in Gretna, we wanted to build a practice that reflected those same values — a place where patients receive exceptional care, team members are empowered to grow, and every decision is guided by integrity and service. The military gave me the confidence to take on challenges and the mindset to lead with purpose.”
“Leadership is about serving others, building trust, and making sound decisions under pressure and that translates directly into entrepreneurship.”
Q: What problem does your business solve or how does it serve your community?
“At Platte River Orthodontics, we do WAY more than straighten teeth. We help people improve their confidence, oral health, and quality of life through personalized orthodontic care. A foundation of my practice is whole-person care which involves coordination with many medical and dental specialties for unique situations — from cleft lip/palate care, to adult sleep surgery, or orthopedic development of pediatric airway health — all these in addition to the teeth! We ensure every patient feels valued, informed, and comfortable throughout their treatment. Beyond caring for our patients, we are committed to giving back through local schools, community organizations, and charitable initiatives because we believe strong communities are built through service. The Veterans Business Outreach Center and the Gretna Chamber of Commerce have been fantastic entrepreneurial partners! It’s rewarding to know that the work we do has a lasting impact on individuals and families throughout our region and globally. Yes, we throw in globally because our practice gives back to support work in Western Africa with every patient — stop by and ask us how!”
Q: What advice would you give another Veteran thinking about becoming an entrepreneur?
“Your military experience has already given you many of the qualities that successful entrepreneurs need — resilience, adaptability, discipline, and the ability to lead through uncertainty — lots of uncertainty. My advice is to stay mission-focused (don’t get lost in the small stuff), surround yourself with great mentors (like VBOC and your neighboring entrepreneurs), and don’t be afraid to ask for help. Building a business isn’t something you do alone. Invest in your team (just like you did in the military), keep learning (with maybe fewer CBTs), and remember that success comes from consistently serving your customers and your community with excellence. The skills you developed in uniform can become a tremendous advantage in business when paired with humility and a willingness to grow. And if you have the chance, stop by our place for a coffee and chat. We jokingly call ourselves a ‘disgruntled Veterans practice’ because our team and patient population are tied with shared military experience. We’d love to chat and engage in some good inter-service jokes about whatever branch you served in!”
“The skills you developed in uniform can become a tremendous advantage in business when paired with humility and a willingness to grow.”
Connect with Platte River Orthodontics
📷 Facebook: Platte River Orthodontics
📸 Instagram: @platteriverorthodontics
Website: Platte River Orthodontics – Platte River Orthodontics
Are you a veteran ready to launch your business?
The VBOC (Veteran Business Outreach Center) offers free resources, classes, and one-on-one mentoring for veterans and military spouses. Reach out today we’d love to support your journey.
VBOC – Nebraska Enterprise Fund
VBOC — Veteran Business Outreach Center