Alumni Spotlight: Dr. Joshua Lovelace

Dr. Joshua Lovelace's path from a committed student at Schmidt College of Medicine to the owner of a thriving dental practice in Nocatee, Florida, highlights the real-world impact our graduates have on their communities. Since graduating in 2016, Dr. Lovelace has stayed true to the college's mission of service and leadership, focusing on compassionate care and making a positive difference in the lives of those he serves.

A Passion for Service and Healthcare

Today, Dr. Lovelace runs a successful dental practice in Nocatee, a fast-growing community between Jacksonville and St. Augustine, Florida. Known for its mix of young families and retirees, Nocatee allows Dr. Lovelace to build meaningful, long-term relationships with patients of all ages. His practice also has a charitable side, ensuring that everyone in the community can access quality care.

"Our community is really special—it's like a small paradise," Dr. Lovelace said. "I'm fortunate to serve such a vibrant group of patients, and I'm proud that our practice makes care accessible for everyone." This dedication to service and accessible care was instilled during his time at the Schmidt College of Medicine and continues to shape his approach to healthcare today.

After graduating from the Schmidt College of Medicine in 2016, Dr. Lovelace joined a research program at the University of Florida College of Dentistry. His passion for service led him to mission trips to Jamaica and Ecuador, as well as volunteering at the FreeDOM Clinic in Ocala. These experiences deepened his commitment to helping those in need.

"Mission work has always been close to my heart," he shared. "It's important to give back to people who may not have access to the care they deserve."

In addition to his service, Dr. Lovelace took on leadership roles during his time at the University of Florida, securing funding for mission trips and collaborating across colleges. These experiences laid the foundation for his leadership and business skills, essential to successfully running his own practice.

Reflecting on his time at the Schmidt College of Medicine, Dr. Lovelace credits the college with giving him the resilience and problem-solving skills that have proven crucial in his career. "The anatomy course, especially the exposure to cadaver dissection, had a lasting impact on me," he recalled. "It prepared me for dental school and taught me to think critically. When challenges came, I was ready to handle them because of my time at FAU."

Staying Connected to His Roots

As a native Floridian, Dr. Lovelace always knew he wanted to stay in Florida. Nocatee offered him the perfect place to grow his practice and stay connected to his roots. "I've always been drawn to this area since I was a kid," he said. "When the opportunity arose to both live and work here, it felt like everything just fell into place."

Dr. Lovelace's practice not only serves a wide range of patients but also ensures that those facing financial challenges still receive the care they need. "We're committed to making sure everyone in our community has access to quality dental care," Dr. Lovelace added.

Looking Ahead: Growth and Innovation

As his practice continues to expand, Dr. Lovelace remains committed to delivering the compassionate care his patients have come to trust. To meet the growing demand, he recently hired an associate dentist, ensuring the same high standard of care. "We're incredibly fortunate to have such strong support from our community," Dr. Lovelace shared. "Our goal is to keep reshaping perceptions of dentistry by offering positive, gentle experiences."

Beyond the day-to-day operations of his practice, Dr. Lovelace is also involved in dental research, exploring innovative materials that could revolutionize the field. "Research has always been a passion of mine, and I'm thrilled to be contributing to developments that could make a real impact on our industry."

Dr. Lovelace's story is a powerful reminder that true success is not only measured by professional achievements—it is about staying connected to your community and creating lasting, positive change. His journey from student to successful practice owner embodies Schmidt College of Medicine's mission to nurture healthcare leaders who prioritize compassion, service, and innovation. As he continues to grow his practice and push the boundaries of dental research, Dr. Lovelace stands as an inspiration for both current students and alumni.

To future graduates, his advice is clear: "Seize every opportunity FAU provides. Surround yourself with mentors, stay open to learning, and always remember that your skills are meant to serve others." With this mindset, Dr. Lovelace proves that Schmidt College of Medicine graduates are equipped to make a lasting difference in healthcare and their communities.