Today we’d like to introduce you to Lana Kirschman.
Hi Lana, thanks for joining us today. We’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
I joined CosMedic Dentistry 18 years ago, back when it was a much smaller practice with less than ten team members, led by Dr. Paul McGraw and his father, who has since passed away. Dr. McGraw, who continues to own the practice and has been my mentor throughout my journey, saw potential in me and encouraged me to take on a leadership role. I had a strong foundation in dentistry from my background as a dentist in the Philippines, but leadership was something I had to learn — especially in a country I wasn’t originally raised in. I’m grateful that Dr. McGraw believed in me, invested in my growth through leadership trainings, and trusted me to make decisions for the practice, even when I was still finding my footing. That trust shaped not only my career but also the culture we’ve built at CosMedic Dentistry today.
It is true that being a good leader means practicing what you preach. In leadership, your words are magnified — so you have to be careful what you say, but communication is key. Nobody can change anything if they don’t know what they need to change. Now we are in a much bigger location. Though a more beautiful building is a symbol of success, I believe the biggest win is being able to create more jobs and have more space to treat our patients. Leadership is not easy — oftentimes disappointing — but my constant belief in people and their talents lives in me daily.
A couple of years ago, I was asked to join the board of the Cameron Chamber of Commerce — and today, I’m honored to serve as Vice President. It’s been meaningful to extend what I’ve learned in leadership and business into the community — and to be part of a group that’s working together to help Cameron continue to grow and thrive. I’m proud to lead an amazing team at CosMedic Dentistry and to give back to the community that has supported us through the years.
Outside of work, I cherish time with my husband Kevin and our daughter Makeila, who are my greatest source of inspiration.
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
It definitely hasn’t always been a smooth road. One of the biggest challenges we faced was during COVID. While many offices closed, CosMedic Dentistry was one of the few that remained open. Because our patient base is so large, we felt a responsibility to our community and patients to remain available almost every day for emergency care. With strict adherence to CDC guidelines, enhanced safety protocols, and proper PPE, we were able to safely continue serving those in need — including many patients from other offices across Northwest Missouri. We had minimal downtime when we had to lay off team members, but we pulled through together. It truly tested my leadership — how do you lead people during such uncertain times? It took a lot of faith, honesty, and heart. Dr. McGraw’s commitment to his patients and his team inspired all of us to keep going. It was an exhausting season, but it revealed our strength, unity, and resilience. In many ways, that period became a turning point — it pushed us to grow, adapt, and truly see the power of teamwork and the love for what we do.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
At CosMedic Dentistry, we focus on creating healthy, beautiful smiles in a setting where patients feel genuinely cared for. We’re a technology-forward office that offers a wide range of services — from routine cleanings and cosmetic dentistry to implants, digital dentures, restorative care, and many more — all under one roof. Our in-house lab lets us bring creativity and precision together, allowing our team to see the process from start to finish and ensure every smile is made with care.
What truly sets us apart is our culture. We’ve built a team that values growth, compassion, and excellence — where everyone takes pride in what they do and in how we make people feel. We value continuing education, innovation, and the kind of customer service that makes patients feel like family. Our goal isn’t just to fix teeth, but to change how people feel about going to the dentist.
After 21 years of serving the Cameron community, we’ve grown, evolved, and built lasting relationships — and that’s what makes this work so meaningful.
How can people work with you, collaborate with you or support you?
I really enjoy connecting with people who share a passion for growth and community. Through my work at CosMedic Dentistry and with the Cameron Chamber of Commerce, I’ve had the chance to meet so many amazing people who care about making a difference.
For me, it’s not just about business — it’s about relationships, sharing ideas, and working together toward something bigger than ourselves. I believe in small steps — small things create impact if we all do it. Whether it’s supporting local projects, helping small businesses grow, or finding ways to serve our community, collaboration is where the best things happen.
I’ve learned that real success starts with people. When you invest in your team — their growth, confidence, and potential — everything else follows. I think the same applies to the community. When we invest in each other — whether through support, collaboration, or simply showing up — we all grow stronger together. That’s something I try to live by every day, both in the office and in Cameron.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://cosmedicdentistry.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/cosmedicdentistry
- Facebook: https://facebook.com/cosmedicdentistry
