With the heart of his miniscule squad ripped out by injury manager Steve Parkin had few complaints as his side never looked like ending Notts County's impressive start to the season under new boss Steve Thompson.
Keeper Gilks, making his 150th appearance for Dale, kept the home side in the game with top-drawer saves at either end of the opening period.
After just nine minutes, following a slip by Nathan Stanton, County defender Michael Edwards found himself free in the penalty area, but he was denied by the reactions of the young keeper.
In the dying minutes of the half, following a slick passing move Andy Parkinson opened up the home defence, but he too was denied by the impressive Gilks.
However, Gilks was left with little or no chance six minutes after the break when, following a knock down by the giant Jason Lee, defender White produced a striker's finish to sweep the ball home from six yards.
It wasn't until the dying minutes that Rochdale produced a threat and in a grandstand finish they were denied a penalty when Lee Crooks appeared to be bundled over and lively sub Clive Moyo-Modise hit the side netting with the game's last kick.