Evolving Group Dentistry is an exclusive event curated for the intersection of business and dentistry. Attendees will gain insider knowledge from experts on topics ranging from best management practices to innovations in technology. EGD is the connection point for leaders to drive financial success for their clinicians and stakeholders, and ultimately better serve their patients.
Don't miss this opportunity to connect with fellow leaders and shape the future of group dentistry!
May 9-11, 2024
FIRESIDE CHATwith Heidi Arndt and Dr. Rick Workman, DMD
Join us for an intimate fireside chat with the renowned Dr. Rick Workman, DMD, as we dive deep into his illustrious 40-year journey in the dental industry. From opening his very first dental office in Effingham, Illinois, to founding Heartland Dental – now a world-class dental support organization serving over 2,700 dentists across 39 states, Dr. Workman's innovative vision has truly revolutionized the landscape of dentistry.
In this exclusive chat, we'll explore Dr. Workman's early challenges and triumphs, his passion for offering high-quality non-clinical administrative support to dentists, and the inception of Heartland Dental. Recognized as the Entrepreneur of the Year by Ernst and Young and as one of the most influential figures in dentistry by Incisal Edge magazine, Dr. Workman's accolades speak volumes of his contribution to the field.
We will also delve into Dr. Workman's strong advocacy for professional development and his monumental $32MM donation to establish the Workman School of Dental Medicine at High Point University. This is a unique opportunity to gain insights from a true industry leader and innovator, and to understand the future of dentistry from one of its most influential figures.
Don't miss out on this enlightening conversation – a perfect opener to our event!
With over four decades of experience, Dr. Rick Workman, DMD's innovative thinking has transformed the dental landscape significantly. Dr. Workman started his journey with the opening of his first dental practice in 1980. His vision of high-quality, non-clinical administrative support led to the establishment of Heartland Dental, now a world-class dental support organization. Dr. Workman also co-founded the Association of Dental Support Organizations (ADSO) and champions professional development through speaking engagements, supporting dental schools, and donations that helped establish the Workman School of Dental Medicine at High Point University.
SPEAKERS
Eric Tobler, DMD, MBA
Mortenson Dental Partners
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Dr. Eric Tobler is the National Clinical Director for Mortenson Dental Partners and Regional President of Stonehaven Dental. He also serves on the AAGDP Board of Directors.
Dr. Eric has been practicing at Stonehaven Dental since 2007 with a focus on providing comprehensive dentistry including IV sedation. He attended Utah State University for undergraduate followed by University of Nevada Las Vegas School of Dental Medicine. Dr. Eric earned his MBA from Washington State University. He is a Member of the American Dental Association, Utah Dental Association and American Dental Society of Anesthesiology. He has volunteered on dental humanitarian trips to Haiti, Dominican Republic and Mexico.
Chief Clinical Director, Espire Dental
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After finishing dental school at Marquette University School of Dentistry in 2005, Dr. Jennifer Derse immediately focused her practice on cosmetic dentistry in Scottsdale and taught part time at the Arizona School of Dentistry. In 2010, Dr. Jen moved to Denver and continued to focus on restorative and cosmetic dentistry changing thousands of smiles for patients around the country and world. Dr Jen is also mentor at the Kois Center in Seattle WA, and leads the clinical mentorship of doctors at Espire Dental. As a KOL for Straumann and VOCO she is passionate about growing doctors' skills in cosmetic dentistry and has lectured internationally. Some of her post graduate nonclinical education includes Harvard Business School Online CoRE, McKinsey Leadership and Ritz Carlton Leadership programs. She is actively involved in the Denver community, serving on local non-profit boards and she has also gone on numerous medical missions to the Dominican Republic and Guatemala to provide dental care in underserved communities. To build upon her service in non-profits, she started the Espiration Foundation, Espire’s 501c3 philanthropic arm that funds humanitarian work along with local charities. Dr. Jen is passionate about the patient and team experience and improving the dental space for both.
Dr. M. Ray Scott, Jr.
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Dr. M. Ray Scott, Jr. graduated from the University of Texas Health Science Center San Antonio Dental School in 1983. He has practiced in a variety of settings both solo and group. Dr. Scott joined Carus Dental (formerly known as Longhorn Dental) in 1985, became a partner in 1997, and was elected President of the doctor group in 1998. Carus Dental was a multi-specialty, 30-location, 65-doctor group serving the greater Austin, Cen-Tex, and Houston markets. In 2012, Dr. Scott started a pediatric Medicaid Group in the Dallas/Fort Worth market- A Tooth Doctor for Kids Dallas/Fort Worth. Both Carus and Tooth Doctor were Affiliates of American Dental Partners, Inc. (ADPi). Quality of Care is extremely important; Dr. Scott led Carus thru the rigorous accreditation process of the Accreditation Association for Ambulatory Health Care (AAAHC). Dr. Scott has served on the ADPi Senior Management Team (ALC), the National Leadership Team of ADPi, was Chair of the Product Advisory Council, and the board chair of the American Dental Partners Foundation. Dr. Scott served as the Vice President of Clinical Development with American Dental Partners until his appointment as Chief Dental Officer. Heartland Dental acquired American Dental Partners in 2021 where Dr. Scott served as Vice President of Clinical Operations. Dr. Scott has served as President of the UTHSCSA Alumni Association and its Board and has been named to the Dean's Council. Dr. Scott is a native Texan and has been married for 43 years and has two daughters and four grandkids.
Maria Melone, MSA, CPA, CVA
M&A Strategist, Valuation Expert and Healthcare Middle Market Advisor
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As a leading M&A advisor to the dental industry, Maria Melone’s mission is to help both individual dentists and dental groups navigate the complex landscape of dental-practice transactions.
Maria has extensive knowledge of the dental industry and brings a wide breadth of skills to thetable—particularly in valuation. As a Certified Valuation Analyst, she is an expert in helping clients understand what a dental practice or dental group practice is worth. She determines business value based on tangibles like equipment, actual cash flow, and profitability. But she also understands that a more complete picture of practicevalue includes much more, including variables like business climate, market demand, and competition.
Detail-oriented and team-focused, Maria is a confident, eective negotiator with a strong track record ofhelping clients close transactions and achieve the best possible outcomes.
Prior to joining Caber Hill Advisors, Maria worked in corporate development for American Dental Partners, Inc. During her 10 years with the company, she managed lead generation, valuation, legal-document negotiation and integration. She also developed a deep understanding of dental practice and dental group practice operations which informs her insight in the intangible aspects of dental valuations.
More recently, Maria founded MORR Dental Solutions in 2012 to provide an investment banking perspective to solo practitioner dentists looking to transition their practices, as well as fill a gap in service for emerging dental group practices.
Maria has touched well over 500 dental transactions in her career.
Maria holds a B.A. in Economics from Gettysburg College and a Master of Science in Accountancy from Bentley College. She received her CPA license in 1998 and became a Certified Valuation Analyst in 2014.
Outside of work, Maria enjoys giving of her time and talent to a variety of non-profits, playing soccer & pickleball, and creating feasts for friends and family.
Dental Executive, Thought Leader and Advisor
Theresa Yanicak
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Theresa Yanicak is a clinical dental hygienist armed with an MBA in Healthcare Administration. With a remarkable 30-year career, she stands as a results-oriented healthcare executive leader, specializing in optimizing operational and program functions. Her expertise shines in guiding large-scale projects from inception to successful fruition. Theresa's strategic acumen, along with her impeccable communication and people management skills, consistently drives her teams to achieve critical objectives. She offers innovative, personalized solutions tailored to meet specific client needs, all while embodying integrity, grace, and authenticity in her leadership.
As a C-Suite executive, Theresa continues to provide invaluable leadership and education. Her versatile background encompasses roles as an educator, main-stage speaker, consultant, recruiter, and clinician.
Above all, Theresa's passion lies in fostering strong relationships within the dental community, ensuring they have access to the resources they need."
Chief Executive Officer, Mortenson Dental Partners
Bill Becknell
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Bill Becknell is the CEO of Mortenson Dental Partners, a 138 practice Dental Support Organization based in Louisville, Kentucky. Bill joined Mortenson Dental Partners in 2014 and served as the Chief Strategic Officer, President of Dental Teams. He has served on the Board of Directors since 2017 and became Chief Executive Officer in 2018.
Bill was previously the Director of Store Operations for North America at PPG Industries. During his tenure at PPG, the business grew from 357 locations to 867 locations across the U.S., Canada, Mexico, and Puerto Rico. Prior to PPG, Bill spent twenty-one years in the grocery industry with The Kroger Company. When recruited by PPG, Bill was Manager of Store Operations for Kroger’s Mid-South Division, a 156-store chain with 17,000 employees serving Kentucky, Indiana, Illinois, and Tennessee.
Bill holds a bachelor’s degree in business administration and completed the Executive MBA program at University of Pittsburgh Katz School of Business. He enhanced his leadership and executive education through programs at the University of Notre Dame and Kellogg School of Business.
Bill enjoys spending his time with his wife, Debra, and their three children, Elizabeth, Madison and Parker. Bill also enjoys music, playing guitar, spending time outdoors and boating.
Tim Hill
Chief Executive Officer, Espire Dental
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Under Tim Hill‘s leadership, he is responsible for the creation and strategic implementation of Espire’s vision to build a dental group centered around superior and elevated patient experiences and outcomes. Tim brings extensive operational and dental industry experience to the Espire leadership team having spent the last 17 years of his career in various leadership roles within a dental support organization that owned and operated over 150 dental practices throughout five states. Prior to his career in dentistry, Tim held leadership positions for Verizon Wireless where he was instrumental in developing the direct retail store channel operations throughout Florida and the Mid-gulf region. As a seasoned executive with broad-based experience in public, private, and venture-stage organizations, the common leadership thread for Tim is all about helping people where he works to inspire them to grow and give their personal best. “By putting our patients first, we are here not just to elevate the dental industry, but more importantly the quality of life for our patients, empowering us all to be the best version of ourselves.”
Dr. Jimmy Gardiner
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Dr. Jimmy Gardiner’s roots run deep in the heart of Northwest Alabama where he was born and raised. After graduating from Birmingham Southern in 1987 and the University of Alabama Birmingham School of Dentistry in 1992, he established a private practice in Tuscumbia, a huge step on his lifelong journey of serving the area. In 2014, he expanded through Singing River Dental Partners, leading a team with 10 locations across Northern Alabama. This impressive network includes three pediatric clinics under the brand Treehouse Children's Dentistry and seven general clinics under the brand Singing River Dentistry. Today, it’s the largest privately held Dental Service Organization (DSO) in Alabama.
In his dual role as a practicing dentist and owner, Dr. Gardiner is dedicated to providing the highest level of care and encourages his team to be their best. Beyond his professional life, he is a family man, sharing his life with his wife, Nan, and their two adult children. The Gardiners engage in various outdoor activities, including the annual "Saddle-up for St. Jude" event in Tuscumbia, raising over 3 million dollars for St. Jude's Children's Hospital. Dr. Gardiner's lifelong mission is simple yet powerful: "Take care of people."
Director of Hygiene Operations for Solomon Family Dental Management
Tama Martello
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Tama Martello has over 35 years of experience in the dental industry and currently serves as Director of Hygiene Operations for Solomon Family Dental Management. She’s previously held roles as Regional Operations Manager, Director of Hygiene, and has consulted for top dental practices.
Tama has a passion for the dental industry and strives to make a difference in the lives of those around her by positively influencing the standard of care for lifetime dentistry.
Perin DesPortes
Co-Founder, Polaris Healthcare Partners
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Perrin DesPortes is one of the Co-Founders of Polaris Healthcare Partners. He is a Washington & Lee University graduate and earned his MBA from the Darla Moore School of Business at the University of South Carolina. Perrin has over 25 years of experience in the business side of dentistry, having run three different business units for Patterson Dental Supply over a 15-year career. Perrin is happily married and has an 8-year-old daughter at home. In his spare time, he is an avid cyclist and tennis player; enjoys cooking and reading; and loves good red wine and strong coffee.
Chief Clinical Officer, First Choice Dental
Danielle Turner
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With over 25 years of experience in the industry, Danielle Turner is a seasoned professional dedicated to exceptional patient care and fostering employee growth.
Danielle currently serves as Chief Clinical Officer for First Choice Dental. In her previous roles, she served as Director of Operations, Training and Development Manager, Patient Coordinator, and Hygiene Coordinator. Her time as an Adjunct Dental Hygiene Instructor honed her leadership abilities, inspiring others to excel as skilled clinicians and trusted dental care providers.
Meet the FounderHeidi Arndt has over two decades of experience in building and managing multi-location dental groups in the U.S. She specializes in advising emerging, mid-market, and elite DSOs, by bridging clinical excellence with overall business success. Heidi began her career as a dental hygienist and rose to become the National Director of Dental Hygiene at American Dental Partners. After this role, she founded Enhanced Hygiene, a consulting firm focused on strengthening hygiene systems at DSOs nationwide before she transitioned to CEO of Strive Dental Management. Known for her involvement in industry events and launching the Dental Group Evolution conference, Heidi also chaired the Educational Committee for The Association of Dental Support Organizations (ADSO). In 2021, she was featured on Efficiency in Group Practice as “Women Leaders in Dentistry.” Heidi is excited to bring DSO leaders from across the country together at Evolving Group Dentistry 2024.
