Meet 10 new dental industry CEOs in 2026

Leadership changes in dentistry in 2026 have spanned every corner of the industry — from DSOs to global dental manufacturers to practice management software companies. 

Here are 10 organizations that appointed new CEOs this year, as reported by Becker’s.

1. Waltham, Mass-based 42 North Dental appointed David Fusco as its CEO. Mr. Fusco was serving as the DSO’s president and has more than 30 years of healthcare operating, transformation and business leadership experience.
2. Irving, Texas-based Rodeo Dental & Orthodontics appointed Lorri Detrick as CEO. Ms. Detrick most recently served as the president and COO of Riccobene Associates Family Dentistry, a DSO with more than 70 locations in three states.
3. Dental implant and orthodontics company Straumann Group named Christopher Norbye as its next CEO. Mr. Norbye has more than two decades of international leadership experience and most recently served as CEO of Beijer Ref, a global technology company.
4. Boston-based LightForce Orthodontics appointed Erica Rogers as CEO. Ms. Rogers brings more than 30 years of medical technology leadership experience. She previously served as CEO of Silk Road Medical, leading the company through its 2019 IPO and subsequent acquisition by Boston Scientific.
5. Hackensack, N.J.-based MAX Surgical Specialty Management named Jason Auerbach, DDS, as CEO. Dr. Auerbach, who founded the organization in 2022, will lead the clinical and cultural aspects of the organization.
6. My Community Dental Centers, a nonprofit organization that operates dental practices across Michigan, appointed Steven Hall as its next CEO. Mr. Hall has more than 20 years of experience in public health leadership, and served on the organization’s board of directors since 2016 and as chair from 2020 to 2025.
7. Palm Beach Gardens, Fla.-based National Dentex Labs named Paul Kahn as interim CEO. Mr. Kahn joined National Dentex Labs in May 2025 and has served as chief operating, transformation and financial officer.
8. Practice management software company Dental Intelligence appointed Scott Johnson to serve as its next CEO. Mr. Johnson has more than a decade of experience scaling vertical and infrastructure software businesses, previously serving as CEO of multiple technology and solution companies.
9. American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry named Jessica Lee, DDS, PhD, its next CEO. Dr. Lee has nearly three decades of leadership experience within the AAPD, including serving as president from 2020 until 2021.
10. Dental supply company Henry Schein named Frederick Lowery as its next CEO. Mr. Lowery has more than two decades of experience in the healthcare industry, most recently serving as executive vice president and president, Laboratory Products and BioProduction at Thermo Fisher Scientific, a life sciences company.

At the Becker's 5th Annual Future of Dentistry Roundtable, taking place September 14-15 in Chicago, dental leaders and executives will gain insights into emerging technologies, practice growth strategies and the evolving landscape of dental care delivery, with a focus on innovation, patient experience and operational excellence. Apply for complimentary registration now.