DSOs continue to reshape how dental care is delivered and managed across the U.S., and these executives are leading how dentistry is practiced, financed and supported.
This is not a comprehensive or ranked list, and Becker’s does not endorse any individual featured. Entries are listed alphabetically by last name. To submit a leader for consideration in a future list, contact Cameron Cortigiano at ccortigiano@beckershealthcare.com.
- Sulman Ahmed, DDS. Founder, chairman and CEO of DECA Dental Group (Dallas). Dr. Ahmed built DECA into one of the country’s fastest-growing multibrand DSOs, spanning general, pediatric and orthodontic practices across the South and Southwest. He remains a practicing dentist and is a frequent voice on scaling dentist-led organizations without losing clinical culture.
- Scott Asnis, DDS. Founder and CEO of Dental365 (Melville, N.Y.). A practicing dentist for more than three decades, Dr. Asnis launched Dental365 in 2014 and grew it into one of the largest dental providers in New York state, combining urgent-care-style access with multispecialty practices.
- Patrick Bauer. President and CEO of Heartland Dental (Effingham, Ill.). Mr. Bauer leads the nation’s largest DSO by affiliated practice count, supporting thousands of dentists across dozens of states. Under his leadership, Heartland has continued to expand its de novo and acquisition strategy while investing in clinician-led governance and career-development pathways for young dentists.
- Pete Bridgman. CEO of Affordable Care (Kinston, N.C.). Mr. Bridgman leads the largest denture-focused dental organization in the country, supporting the Affordable Dentures & Implants network. His tenure has centered on expanding access to affordable tooth-replacement care in underserved and rural markets.
- Jessica Buehler, DDS. President and chief clinical officer of Great Expressions Dental Centers (Southfield, Mich.). Dr. Buehler leads clinical strategy for one of the Midwest’s longest-standing multistate DSOs, with a focus on provider support, quality standards and clinician retention across its general and pediatric practices.
- Robert Fontana. Chairman and CEO of The Aspen Group (Chicago). Mr. Fontana leads the parent company of Aspen Dental, ClearChoice Dental Implant Centers and other dental brands, one of the largest DSO platforms in the country by supported locations and enterprise value.
- Tom Marler. CEO of Sage Dental (Boca Raton, Fla.). Mr. Marler has led Sage Dental’s continued expansion across Florida and the Southeast, building on more than two decades of DSO executive experience to grow the organization to more than 100 practice locations.
- Rahma Samow. President and CEO of ClearChoice Dental Implant Centers (Denver). Ms. Samow joined ClearChoice from Straumann Group, where she oversaw the dental implant manufacturer’s DSO business unit, bringing nearly two decades of global dental and medtech experience to the country’s leading full-arch implant network.
- Stephen Thorne. Founder and CEO of PDS Health (Henderson, Nev.). Mr. Thorne leads Pacific Dental Services, the largest integrated healthcare organization in the country, known for its emphasis on clinical autonomy for supported dentists alongside technology and integrated care.
- Chris Villanueva, DMD. Founder and CEO of MB2 Dental (Dallas). Dr. Villanueva built MB2 around a partnership model that lets affiliated dentists retain equity and clinical control, growing it into one of the largest dentist-led DSOs in the country.
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.
