Perspectives

Waterlines as a Leadership KPI

10/22/2025

8 min. to read

Many dental offices manage waterlines blindfolded: dump in treatment products, test sporadically, and hope for compliance. But waterline safety isn’t just a clinical detail—it’s a litmus test for leadership. Reliable waterline testing reveals more than bacteria counts; it exposes the strength of a practice’s discipline, accountability, and patient-first values. In an era where a single outbreak can shatter brand equity, erode investor confidence, and damage leadership credibility, treating waterline testing as a core key performance indicator (KPI) separates the organizations that scramble from those that lead.

Some argue the cost of compliance outweighs the risk of penalties. But that perspective collapses when you factor in the true cost of reputational damage and litigation. In 2016, one pediatric dental group learned this the hard way after an outbreak linked to contaminated waterlines resulted in 71 confirmed infections, 49 probable cases, and more than 200 lawsuits— an incident estimated to cost tens of millions.

But it doesn’t have to be this way.

There are large DSOs hitting waterline compliance rates well above 95%. That’s not luck. It’s the result of empirically driven, well-built water management protocols that allow waterline testing to shift from a reactive headache to a strategic KPI. High pass rates aren’t just about ticking regulatory boxes; they offer a window into the health of the entire operation.

When DSOs start proactively treating waterline testing as a KPI, they unlock powerful insights into their training effectiveness, operational discipline, and compliance culture at a team and organizational level.

Treatment Isn’t Enough— Test or Risk It

While roughly 75% of offices actively treat their waterlines, fewer than 25% test them. That’s a dangerous disconnect. Regulations require meeting a 500 CFU/mL bacterial threshold. Treatment alone isn’t a guarantee; without testing, there’s no way to confirm the treatment worked.

“Laws and regulations are created because the mass population is not following best practices and guidelines. Those who understand testing is doing the right thing for the patients are the early adopters, starting processes long before they are forced,” Kendra Flowers, a clinical operations/ compliance leader, says.

“Waterline safety isn’t a checkbox —
it’s a competitive advantage.”

Many waterline test failures come down to simple, preventable oversight, like forgetting to add a treatment tablet or neglecting in-line filters on ultrasonic scalers. These small gaps often fly under the radar until a failed test forces attention.

Water quality KPIs should be treated like spore testing: nonnegotiable and high stakes. “Unsafe water has deadly consequences,” Flowers says.

The key? Integrate waterline data into dashboards, reviews, and incentive programs. What gets measured—and rewarded—gets done.

Training That Shows Up in Every Test Result

Waterline test results don’t just measure bacteria—they measure training. When pass rates are consistently high across locations, it’s a strong signal that teams are intentionally following protocols.

According to Flowers, high failure rates are common during the initial implementation of a dental waterline protocol. The failure rates reflect the lack of standardized processes, such as:

Heavily occluded lines requiring replacement
Elevated bacterial levels from municipal sources
Staff unfamiliar with proper procedures

Over time, as the protocol becomes embedded in daily operations, staff gain greater awareness, adopt best practices to prevent failures, and consistently follow maintenance routines.

“Protocol makes or breaks waterline safety. We’ve tested hundreds of thousands of samples, and the truth is simple. Every product can work, and every product can fail if protocols slip. With the right training and site-specific procedures, the majority of failures never have to happen,” says Brianna Niederschulte, President of Agenics Labs.

In short, high scores are proof that the training stuck. Use top-performing offices as a blueprint and treat low pass rates as flashing signs for retraining or standard operating procedure (SOP) overhauls.

Onboarding Passes the Ultimate Test

Waterline test results also serve as a real-time gauge of new hire readiness. When DSOs walk every new hire through SOPs in detail from day one, they sharpen accountability and drive better results. If waterline scores dip after onboarding, it’s time to tighten the process—and make sure new hires aren’t just trained but battle-ready.

To assist in new hire readiness and better results, Agenics Labs provides customized onboarding and training for DSOs, including developing and maintaining SOPs.

“Not only does this allow us to provide DSOs with solutions we know will work, but it also means we can work right alongside their practices, helping staff adhere to the group’s established procedures,” says Niederschulte.

Celebrate Your Champions

When offices proactively test and maintain waterlines without reminders, it reveals a culture of discipline and pride in clinical excellence.

“I like to identify champions in all areas of focus or initiatives I oversee,” Flowers explains. “Showcasing the team’s best practices, whether through a company newsletter, peer training for new offices, or coaching support for underperforming teams, not only drives broader adoption of effective strategies but also fosters the development of future leaders within the organization.”

Average DSOs comply because they have to, while great DSOs embed infection control into their operations because giving their patients the greatest care possible is their standard. Recognize and reward the teams that use best practices. Then, use their success to inspire others and embed a culture where accountability isn’t just expected. It’s celebrated.

A Hidden Indicator of Employee Burnout

If well-trained teams are still failing waterline tests, it’s often a red flag for deeper operational issues like understaffing, burnout, or lack of support. This reflects breakdowns in communication, resources, or trust between staff and leadership.

“Most issues turn out to be workflow inefficiencies requiring coaching or protocol tweaks. But when real resource gaps arise, it’s critical to escalate and engage leadership to find solutions,” Flowers emphasizes.

Use low pass rates as a trigger to reassess staffing, redistribute duties, and provide targeted support before small cracks become big problems.

Compliance as a Strategy, Not a Scramble

By adopting the most rigorous, yet reasonable, waterline testing protocols across all states, organizations can create a consistent standard of care and sustainable compliance culture.

“This approach not only mitigates risk but also positions the organization ahead of regulatory changes, ensuring readiness and reinforcing our commitment to patient safety and compliance,” Flowers says.

But protocols alone don’t cut it.

“For any system to succeed, it must be fully integrated into daily workflows, routinely measured, and supported by clear accountability,” Flowers adds.

That’s where deeper, more informative testing can make the difference. Equipping teams with the knowledge to understand what their results mean allows them to take ownership of the process.

“Our mail-in tests include additional water quality metrics that not only help us understand why a sample may have failed but also empower dental team members to identify their own protocol gaps. We are the only lab in the industry to include these extended metrics in every mail-in test, demonstrating our commitment to being comprehensive—one of our core values,” Niederschulte says.

Without this level of integration and insight, compliance becomes a scramble, not a strategy. The best DSOs embed waterline management into the daily routine, track it relentlessly, and use detailed data to prevent failures before they happen.

“Embedding waterline results into dashboards, onboarding, and incentives creates a system-wide feedback loop that builds trust with patients, investors, and regulators.”

Benchmarking That Drives Results

Waterline compliance data isn’t just numbers. It’s a spotlight on which offices are excelling and which need help. By centralizing test results, DSOs can benchmark performance (and check compliance culture) across locations, identify top performers, and replicate their success.

“In addition to our online reporting hub, we curate customized reporting for DSOs, allowing them to view their test data in a variety of ways that can be leveraged for insights into their different locations and collective performance as an organization,” Niederschulte says.

The best teams pass on the first try, no hand-holding required. Their secret? Simple, consistent habits like daily maintenance logs, visual checklists, and operatory signage.

When shared through coaching, newsletters, or onboarding, these practices fuel a culture of compliance and improvement. This isn’t just about tracking—it’s about setting the pace.

Lead the Charge or Get Left Behind

When waterline safety becomes a core KPI, DSOs don’t just check boxes. They drive real, measurable excellence.

“Two factors consistently drive reliable waterline outcomes: first, standardized protocols tailored to the organization and second, ensuring teams understand the why behind waterline management through meaningful education. When both are in place, we routinely see offices jump from the industry average of around 70% pass rates to exceeding 95%,” Niederschulte explains.

Waterline safety isn’t a checkbox—it’s a competitive advantage. For DSOs, every test is more than a compliance measure; it’s proof of operational discipline, staff readiness, and patient-centric leadership.

The groups that test, not just treat, demonstrate to patients, regulators, and investors that they put safety and accountability first. Those are the DSOs that will earn trust, scale with confidence, and lead the industry forward. The challenge is simple: Use waterline testing as your gauge. It won’t just tell you if your water is safe—it will tell you if your organization is built to win.

Sources:

Ross, Erin. “Infection Outbreak Shines Light on Water Risks at Dentists Offices.” NPR, Average Top-Performing DSOs September 30, 2016.

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Perspectives

A New Path to Ownership

10/22/2025

4 min. to read

BY MARKO VUJICIC AND RACHEL MORRISSEY

For most of dentistry’s history in the U.S., being a practice owner was an essential part of being a dentist. The traditional career path was clear: graduate, associate with an established practice for a few years, and then buy in or build a practice of your own. Practice ownership was the marker of success and stability. Most dentists still follow this path. But for younger dentists, the timing of when they get into practice ownership has shifted.

For decades, the American Dental Association has surveyed the U.S. dentist workforce to collect information about their occupation (including ownership status) and basic demographic information. We use the term “practice ownership” here to include dentists who fully own their own practice as well as those who are partners or shareholders in other practice types, such as group practices and dental support organizations (DSOs).

To get a better understanding of how practice ownership has played out for dentists generationally, we looked at survey data from over 55,0000 unique dentists who graduated from dental school between 1991 to 2020 and reported ownership status at least once in their career. To track practice ownership over the career span, we grouped dentists into six graduation cohorts, starting with the classes of 1991-1995 and ending with the classes of 2016-2020. We then looked at practice ownership rates at different career stages for each of these cohorts.

Dentists who graduated from dental school in the early 1990s through the early 2010s show strikingly similar patterns in practice ownership. For these cohorts, ownership was achieved relatively quickly. By the time they had completed their first decade in the workforce, more than three out of five dentists who graduated in the early 1990s through 2010 were practice owners. Although dentists who graduated before 2006 were more likely to be owners at the very early career stage, by the 15 to 19 years of experience stage these differences narrow. The practice ownership rate was 89% for the 1991-1995 cohort compared to 81% for the 2006-2010 cohort.

By contrast, dentists graduating in 2011 or later are following a very different career trajectory than their predecessors. While 63% of dentists from the 2006-2010 graduating classes were owners five to nine years out of dental school, only 33% of the 2011-2015 graduating classes were owners at the same career stage. Thus, there is a significant decline in practice ownership rates in the early career stage for newer graduates. However, as these newer graduates move into the next career phase, their practice ownership rates catch up to their predecessors.

There is a significant decline in practice ownership rates in the early career stage for newer graduates.

Gender adds yet another layer to the story. Across all graduation cohorts, and all career stages, men are more likely than women to own a practice. The gender gap is largest in the early career stage, and then gradually diminishes toward the later career stages. For the newest cohorts of dental school graduates, the rate of ownership for men was 30% compared to 14% for women early in their careers. One thing to note is that while the levels differ, the shapes of the trend lines across the career span are similar for both genders. Practice ownership generally rises over time but starts at a much lower level for more recent graduates.

Why is practice ownership in the early career stage dropping for younger dentists? While there is no definitive research, we think several forces are at play. Educational debt might steer new dentists away from pursuing practice ownership right out of the gate. Some younger dentists may value flexibility or reduced administrative burden and may not see ownership as immediately appealing or conducive to work-life balance. The changing demographics of the dental workforce, where now the majority of dental school graduates are women, is another factor at play.

While men and women follow similar paths, women start at a far steeper climb toward ownership.

While some version of practice ownership still seems to be the end point for most dentists, it is clearly no longer the quick step it was a generation ago. We also caution that for the newest cohort of dental school graduates we have only limited data—for the first 10 years of their career. There is clearly something quite different about this cohort, and it remains to be seen if their “catch up” rate is indeed as quick as the cohort before. We will update the data as they become available. Stay tuned.

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Markets & Enterprise

AI At Scale

10/22/2025

4 min. to read

How Dentistry Is Leading the Enterprise Revolution

AI in healthcare often lives in theory. In dentistry, it’s already in daily practice. More than 50,000 providers and eight of the top ten largest DSOs in North America use VideaAI by VideaHealth, shifting the conversation from potential to performance. Heartland Dental, for example, adopted the platform across 1,500 supported locations in just 10 weeks, proving that AI can scale seamlessly across enterprise operations, deliver consistent clinical support, and strengthen patient trust. For DSO leaders, dentistry shows what it looks like when AI becomes standard care rather than a pilot program.

Heartland Dental: Enterprise Proof in Action

Heartland Dental, the largest DSO in the U.S., became the proving ground for AI at scale. Within weeks, the platform was not only rolled out but also embraced. With adoption across nearly every supported practice, VideaAI quickly became part of the clinical workflow rather than an added step.

Dr. Seth Gibree, Senior Director of Clinical AI and Innovation, underscores the impact, “When integrated with clinician expertise, AI diagnostics provide valuable assistance, helping dentists detect issues earlier and enabling less invasive care that enhances patients’ well-being and promotes overall long-term health.”

For multi-site leaders, Heartland’s experience signals something bigger: AI is not a side tool—it’s an operational backbone that scales without compromise.

Scale That Moves Markets: VideaAI powers more than 50,000 providers and eight of the top ten largest DSOs in North America, proving that AI can operate at full enterprise scale, embedded into every workflow.
Rapid Adoption: Heartland achieved 95%+ user adoption in just 10 weeks, showing that clinicians adopt and trust AI when it delivers real value.
Results You Can Measure: Improved treatment acceptance, stronger patient trust, fewer missed diagnoses, and reduced administrative burden demonstrate measurable impact.

These enterprise wins aren’t just numbers; they play out at the chairside every day. Dr. Tim Quirt, SVP of Clinical Operations, explains, “Our supported clinicians use VideaAI every day to detect details even the most observant human could miss, while retaining complete control of treatment planning.”

Operational Impact That Scales

The benefits of AI extend far beyond individual patient encounters. Nearly 60% of patients say they feel more confident in their dentist when AI tools are used. These measurable outcomes translate into fewer missed diagnoses, better clinical results, and reduced costs associated with delayed or complex treatments.

AI also tackles the persistent staffing crunch. In early 2024, nearly 40% of private dental practices were actively recruiting assistants, with most describing the process as augment human capacity, democratize data, and reduce clinician burnout.

By 2027, Gartner projects that AI will cut clinical documentation time in half, amplifying efficiency without proportional increases in staffing. For dental organizations, this goes beyond a point solution and marks a full-scale operational shift that delivers measurable results across the enterprise.

Policy and Payment Momentum

Dentistry’s AI adoption also reflects a larger policy trend: incentivizing prevention. Regulators and payers are encouraging early detection to reduce downstream costs, and dental practices with AI-driven diagnostics are well positioned under these value-based care models. Dentistry is also emerging as a test case for AI transparency and accountability, helping set standards for how patients experience AI across healthcare. For example, insurers are beginning to reimburse claims supported by AI findings, while professional associations are piloting guidelines that ensure patients understand when AI is used in their care.

AI has moved from pilot programs to a standard for care.

– Florian Hillen

What to Look for in a Dental AI Platform

As practices explore AI solutions, it’s clear that not all platforms are created equal. The most effective tools are FDA-cleared, clinically validated, and built to meet the highest standards of compliance and data privacy. They are seamlessly integrated into existing workflows and designed with patient trust in mind. They provide intuitive visuals for communication, robust reporting at every level, and proven scalability across enterprise DSOs.

Choosing the right partner means selecting a solution that elevates both clinical precision and the patient experience, without introducing new barriers.

Dentistry: A Blueprint for Healthcare AI

The story of dental AI isn’t just about better X-rays—it’s about building trust, supporting clinicians, and making preventive care the norm. Dentistry is already doing what the rest of healthcare is still debating: proving AI works at enterprise scale.

If AI can transform one of the most anxiety-filled visits in healthcare into a moment of clarity and confidence, it’s not hard to imagine how this model could reshape medicine more broadly. The dental chair may well be where healthcare AI proves its true value.

Sources:
The 2025 State of America’s Oral Health and Wellness Report. Delta Dental.

State of the U.S. Healthcare Workforce 2024. Bureau of Health Workforce.

Predicts 2024: Healthcare Delivery, AI’s Proving Grounds. Gartner.

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Leadership

Sisters Defying Dental Norms

10/22/2025

9 min. to read

From a pediatric clinic to a global healthcare brand, Haley and Goly Abivardi are rewriting the rules of dentistry with drill-free innovation.

They were never destined for the ordinary.

Swiss dentists and sisters Haley and Goly Abivardi have spent their careers asking why dentistry should look and feel the same as it did a generation ago. The answer? It shouldn’t. From running a pediatric clinic in rural Switzerland to pioneering Europe’s first fear-free DSO, their path has always led toward a bigger idea: that oral health is inseparable from overall health, and that care should be non-invasive, patient-friendly, and accessible.

Today, through their company vVARDIS and its breakthrough treatment Curodont^TM, the Abivardis are pushing dentistry into a future of non-invasive care, inspired by nature. Stylish, uncompromising, and deeply human, their story blends science with innovation, patient compassion with commercial success. What they are building isn’t just a company—it’s a movement.

The Abivardis’ story is proof that big visions can upend old systems. Case in point: Their non-invasive early caries treatment was being used by two DSOs serving 250 offices, but 18 months later, it had reached 13% of U.S. dental offices—a rapid leap in influence and impact.

Curodont^TM, vVARDIS’ proprietary, biomimetic solution, treats early-stage caries through hydroxyapatite generation, offering the opportunity to preserve the natural tooth structure without the need for drilling, injections, or artificial filling materials.

The Abivardi sisters fuse cutting-edge science with a deeply human mission: to improve oral health for better overall health—and make it available to everyone.

In this Q&A, they open up about their journey, the lessons that shaped them, and why they believe dentistry is on the verge of a revolution.

Origins & Influences

What sparked your journey into dentistry, and how did your early influences shape your vision?

Dr. Haley: Powerful role models deeply influenced our upbringing. Our mother, an entrepreneur, showed us the possibility of balancing a career with being a dedicated mother. What we hold most dear about her is her commitment to making a positive impact on people’s lives and her determination to pursue one’s goals.

Dr. Goly: Absolutely. She instilled in us the belief that the most beautiful achievement is bringing happiness to others. On the other hand, our father, a natural scientist, was a pioneer in sustainability, having written his thesis on the subject 60 years ago. He taught us the invaluable lesson Mother Nature always knows best.

How did your journey in dentistry begin, and what inspired your first steps?

Dr. Haley: After studying medicine and dentistry as DMDs, knowing how important oral health is, we wanted to treat children to make an impact on their overall health.

Dr. Goly: Having the same mission, we decided to work together as sisters and to run a public pediatric dental office in the rural areas of Switzerland, linked to elementary schools with the focus on prevention and early intervention. As healthcare professionals and mothers, it was heartbreaking to witness our patients suffering and to observe the impact of poor oral health on their physical and psychological well-being, mainly due to a lack of knowledge, awareness, or often anxiety associated with dental visits.

Most of the patients missed their appointments or came too late. Those early experiences inspired us to seek positive patient experiences and to elevate patient care, specifically to ease the anxiety associated with delaying dental visits. Ultimately, this led us to develop a new concept of a fear-free dental clinic, and that is how we opened our first clinic.

At that time, we were young—driven by vision yet facing the challenge of having no patients in a city with the highest number of dentists in the world, and only modest savings to rely on. Despite initial skepticism, our clinic proved remarkably successful, capturing 14% of the market within three years.

Encouraged by our success, we expanded by opening new clinics in Switzerland and Europe, founding the first Swiss DSO, the first European fear-free DSO, and expanding the brand worldwide.

How did you transform the traditional dental clinic into a fear-free, patient-first experience?

Dr. Goly: We founded our DSO over 20 years ago with an entirely new approach. This innovative concept combined state-of-the-art technologies and techniques with an unprecedented level of comfort and well-being for patients. For the first time, all specialists could be found under one roof with extended opening hours, until 9 p.m., seven days a week, with a walk-in concept.

We created a unique experience, maintaining consistent identity and design across all clinics. We even had our own music and fragrance. Unlike traditional clinics, we reimagined the entire patient experience, putting the emphasis on overall health and wellness and delivering a spa-like atmosphere, as opposed to one of a dental room.

The Breakthrough

Why has Curodont taken off so quickly—and what makes it a win for dentists and patients alike?

Dr. Haley: Because it is a win-win for everyone. For clinicians there is finally a drill-free solution for early-stage carious lesions and you can treat them in as little as three minutes during the same appointment. Patients are motivated to return because the treatment is completely drill-free. When the dentist performs a recall after six months, any new lesions can again be treated without drilling. This not only encourages repeat visits but also helps dentists save valuable chair time for more complex procedures.

When did you realize Curodont could upend traditional dentistry and why was it a game-changer?

Dr. Goly: We founded vVARDIS around four years ago, but the groundwork for our vision started almost two decades back with the pediatric dental clinic. Those experiences deeply influenced us. That is why our vision has consistently revolved around practicing minimally invasive, early intervention care rather than relying on reparative dentistry.

In addition to our clinics, we led our own dental hygienist school, complete with a research center, facilitating various clinical studies. It was during this time, over 10 years ago, that we came across groundbreaking technology offering a non-invasive treatment for early decay, without the need for a needle or a drill.

For decades, we’d been scouting for a solution and finally one day, we found it! The proprietary formulation disperses throughout the depth of the lesion and treats the early-stage caries by restoring the lost or damaged hydroxyapatite crystals with minerals from saliva.

As daughters of a natural scientist, we were fascinated by this innovation. Despite years of trying everything possible to improve our patients’ oral health, we felt that something was still missing.

Tooth decay remains the number one disease in the world. Despite significant improvements in oral health and dietary habits over the past 50+ years, around 95% of the global population is still affected. More common than heart disease, diabetes, or even cancer, tooth decay impacts millions—especially vulnerable populations. Until now, there has been no satisfactory solution for treating the early stages of the disease.

Dr. Haley: We see early-stage lesions in nearly 80% of our patients, but most leave the office untreated, with dentists putting a “watch” on it without having a suitable solution available. However, patients may not return for a follow-up appointment, which exposes them to the risk of cavity progression and potential severe secondary diseases.

Dr. Goly: Motivated by the aspiration to make this groundbreaking innovation accessible to everyone, we decided to sell our dental clinics and reinvest everything into the creation of vVARDIS.

How is vVARDIS pushing the boundaries of dentistry—and inspiring change beyond the dental chair?

Dr. Haley: Now that Curodont is available in over 13% of U.S. dental offices, an increasing number of dental professionals—or “Curodontists”—are embracing our treatment and giving patients access to this revolutionary solution with fast adoption rates. It demonstrates the demand dental professionals have for a solution capable of treating tooth decay at an early stage.

Dr. Goly: We are thrilled to witness a ground-breaking transformation in dentistry similar to the advancements that medicine embraced years ago toward non-invasive, early intervention approaches. In the same way, Curodont is helping to elevate the standard of care for the early treatment of tooth decay.

CAVITIES ARE THE WORLD’S NUMBER ONE DISEASE—AFFECTING 95% OF PEOPLE.

Sisterhood & Vision

How do sisters turn shared vision into a powerhouse partnership and make it last 25 years?

Dr. Haley: People often ask us why and how it’s been possible. We challenge each other, yes—but our shared mission of improving lives through better oral health keeps us aligned.

Dr. Goly: We have such a strong bond that we’ve cultivated over the years. This deep connection has enabled us to discover the most effective ways to complement each other.

When did you see that dentistry can transform not just health—but someone’s entire future?

Dr. Haley: Looking back, we see countless experiences that shaped us into who we are today, but the most impactful experience was when we decided to give back to our community and provide free dental treatment to the homeless in our clinics. After restoring their smiles with implants and crowns, many patients regained employment and reestablished connections with their loved ones. This was the exact moment where we saw the impact a healthy smile can have on others.

Dr. Goly: This was a very moving experience and reinforced our belief in the idea that proper dental care can change lives. We learned that if everyone has access to dental care, not only will their mental and physical health benefit, but their overall quality of life will as well.

What advice would you give to anyone chasing a bold vision, even when the path feels impossible?

Dr. Haley: The same advice that we received from our parents that helped us become who we are today: “If you have a vision, go for it. ‘It doesn’t work’ doesn’t exist.”

For Haley and Goly, vVARDIS is more than just a company—it embodies a mission to make non-invasive dentistry and early caries treatment accessible to all, creating a meaningful impact on people’s lives, especially underserved communities.

IF YOU HAVE A VISION, GO FOR IT. ‘IT DOESN’T WORK’ DOESN’T EXIST.

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Women in DSO®

Canadian Expansion

10/22/2025

2 min. to read

With women now representing more than 50% of Canada’s recent dental graduates, the expansion of Women in DSO^® into Canada couldn’t have come at a better time. At the forefront of this movement are Education Committee Co-Chairs Joseé Desjardins and Sanaz Nestorov, who are championing the next generation of women leaders through dynamic programming— including the launch of Canadian Exchange Circle panels.

Desjardins reflects, “Within a year, we were diving into webinars with people we didn’t really know. I’ve done this kind of thing before with boards of trade or think tanks, but this felt different—it was more natural. I was outside my comfort zone, but I was loving it.”

It’s not just professional— it’s personal. It’s powerful.”

Nestorov shares that the impact has gone far beyond professional development. “I echo everything Joseé said. From an educational perspective, this experience has been intangible—but incredibly powerful. One of the biggest takeaways for me has been seeing how women can truly help each other stand taller.”

That peer-to-peer learning and support is central to the mission.

“Being exposed to a diverse group of women has been incredibly valuable,” says Desjardins. “The conversations are richer, more open. There’s a strong spirit of women lifting one another, especially in a space designed for vulnerability and growth.”

In May 2025, Women in DSO hosted its first-ever DSO Summit in Canada, a milestone event that brought together professionals from across the country.

“There were people from large, competing DSOs who didn’t even realize they needed to learn from one another—until they were in the same room,” Nestorov recalls. “We’re creating space for meaningful engagement and building an ecosystem of mentorship that the corporate dental space in Canada has been missing.”

The expansion of Women in DSO into Canada is more than a geographic move—it’s a strategic investment in the future of the industry, one powerful woman at a time.

Joseé Desjardins

Joseé Desjardins is the Vice President of Business Development and Marketing at iFinance Canada, leading business development efforts focused on sustainable growth, innovation, and partnership.

Sanaz Nestorov

Sanaz Nestorov serves as the National Account Manager, Enterprise DSO at Align Technology, where she leverages her extensive expertise to drive growth and innovation.

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Women in DSO®

From Ready to Recognized

10/22/2025

6 min. to read

The Program Turning Potential into Authority Across the Dental Industry
In a rapidly transforming dental landscape, clinical excellence is no longer enough. Strategic growth now hinges on something deeper: empowered leadership, visible expertise, and intentional talent development—especially among women professionals.

That’s the focus of the Women in DSO^® Education Committee, which is building the next generation of industry leaders by equipping women with the tools, platforms, and visibility to lead boldly. As Committee Chair Cheryl Polmatier puts it, “We’re not just creating content—we’re developing leaders.”

From executive presence to thought leadership, the Education Committee helps women show up confidently in rooms where decisions are made—and where your organization’s future is shaped.

The Competitive Advantage: Visible, Confident Leaders
Every dental leader knows that your team is your greatest asset. So what happens when you leave talent untapped within your organization?

The Women in DSO Education Committee helps your organization tap into that talent to reach its potential by coaching women professionals to become recognized experts in their fields. Whether through speaking engagements, panel participation, blog features, or virtual leadership sessions, participants gain more than visibility— they gain influence.

“The goal is readiness,” says Polmatier. “We help women build the communication skills and executive presence that organizations need to grow from the inside out.”

Strategic Platforms That Drive Real Development
The Education Committee offers three proven vehicles for leadership growth and personal brand expansion:

1. Exchange Circles
These 45-minute live, virtual sessions begin with a brief presentation by an industry expert, followed by a 10-minute Q&A and open peer dialogue led by a facilitator. Focused on the technical drivers of DSO success, the sessions align with five key pillars: operations, clinical, financial, growth, and leadership and people. They’re designed to support strategic thinking and career advancement through thought leadership.

2. Empower Networking
Centered on leadership and personal development, Empower Networking fosters the growth of professionals aiming to lead in the DSO space. These virtual panels focus on building confidence and influence—helping participants sharpen their leadership skills and expand their impact.

Both Exchange Circles and Empower Networking are hosted monthly and serve as platforms to feature women as experts, enhance their recognition, and accelerate their path to leadership.

3. #WinDSO Blog
Published weekly, the blog amplifies diverse voices and thought leadership across the dental space. It’s a tool for executives looking to spotlight rising talent or to contribute their own strategic perspective to the national conversation.

Expert Content That Accelerates Growth
Exchange Circles and Empower Networking are designed not only to elevate individual careers but to strengthen entire organizations by developing the talent within. These platforms deliver high-value content aligned with the real challenges and strategic priorities facing DSOs and dental leaders— from optimizing operations and scaling revenue to building resilient, future-ready teams. Each session is led by industry experts who don’t just speak to theory—they bring hands-on experience and proven results from the front lines of dental innovation.

Leadership isn’t about being in charge. It’s about making others feel capable of stepping forward.

Whether you’re investing in your own development or nurturing leadership across your team, Exchange Circles and Empower Networking offer practical, actionable insights that drive measurable impact. By creating space for rising leaders to engage, contribute, and be seen, these platforms help organizations grow from within—turning internal potential into visible, strategic advantage.

A Strategic Resource for Leaders
For forward-thinking dental leaders, learning doesn’t stop between conferences or quarterly meetings—it’s ongoing, intentional, and aligned with real-world priorities. That’s why Exchange Circles and Empower Networking offer on-demand access to a robust library of recorded sessions designed to fuel both individual and organizational growth.

This expertly curated content features high-impact discussions on topics that matter to today’s dental executives— from optimizing culture and strategy to marketing innovation and digital transformation. Some of the latest sessions added to the library include Global Insights: Culture vs. Strategy: What Really Drives Dental Organization Success?, Beyond the Chair: Innovative Marketing for Dental Industry Growth, and Canada Insights: Advancing Care Through Technology & Digital Transformation.

Whether you’re developing your leadership team, onboarding emerging talent, or sharpening your own executive lens, this content library offers a flexible, scalable way to stay ahead of industry shifts and turn insight into action—on your own schedule, at your own pace.

How to Get Involved: Share Your Voice, Grow Your Impact
Cheryl Polmatier joined the Education Committee three years ago and became Chair in January 2025. For her, the mission is personal.

“There’s no other platform in our industry that empowers women like this,” she says. “We’re here to help others rise—to spotlight women in a space long dominated by the ‘good old boys’ network.’

The committee offers many ways to get involved—speaking, writing, or joining a subcommittee. “You get out of your silo and into real conversations about innovation, leadership, and growth,” Polmatier says. “It feels amazing to help other women shine.”

Invest in Your Leaders. Invest in Your Legacy.
The future of dentistry will be shaped by those who develop leaders—not just systems. Whether you’re a CEO, practice owner, or clinical director, giving your team access to Exchange Circles, Empower Networking, or blog contributions can unlock new levels of growth—for them and for your organization.

Leadership isn’t just about being in charge. It’s about making others feel capable of stepping forward. Let the Education Committee help you elevate the talent already within your reach.

Ready to nominate yourself or someone in your organization?

Email info@womenindso.org to learn more about speaking, moderating, or joining the planning team.

Upcoming Virtual Panels: Your Invitation to Engage and Grow
Join Exchange Circles and Empower Networking for a powerful lineup of upcoming virtual panels designed to inform, inspire, and elevate women in the dental industry. You don’t need to be a member to attend these live events. From shaping the future workforce to revolutionizing dental education and exploring cutting-edge topics like teledentistry and revenue cycle management, the Exchange Circles series offers valuable insights you won’t want to miss. Learn more and register at WomeninDSO.org/exchange-circles.

Empower Networking brings timely conversations for personal and professional growth—empowering female entrepreneurs, navigating career pivots, and mastering the art of setting boundaries. These sessions are crafted to help women lead with confidence and clarity. Explore the schedule and secure your spot at womenindso.org/empower-networking-1.

Empower Networking:
Aug 21
Empowering Female Entrepreneurs

Sep 18
The Power of Pivot: Embracing Change to Fuel Career Growth

Nov 20
From Overwhelmed to Empowered: The Art of Setting Boundaries

Exchange Circles CA:
Aug 14
Transforming Care: How DSOs Are Redefining the Patient Experience

Oct 9
Beyond General Practice: Unlocking Same Store Growth in DSOs

Dec 11
Lighting the Way: The Impact of Women Who Lead and Lift

Exchange Circles:
Sep 4
DSO and Dental Schools: Shaping Tomorrow’s Workforce Together

Oct 2
Revolutionizing Dental Education: The Role of Learning Management Systems in DSOs

Nov 6
The Dollars Behind the Smiles: Optimizing Revenue Cycle Management in DSOs

Dec 4
The Rise of Teledentistry: How DSOs Can Adapt and Thrive

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Markets & Enterprise

The Anti-Agency: Forget the Rulebook — Figment Never Read It

08/06/2025

8 min. to read

With roots in fashion and a mindset for disruption, Figment Creative is reshaping what dental branding can be.

In an industry where blue logos and stock smiles dominate, one agency is daring to color outside the lines. Figment Creative, founded in January 2025 by Allison Alexander, a seasoned marketing executive with a background in fashion and retail, is quickly becoming one of the most talked-about creative forces in the dental space—not by following the playbook, but by tossing it out entirely.

From Fashion to Figment: An Unconventional Journey
Allison Alexander didn’t set out to disrupt dental marketing. Her career began in the fashion industry, where she spent over a decade mastering the art of brand identity and visual storytelling in one of the world’s most dynamic and demanding markets. In 2014, after a temporary consulting project with Darby turned into a strategic shift, she pivoted into dental, bringing with her a fresh perspective that challenged the industry’s conservative norms.

“I saw an opportunity to modernize how dental companies present themselves,” Alexander says. “There was so much untapped potential to tell better stories—stories that connect emotionally, not just clinically.”

That vision eventually led her to launch Figment Creative, a full-service agency built on the belief that branding should be bold, strategic, and deeply human. With the support of longtime mentor and Darby Group president Frank Massino, Alexander turned aspiration into action.

Now serving as both Vice President at Darby Group Companies and President of Figment Creative, Alexander has built an agency that reflects her belief in the power of branding to drive real business outcomes.

The Anti-Agency Model
Figment Creative calls itself the “Anti-Agency Agency”—a title that speaks to its lean structure, hands-on approach, and aversion to bureaucracy.

“We’re scrappy and strategic,” says Alexander. “We move fast, think big, and operate as an extension of your team. No fluff, no meaningless jargon, no inflated costs—just thoughtful, effective marketing that cuts through the noise and meets your customers where they are.”

At the heart of Figment’s process is one deceptively simple principle: listening.

“The most powerful part of our process is listening—really listening,” Alexander explains. “Founders and executives are often so immersed in the day-to-day that they miss the most compelling parts of their own stories. Our job is to uncover those overlooked moments, refine them, and build a narrative that resonates.”

That process is deeply collaborative. Clients don’t get passed through layers of account managers. Instead, they work directly with the creative minds behind the work. “We’re not just vendors,” Alexander adds. “We’re partners. Your goals become our goals.”

That philosophy is reflected in everything from brand development and campaign creation to website design, social media, packaging, content, product launches, and consulting. But what truly sets Figment apart is the team behind the work.

The People Behind the Disruption
Chief Marketing Officer Cody Sunderland brings two decades of experience at the intersection of dental marketing and entertainment. Known for orchestrating immersive brand experiences and reimagining messaging for top dental companies, Sunderland’s creative instincts are matched by a deep understanding of audience psychology.

“Cody has this rare ability to turn strategy into spectacle,” says Alexander. “His work doesn’t just communicate—it captivates. That kind of thinking is exactly what the dental industry needs right now.”

Director of Content Marketing Katie O’Doherty’s background spans content development, brand strategy, and social media marketing. She thrives on crafting compelling narratives that engage audiences and drive meaningful connections. As a talented digital storyteller and a newcomer to dental, she brings an outsider’s lens that challenges assumptions and sparks innovation.

“Katie is that rare Swiss Army knife type of marketer—she has a deep understanding of strategy, but also the skills to execute ideas with precision. She’s a master at bringing client visions to life and a brilliant collaborator,” notes Alexander.

Then there’s Walter Gross, VP of Digital Marketing & Strategy, whose résumé reads like a masterclass in audience engagement. Before joining Figment, Gross spent nearly a decade at Sony Music Entertainment, where he led global CRM strategy and managed campaigns for legendary artists like Bob Dylan and Bruce Springsteen. He pioneered Sony’s first email automation system, launched the D2C brand Sony Music Now, and developed real-time data visualization tools that reshaped how the company approached marketing.

Alexander says, “Walter brings a level of digital sophistication that’s rare in any industry, let alone dental,” says Alexander. “He understands how to build loyalty, scale engagement, and turn data into action.”

Built for Brands That Want More
Figment’s client roster reflects its appeal to brands that are ready to think differently. From startups to established manufacturers, the agency has become a go-to partner for companies looking to elevate their presence and deepen their impact.

“When we set out to find a marketing partner, we weren’t just looking for an agency—we were looking for a team that could grasp the complexity of our mission and match the scale of our ambition,” says Jacob Block, CEO of American Nitrile.

“Figment stood out immediately. Their strategic insight, creative precision, and deep understanding of brand positioning in a crowded market made them the clear choice. Even early in the partnership, it was obvious—they’re not just helping us compete; they’re helping us lead.”

Dr. Edgard El Chaar of NYC Dental Smiles shares a similar experience. Dr. El Chaar leads a group of four practices in Manhattan under the NYC Dental Smiles brand, in addition to two widely acclaimed periodontal practices under his own name. Enis Guri, the group’s Vice President of Operations, attended the Empower & Grow conference this past March and heard Allison speak on branding and consumerism. Intrigued by her approach, she arranged a meeting to explore how Figment could support their growth and evolving brand strategy.

“That first meeting ended with a poignant question,” says Alexander. “Dr. El Chaar asked how many dental practices we’d marketed before. I told him, ‘None—and that’s exactly why you should work with us.’ We weren’t bringing recycled ideas. We were bringing a fresh perspective. He paused, smiled, and said, ‘Fair enough.’”

“When we met the Figment team, it was clear they weren’t offering a templated approach,” says Dr. El Chaar. “They listened closely, asked the right questions, and brought a level of strategic depth that’s rare in this space. Their fresh perspective challenged us in the best way—and that’s exactly what we needed.”

Mentorship: The Power Behind the Vision
That spirit of collaboration extends beyond client relationships. One of Alexander’s most meaningful professional connections—and a future collaborator—is Julieanne O’Connor, co-founder of Influential Dental and bestselling author. The two met through the Women in DSO mentorship program and quickly discovered a shared philosophy around branding, leadership, and authenticity.

“Allison and I connected over the belief that branding is about more than aesthetics—it’s about alignment, purpose, and impact,” says O’Connor. “Figment is a reflection of that belief. It’s what happens when a creative agency stops playing it safe and starts telling stories that stick. Figment understands the nuances of the dental industry but isn’t confined by them—and that’s what makes it so effective.”

Frank Massino, President at Darby Group Companies, has been a trusted mentor and foundational force in Alexander’s professional story for nearly two decades. His encouragement and belief in her vision played a critical role in bringing Figment Creative to life—long before it had a name.

“Allison and I always talked about evolving Darby’s branding beyond its traditional roots to position it as a forward-thinking, ‘cool dental company,’ but executing that vision was another challenge. Many within the company, including ownership, resisted a full-scale rebrand, hesitant to abandon what had worked for decades. Allison and I saw it differently, and I urged her to trust her instincts and push forward. Armed with compelling storyboards and a poignant message, she secured approval for Darby’s first major rebrand in over 70 years.

“Today, we take pride in seeing competitors snap photos of our trade show booth or mirror our marketing. What started as a bold idea has become the industry benchmark.”

A Future Defined by Possibility
In a space that’s long overdue for reinvention, Allison Alexander and Figment Creative are proving that the future of dental branding doesn’t have to look like the past. It can be bold. It can be strategic. And most importantly, it can be unforgettable.

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Leadership

Making Care Possible

08/06/2025

5 min. to read

Leading with Empathy and Innovation in Dentistry

By Sonia Williams
Senior Vice President, General Manager of Dental at Synchrony

When my son needed braces, I did what many parents do: I nodded through the orthodontist’s explanation, asked the right questions, and tried not to flinch at the cost.

I was fortunate—only one of my two sons needed braces, and I had great dental insurance. Still, it was a moment of reflection not just about the cost, but about how many families face that same scenario without access to resources or flexibility.

What happens when a parent doesn’t have flexibility? What does it mean when dental care, something so vital to a child’s confidence and health, is out of reach?

Care can’t wait, and cost shouldn’t be the reason people walk away from what they need most.

Those questions never left me. Now, as the Senior Vice President and General Manager of the dental business at Synchrony, I lead with that perspective every day.

As one of Synchrony’s top 50 executives, I have the opportunity and responsibility to shape how innovation in dental care reaches millions. It’s a responsibility I don’t take lightly, especially when I know the decisions we make can change what care looks and feels like for patients, providers, and entire practices.

Dental care impacts how children learn, how adults show up at work, and how seniors eat, speak, and stay connected to others. I spend time volunteering with senior citizens, many of whom live on fixed incomes and haven’t seen a dentist in years. I hear their stories. I see how dignity is tied to oral health. Yet too often, cost becomes the barrier no one talks about.

More than 90% of people said they would consider holding off on general dental care because of cost, according to Synchrony’s Dental Lifetime of Care study. Care can’t wait, and cost shouldn’t be the reason people walk away from what they need most.

I carry those stories with me into every strategy meeting, every product launch, every partnership. This work matters to me.

It’s not enough to recognize the challenges. We must build smarter systems around them. That’s why I lead with empathy first: Because innovation should solve real-world problems and meet patients where they are, financially and emotionally.

Innovation That Feels Human
At Synchrony, I lead the dental business with a clear mission: to make care more accessible for patients and reduce barriers for practitioners to provide that care. It’s interesting because my background is not in healthcare but rather in retail strategy, helping brands grow by solving problems that matter to real people. It’s exciting to bring that same focus to dental financing.

This isn’t about selling more services; it’s about saying yes to care when it matters most. Being on the front line of innovation in this space gives me professional and personal fulfillment.

In response to Synchrony’s study which found that 58% of adults believed that oral care was not affordable, I am proud that our team created innovative solutions. Synchrony features a behind-the-scenes integration that enables providers to offer payment solutions directly within the systems they already use. No separate logins. No added friction. Practices can check eligibility, offer financing, and complete transactions quickly so that cost conversations are simplified, not avoided.

It removes barriers to care—and, most importantly—help. And it works. When patients understand what’s possible, they’re more likely to say yes to everything—from braces, to cleanings, to the kind of preventive care that improves lives.

My goal is to help redefine what modern dental care looks like, where financial conversations are seamless, where providers feel supported by smart tools, and where no patient delays care because of cost. By aligning technology with human-centered design, we’re not just improving transactions; we’re reimagining the way care is delivered.

It’s not enough to recognize the challenges. We must build smarter systems around them.

Designing with Empathy, Delivering with Impact
For dental professionals, especially within growing DSOs, the business of care has become increasingly complex. Teams are stretched thin, administrative burdens are rising, and patient expectations are evolving.

According to the American Dental Association, some dentists’ confidence in economic success has waned in the first quarter of 2025. My goal isn’t just to simplify financing for patients; it’s to empower providers to deliver care more confidently and efficiently while optimizing their financial management.

Synchrony’s CareCredit partners with the industry’s most trusted platforms to ensure providers can simplify the patient experience, from scheduling and reminders to payments. These tools reduce the burden on staff, support clearer communication, and help teams
focus on what matters: care.

By integrating our solutions directly into their workflows, we’re helping practices improve case acceptance, reduce staff stress, and elevate the patient experience. This kind of innovation gives practitioners the freedom to focus on care while giving patients more reasons to say yes to it.

Dental care is a gateway to overall wellness, and everyone deserves the chance to say yes to it.

Why I Lead
I know how rare it is to bring empathy into innovation, but I believe it’s the only way forward. Technology should feel seamless. Practitioners should be able to focus on delivering the best care. Financing should feel supportive. Every patient should feel seen.

I lead this work not just because I can, but because I must. Because too many families still wonder if they can afford care. Because too many providers feel stuck. And because I understand that tension.

Dental care is a gateway to overall wellness, and everyone—regardless of income, age, or background— deserves the chance to say yes to it. Innovating in this space isn’t just business. It’s personal.

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Markets & Enterprise

Safety Starts with Science, Not Assumptions

08/06/2025

4 min. to read

Dental clinics routinely treat their waterlines, confident that their procedures are creating safety for their patients. Yet data show that one in three of those clinics still fails to meet CDC waterline standards.

Notably, the ADA recently revealed only 56% of office resources have a protocol for when there is a failed test. Relying solely on treatment without proper testing and a comprehensive waterline management program can pose a significant risk to both patients and clinicians.

Rising above those abysmal national statistics is AltaMed Dental Services, consistently receiving unprecedented 98% pass rates across 17 clinics. How? Through an innovative collaborative partnership with Agenics Labs which began last fall.

A Powerful Partnership to Ensure Patient Safety
Patient care was at the forefront of the decision. Site Dental Director Dr. Huy Than shares, “At AltaMed, we are committed to ‘Providing Quality Care Without Exception.’ By partnering with Agenics and collaborating with our Infection Prevention team to develop a comprehensive waterline policy, we are actively ensuring the highest standards of safety for our patients. Working with Agenics has been a true collaboration centered on prioritizing patient safety above all else.”

Founded in 1969 as the East LA Barrio Free Clinic, AltaMed has grown into one of the largest independent federally qualified health centers (FQHCs) in the U.S. AltaMed serves more than 500,000 patients annually, with approximately 84% enrolled in Medi-Cal and 74% identifying as Hispanic or Latino. Notably, 50% of their patients live below the federal poverty level, highlighting AltaMed’s role in addressing health disparities in underserved communities.

A shared commitment to patient care grounded in scientific methods forged a powerful partnership.

“We believe that safety starts with science,” Greg Niederschulte, Managing Director at Agenics says. “By combining AltaMed’s commitment to patient care with our consultative approach, we were able to develop a protocol rooted in rigorous analysis and practical implementation that delivers reliability and peace of mind. The results speak for themselves: a waterline safety system with an exceptionally high success rate.”

A Step-by-Step Approach Grounded in Science
Agenics began working with AltaMed in the fall of 2024. The first step was to benchmark the current state of the 17 existing location sites and what they were doing for waterline maintenance. A review of previous water tests and trends was conducted. Several specific test-site locations were selected for an in-depth chemistry analysis of the water.

Agenics then worked with AltaMed to develop a customized waterline protocol, taking into consideration their history, budget, product preferences, and water chemistry. The protocol included source water changes, initial biofilm elimination, routine maintenance and testing, and automated failure remediation procedures.

Agenics then provided extensive onboarding that included foundational waterline education as well as specific training on AltaMed’s new procedures, ensuring all locations were well-equipped for success.

Even though changes at this level could be daunting, the process was seamless. Darlene Dickens-Jeffers, MSN-Ed, RN, PHN, CIC, Director of
Infection Prevention explains, “The transition process from our prior vendor to Agenics was very smooth. Our team was pleased with how quickly Agenics produced results with the detection of sulfates in our water.” Agenics identified that the sulfates were counteracting the treatment products in use and provided source water recommendations that allowed AltaMed to continue using their preferred treatment products.

Real-Time Test Data Delivery
A key component to mitigating patient risk and minimizing chair downtime is Agenics’ state-of-the-art flow cytometry test RapidCheck™.

“Some of our favorite features and capabilities of RapidCheck™ include that test results are reported almost in real time, with raw data available the next day via email and portal, allowing for immediate clinic-level responses,” says Dr. Than. “A detailed summary report follows, clearly organizing data for approximately 770 waterlines tested quarterly. It breaks down results by region and clinic, highlighting Pass, Caution, and Fail rates.” A customized results report is a complimentary component of Agenics’ testing services for large organizations.

Comprehensive Patient Safety and Expert Support
Simply treating lines every day assures nothing without testing. The only way to make sure a cleaning regimen is working is to actually test the water coming out of the unit.

“While clinical settings may vary in their needs, all are responsible for delivering safe patient care,” Dr. Than says. “Partnering with Agenics, which offers a proven plan and timely, responsive support, enhances our ability to maintain the highest standards of patient safety.”

While many clinics across the country struggle to meet CDC guidelines, AltaMed’s collaboration with Agenics Labs shows what can happen when patient care truly comes first. It is a powerful reminder that treating waterlines is not enough—by testing and verifying, you always keep safety at the center.

For a free consultation, contact Agenics at Agenics.net or phone 719-466-5592.

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Women in DSO®

WellnessPlan™ Built for Those Who Lead

10/22/2025

5 min. to read

Work and life are both enmeshed throughout the moments of each day—from getting out the door in the mornings (or to your home office) while reflecting on your upcoming schedule to puzzling over a work conundrum on the treadmill. We’re driven to live our optimal lives. We want to be fully present when we are at work and at home.

We want to power through Maslow’s Hierarchy to self-actualization and set up a vacation house.

But what happens when we’re confronted with life’s inevitable difficulties? Sometimes those are pesky things like tax returns or refinancing your home. Other times they are devastating life events when therapy is a must or a crisis that suddenly demands elder care.

Dr. Aman Kaur and the Wellness Committee wanted to empower Women in DSO members with a proactive plan to be prepared for these myriad obligations in life. Not an insurance plan, but direct access to comprehensive health and wellness programs under one umbrella.

Dialing into the Full Wellness Spectrum
The WellnessPlan™ by Women in DSO steps in where most organizations’ employee assistance programs fall short for their women leaders, providing a holistic support system.

Wellness Committee Co-chair Leesa Smith explains, “Employee benefits received through employer groups can be sporadic or difficult to access, not offering what we need. Dr. Kaur wanted this program to be comprehensive, including things that EAPs don’t typically offer in their packages. It needed to be well-rounded for our members and employer groups who are looking to bring it on board.

The WellnessPlan™ dials into the full life and emotional wellness spectrum.”

Wellness Committee Co-chair Liz Meyers, who is pursuing a degree in Clinical Psychology, agrees.

“When people think of health, they immediately think physical health—but mental wellness, emotional wellness, financial wellness, and legal wellness are all significant,” she notes.

“There are extensive resources, including caregiver wellness, assistance with childcare, and elder care. We want to do anything that we can do for our members that will help them be well and empower them to lead in all areas of their life.”

WellnessPlan™ for Members and Member Companies
The WellnessPlan™, available to Women in DSO member companies and to individual members, is a strategic, easy-to-implement solution that helps control healthcare costs, reduce burnout, and boost productivity. According to a study conducted by the Federal Occupational Health agency, such Employee Assistance Programs have reduced absenteeism by close to 70%.

The WellnessPlan™ has curated a much-needed and often unavailable bundle of services into one easy solution—so member companies’ HR teams can spend less time administering multiple programs. Employers can decide cost structure options to be employer-sponsored, partially subsidized, or a voluntary benefit.

Solutions for the Eldercare Crisis
No one wants to admit they’re struggling, whether with eldercare responsibilities, legal questions, or healthcare decisions. But these challenges are part of life for many.

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, 37.1 million Americans provide unpaid eldercare, with nearly 60% of care providers being women. These responsibilities often come on top of parenting and full-time work, especially for the 7.8 million caregivers who are also raising children at home. Without help, women may be navigating an exhausting balancing act in silence.

Unpaid caregivers face higher levels of stress, anxiety, and fatigue, which can severely impact their health, job performance, and long-term retention in the workforce.

This is where a well-designed wellness plan becomes not just a benefit but a lifeline. Thanks to WellnessPlan™, women can tap into telephonic counseling and referral services from Resources for Living to provide much-needed support with solutions for caregivers, childcare, elder care, and many other personal, household, and family issues.

“Providing these resources to women opens the door for them to give themselves permission to seek these things out,” Meyers said—and that access can be transformative.

Trusted Legal Support
Imagine having the confidence to face any legal situation—big or small—knowing you have trusted advisors behind you.

Whether you’re preparing a will, going through a divorce, starting a business, or dealing with a traffic ticket, reliable legal help is just a call away with WellnessPlan™. With access to experienced attorneys across the country, members can get the guidance they need without the stress of overwhelming costs.

From everyday matters to life-changing events, legal decisions become simple, affordable, and accessible for you and your family—including dependents up to age 25. WellnessPlan™ gives peace of mind and protection, knowing you’re not alone when life gets complicated.

Empowering Through Balance
So while the vacation home in self-actualization may have to wait, the WellnessPlan™ delivers something even more immediate and impactful—a practical, restorative path to balance across work, life, and everything in between.

The WellnessPlan™ solutions do more than promote wellness—they meet women where they are, nurturing their whole health amid the realities of their daily lives. Especially in the dental industry, where 85% of the workforce is women, this isn’t just a perk—it’s a strategy to help organizations retain employees who feel engaged and supported by their organizations in a truly meaningful way.

A comprehensive plan that includes legal guidance, eldercare navigation, mental health care, and many other flexible benefits empowers women to manage their concerns and responsibilities with confidence and dignity. Offering it signals that employers understand the realities their teams face—and are willing to invest in their well-being. For companies committed to building resilient, inclusive workplaces, this kind of wellness support isn’t optional—it’s essential.

Women in DSO members can start using WellnessPlan™ benefits by visiting WellnessPlan.life. Or call (833) 946-3761 or email office@womenindso.org to learn more.

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