Leaders

Lessons in Leadership

10/16/2024
|
1 min. to read

Learn from the Women in DSO® members shaping the future of dentistry and DSOs. Their insights, tools, and secrets to success are yours to discover in Lessons in Leadership. Gain an intimate glimpse into the diverse world of leaders who illuminate the path forward with both inspiration and practical guidance.

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Leaders

The Next Big Thing

10/16/2024
|
15 min. to read

Insights from CEOs on How to Stay Ahead

Staying ahead of the curve is essential for unlocking growth and seizing new opportunities in the dental industry. The LEAD sat down with six visionary CEOs who are shaping their organizations and the future of dentistry. We explore what’s next from their unique perspectives, learn how they remain at the forefront of change, and gain practical tips that can be applied right away.

Dr. Sulman Ahmed of DECA Dental Group, Pete Bridgman of Affordable Care, Sarah Chavarria of Delta Dental Insurance Company, Bob Fontana of The Aspen Group, Chris King of Henry Schein One, and Dr. Saam Zarrabi of Rodeo Dental share their strategies for leveraging AI, integrating innovative technologies, and fostering a culture of continuous learning that drives growth and improves patient outcomes.

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Leaders

Transforming Lives

10/16/2024
|
9 min. to read

My Journey to Leading the ADA

BY DR. BRETT KESSLER,
PRESIDENT OF AMERICAN DENTAL ASSOCIATION

In October 2024, when I begin my term as the president of the American Dental Association (ADA), I’ll carry with me the goal of making sure that every dentist — no matter where they are in their career or how they serve our profession — feels supported and valued. I want to foster a sense of community where we look out for each other and where the well-being of dental professionals is prioritized. The idea of fostering a welcoming, supportive community of dentists who are their healthiest selves is informed by my own personal journey. In 1998, as a third-year dentist, I found myself at rock bottom. Struggling with addiction, I felt my life spinning wildly out of control, despite appearing that I had it all together. A desperate call to the Michigan Dental Association’s wellness program ultimately saved my life. That call marked the beginning of my recovery and a journey that would change not just my life but the lives of many others around me.

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Struggling with addiction, I felt my life spinning wildly out of control, despite appearing that I had it all together.

My path to this profession — and to leadership in organized dentistry — was anything but straightforward. But looking back, I can see how the dots have connected through each chapter of my life and career.

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Leaders

Five Decades of Allyship and Partnership

07/09/2024
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13 min. to read

Dr. Marion Bergman and Stanley Bergman offer a moving reflection on their journey spanning over 50 years. They emphasize the power of steadfast support and collaboration in their personal and professional endeavors.

Marion and Stanley: More than 50 years ago, we met as students at The University of the Witwatersrand (Wits) in Johannesburg, South Africa. In those five decades, we finished our undergraduate education, married, left our home country for the United Kingdom, resettled in the United States, raised two sons, welcomed two terrific daughters-in-law and their families who in turn expanded our family with five grandchildren, and along the way built two satisfying professional careers. Navigating the paths of our lives was only possible through a strong allyship and partnership that encouraged and supported our individual and shared dreams.

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Leaders

When Passion Meets Purpose

07/08/2024
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9 min. to read

Dr. Jumoke Adedoyin, Chief Clinical Officer of Affordable Care, inspires those who dare to defy expectations and carve their own paths with courage and conviction. Raised in Nigeria by a family that valued a strong work ethic and academic excellence, Dr. Jumoke Adedoyin’s journey has been anything but conventional. While her brother was encouraged to become a doctor, her father initially encouraged her to pursue a career in accounting, believing that it could serve multiple desires, namely to be a mother and find career success. But Jumoke was drawn to the sciences, with biology first capturing her attention. So, her divergence from familiar expectations began, marking the start of a unique path characterized by a focused pursuit of her passions.

Jumoke also had an interest in the arts and pursued her creativity, which complemented her fervor for the sciences. In dentistry, she found the perfect intersection of both worlds. The dental profession combined scientific expertise with artistic flair, allowing her to express multifaceted talents while making a tangible impact on people’s lives.

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Leaders

Lessons in Leadership

07/08/2024
|
1 min. to read

Learn from Women in DSO® members shaping the future of dentistry and DSOs. Their insights, tools, and secrets to success are yours to discover. Gain an intimate glimpse into the diverse world of leaders who illuminate the path forward with both inspiration and practical guidance.

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Leaders

At the Helm

07/09/2024
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10 min. to read

Leaders face many challenges daily that demand critical thinking, emotional intelligence, and a commitment to navigating complexities with integrity and resilience. The LEAD sat down with five leading CEOS to gain invaluable insights into their approaches to decision-making, leveraging their collective expertise to empower and inspire industry professionals facing similar challenges.

Pat Bauer of Heartland Dental, Stephenie Goddard at Glidewell, Geoff Ligibel of 42 North, Frank Massino of Darby, and Rahma Samow of Clear Choice stand at the helm of innovation and leadership. Learn from them as they share practical self-care strategies, book recommendations, and other resources. Together, these leaders bring a wealth of experience and wisdom, providing invaluable perspectives, personal stories, and practical advice for anyone who is or aspires to be a leader.

What advice would you offer a CEO new to the role?
“It’s critical first to come in to observe. Talk to as many stakeholders as possible and ask questions, even if they seem obvious.” – Frank Massino

“Becoming a CEO is a significant milestone that comes with substantial responsibilities. When I was first promoted, a good friend recommended that I read The First 90 Days by Michael Watkins. The book serves as a roadmap for leaders in new positions, providing practical strategies and tools to help them navigate the complexities of leadership transitions effectively. Below are a few key pieces from that book that really helped me: Prepare yourself. Secure early wins. Negotiate success. Build your team. Create coalitions. Keep your balance.” – Stephenie Goddard

What is the most challenging task you’ve faced as a CEO?
What, if anything, best prepared you to face it? “Navigating the delicate balance between maintaining current business performance and driving transformative change for future success is indeed a formidable challenge. Equally crucial is instilling a shift in mindset within the organization, transitioning from a status quo mentality to an innovative, insurgent approach. Building conviction in our purpose and rallying the team behind a shared vision are pivotal steps in steering towards our goals and ensuring long-term viability.” – Rahma Samow

“I’d have to say navigating the COVID pandemic and recovery felt like an impossible task at times, as I’d never imagined anything like it. While at times it was difficult to do, I tried to rely on my learned experience to focus on the things we could control we couldn’t. We had to employ that mindset on a daily basis as new challenges presented themselves, and it helped us focus on moving forward and making progress.” – Geoff Ligibel

“By far, COVID was a very difficult time. What prepared me was our mission and core values. We came together as a team and because we were well capitalized, we were able to not knee-jerk. Although that was everyone’s first reaction, we came up with a calm plan to react and then immediately worked on how to come back strong.” – Pat Bauer

How do you communicate tough decisions to your team and stakeholders to ensure alignment and understanding?
“I don’t tend to communicate any differently to my team than I do directly with Jim Glidewell, the founder. First, I try to start by being
clear and honest about the situation. Second, I have found that one can never over-communicate. Next, I think empathy is an underutilized skill. Understanding and acknowledging how my decisions affect team members and stakeholders is key. Openly addressing concerns and emotions can mitigate negative impacts and foster a supportive environment. Then, after communicating the decision, I think it’s important to give others a chance to voice their thoughts and concerns. I know I don’t always have all the answers, and there have been several times when my decisions have been swayed based on input I received from others on my team. It’s important to be open to feedback, and it’s equally important to admit that your decision may have been flawed. Lastly, clarity on what comes next can help align everyone’s efforts and minimize uncertainty.” – Stephenie Goddard

“I’ve found that the best way to ensure alignment is to involve stakeholders early in the process and ensure they feel heard and understood. I see our employees as being stakeholders as well, and it’s essential to clearly articulate the ‘why’ behind tough decisions. This way, even if people don’t agree, they can understand why the decision was made.” – Frank Massino

“No one likes surprises. Mark Greenstein, Heartland Dental’s Chief Growth Officer says, ‘Surprises are for birthdays.’ Be upfront. Have a plan that is well thought out to answer questions. Blaming the economy or the external environment is not a good answer.” – Pat Bauer

Describe a decision that was unpopular at the time but ultimately beneficial for the company’s growth or sustainability.
“At the beginning of 2023, I was faced with the difficult task of letting go of team members who were underperforming. In our fully remote work environment, we recognized the need to evaluate performance differently. It became clear that those consistently underperforming were affecting morale and productivity of our top performers. Although it was a challenge to begin the process, many high performers came back to us with appreciation for keeping the bar set high and as a result, we finished the year incredibly strong, and everyone’s performance has been elevated.”- Frank Massino

“When we were rebounding from the COVID shutdown, we wanted to bring everyone back to the roles they were in previously. In order to do this, since we weren’t sure what patient demand would look like, we changed many people to compensation structures that were more incentive-based. We initially did this as a temporary measure to bring people back to work, but our teams adamantly did not want to switch back when we offered that to our practice leaders. The ultimate impact was that we had incentive-based plans that rewarded our top performers, in many cases allowing them to earn significantly more than market rates. Truly a win for all.” – Geoff Ligibel

What strategies do you employ to stay resilient and maintain composure under pressure? What resources or support systems do you rely on?
“I have to do my leadership homework every day. I need feedback from my customer, the doctor, and my team. I also have a few mentors/coaches who I talk with regularly. They help me bounce my thoughts off of them. They don’t give me answers – they give me the ability to think.” – Pat Bauer

“Staying resilient and maintaining composure under pressure are obviously crucial for effective leadership, especially when faced with tough decisions. To combat these moments, I prioritize self-care through regular physical activity (I’m crazy for Pilates), adequate sleep (I need my eight hours!), and healthy eating. These can all profoundly affect my mental clarity and emotional resilience. I also have an amazing support network of peers, mentors, and advisors who provide me with a sounding board for discussing challenges and gaining perspective. Some in my network are family. Others are current or previous colleagues within my industry. And yet others are completely outside my industry who can give me a different perspective altogether. I regularly practice mindfulness and reflection to calm my mind and focus clearly. I have found that engaging in mindfulness exercises can help me center thoughts and reduce my anxiety around decisions.” – Stephenie Goddard

“I try not to take things personally. I care tremendously about the organization and our reputation, but I recognize that we can never make everybody happy. What we can do is stay true to our mission, putting patients first every single day. As long as we are doing that, it grounds you when something doesn’t go as planned. In terms of resources, I’ve been working with an executive leadership coach for almost ten years. I’ve met some great leaders over the years, and every single one of them has remained committed to improving their leadership skills even when most people would view them as amazing leaders already. I’m constantly looking for ways to become a better leader, and my coach is a great resource for me.” – Geoff Ligibel

Describe the importance of self-care for C-Suite leaders and its impact on making tough decisions. “I know it’s become a cliché, but the airline announcement, ‘If the oxygen masks drop, place your mask on first before helping others,’ very much applies here. Self-care looks different for everyone. Whether you incorporate meditation, exercise or spending time with family and friends, it’s also essential to make time in your self-care routine to think. This is often when great ideas pop up by creating the space you need to consider solutions you may not have thought of before.” – Frank Massino

“One non-negotiable aspect of my routine is dedicating 45 minutes every morning to mindfulness activities like yoga, meditation, exercise, or simply spending time outdoors. This ritual establishes a positive tone for my day and ensures mental clarity for effective decision-making. Its significance cannot be emphasized enough. Additionally, every quarter, I allocate a few days for reflection on accomplishments, areas for growth or adjustment, and to rejuvenate for the upcoming quarter. I highly advocate for these practices for all team members, regardless of their position within the company.” – Rahma Samow

Get to Know Rahma Samow

Rahma is the President and CEO of ClearChoice Dental Implant Centers. She is responsible for the largest dental implant therapy provider in the United States. She has a proven track record of exceeding results, incubating and commercializing innovative solutions, developing talents, and building winning teams. Rahma spent over 14 years with Siemens Healthineers where she served as a senior executive before becoming a member of the executive board and the global head of the dental service organization business unit at Straumann Group, the world leader in implant, restorative, and regenerative dentistry.

Get to Know Frank Massino

Frank Massino is the President of Darby Group Companies and serves as the President/CEO of Darby Dental Supply. Prior to Darby, he was the managing partner of a boutique consulting firm in Manhattan specializing in M&A strategy, organizational and leadership development, and change management. His first introduction to Darby Dental Supply was after Darby acquired Becker-Parkin in 2007. One project led to the next and over the span of several years, Frank worked with the Executive Team to transform Darby’s culture and to evolve its inside sales model before he was recruited into the role of Chief Operating Officer.

Get to Know Pat Bauer

Pat is the President and Chief Executive Officer of Heartland Dental. He brings more than 25 years in dental and healthcare operations management to the company. He is responsible for the oversight and management of all company operations and day-to-day functions. Pat has been instrumental to the company’s growth, both organic and through acquisition.

Get to Know Stephenie Goddard

Stephenie is the CEO of Glidewell Dental. She has served in this role since 2022, when she replaced the company’s founder and president. Stephenie has been a part of Glidewell since 2006 when she joined as vice president of human resources, establishing various programs that have contributed to the company’s relentless expansion. Stephenie strives to reinforce Glidewell’s core principles while positioning the company to better achieve them.

Get to Know Geoff Ligibel

Geoff Ligibel is the President and CEO of 42 North Dental. He has been leading 42 North Dental for 10 years and has been working in dentistry for over 20 years. Prior to joining 42 North Dental, he started the dental group at Houlihan Lokey where he executed over 50 transactions in the healthcare space. Before Houlihan Lokey, Geoff was Vice President of the M&A Group at KeyBanc Capital Markets. He is a CFA Charterholder and a CPA (inactive).

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Leaders

Breaking Barriers

10/16/2024
|
9 min. to read

Rahma Samow’s Trailblazing Journey to CEO.

Rahma Samow's ascent to CEO of ClearChoice Management Services marks a historic achievement and paves a bright future for the dental healthcare industry.

Rahma Samow's appointment as CEO of ClearChoice Management Services is a groundbreaking moment in the dental industry. Her ascent, marked by resilience and strategic acumen, is an inspiration to those working to be heard and placed in influential roles. As one of the first black women in such a role, Rahma's journey reflects a shift in corporate leadership, highlighting the value of diverse perspectives to shape the future of healthcare.

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Leaders

Nurturing Growth

07/09/2024
|
7 min. to read

Picture a sprawling Midwestern farm, where the earth is as generous as the people tending to it – this is where the story of DeAnn McClain, Heartland Dental’s COO, begins. Much like the hearty crops that rise from the Midwest’s soil, DeAnn’s career grew from humble roots into something remarkable. Her journey, intertwined with the growth of Heartland Dental, shows us the beauty of a well-tended life, where dedication and care for oneself and others can cultivate extraordinary success.

The story of Heartland Dental’s female COO is one of a woman from the Midwest who took a chance after college and joined an organization as it embarked on a journey that would lead to decades of exponential growth, continuous improvement, and building industry leaders. DeAnn enjoys gardening and understands the resources and nurturing it takes to grow something magnificent. She applies the same care and attention to detail in leading her team and helping Heartland Dental’s supported doctors in her role as the company’s Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer.

Since day one, Heartland Dental and its people have stayed true to Founder, Dr. Rick Workman’s vision to establish a company by doctors, for doctors, to help them focus on what matters most – their patients. One contributing factor to the steady growth and the establishment of a vibrant culture at Heartland Dental can be attributed to the unassuming yet formidable leadership of DeAnn McClain.

DeAnn is known for her sharp insight, adept strategy, and a blend of mental toughness and emotional sincerity. Hailing from a farm in Hidalgo, Illinois, DeAnn imbibed the values of hard work and dedication early in life.

DeAnn’s career journey shifted to a new level fueled by the belief that Pat Bauer and Dr. Rick Workman had in her leadership potential.

 

After graduating from Eastern Illinois University, her journey led her to Workman Management Group, where a pivotal interview with the CFO paved the way for her role in the accounting department of the soon-to-be Heartland Dental. Unbeknownst to DeAnn, Dr. Workman was assembling a team that would take his group of dental practices to the next level.

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“I am blessed that throughout my career, Dr. Workman and Pat believed in me every step of the way. They have invested in me, as a leader and a person.”

In 1997, Dr. Workman hired Pat Bauer, today the company’s President and Chief Executive Officer, as Chief Operating Officer. As DeAnn’s career grew over the years, the unwavering support of Dr. Workman and Pat Bauer played a crucial role ensuring she had a seat at the table. Reflecting on their impact, DeAnn emphasizes the belief they instilled in her, fostering both personal and professional growth.

“I am blessed that throughout my career, Dr. Workman and Pat believed in me every step of the way. They have invested in me, as a leader and a person,” shared DeAnn. “As I grew myself and my career, I never had to think about how being a woman was impacting my success at Heartland. As I have grown my network outside of Heartland, I realized many women did not have such a strong support system.”

One pivotal moment in her career was when DeAnn decided to leave the comfort of the accounting department and make a bold move to Operations, accepting the responsibility of leadership that Pat and Dr. Workman continually reinforced seeing in her. And that one decision took her career on a new and exciting path.

With quiet wisdom and influential leadership, DeAnn’s impact on the growth of others is felt across the Heartland Dental Network.

 

As an introvert, DeAnn didn’t imagine a career trajectory that would land her in a c-suite role. However, Pat and Dr. Workman’s trust in her and her passion for making a difference for Heartland supported doctors brought her to the Heartland Dental Senior Leadership Team. Over the years, she learned to be more vocal and proactively share her thoughts and ideas, realizing the impact she could have on others. Now, with over 25 years of experience as a leader, DeAnn recognizes that sharing her voice in an authentic way will be something she constantly has to work on, and she is grateful to have the tools to help her do so! Afterall, continuous improvement and education are important aspects of the Heartland Dental culture.

DeAnn notes one of the most impactful investments Pat and Dr. Workman have made in her has been their investment in Bell Leadership. Today, Heartland Dental has provided this leadership development opportunity to thousands of supported doctors, hygiene providers, and team members across the company’s supported network. Through her work with Dr. Gerald Bell, founder of the Bell Leadership Institute, DeAnn has realized the impact she can have on others by focusing on herself first. She ensures that with all of the priorities in front of her, she maintains a focus on investing in her development, listening to feedback, and working to understand how her behaviors influence those around her. DeAnn has also found that being vulnerable is a leadership trait that goes a long way, especially when leading a team of professionals across the nation.

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“I learned to be more vocal and proactively share my thoughts and ideas, realizing the impact it had on others.”

It would be easy for DeAnn to appreciate how far she has come and start to relax a bit after over twenty-five years growing with a record-breaking, history-making company. But she remains dedicated to the success of herself, her team, and Heartland Dental’s supported doctors. Regular coaching sessions, completing daily homework focused on self-awareness and self-improvement and reading books (sometimes as a team book club) are all part of DeAnn’s routine to stay sharp and keep the practice of growing herself. Knowledge and understanding of the external environment, or what is happening outside of Heartland Dental and even the dental industry, are also a priority for Founding member of Women in DSO® DeAnn. She studies the external environment and engages in peer-to-peer learning through communities such as World 50 Group, an invite-only community for Boards, Executives, and other leaders to evolve and collaborate alongside each other.

DeAnn’s unassuming yet formidable leadership allows her to connect with others to keep Heartland Dental’s culture filled with nurturing support.

 

When it comes to the broader Heartland Dental supported community, DeAnn identified the company’s doctor-led support model and culture as the bedrock of its sustained success. As a leader in Operations, DeAnn fiercely believes in upholding this culture. When things get bumpy or there’s a win to celebrate, she knows all eyes turn to her for direction. But DeAnn’s wisdom lies in leaning on the robust systems Heartland Dental has meticulously built.

“Instead of panicking or abandoning the plan, having solid systems to fall back on allows us to navigate uncertainty with clear heads,” DeAnn stated. These systems, which DeAnn herself played a pivotal role in developing, are the lifeblood of delivering world-class support, even when the going gets tough.

DeAnn is the epitome of quiet wisdom, and over the years, DeAnn’s leadership style has evolved, with her demeanor transforming into a powerful force. Her journey, much like a well-tended garden, is a blend of patience, care, and consistent nurturing. Rising through the ranks while staying true to her values, she has become an inspiration for people within and beyond Heartland Dental. Her legacy emphasizes the significance of hard work, passion, continuous personal growth, and the courage to share experiences—a blueprint for making a difference.

DeAnn’s story is more than becoming a COO; it’s how to use your voice and heart to make a difference, proving that when you invest in yourself, you nurture everyone around you.

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Leaders

Lessons in Leadership

10/16/2024
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1 min. to read

Women leaders aren’t just making strides; they’re setting the pace and redefining the landscape. Lessons in Leadership is a window into the multi-faceted world of women leaders in the DSO industry.

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