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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
