Rock Dental Brands Adds Clinics, Capital, and Leadership to Fuel Growth

DSO Spotlight

Rock Dental Brands, headquartered in Little Rock, Arkansas, is a multi-specialty dental support organization supporting over 109 affiliated clinics in Arkansas, Missouri, Tennessee, Florida and Alabama. The group is led by Kristi Casey, CEO.

Stategic Positioning

The DSO is positioned itself to disrupt the DSO industry with a December 2024 announcement of a $90 million investment from lending partners to fuel the organization’s ongoing expansion efforts, enhancing access to oral care across communities in the central and southeast U.S. TPG Twin Brook Capital Partners of Chicago provided $50 million in senior debt financing and Audax Private Debt of New York provided $40 million in mezzanine financing to fund expansion efforts. 

Now, the DSO has announced that it is further expanding its regional footprint with the addition of six new clinics across Arkansas and Missouri. This latest growth initiative reinforces the organization’s commitment to key Midwest and Southern markets.

Expanding Access to Care Across the Region

The six new locations include a mix of orthodontic, pediatric, and general dentistry practices strategically placed in growing communities. Among them are new Westrock Orthodontics clinics in Bentonville and Springdale, Arkansas; Leap Kids Dental locations in Kansas City and Raymore, Missouri; and two Cabot, Arkansas–based clinics—Cabot Children’s Dentistry and Patrick Fields General Dentistry.

• Westrock Orthodontics in Bentonville. The clinic has relocated to a newly built facility at 2401 SE J St. that provides more space for Dr. Darren Hallums and his care team.
• Westrock Orthodontics in Springdale. Dr. Rodney Lewis, who has more than 20 years of orthodontics experience, will lead the new clinic at 4224 W. Sunset Ave.
• Leap Kids Dental in Kansas City, Missouri, and Leap Kids Dental in Raymore, Missouri. Dr. Nona Aryan, a pediatric dentist with nearly a decade of experience, leads both locations.
• Cabot Children’s Dentistry and Patrick Fields General Dentistry in Cabot. The former is led by Dr. Ashley Fields and Dr. Jordan Marsh. The latter is led by Dr. Patrick Fields.

These clinics not only expand Rock Dental Brands’ service offerings but also strengthen the organization’s presence in high-demand markets. Each site is led by experienced clinicians deeply embedded in their communities, ensuring seamless integration into Rock Dental’s broader support and quality infrastructure.

Strengthening the Finance and Technology Backbone

In May 2025, Rock Dental Brands appointed Abhi Nyatee as Chief Financial Officer, merging financial management and technology to elevate the organization’s operational and strategic capabilities. Nyatee, a seasoned executive with over 18 years in finance and strategy—particularly in dental and related industries—brings a track record of driving operational improvements and facilitating transformative acquisitions.

“Abhi combines analytical precision with visionary leadership,” said Kristi Casey, CEO of Rock Dental Brands. “He’s known for reshaping financial and operational models, and his arrival comes at a pivotal moment as Rock continues to aggressively expand. By bringing together finance, technology, and analytics, we’re positioning Rock for sustained innovation and growth.”

Before joining Rock Dental, he held leadership roles at Advantage Dental Plus and DentaQuest, including steering the strategic realignment that led to a $2.5 billion acquisition of DentaQuest by Sun Life.

In his new role, Nyatee oversees financial planning and analysis, business analytics, accounting, revenue cycle management, and real estate strategy. His appointment underscores the company’s intention to align finance and technology under a unified leadership structure aimed at supporting aggressive expansion efforts.

A Decade of Patient-Centered Growth

Founded in 2015 by Dr. Mark Dake, Merritt Dake, and Dr. Bryan Hiller, Rock Dental Brands was created with a goal of improving access to care while supporting dental professionals through scalable, clinician-led infrastructure. 

What distinguishes Rock Dental from many other DSOs is its focus on peer-driven quality standards, comprehensive administrative support, and a unified clinical governance model. From orthodontics and pediatric dentistry to general and surgical dental care, the group emphasizes streamlined, collaborative operations that prioritize the patient experience and long-term provider success.

Leadership Driving the Vision

Rock Dental Brands is guided by a seasoned leadership team with deep experience across both clinical and operational domains. CEO Kristi Casey oversees the organization’s strategic vision, while co-founder Dr. Mark Dake serves as Chief Dental Officer. Dr. Bryan Hiller leads orthodontic strategy and operations as President of Orthodontics.

The organization’s growth trajectory is further supported by key executives including Ryan Michalowski, Chief People Officer, and Jake Sligh, Chief Growth Officer. Together, this leadership team ensures that new affiliations align with the company’s commitment to care quality, cultural fit, and long-term sustainability.

Governance and Clinical Oversight

To maintain a high standard of clinical care as it grows, Rock Dental Brands relies on its Doctor Executive Committee. This governing body includes practicing dentists from various specialties and regions, all of whom contribute to the organization’s peer review process, continuing education efforts, and clinical decision-making framework.

The committee plays a critical role in ensuring that all new affiliates adhere to established protocols and that innovation and professional development are embedded across the network. This clinical governance structure reinforces Rock Dental’s identity as a provider-led DSO where dental professionals shape the delivery of care.

Infrastructure and Investment

Rock Dental Brands’ ability to scale efficiently is supported by a robust infrastructure that includes centralized services in compliance, finance, HR, marketing, IT, and facilities management. This operational backbone enables affiliated providers to focus more fully on clinical practice without administrative distraction.

The group’s continued expansion is backed by significant financial partnerships. In late 2024, Rock Dental secured $90 million in new funding, including $50 million in senior debt and $40 million in mezzanine financing from TPG Twin Brook Capital Partners and Audax Private Debt. This capital infusion is being used to support both de novo clinic launches and strategic affiliations in underserved or high-growth markets.

Supporting Providers and Teams

Rock Dental Brands is built on the belief that great patient care begins with empowered, well-supported clinicians and team members. Its operating model includes comprehensive onboarding, leadership development opportunities, continuing education programs, and a peer network that encourages collaboration and clinical excellence.

Employees and providers across the network benefit from stable employment structures, performance incentives, and access to resources aimed at reducing stress, enhancing clinical confidence, and improving overall job satisfaction. The group’s ability to attract and retain high-quality talent has been a key factor in its sustained growth.

Looking Ahead

With a clear commitment to quality, culture, and growth, Rock Dental Brands is poised for continued expansion across the Midwest and Southeastern United States. Its ability to successfully integrate new practices while preserving provider autonomy and enhancing operational efficiency sets a strong example for emerging DSOs.

As Rock Dental amplifies its infrastructure with new financial and technological leadership, the organization is well-positioned to scale both sustainably and intelligently. Its model demonstrates that clinician-led DSOs can maintain high standards of care while driving meaningful growth in underserved regions.

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