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In the dynamic field of dentistry, the importance of education cannot be overstated. As highlighted in a recent DSO podcast featuring Dr. Layla Lohmann and Dr. David Rice, the journey of professional growth is deeply intertwined with a commitment to ongoing education. This commitment not only enhances clinical skills but also fosters a culture of leadership and innovation, ultimately empowering dental professionals to navigate the complexities of modern practice.
The Catalyst Initiative and Leadership Growth
Education serves as the cornerstone for professional development in dentistry. Dr. Lohmann’s personal journey, which began with her participation in a six-month professional development program, exemplifies how transformative education can be. It was through this experience that she recognized the pressure to convince patients and team members—a challenge often stemming from a lack of confidence in one’s knowledge and skills. By investing in her own education, Dr. Lohmann not only improved her professional life but also experienced significant personal growth. This realization inspired her to extend similar opportunities to her colleagues, demonstrating the ripple effect that education can have within a practice.
The Catalyst Initiative, launched by Dr. Lohmann, co-founder of Apex Dental Partners, in 2024, is designed to foster both personal and professional development within the Apex team. It is a 7-month learning journey that equips Apex Partners with the skills and resources to become confident leaders and successful dental entrepreneurs. This program was conceived after Dr. Lohmann’s reflection on her career and the direction she wanted to take post-pandemic. Her goal was to shift her focus to becoming the primary care provider for the oral cavity, with an emphasis on prevention. Apex, based in Dallas, Texas, supports a network of 52 practices across eight states, with around 250 providers.
The Catalyst Program grew from this vision, supported by insights Dr. Lohmann gained through leadership experiences, including graduating from Glidewell’s Guiding Leaders Program. Alongside Dr. Lohmann, Dr. David Rice, with 30 years of experience in dentistry and a successful track record with Ignite DDS, collaborated to create a program that emphasizes education while combating burnout in the dental field.
Personal and Professional Development in a DSO
The Catalyst Initiative’s aim is to prevent burnout and promote well-being, while maintaining a commitment to delivering exceptional care. Through the program’s comprehensive training, participants receive clinical education, leadership development, and business strategies—all designed to foster a holistic approach to dental practice management.
“When patients see their provider continuously improving, they feel more confident in the care they receive.” – Dr. Layla Lohmann
By emphasizing education, Dr. Lohmann has not only improved her case acceptance rate—rising from 22% to nearly 50% in three years—but has also cultivated a team culture that values leadership, collaboration, and growth.
Teamwork and the Role of Education in Practice Success
Dr. Rice and Dr. Lohmann’s combined efforts have created a unique training model for Apex that emphasizes both individual and collective success. This approach is crucial in an environment where leadership and team accountability are key.
Dr. Lohmann’s clear and targeted vision drove rapid growth beyond typical timelines. Unlike many groups hesitant to welcome outside perspectives, Apex embraced external insights, allowing for a fresh approach. Trust was key at every stage—Dr. Lohmann’s doctors understood her vision, believed in her leadership, and committed to doing the work.
Dr. Rice emphasized, “The success we saw at Apex was a result of clear vision and trust. Layla’s leadership was crucial—she knew exactly where Apex needed to go, and that made all the difference. Normally, reaching over a million dollars in growth would take 10 to 12 months, but with Layla and her team, we achieved it in just six.”
This growth at Apex can be attributed to the continuous professional development initiatives, team trust, and willingness to think outside the box. The commitment to constant learning, driven by programs like the Catalyst Initiative, has contributed significantly to Apex’s success.
Strategic Growth and Accountability
Dr. Lohmann shifted her perspective on conservative care from delaying treatment to proactively educating patients on reducing long-term economic burdens. Through leadership programs like Guiding Leaders, Catalyst, and support from Ivoclar, she learned to focus on patient education rather than feeling pressured to “sell” treatments. This shift boosted her case acceptance rate from 22% to nearly 50% over three years. Dr. Lohmann attributes this success to personal and professional development, effective communication, and team accountability.
“To make real progress, we have to shrink the change and focus on three key elements: people, process, and production. If a group is ready to dive in, go all in. If not, start small—bring in the right partners for a day, get fresh perspectives, and apply what you learn. It’s like when a child hears the same advice from a neighbor and suddenly it clicks—it’s all about accountability. What I admire about Layla and Apex is their commitment to holding the team accountable, while also trusting us at Ignite to support them in that process. That trust is invaluable, and it’s through consistent follow-up that we turn plans into real, measurable results.” – Dr. David Rice
Collaborative Growth with Ivoclar
The Catalyst Initiative also emphasizes building a strong network of support partners, with Ivoclar playing a vital role. This collaboration has been instrumental in driving the growth of Apex Dental Partners.
“I’m proud to share that over the past six months, 13 providers saw an average 10% increase in their personal production, and in two of our multi-doctor practices, the doctors grew a combined $1.6 million in production. It’s not just about individual growth—it’s about the collective success of the entire team.” – Dr. Layla Lohmann
Dr. Rice echoed this success, highlighting the importance of building strong teams, refining processes, and focusing on diagnostic expertise. With the support from Ivoclar, the Catalyst Program has delivered impressive results, demonstrating its positive impact on patient care and overall practice growth.
Looking Ahead: Future of Dental Education
Looking forward, the future of dental education is bright. Plans are in place to expand training to include business managers and team members, ensuring that everyone in the practice is aligned in the mission of providing exceptional care. The success of the Catalyst Initiative at Apex serves as a model for how continuous learning and collaboration can propel dental practices to new heights. By fostering a culture of education, teamwork, and personal growth, dental professionals can better meet the rising expectations of their patients and the evolving demands of the industry.
Dr. Rice shared an optimistic message, encouraging others to believe in their ability to succeed. He emphasized that success is within reach for anyone willing to take the first step and put in the work. “This year, Ignite is working with 35 practices, aiming to replicate the success seen with Layla’s team. For those not ready to dive in fully, Ignite offers 21-day programs as a great starting point. Dr. Rice urged individuals to take that initial step, assuring them that once they do, they’ll realize even greater possibilities ahead.”
Get Involved and Take the First Step
If you’re interested in learning more about Apex Dental Partners, whether you’re looking to join their team, explore the Catalyst program, or potentially partner with them, take the first step today! Visit ApexDentalDP.com to connect with their team or reach out directly to Dr. Layla Lohmann at drlohmann@dallasdental.com or via cell at 405-414-1083. You can also contact Sean Finn at Ivoclar for more information—reach out to Sean at sean.finn@ivoclar.com. Don’t miss the opportunity to be part of a team that’s truly making an impact in the dental industry!
