The dental support organization (DSO) industry continues to see movement across leadership, operations, clinical education, marketing, hygiene, and culture as organizations expand and professionals step into new opportunities. Here are several notable people moves and recognition announcements across the DSO and dental group landscape for the month of October:
DECA Dental Group highlighted three additions to its executive leadership team, bringing together experience in multi-site operations, human resources, and healthcare marketing. Nathan Smith is serving as Chief Operating Officer, overseeing practice operations and leadership development. Smith previously held senior operations positions at Great Expressions Dental Centers and InterDent. Michele Silverman, Chief People Officer, brings more than 20 years of experience in people strategy and organizational development. Her focus includes leadership, culture, and employee experience. John DeLuna, MBA, Chief Marketing Officer, oversees brand and marketing strategy for DECA and its consumer-facing brand, Ideal Dental. Together, the appointments reflect DECA’s investment in the teams and infrastructure supporting its growing practice network.
Aligned Dental welcomed Ivan Velazquez as Chief Operating Officer. Velazquez brings extensive experience in dental operations, including leadership roles with Specialty Dental Brands, where he oversaw oral surgery operations, and earlier responsibilities at Smile Brands. Aligned Dental operates as a dental partnership organization, providing nonclinical business support to affiliated dental groups while preserving doctor-led clinical decision-making. Velazquez joins the leadership team as the organization supports its partner practices with operations, business strategy, and growth infrastructure.
Great Expressions Dental Centers named Dr. Jessica Saurino Buehler their new CEO. Previous to this promotion, Jessica was the President and Chief Clinical Officer.
After 13 years with Smile Brands Inc., Robert Connolly announced that he has joined Elite Dental Partners as VP of Marketing.
After eight years with The Aspen Group, Sarah Sharfstein became Chief Operating Officer at Southern Orthodontic Partners. Sarah began her dental career as a territory manager at Align Technology.
After 15 years with Aspen Dental, Sara Graham has joined ClearChoice Dental Implant Centers as SVP of Operations.
Benjamin Woods was promoted to CFO at Specialty Dental Brands.
UK dental provider mydentist welcomed Rob McCoy as Chief Operating Officer in October. McCoy joined from Starbucks, where he led the company’s UK business and previously managed several major European markets. His earlier career includes senior leadership roles at Pizza Express and John Lewis Partnership, as well as nine years as an officer in the British Army. With more than 30 years of operational leadership experience, he brings a consumer-service perspective to a dental organization with more than 500 practices. McCoy also joined the mydentist Board, with a remit that includes improving the patient experience and supporting access to affordable dental care.
Scotland’s Clyde Munro Dental Group appointed Louise Reeves Chief Executive Officer, effective October 19, 2026. Reeves succeeds founder Jim Hall, who remains involved as a board member. She joins from PortmanDentex, where she served as Chief Operating Officer, and brings a perspective shaped by a career that began as a dental nurse. Clyde Munro has grown to 65 practices across Scotland and serves more than half a million patients annually. Reeves will lead the group’s next chapter, with attention to investment in its people and practices, clinical services, and access to dental care in communities throughout Scotland.
DSO People is sponsored by Fidler and Associates, the premier nationwide advisory and executive search firm specializing exclusively in the multi-site healthcare industry and a proud partner of Group Dentistry Now. From regional managers to C-suite executives, we provide tailored solutions to address our clients’ most critical challenges. With a strategic, client-centric approach, we customize our advisory and recruitment services to meet the unique needs of each organization, ensuring the placement of exceptional leadership resulting in success. Whether you are looking to hire an executive or looking for a new career, please contact Fidler and Associates to discuss your next steps at www.fidlerandassociates.com.
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