DSO, Espire Dental, Expands Debt-Free Dental Assistant Training

DSO Spotlight

Expanding Educational Access for Aspiring Dental Assistants

Espire Dental, a rapidly expanding, doctor-founded cosmetic and multi-specialty group practice, has announced a strategic partnership with Zollege, a dental assistant educational program. Zollege operates dental assistant schools across Colorado, all of which are approved and regulated by the Colorado Department of Higher Education, Private Occupational School Board. This collaboration enhances access to a 12-week, hands-on Dental Assisting Program, equipping aspiring dental assistants with the skills needed for a successful career—without the financial burden of heavy student debt.

“With demand for qualified dental assistants steadily rising, this partnership directly tackles the challenge by providing accessible, high-quality training programs. At Espire, we strive to elevate our industry by transforming patients’ lives, and that begins with attracting and training a skilled, passionate team to support our dentists.” -Tim Hill, CEO, Espire Dental

Founded by Dr. Thomas Ince, Zollege is dedicated to transforming higher education by providing affordable, skills-based training programs that empower students to graduate with little to no debt. With more than 20,000 successful graduates, Zollege blends hands-on learning with real-world experience, ensuring students are fully prepared for careers in dentistry. The organization operates multiple schools, including:

Denver Dental Assistant School
Loveland Dental Assistant School
Colorado Springs Dental Assistant School

About Espire Dental

Founded in 2018 by Dr. Brett Levin and Dr. Jennifer Derse and headquartered in Denver, CO, the dental group is redefining the dental experience for both providers and team members. With a rapidly expanding presence across Colorado, California, Oklahoma, Wyoming, Texas, and Washington, Espire Dental considers itself an Integrated Dental Organization (IDO). They currently operate 39 practices.

Espire Dental provides its patients with hospitality-like dental experiences. Tim Hill, CEO of Espire Dental, highlights Espire’s unique approach: “Our blend of business support, advanced clinical care, and hospitality-driven patient experiences sets Espire apart in the dental industry. We take pride in elevating patient care standards while fostering a strong, well-supported team of professionals.”

By combining cosmetic dentistry, multispecialty services, and a hospitality-driven approach, Espire is setting a new standard in modern dentistry. Its latest partnership with Zollege further strengthens this mission by providing accelerated, debt-free education for aspiring dental assistants at its state-of-the-art facilities in Lakewood, Loveland, and Colorado Springs.

In December 2024. Espire also announced a significant strategic move in the Pacific Northwest, further strengthening its position in the western United States. With the acquisition of Sauvage PLLC, a five-location dental practice based in Seattle, Washington, and Tranquility Dental Wellness, a four-location practice serving the Tacoma/Olympia area, Espire continued its rapid expansion and growth strategy.

Industry Leaders Supporting Workforce Development

Zollege, the parent company of Denver Dental Assistant School, has built a reputation for providing practical, career-focused education while minimizing student debt. Through this collaboration, students will gain industry-relevant training in key areas, including dental terminology, instrument usage, radiography, and infection control.

Chris Lofton, CEO of Zollege, expressed enthusiasm for the partnership: “We are excited to bring dental assistant schools to Denver, Colorado Springs, and Lakewood, offering hands-on, career-focused education to meet the increasing demand for skilled dental professionals. Our mission is to eliminate traditional education barriers and equip local learners with the skills and training they need to succeed in this essential field.”

Key executives in group:

Ryan Heckman, Chairman
Tim Hill, Chief Espire Officer
Brooke Young, Chief Operating Officer
Rondi Michaux, Chief Growth Officer
Sarah Montgomery, Chief Financial Officer
Dr. Brett R. Levin, Clinical Advisory Board, Chairman
Dr. Jennifer Derse, Chief Clinical Director
Tina Braesch, RDH, Director of Hygiene
Troy Stone, Senior Director of HR