Our Mission
To support doctors and their teams as they deliver the highest quality dental care and experiences to the communities they serve while providing exceptional careers and creating value for our stakeholders.
Core Values
Our values support our mission and sustain us as we work to ensure the success of our supported doctors and their teams. They unite us in our purpose and are what our colleagues, affiliates, and partners can expect.
Achieve
We strive for mastery through constant and never-ending improvement and by putting the success of our supported offices first.
Honor
Honesty, integrity, and transparency help us maintain a healthy work environment. We strive to do the right things for the right reasons.
Execute
We deliver world-class processes, systems, and efficient change by remaining open, positive, and mentally flexible.
Balance
We promote work-life balance, create safe and supportive environments, and give back to our communities.
Collaborate
We work hard and smart together, always promoting inclusion and diversity.
Celebrate
We prioritize gratitude, camaraderie, and joy in the success of others.
Leadership Team
Great leaders should bring out the best in those around them. That’s why we are committed to building a strong, fair, and effective organization for all employees and team members supported by Heartland Dental, our partners, and our communities.
Founder & Executive Chairman
Dr. Rick WorkmanDr. Rick Workman founded Heartland Dental in 1997 to introduce dentists across the country to the highest quality non-clinical administrative support.
President & Chief Executive Officer
Patrick BauerAn integral member of the Heartland Dental family since its infancy, Patrick Bauer brings more than 25 years in dental and healthcare operations management to the company.
Executive VP, Chief Financial Officer
Travis FranklinTravis Franklin has been involved with numerous facets of the company since 2004, lending his expertise anywhere from business development to finance to sell- and buy-side advisement.
Executive VP, Chief Operating Officer
DeAnn McClainDeAnn McClain joined Heartland Dental as an accountant in 1997. Now, more than 20 years later, as Executive Vice President of Operations, she supports the field and clinical teams.
Executive VP, Chief Growth Officer
Mark GreensteinMark Greenstein joined Heartland Dental in 2015, first as its Executive Vice President of Strategy & Development and since 2019 as Chief Growth Officer.
Executive VP, Chief Information Officer
Craig KabbesWith more than thirty years of experience in the healthcare industry, Craig Kabbes joined Heartland Dental in 2014 and is responsible for building teams that provide technology and call center capabilities.
Executive VP, Chief Marketing Officer
Sherianne JamesWith more than 30 years of B2B and B2C marketing experience across multiple industries, Sherianne James joined Heartland Dental as Chief Marketing Officer in 2025. She leads the team focused on building Heartland Dental’s brand, fostering new patient acquisition, and enhancing patient loyalty for supported offices.
Executive VP, Chief Human Resources Officer
Kirsty LeylandKirsty Leyland joined Heartland Dental in 2022 as Chief Human Resources Officer. Kirsty brings a deep expertise with more than 20 years of HR experience in Global HR Transformations and large HR Shared Services organizations. Her strong focus on Operations and Organizational Change Initiatives expands the dental industry and beyond.
Senior VP, General Counsel
Tamra KempfTamra Kempf joined Heartland Dental in 2016 as Senior Corporate Counsel with a wealth of legal expertise and now serves as the Company’s General Counsel.
Blog
In The Heartland
Take your professional career to the next level with the latest news, trends, insights, and perspectives in the dental industry.
Heartland Dental Recognized by Newsweek as One of America’s Greatest Workplaces in Healthcare
Company earns honor recognizing its exceptional workplace culture
EFFINGHAM, Ill., June 11, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Heartland Dental, the nation’s leading dental support organization, has been named one of Newsweek’s America’s Greatest Workplaces in Healthcare for 2025. This award underscores Heartland Dental’s commitment to cultivating an environment where every individual feels welcome and providing exceptional careers. Heartland Dental employs over 20,000 team members and provides non-clinical administrative services to over 3,000 doctors in over 1,800 locations across 39 states and the District of Columbia.
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Why More Dentists Are Choosing to Affiliate with DSOs and a supported practice. What to Look for in a Strong Affiliation
The dental profession is undergoing a significant transformation. More than ever, dentists are affiliating with Dental Support Organizations (DSOs) and supported practices for assistance with non-clinical administrative support and enhancing their professional lives. While the opportunity for financial stability and operational support is often cited, the driving forces behind this trend are more nuanced and strategic.
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What It Means To Be Part of Something Bigger: The Power of Collaboration
Running a dental practice doesn’t have to be a solo act. And honestly? It shouldn’t be. Being part of a support network means having a community behind you — a group of peers who understand your challenges and want to see you succeed.
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