In 2016, Heartland Dental introduced the Doctor Mastery Program (DMP) with one clear goal: to help supported general dentists reach new heights, personally and professionally. As we mark a decade of the DMP, we celebrate not only its longevity but all of the doctors who have stepped into deeper clinical excellence, leadership, and impact through this five-to-seven-year journey.
In February, Heartland Dental broadened its national reach, further reinforcing its commitment to world class, comprehensive care. The organization partnered with supported doctors to introduce five newly developed practices and one affiliation, each strategically located in communities experiencing increased demand for dental care.
October marks National Dental Hygiene Month, a time to honor the essential role nearly 6,000 supported dental hygienists play across Heartland Dental supported practices. Hygienists are not only vital to oral health, but they are also leaders, educators, innovators, and caregivers who drive meaningful change in their teams and communities. At Heartland Dental, hygienists are empowered to grow clinically, explore leadership, and build careers they love through industry-leading education, mentorship, and continuous development.
Heartland Dental offers the opportunity to integrate state-of-the-art advancements so supported doctors are well-equipped to deliver world-class dental care. This includes investing in advanced imaging, artificial intelligence, and minimally invasive treatments that improve outcomes and create more confident patient decisions. From iTero Lumina Wands and (Videa)AI powered by VideaHealth to enamel-regenerating solutions like Curodont™ from vVardis, these innovations are transforming how supported doctors communicate, diagnose, and care for patients.
Heartland Dental continued to offer their doctor-led culture and support model to more dental practices, adding 15 supported offices in December 2025. Through a combination of de novo practices and strategic affiliations, Heartland Dental is further advancing its mission to delivering world-class support to doctors and their teams as they provide exceptional patient experiences.
One year ago, Heartland Dental officially launched HDflex, a game-changing staffing platform designed to solve one of the most persistent challenges in dentistry: the growing demand for flexibility amid nationwide hygienist and dental assistant shortages. Since then, HDflex has helped supported practices across the country rise above staffing disruptions, maintain continuity of care, and create new opportunities for team members.
Heartland Dental had a strong start to the new year, adding seven supported practices in key markets nationwide. The organization expanded access to its doctor-led support model and services, reinforcing its commitment to delivering unparalleled service to doctors and their teams.
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EFFINGHAM, IL – January 28, 2026 – Heartland Dental, the nation’s leading dental support organization, proudly celebrates a year of transformative growth, innovation, and community impact. In 2025, Heartland Dental supported practices completed 11.5 million patient visits and expanded its footprint to more than 1,900 supported practices while forging new strategic relationships and deploying cutting-edge technologies that help elevate patient care and strengthen support for doctors and their teams. These milestones underscore the organization’s unwavering commitment to its doctor-led culture and support model.
Heartland Dental continued to offer their doctor-led culture and support model to more dental practices, adding 15 supported offices in December 2025. Through a combination of de novo practices and strategic affiliations, Heartland Dental is further advancing its mission to delivering world-class support to doctors and their teams as they provide exceptional patient experiences.
If you’ve been considering selling your dental practice, you may be wondering how to achieve the best outcome. There’s a lot of chatter out there; to affiliate with a DSO and a supported practice or not to affiliate with a DSO, and separating fact from fiction can be difficult. So, let’s look at the key benefits and common concerns that can help you make an informed decision.
