by The ADSO Summit draws C-level executives and team members from DSOs as well as Industry Partner representatives from more than 150 companies. These Industry Partners specialize in providing the products and services required to help DSOs grow strategically.
Editor’s note: When dentists receive good administrative support services, they can focus on patients, expand access to quality dental care and improve the oral health of their communities. In this issue, the Association of Dental Support Organizations (ADSO) reports on this spring’s 2018 Annual Summit.
The ADSO hosted their largest Annual Summit to date with nearly 1,100 attendees at the JW Marriott in Austin, Texas, which was held from April 18-20. The Summit featured sessions designed for every member of the team, with breakouts on topics such as leadership, marketing and public relations, human resources and recruitment, advocacy, and growth and development. DSOs and Group Practices of all sizes had an opportunity to benefit from the general sessions, breakout sessions, round table discussions, table-talk visits with industry partners, and networking receptions.
The conference also featured premier industry leaders and renowned speakers, including keynotes Martin Lindstrom, sponsored by Align Technology, and Josh Linkner, sponsored by Patterson Dental.
The ADSO Annual Summit is an unparalleled opportunity to learn and interact with all facets of the DSO industry during educational sessions and networking receptions. The event was host to dozens of breakout sessions where ADSO members and industry experts presented and offered an opportunity for discussion. Receptions this year were held at Speakeasy and Stubbs BBQ, featuring live music and local BBQ.
2018 ADSO Summit Program
Leading Change: Supporting and Developing Newly Affiliated Practices
- Steve Bilt, Smile Brands, Inc., CEO, Smiles for Everyone Foundation, Chairman
- Kenneth Cooper, North American Dental Group (NADG), CEO & Founding Partner
Future DSO Trends: Strategies to Address a Rapidly Changing Industry
- Alan Acierno, DecisionOne Dental, CEO/Owner
- Michael Bileca, Dental Care Alliance, President of Florida Operations & Main Street Dental
- Scotte Hudsmith, Smile Doctors, CEO
- Alistair Madle, D4C Dental Brands, Inc., CEO
Connecting With the Broader Dental Community: A Panel Discussion Among Industry Leaders
- Ann Battrell, American Dental Hygienists’ Association (ADHA), CEO
- Martin Eichner, American Association of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons (AAOMS)
- Richard Kao, American Academy of Periodontology (AAP), President-Elect
- Dave Preble, American Dental Association, Senior Vice President of the ADA Practice Institute
- Stephen E. Thorne, IV, Pacific Dental Services, Founder, President, and CEO
The Role of Dental Schools and Dental Student Practice Pathways
- Leo E. Rouse D.D.S., FACD, American Dental Education Association (ADEA), Senior Scholar in Residence
DSOs Worldwide: Challenges and Opportunities
- Michelle Aquilina, Primary Health Care, Chief of Dentistry
Legal Hot Issues for DSOs
- Dennis LaGanza, ADSO, Sr. Vice President of Government Affairs
- Donald Moody, Waller Law, Partner
- Kelly Skeat, Benesch Attorneys at Law, Partner
- David Slezak, Affordable Care, Vice President – Chief Legal Officer and Corporate Secretary
Government Relations: Protecting and Enhancing the DSO Landscape
- TJ Bolger, Centerpoint360, LLC, Senior Vice President
- Tamra Kempf, Heartland Dental, Senior Corporate Counsel
- Dennis LaGanza, ADSO, Sr. Vice President of Government Affairs
- Lisa Steelman, ADSO, Vice President of Government Affairs
Partnering for Growth conference
ADSO’s Partnering for Growth conference is being held at the Grand Hyatt in Denver, Colorado. The conference, taking place from July 12- 13, provides educational content and networking opportunities geared specifically towards small and emerging groups looking to learn and share best practices to grow in the DSO industry.
