by North American Dental Group names new CFO
North American Dental Group (NADG) (Pittsburg, PA) announced Jonathan Walker as its new chief financial officer (CFO). The DSO says that Walker will play a key role on the company’s leadership team influencing overall strategy while leading all finance related activities.
Prior to joining NADG, Walker served as the CEO of MedExpress, a leading urgent care and employer on-site clinic management services organization with more than 300 locations operating across 26 states. Walker joined MedExpress in early 2013 to lead the Financial Planning & Analysis and M&A functions and later served as MedExpress’ President and CFO before becoming CEO in 2018.
“Jonathan is a seasoned, growth-oriented executive with deep experience in multi-site healthcare services. He is results-oriented with depth in areas of finance, operations and P&L oversight,” said NADG CEO Ken Cooper. “As our industry continues to evolve, Jonathan’s leadership and track record of building and motivating teams is exactly what NADG needs to continue executing our vision for the future.”
“I am excited to join NADG at such a pivotal moment in its evolution. They’ve created an entrepreneurial culture and collaborative approach to group dentistry that’s truly differentiated,” said Walker. “I look forward to helping advance that unique approach and partnering with NADG-supported dentists and clinicians in their mission to deliver best-in-class care to every patient at every visit.”
ADA seeks entries for 2020 ADA Design Innovation Awards
In search of dental facilities that seamlessly combine esthetic appeal, function and design, the ADA Council on Dental Practice, ADA Member Advantage, and BMO Harris Bank are seeking entries from July 6 through Sept. 4 for the 2020 ADA Design Innovation Awards. Association members are encouraged to submit entries for the “remodel,” “large new build,” and “small new build” categories. Judging criteria for the contest includes esthetic appeal, such as use of color, light/windows and theme; utilization of technology; function and efficiency; innovation; and how well the design has accomplished the entrant’s objective. Judges from the ADA Council on Dental Practice will select three finalists from each category. Dentists will cast votes online to determine the winners, who will be announced no later than Nov. 15. Winners will receive $1,000 each and be featured in ADA publications.
Aspen Dental launches digitally enhanced patient experience at all offices
Aspen Dental has rolled out a “digital check-in experience” across all of its more than 820 offices in 41 states. The system allows patients to manage their dental visit as they do much of their lives – digitally, saving them time – an average of 15 minutes per patient – while dental care teams can provide a more integrated patient experience. Aspen Dental Management, Inc. (ADMI) developed the digital check-in technology suite in-house. The rollout is a part of Aspen Dental’s move to a more digitally integrated patient experience. Digital charting and notes through the Perio charting system, are currently being tested in several Aspen Dental locations, while artificial intelligence (AI) enhancements, such as biometrics and fingerprint/facial recognition, are being evaluated to continue to improve check-in and check-out.
