World Class Leadership and Commitment to Culture Drives Success

Fall 2023

Editor & Publisher Anne M. Duffy, CEO, RDH

Assistant Editor Clare Yeo

Project Manager Tari Sixpence

Website Bhakti Kulmala

Sales & PR Officer Nyasha Maripakwenda

Cover Photo Henry David Photography

Fall 2023 Contributors

Pat Bauer Alison Farber Chris Haines Dr. Jameiko J. Harvey Wardah Inam DeAnn McClain Amol Nirgudkar Dr. David Rice Dr. Luke Shapiro Dr. Tony Urbanek Callie Ward

In a few short weeks, we bid 2023 farewell and welcome another new year with open arms. We kick off the year with a burst of energy, feeling so refreshed and inspired to take action on your all your goals, big and small. If only we could bottle this unstoppable motivation up so we can have an ounce of it when inevitable obstacles arise.

While we might not have the secret to capturing that feeling, having immediate access when we need it most – we can find inspiration through the lives, experiences, and advice of others in our field. That’s exactly what you’ll find between the covers of this issue should you need it heading into 2024.

Take Pat Bauer and DeAnne McClain, for instance. Our powerhouse cover duo is the epitome of leadership, as they inspire by example just how impactful a commitment to culture can be when skyrocketing success.

Luke Shapiro speaks with Dr. Sima Yakoby Epstein, founder of Orthonu, about not just dreaming the American dream, but living and breathing it on a daily basis. Ever fitting for 2024 is the theme of technology, and Chris Hanes leads the charge when it comes to embracing new technology for the betterment of dentistry.

It’s no secret that with uncertainties and discoveries every new year brings comes an opportunity for us to embrace change to unlock growth. Wardah Inam recognizes this, showing us how A.I. can truly revolutionize patient care and practice efficiency.

However, a large part of planning for a fruitful future is the ability to absorb and assess the present and the past. Doing just that, Dr. Jameika J. Harvey takes us on a journey of his upbringing. As Dr. Tony Urbanek reveals that the true mark of an entrepreneur is having the ability to observe the obvious, David Rice helps us find clarity in the moments where we’re met with confusion.

As Alison Farber illustrates in her contribution – the best to prepare for the future is now. It is our hope that this issue helps you accomplish that as you rest and recharge during the holidays. And if you can’t help but feel a little wary of the unforeseen circumstances the new year holds, Callie Ward will guide you through navigating uncertainty and making life all the more sweeter for it.

It is with utmost gratitude and grace that this issue has made it to your hands just before the new year. I hope you read these stories, find the wisdom you need, and supercharge the inspiration that’ll keep you determined and hopeful throughout 2024.

Fall 2023

6 World Class Leadership and Commitment

to Culture Drives Success Pat Bauer, President,CEO and DeAnn McClain, EVP, COO

10 Worship of God Through Service to

Mankind Dr. Jameiko J. Harvey

12 From Shepherds to CEOs: The Timeless Tale of Tackling Business Goliath Amol Nirgudkar

14 What Can You Do With Your DASH?

Embracing Change to Make Your Life More Meaningful Callie Ward

16 The Power of Artificial Intelligence in

Dentistry: Revolutionizing Care and Practice Efficiency Wardah Inam, PhD

18 The Best Time To Prepare For The

Future Is Now Alison Farber

22 Empowering Dentistry with EFT & ERA

Technology App Chris Haines

24 Living the American Dream and

Launching OrthoNu with Dr. Sima Yakoby Epstein Luke Shapiro

30 Is Everyone Smiling But You? Here Are

3 Ways to Fix That David Rice

32 The Entrepreneur Must Be Able to

Observe the Obvious Dr. Tony Urbanek

Spotlight World Class Leadership and Commitment to Culture Drives Success

Pat Bauer, President, CEO and DeAnn McClain, EVP, COO

Heartland CEO their leadership and Dental DeAnn journeys.

Leaders, McClain, Pat EVP Bauer, and President COO share and

With more than 50 years of combined experience at Heartland Dental, the nation’s largest DSO, Pat Bauer and DeAnn McClain are an unmatched leadership pair. As members of the company’s Senior Leadership Team, Pat and DeAnn drive strategy for the organization and ensure they stay true to their doctor-led culture and support model in all aspects of the business.

Early Years

community where people take care of each other and help when they can. Her parents, a teacher and a farmer, instilled in her a strong work ethic and a love for the land. Her roots in Hidalgo taught her the importance of looking out for one another, and she has carried this spirit into her professional journey, where she is committed to building a compassionate and supportive community throughout the organization.

Pat and DeAnn joined the company at different junctures in their personal career journeys.

Pat had a chance meeting with the company’s Founder and Executive Chairman, Rick Workman, DMD, in an elevator at a dental convention in 1995. Fast forward a few years later, as Dr. Workman’s vision truly began to take flight. Pat stayed in contact with Dr. Workman’s team, and in 1997, the team said, “We need someone like Pat Bauer,” so Dr. Workman asked Pat if he knew anyone just like him to join his management team.

Pat simply responded, “What about me?” Pat joined the company as the Chief Operations Officer in April of 1997, was named President in 2009, and transitioned to the Chief Executive Officer role in 2015. “I knew when I met Rick that our paths would cross again, and when he reached out about a role on the leadership team, I knew it was an opportunity that would change the course of my career and provide me opportunities to make a lasting impact,” reflected Pat.

In 1996, DeAnn, a recent college graduate, scheduled an interview for a role at a dental office outside of Effingham. Later that day, she accepted an accountant role, not in a dental office but at Workman Management Group, which would become Heartland Dental the next year. At that time, the company had under 20 support office team members and supported 8 dental offices.

With its original leadership team in place, the company quickly grew, from supporting 8 dental offices in 1997 to 32 just a year

later. Today, the company supports more than 1,700 dental offices across 38 states and the District of Columbia.

As DeAnn aptly puts it, “Our journey here is a testament to the transformative power of dedication and shared vision.”

Over the years, DeAnn has held many roles within the organization, eventually landing in field operations, and learning the inner workings of a dental office. Today, DeAnn leads the field and clinical operations team. Her deep knowledge and background allow her to connect the dots from the support office, field, and the supported dental office.

As a leader, DeAnn has worked alongside Dr. Workman and Pat,

who consistently supported her and believed in her strong leadership qualities and unique insights. “There have been times when I have been the only female in a board room, but even on those occasions, I knew that Dr. Workman and Pat were my constant champions and were going to support my contributions. We have created an environment that is, at its core, open, welcoming, and fair,” she shared.

“Pat has always believed in me and – at times – pushed me in situations where I doubted myself, all the while ensuring I was set up for success. Because of Pat’s exemplary leadership, I often find I’m driven to live up to the great example he has set.”

As CEO, Pat is responsible for the oversight and management of the company’s activities, and his daily routine includes quite a bit of listening and talking to people. “As a leader, it’s crucial for me to connect with people and stay in tune with everything unfolding within the organization. Achieving this requires proactively setting aside time for reflection and thoughtful contemplation, both of which are pivotal to my success as a leader.”

Pat also has a passion for personal and professional growth, for himself as well as every supported doctor, leader, and team member. “Continuing education is an integral component of our doctor-led culture and support model,” shared Pat. Earlier this year, the company launched Heartland Dental University, elevating its continuing education offerings.

Education is one of the many components that underscore the company’s commitment to living its culture. And anyone will tell you, everyone has a role in living the company’s culture every day.

When it comes to dedication to the company’s mission, vision, and core values, Pat strives to set the tone at the top. “When team members and supported doctors see my commitment to our culture and being nice to each other, they realize the expectation to live the values is a reality,” shared Pat. “You have to be nice to work here. Bottom line.”

DeAnn has seen many changes, but one thing remains constant: the company’s dedication to providing supported doctors what they need, so they can focus on patient care and an unwavering commitment to continuous improvement. “Part of our focus as the support team is to constantly monitor our external environment and think about ways we can solve for the complexities that our supported doctors may encounter,” shared DeAnn.

And gratitude fills DeAnn’s heart for the career she has built and the opportunity to make an impact on so many people. “We get

to do this every day!”

Both Pat and DeAnn are remarkable leaders who exude positivity and have left an indelible mark not only within the company but also on the wider dental industry.

Together, they form the bedrock of the company’s leadership team. Over the years, they have navigated challenges, implemented proven systems, and forged lasting relationships that stand as testaments to their dedication and the enduring strength of their company.

Pat Bauer has more than 40 years in dental and healthcare operations management. As President and Chief Executive Officer, he is responsible for the oversight and management of all operations and day-to-day functions of Heartland Dental. In his spare time, he is a certified instructor for the Advanced Achievement Leadership program with Dr. Gerald Bell at the University of North Carolina.

Heartland Dental is the nation’s largest dental support organization providing non-clinical, administrative support services. What started from the entrepreneurial spirit of Rick Workman, DMD, with his single dental practice, has evolved into affiliating with over 2,700 doctors in over 1,700 locations across 38 states and the District of Columbia. The company is majority owned by KKR, a leading global investment firm. For additional information, please visit heartland.com or find us on LinkedIn.