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Two Days. Intentional Design.

 Where today's leadership teams will shape the future of group
dentistry. Three days of insight, alignment, and connection at the Hyatt
Regency Chicago. 

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SCHEDULE

The Full Agenda

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DAY 1 06.15
MONDAY, JUNE 15

PreConference Day

Registration

EVENT SPONSOR

Solutions Center Move-in

INVITE ONLY

International Delegation Meeting

Summit Welcome Lounge

INVITE ONLY

ADSO Career Night: Inside DSOs

INVITE ONLY

VIP Boat Cruise

 

 

EVENT SPONSOR
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DAY 2 06.16
TUESDAY, JUNE 16

Opening Day

Registration

EVENT SPONSOR

Solutions Center Open

Thank You for Flossing Podcast Studio

EVENT SPONSOR

Member Lounge

EVENT SPONSOR

ADSO Summit Networking Cafe

Barista Hours 02:00 - 04:00 PM
EVENT SPONSOR
INVITE ONLY

Board Meeting

EVENT SPONSOR

Breakfast in Solutions Center

Summit Kickoff – State of the State

ADSO Chief Executive Officer Andrew Smith officially opens the 2026 ADSO Summit with a brief "State of the State" address, reflecting on the continued growth and evolution of the DSO industry and the opportunities that lie ahead.
As DSOs navigate a rapidly changing landscape, Smith will provide perspective on the current state of the industry and the critical role leadership teams play in shaping its future. He will also highlight key accomplishments across the ADSO community and set the stage for the conversations, learning, and collaboration that will define the Summit experience.
This opening address will challenge attendees to think beyond the demands of today and focus on how DSOs can continue to lead, innovate, and grow together in the years ahead.
Andrew_Smith_Headshot_2
Andrew Smith
CEO of ADSO
EVENT SPONSOR

Henry Schein Talk

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The Value of Bringing the Management Team Together

As DSOs continue to grow in size and complexity, organizational success depends on far more than the vision of a single leader. High-performing organizations are built by leadership teams that share strategic context, communicate effectively, and remain aligned around common goals.
In this executive panel discussion, CEOs from leading DSOs will share how they approach leadership team development, maintain alignment across functions, and make critical decisions about team structure as their organizations evolve. Panelists will discuss the role industry events play in developing future leaders, exposing teams to new ideas, and strengthening relationships across the organization.
The conversation will also address the realities of building and sustaining high-performing teams, including talent development, succession planning, organizational growth, and the difficult decisions leaders sometimes face when team structures no longer support the next stage of growth.
Attendees will leave with practical insights into how successful DSO leaders build leadership teams that can execute strategy, navigate change, and drive sustainable organizational performance.
Bob Fontana
Bob Fontana
Panelist | The Aspen Group | Chairman & CEO, TAG
ADSO_Steve-Bilt
Steve Bilt
Panelist | Smile Brands | CEO
Scottie-Hudsmith-2
Scotte Hudsmith
Panelist | Specialized Dental Partners | Chairman & CEO
scalzo_eric_web
Eric Scalzo
Moderator | Holland & Knight | Partner

Break in the Solutions Center/Concourse

State of the Industry & Value Creation

The DSO industry continues to benefit from strong long-term fundamentals, including favorable demographic trends, increasing patient demand, and ongoing consolidation opportunities. At the same time, leaders are operating in a more complex environment shaped by margin pressure, labor shortages, changing capital markets, and rising expectations around operational performance.
In this executive-level discussion, industry leaders from ADSO, Bain Capital, and Straumann will examine how the definition of value creation is evolving across the dental industry. The conversation will explore how investors, operators, and strategic partners are assessing growth, profitability, and organizational performance in an environment where scale alone is no longer enough.
Panelists will discuss emerging industry trends, capital market dynamics, operational challenges, revenue growth strategies, specialty integration, technology adoption, and the growing role of data and artificial intelligence in driving sustainable performance. Attendees will gain a clearer understanding of what separates high-performing organizations from the broader market and what leadership teams should prioritize as they prepare for the next phase of industry growth.
Sara Dalmasso Headshot
Sara Dalmasso
Speaker | Straumann | Global, Head of DSO
Andrew_Smith_Headshot_2
Andrew Smith
Speaker | ADSO | Chief Executive Officer
Dave
Dave Nierenberg
Moderator | Bain Capital | Partner
EVENT SPONSOR

The Five Leadership Archetypes That Define the Future of Work

The future of work is not being shaped by technology alone. It is being shaped by leaders who can effectively navigate change, foster engagement, build resilient cultures, and align teams around a shared purpose.
Drawing on extensive research with thousands of leaders and employees around the world, futurist and bestselling author Jacob Morgan will introduce five leadership archetypes that define what it means to be a future-ready leader. Rather than focusing on traditional management approaches, this keynote explores the mindsets and behaviors that enable leaders to create clarity amid uncertainty, inspire performance, strengthen culture, and build organizations that can adapt and thrive.
Through compelling research, practical examples, and actionable insights, attendees will gain a deeper understanding of the leadership capabilities that matter most in today's workplace and how they can apply these principles within their own organizations.
Jacob
Jacob Morgan
Keynote Speaker | Future of Work Leaders

Lunch & Content in Solutions Center

Group Dentistry Now’s Emerging Dental Groups to Watch in 2026 Awards

INVITE ONLY

Executive Committee Meeting

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The Future of RCM with New Technology

Barbi Elmore will explore how new technology is transforming revenue cycle management in dentistry by moving practices from reactive workflows to intelligent, automated systems of action. The presentation will highlight how emerging technologies are helping dental organizations streamline eligibility verification, claims processing, payment posting, and denial management while reducing administrative burden on staff. Attendees will gain insight into how integrated solutions are improving operational efficiency, accelerating reimbursements, and creating a more connected patient financial experience — ultimately allowing dental teams to focus more time on patient care and practice growth.
Barbi Elmore
Speaker | Henry Schein One

From Missed Calls to Measurable Growth

Discover how DSOs can turn missed calls into real growth with VoiceStack. In this session, you’ll learn how leading organizations are using AI-powered call intelligence to improve patient experience, increase booking conversion, and unlock new revenue opportunities. We’ll explore the challenges holding practices back, why traditional approaches fall short, and how VoiceStack helps teams drive greater efficiency, stronger performance, and measurable results. Join us to hear real success stories and see how smarter call management can help your organization capture more value from every patient interaction.
Sadiye Akturk
Speaker | Straumann Group Enterprise Solutions | Global Solutions Ambassador
EVENT SPONSOR

The Friction Tax in Dentistry Restoring Presence, Rebuilding Trust, and Rehumanizing Care

As dentistry becomes increasingly complex, many organizations are facing a growing “friction tax” that impacts both the patient and provider experience. Patients struggle to understand diagnoses, insurance, and financial responsibility, while providers and teams face rising administrative demands that contribute to fatigue, inefficiency, and reduced connection with patients. Over time, these invisible burdens can quietly erode trust, consistency, and the human side of care.
In this thought-provoking session, Dr. Parag Kachalia explores how leading dental organizations are rethinking the role of technology and workflow design to reduce friction across the modern dental experience. From improving patient understanding and financial clarity to restoring provider presence through smarter documentation and communication tools, attendees will gain insight into how reducing cognitive and operational burden can create stronger trust, better experiences, and more sustainable care delivery.
This program offers a compelling vision for a future where technology does not replace the human side of dentistry, but instead helps restore it.
Parag Kachalia
Parag R. Kachalia
Speaker | Overjet
Sessions · 5 PARALLEL TRACKS

Breakout Sessions

TIME 2:00 PM, 4:00 PM
HR & COMPLIANCE

AI - What Does Your Organization Look Like in Two Years?

Forward-looking discussion on how AI may reshape workforce structure, compliance, leadership, and operational workflows across DSOs over the next 24 months.
jacob
Jacob Allen
Speaker | Aspen Dental Management | Chief Human Resources Officer
michal sc
Dr. Michael Scialabba
Speaker | 42 North Dental | Chief Clinical and Operating Officer
scott
Scott Mayo
Speaker | Smile Brands | Chief Human Resources Officer
kirsty
Kirsty Leyland
Speaker | Heartland Dental | EVP & Chief HR Officer
Laurie Byrne
Laurie Byrne
Moderator | Specialized Dental Partners | Chief Human Resources Officer
MARKETING

Growth Engine of the Modern DSO: Aligning to Drive Value

Examines how DSOs are integrating marketing, operations, patient experience, and finance to drive enterprise growth
matthew simko
Matthew Simko
Speaker | 42 North Dental | Director of Brand Marketing
kaela
Kaela Shupe
Speaker | Tend | VP of Marketing
Laura-Rod
Laura Rod
Speaker | Smile Brands | SVP Marketing
joe
Joe Feldsien
Speaker | PDS Health | SVP of Integrated Care
John Pham-1
John Pham
Moderator | Formerly PDS Health | Healthcare Marketing Executive
dayna
Dayna Malick
Moderator | FreshPaint | Sr Enterprise Account Executive
FINANCE

Engineered for Impact: Building a Modern Finance Organization

Discusses how finance teams are evolving into strategic business partners supporting growth and enterprise performance.
Christina Carlson
Speaker | Lone Peak Dental Group | CFO
Taylor Hawes
Speaker | PDS Health | CFO
Vikram Gupta
Speaker | BMO Investment Banking | Managing Director
Doug Drew
Moderator | U.S. Oral Surgery Management | CEO
EVENT SPONSOR
CLINICAL

The Clinical AI Roundtable: Real Experiences, Real Solutions, and Real ROI - Part 1

Engage in roundtable discussions with your DSO peers on clinical AI implementation experiences and lessons learned.
arwinder judge
Dr. Arwinder Judge
Speaker | Aspen Dental Management | Chief Clinical Officer
Dr. AJ Acierno
Dr. AJ Acierno
Speaker | Smile Brands | Chief Dental Officer
Jeff Moos
Dr. Jeff Moos
Speaker | ADSO | Executive Advisor
jay-millikan
Jay Millikan
Speaker | Fluent | SVP of Sales
EVENT SPONSOR
IT & OPS

Virtual Receptionists & Patient Communications

Explores communication technologies and workflows improving responsiveness, scheduling, and patient experience.
varun
Varun Pathak
Speaker | Voicify | SVP & General Manager of Healthcare
manji pal
Manji Pal
Speaker | Resonate AI | Founder
Ronny T. Rowell
Ronny Rowell
Moderator | Specialized Dental Partners | President
EVENT SPONSOR
IT & OPS

IT & Ops – Leading Together

Focuses on cross-functional collaboration between IT and operations leaders to improve execution and scalability.
Chris bigger
Chris Biggerstaff
Speaker | Lone Peak Dental | VP of IT
Joel Olivio
Joel Olivio
Speaker | Dental Care Alliance | CIO / CISO
Eduardo Laventman
Eduardo Laventman
Moderator | Lone Peak Dental | COO
EVENT SPONSOR
INVITE ONLY

CEO/VIP Reception

EVENT SPONSOR

Happy Hour in the Solutions Center

ADSO Summit and Sunbit Present – Party Like It's the 90's Opening Night Reception

Before group chats, streaming algorithms, and endless scrolling, there was good music, bold fashion, and nights you actually had to show up for. We’re taking it back to the decade that gave us Tamagotchis, Beanie Babies, Walkman’s, neon everything, and some of the greatest music ever made. 
Come dressed in your best ’90s look. Whether you’re channeling Fresh Prince, Cher from Clueless, grunge-era flannel, boy band energy, or your actual school picture from 1995, the more committed, the better. This is a costume party, and half-efforts will be lovingly judged. 
Expect a full ’90s takeover with TRL-style music, throwback hits, nostalgic vibes, and a room full of people who still know every word to “Waterfalls” and “Bye Bye Bye.” Leave the phone in your pocket. Live in the moment. Party like it’s the ’90s. 
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DAY 3 06.17
WEDNESDAY, JUNE 17

Closing Day

Registration

EVENT SPONSOR

Solutions Center Open

Member Lounge

EVENT SPONSOR

ADSO Summit Networking Cafe

Barista Hours 09:00 - 11:00 AM
EVENT SPONSOR

Thank You for Flossing Podcast Studio

EVENT SPONSOR

Breakfast in Solutions Center

INVITE ONLY

ADSO Government Affairs Committee

Break in the Solutions Center/Concourse

Sessions · 5 PARALLEL TRACKS

Breakout Sessions

TIME 9:00 AM, 12:00 PM
HR & COMPLIANCE

The Future of DSO's: What HR and Compliance Should Know

Explores workforce, legal, operational, and regulatory trends shaping the future of DSO-supported dentistry.
Scottie-Hudsmith-2
Scotte Hudsmith
Speaker | Specialized Dental Partners | Chairman & CEO
scalzo_eric_web
Eric Scalzo
Speaker | Holland & Knight | Partner
Geoffrey
Geoffrey Ligibel
Speaker | 42 North Dental | Chief Executive Officer
MARKETING

Future Growth Engine: How AI is Transforming Marketing

Focuses on practical AI applications impacting patient acquisition, engagement, and marketing operations.
joe
Joe Feldsien
Speaker | PDS Health | SVP of Integrated Care
Jennifer Frueh
Jennifer Frueh
Speaker | Hero Practice Services | VP, Marketing
Dr Yan Kalika
Dr. Yan Kalika
Speaker | DentifAI | Co-Founder
Matthew McGaw
Matthew McGaw
Moderator | DSO Compass | Founder
John Pham-1
John Pham
Moderator | Formerly PDS Health | Healthcare Marketing Executive
FINANCE

The AI Value Compass: Orienting AI Roadmap Towards EBITDA, not Hype

Helps leaders evaluate AI initiatives through the lens of ROI, operational value, and EBITDA impact.
Travis-Franklin
Travis Franklin
Speaker | Heartland Dental | CFO
tayloe-1
Taylor Hawes
Speaker | PDS Health | CFO
Brian Bischoff
Brian Bischoff
Speaker | CapTech | Chief Technology Officer
rashid din
Rashed Din
Moderator | Maya Dental | CEO
IT & OPS

The Future of Practice Management Software

Examines next-generation practice management platforms and operational technology priorities for DSOs.
ali
Ali Hyatt
Speaker | Henry Schein | Chief Customer & Growth Officer
Nathan James
Nathan James
Speaker | Planet DDS | Chief Product Officer
Ronny T. Rowell
Ronny Rowell
Moderator | Specialized Dental Partners | President
CLINICAL

The Clinical AI Roundtable Part 2: Real Talk with the CEOs behind Clinical AI

1:1 conversations with CEOs from Pearl, Overjet and Videa on what's ahead and how they can partner with organizations to solve their biggest problems around adoption, insurance, and ROI.
florian
Florian Hillen
Speaker | Videa | CEO & Founder
wardah inam
Wardah Inam
Speaker | Overjet | CEO & Founder
ophir tanz
Ophir Tanz
Speaker | Pearl | CEO & Founder
Dr. AJ Acierno
Dr. AJ Acierno
Moderator | Smile Brands | Chief Dental Officer
HR & COMPLIANCE

Clinical Recruitment Strategies in a Competitive Market

Practical discussion around recruiting and retaining dentists, hygienists, and clinical support teams in a highly competitive market.
priyanki-1
Priyanki Amroliwala
Speaker | 42 North Dental | Senior Manager, Talent Acquisition
Diwakar Kinra
Dr. Diwakar Kinra
Speaker | Specialized Dental Partners | Partner
IT & OPS

Revenue Cycle Management in the Age of AI

Explores how AI and automation are modernizing billing, claims processing, collections, and reporting.
Amber Day
Amber Day
Speaker | VoiceCare AI | VP Sales and BD
thomas lambert
Thomas Lambert
Speaker | Verora AI
Eduardo Laventman
Eduardo Laventman
Moderator | Lone Peak Dental | COO

Bonus Content: Applied Learning Sessions

SPOTLIGHT SESSION

Implementing New Procedures Effectively in Your Workflow

Practical discussion focused on how DSOs can successfully introduce new procedures, technologies, and operational changes while maintaining clinical consistency, team alignment, and patient experience.
SPOTLIGHT SESSION

Increasing Revenue in a Dental Office

Examines operational, financial, and patient engagement strategies that can help practices improve treatment acceptance, scheduling efficiency, production, and long-term revenue growth.
SPOTLIGHT SESSION

M&A Update: Current Market Conditions and Recapitalization

Executive-level discussion exploring the current DSO investment landscape, valuation trends, recapitalization activity, and the market forces shaping transaction strategy and growth planning across the industry.
Richard Hall
Speaker | US Oral Surgery Management | Chairman of the Board of Directors
SPOTLIGHT SESSION

Simplicity to Unlock Excellence: Scaling Growth in a DSO: A Case Study in Partnership, Adoption, and Execution

As DSOs continue to scale, growth depends not only on strong clinical leadership and operational discipline, but also on the quality of the partnerships that support the organization across treatment workflows, education, innovation, and field execution. This session will explore how a strategic partner can help a DSO drive sustainable growth by improving alignment across clinical teams, streamlining workflows, expanding treatment capabilities, and supporting implementation at scale. Through the lens of P4D’s experience, Dr. Kerbel will share practical insights on how his group has evolved its business and clinical approach over time, including the role that trusted partnership, clinical support, and workflow integration have played in that development. The discussion will focus on real-world lessons from building confidence across implant, clear aligner, digital workflow, and restorative solutions, while maintaining a strong focus on patient care, doctor adoption, and operational execution. Rather than a product-focused presentation, this session is designed to provide DSO leaders with a broader perspective on how to evaluate and maximize strategic partnerships in ways that contribute to practice growth, provider engagement, and organizational success. Attendees will leave with actionable ideas for strengthening collaboration between their internal teams and external partners to better support scale, consistency, and long-term performance.

Lunch & Content in Solutions Center

How Today's Technology Supports Clinical Excellence

April Lowry will discuss how consistent clinical quality is one of the most important drivers of long-term growth and patient trust in dentistry. The presentation will explore how leading dental organizations are using AI-powered technology to support more standardized workflows, improve diagnostic confidence, enhance treatment planning, and create a more connected patient experience. Attendees will learn how new innovations — including voice-driven workflows, imaging intelligence, and real-time clinical support tools — are helping practices reduce variability, improve operational efficiency, and deliver better patient outcomes at scale.
April Lowry
Speaker | Henry Schein One

5 Keys to Associate Performance

Dr Harris takes you through the five non-negotiables for lifting associate performance fast.
Change Management - How to bring associates with you, not drag them.
Skin in the Game - Why incentives and consequences drive completion and results.
Simulation and High Repetitions - Building real hand skills before patients pay the price.
Communication, Confidence and Competence - The chair side triangle that lifts case acceptance.
Environment - The clinic, the culture, and the systems that either accelerate growth or quietly stall it.
Get all five right and associates produce earlier, stay longer, and deliver better outcomes.
Dr Lincoln Harris
Speaker | RipeGlobal
EVENT SPONSOR

ADSO Awards

Breakout Summaries

Practical Implications of AI - Session 1

Artificial intelligence is rapidly moving from concept to implementation across the dental industry. While much of the conversation around AI focuses on future possibilities, DSO leaders are increasingly looking for practical examples of how AI is delivering value today.
This main stage session features three leading AI innovators serving the dental industry. Each presenter will share real-world applications of AI within their area of expertise, highlighting how organizations are leveraging emerging technologies to improve efficiency, enhance decision-making, strengthen patient experiences, and drive business performance.
Together, these presentations will provide attendees with a clearer understanding of where AI is creating measurable impact today, what implementation looks like in practice, and how leadership teams can evaluate opportunities within their own organizations.
Burhan Syed
Speaker | Rondah AI | CEO
John Geary
Speaker | Independence Dental | COO

Practical Implications of AI - Session 2

Artificial intelligence is rapidly moving from concept to implementation across the dental industry. While much of the conversation around AI focuses on future possibilities, DSO leaders are increasingly looking for practical examples of how AI is delivering value today.
This main stage session features three leading AI innovators serving the dental industry. Each presenter will share real-world applications of AI within their area of expertise, highlighting how organizations are leveraging emerging technologies to improve efficiency, enhance decision-making, strengthen patient experiences, and drive business performance.
Together, these presentations will provide attendees with a clearer understanding of where AI is creating measurable impact today, what implementation looks like in practice, and how leadership teams can evaluate opportunities within their own organizations.
Shaju Puthussery
Speaker | LightSpun | CEO, Co-Founder

Practical Implications of AI - Session 3

Artificial intelligence is rapidly moving from concept to implementation across the dental industry. While much of the conversation around AI focuses on future possibilities, DSO leaders are increasingly looking for practical examples of how AI is delivering value today.
This main stage session features three leading AI innovators serving the dental industry. Each presenter will share real-world applications of AI within their area of expertise, highlighting how organizations are leveraging emerging technologies to improve efficiency, enhance decision-making, strengthen patient experiences, and drive business performance.
Together, these presentations will provide attendees with a clearer understanding of where AI is creating measurable impact today, what implementation looks like in practice, and how leadership teams can evaluate opportunities within their own organizations.
florian
Florian Hillen
Speaker | Videa | CEO

How to Build High Performing Teams

As the DSO industry matures, the capabilities required to build successful organizations are evolving. Growth alone is no longer enough. Today's leaders must build organizations capable of operational excellence, effective execution, continuous improvement, and strategic reinvention.
Drawing on leadership lessons from some of the world's highest-performing organizations, bestselling author and former Amazon executive John Rossman will share a framework for creating teams that consistently deliver results while remaining adaptable in the face of disruption. The session will explore how leaders can align teams around a common purpose, maintain relentless customer focus, establish operational discipline, drive accountability for outcomes, and foster a culture of reinvention.
Designed for organizations of all sizes, the keynote will provide practical leadership insights that attendees can immediately apply within their own teams and organizations. Following the keynote, Rossman will participate in a moderated discussion exploring how these concepts apply specifically to the evolving DSO landscape.
John Rossman
John Rossman
Keynote Speaker | Rossman Partners

Brian Colao-1
Brian Colao
Moderator | Dykema | Member & Director of the Dental Service Organizations Industry Group
EVENT SPONSOR

Closing Night Reception

Celebrate the 15th Edition of the ADSO Summit at the Closing Reception Sponsored by Align, featuring elevated Chicago-inspired food, drinks, and entertainment. Gather with colleagues to reflect on Summit highlights, celebrate new connections, and toast to the momentum made in Chicago.
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Reserve your seat

Be part of what comes next

Summit 2026 marks 15 years of leadership—and the beginning of a new chapter.

Join the leaders and teams shaping the future of the DSO industry.

Group 56

Reserve your seat

Be part of what comes next

Summit 2026 marks 15 years of leadership—and the beginning of a new chapter.

Join the leaders and teams shaping the future of the DSO industry.