A Conversation with Dr. Rick Workman: Founder of Heartland Dental

In the podcast interview with Dr. Rick Workman, the founder of Heartland Dental, he shares his remarkable journey in dentistry, starting with a small practice in Effingham, Illinois in 1980 and evolving into Heartland Dental, the nation’s largest DSO. Dr. Workman discusses dentistry in general, education, and Heartland Dental's model. The conversation highlights his commitment to enhancing dental education through working with institutions like Concorde University and the Workman School of Dental Medicine at High Point University and the importance of equipping new graduates with practical skills. Dr. Workman details the adoption of advanced tools like Itero scanners and AI-driven software, defending these investments as essential for service quality. He concludes with advice for dentists on nurturing leadership qualities, enhancing team communication, and establishing systematic practices to achieve productivity with minimal stress.

🏥 Dr. Workman's Journey

• Started practice in 1980 with $32,500 loan
• Worked 50 hours/week in practice, 25-30 hours/week on improving skills
• Founded Heartland Dental to offer support to dentists
• Dental education costs increased from 5,000 total to over 400,000 now
• Aims to provide support for dentists at any level they want

💼 Heartland Dental's Model

• Offers better reimbursement rates and support for affiliated dentists
• Invests in training for all employees, including doctors and hygienists
• Proactively increased hygienist pay, improving retention from 75% to 82%
• Hygiene growth up 10% on average across 1800 locations
• Aims to solve workforce issues in dentistry

🎓 Dental Education and Support

• Partnered with Concorde University to start dental hygiene school in Florida
• Supports dental schools across the country including the Workman School of Dentistry at High Point University.
• Offers resources to affiliate practices like industry leaders in Invisalign education
• Believes in providing practical skills and knowledge to new graduates

🖥️ Embracing Technology

• Installed 1700 Itero 5D scanners in offices
• Implemented AI-driven clinical software in every office
• Introduced Curodont, an FDA-approved product for incipient decay
• Emphasizes the importance of basic skills before advanced procedures
• Justifies technology investments based on service engagement

🚀 Advice for Dentists

• Commit to becoming better, both technically and in leadership
• Focus on personality and leadership skills to grow practice
• Emphasizes importance of team communication and synergy
• Advocates for systematic approach to practice management
• Believes the highest productivity comes with the lowest stress when systems are in place