Heartland Dental: A Year of Growth and Innovation in 2025 Highlights
Celebrating Transformative Growth
Heartland Dental, the foremost dental support organization in the United States, proudly reflects on 2025 as a pivotal year marked by significant growth, innovation, and community involvement. This year was particularly noteworthy as the organization supported practices that completed an astounding 11.5 million patient visits, underscoring the critical role they play in dental care across various communities. The expansion of their footprint to over 1,900 supported practices nationwide is a testament to their commitment to enhancing dental services.
Strategic Expansion and Partnerships
Throughout 2025, Heartland Dental's growth strategy was driven by a multi-faceted approach. They successfully opened 75 new dental practices and relocated 19 existing ones, in addition to expanding 27 more. This growth was augmented by new strategic partnerships that included the acquisition of Smile Design Dentistry in Florida, further solidifying their presence in the dental support industry. As a result, Heartland added an impressive 93 more practices to its support network, reinforcing its culture of doctor-led operations and innovation.
The company’s expansion also included forming alliances with solo, small, and large group practices, ensuring diverse patient populations receive high-quality care. Mark Greenstein, the EVP and Chief Growth Officer of Heartland Dental, pointed out that such collaborations set the stage for future growth in response to increasing demands for comprehensive dental services.
Empowering Clinicians and Patients
The highlights for Heartland Dental in 2025 were not just in numbers but in the meaningful impact on clinicians and their patients. The organization maintained remarkable retention rates among its supported practices, achieving over 80%. Furthermore, Heartland Dental was recognized by Newsweek as one of America’s Greatest Workplaces in Healthcare, showcasing its robust workplace culture that prioritizes inclusion and diversity. Pat Bauer, President and CEO, emphasized the importance of empowering supported clinicians to enhance patient care, which remains central to Heartland's mission.
Seasoned with continuous education initiatives through Heartland Dental University, supported practices completed nearly 100,000 continuing education courses, significantly elevating their practice capabilities and enhancing patient service deliveries. The educational offerings have positively influenced Invisalign case starts by 20%, showcasing a commitment to delivering comprehensive foundational care.
Launch of Orahh Care Dental Community
In a bid to advance comprehensive dental care accessibility, Heartland Dental launched the Orahh Care Dental Community in December 2025. This initiative is backed by AARP, providing a national network of supported dentists that facilitate dental care through independently operated practices. This effort allows both AARP members and non-members easier access to quality dental treatments and highlights Heartland Dental's dedication to community service.
Innovation through Technology and Partnerships
The year 2025 also marked significant technological advancements and strategic partnerships that positioned Heartland Dental at the forefront of dental innovation. Strengthening existing ties with Align Technology, Heartland expanded access to advanced dental tools such as the Invisalign aligner system and the iTero intraoral scanners. This collaboration not only enhances treatment accuracy but also significantly improves the overall patient experience, particularly among adult and senior populations eager to improve their oral health.
Heartland Dental’s investment in the iTero Lumina™ intraoral scanner showcases its commitment to enhancing digital dentistry. This technology offers faster scanning speeds and superior patient visualization, creating a seamless interaction between clinicians and their patients. Furthermore, the integration of VideaHealth’s AI diagnostic tools has empowered clinicians with innovative options for more comprehensive diagnosis and treatment planning.
Community Outreach and Impact
Heartland Dental's contributions extended beyond its operational endeavors. The Heartland Dental Foundation provided over $220,000 in assistance to team members facing unexpected hardships in 2025. Additionally, they organized mission trips that delivered more than $260,000 in essential dental care to underserved communities. With over 350 Free Dentistry Day events coordinated nationwide, Heartland Dental further exemplified its commitment to community service, offering over $2.8 million in free dental care.
Looking Ahead
As Heartland Dental steps into 2026, the organization is poised to build on its strong foundation, focusing on operational sustainability, expanded technological infrastructure, and enhanced collaborative relationships. These initiatives aim to further empower supported doctors, allowing them to concentrate on providing exceptional patient care.
In conclusion, Heartland Dental’s 2025 journey encapsulated a year of remarkable achievements marked by growth, strategic innovation, and community impact. As they look forward, their commitment to improving dental care across America remains unwavering.