The dental industry is a fascinating space with regional and national dental service organizations growing rapidly.
Below is a list of 10 leaders who have made a positive impact on their organizations and have their sights set on future growth.
Contact Cameron Cortigiano at ccortigiano@beckershealthcare.com to recommend a leader for future lists. To learn more about the dental industry and engage in lively debate about the future, join us at the Future of Dentistry Roundtable in October - register here.
Franklin Woo, DDS. Dental Director of Blue Shield of California (Oakland, Calif.). Dr. Woo has been the dental director at Blue Shield of California since 2014. He is skilled in public health, managed care and community outreach. Dr. Woo has more than 40 years of experience in government-based dentistry.
Marvin Zerr, DDS, PhD. Dental Director of Northland Health Centers (Rolla, N.D.). Dr. Zerr is the dental director at Northland Health Centers. He has had a private endodontic practice for more than 24 years. Dr. Zerr also served as a military dentist in Iraq in 2005.
Elliot Zibel. Co-founder and CEO of Select Dental Management (Florham Park, N.J.). Mr. Zibel helped co-found Select Dental Management in 2018. He manages all non-clinical aspects of practice management for affiliates to the company. Mr. Zibel previously worked as an investor and serial entrepreneur before founding Select Dental Management.
Eric Shirley. Senior Vice President of Business Development of Patterson Dental (St. Paul, Minn.). Mr. Shirley has been the senior vice president of business development at Patterson Dental since 2021. He is responsible for working with the executive team to identify business opportunities in the dental industry. Mr. Shirley is skilled in product development, sales management and marketing communications.
Karen Hornsby. Senior Vice President of Managed Care of Benevis (Atlanta). Ms. Hornsby has been the senior vice president of managed care at Benevis since 2021. She is skilled in healthcare consulting, healthcare information technology and revenue cycles. Ms. Hornsby has more than 30 years of experience in the healthcare industry.
Cindy Roark, DMD. Senior Vice President and Chief Clinical Officer of Sage Dental (Boca Raton, Fla.). Dr. Roark has been the senior vice president and chief clinical officer at Sage Dental since 2019. She is responsible for developing and improving clinical protocols, clinical strategic planning and researching new technologies. Dr. Roark also provides professional development opportunities to 500 clinical and more than 60 supported dental practices.
DeAnn McClain. Executive Vice President, Chief Operations Officer of Heartland Dental (Effingham, Ill.). Ms. McClain has been in her current role at Heartland Dental since 2020. She leads the company’s field, clinical and operational teams to drive growth. Ms. McClain started at Heartland Dental in 1997 and has been with the company since.
Sharon Korzan. Chief Development Officer of 42 North Dental (Waltham, Mass.). Ms. Korzan has been the chief development officer at 42 North Dental since 2021. She is skilled in business development, acquisitions and financial analysis. Ms. Korzan previously served as corporate development leader at National Veterinary Associates.
Zhi Meng, DDS. Executive Vice President of Clinical Care of Western Dental (Orange, Calif.). Dr. Meng is the executive vice president of clinical care at Western Dental. She is responsible for providing operational support, both in the field and corporate office. Dr. Meng joined Western Dental as an associate dentist in 1994 took a leadership role with the company 12 years later.
Kai Zhao. Chief Operating Officer of ProHEALTH Dental (New Hyde Park, N.Y.). Mr. Zhao has been the chief operating officer at ProHEALTH Dental since 2021. He is responsible for revenue cycle, operations and information technology at the company. Mr. Zhao is skilled in healthcare management, strategic planning and customer service.