Building Tomorrow’s Dental Leaders: The Birth of the Dentist Entrepreneur Alliance

Ryan O’Donnell

The journey to create the Dentist Entrepreneur Alliance in the spring of 2024 at the Dental College of Georgia began with a powerful vision: shaping dentists who excel, not only in clinical skills, but also in business leadership, practice management, and the art of running a successful dental business practice. While clinical expertise is at the heart of a dental student’s training, my own experience shadowing dentists has revealed that much of what makes a practice successful goes beyond high-quality clinical procedures.

I have enjoyed observing treatments, and I am confident that the skills required for hands-on quality patient care will develop through consistent practice. However, I have often found myself interested in asking questions about managing a practice, leading a team, and building lasting patient relationships. These thoughts sparked in me a realization: many dental students are eager to pursue personal and professional growth that stretches well beyond the operatory.

As I discussed this with my co-founders, dental students Samuel Cook and Brooks Norton, we discovered that we had a mutual passion for growth in our business knowledge and in building well-rounded practices. We wanted to learn how to foster positive team dynamics and build efficient, fulfilling practices. And so, we thought to seek out the experts! We found a number of established dentists who were eager to share their experiences and help the next generation navigate through both clinical and practice management challenges. At its inception, we envisioned the Dentist Entrepreneur Alliance, or DEA, as a community where aspiring and practicing dentists could exchange insights and create an environment that encourages continuous improvement.

Within the Alliance, we emphasize learning through real-world experiences. Bi-monthly sessions on topics like building an office from the ground up or managing multiple practices give students practical tools to build practices that reflect high values and a strong commitment to providing exceptional care. A recent memorable session, for example, covered setting equitable fees—an often-overlooked but essential skill. It highlighted how clear, fair financial policies can foster trust and satisfaction with both patients and team members. The Alliance has become a space where students, driven by a desire to better themselves, come together during our lunch hour to collaborate and share ideas. Members explore the complex aspects of practice ownership and build essential skills through collective learning and open discussions that inspire growth beyond the classroom.

We envision the Alliance as a place where, over time, members will grow into confident practitioners, equipped with both clinical and leadership skills. We hope that students who join for involvement and networking will emerge as well-rounded professionals. Our goal is for members to be prepared to accept leadership roles in their communities, build lifelong connections, and gain confidence to shape their careers and make a meaningful impact in dentistry. Presenting different perspectives and discussions helps students gain clarity on how they want to build their practices. With this knowledge, students can move forward with purpose and intention. By focusing on personal growth and the interpersonal aspects of dentistry, the Alliance has empowered us to think of ourselves, not just as clinicians, but as innovators who want to make a difference in our field.

Looking back on the club’s growth over the past year, I am grateful for the strong sense of community it has fostered. Having a network of supportive, motivated peers has made a real difference during dental school. Together, we share our challenges and celebrate our achievements, building a foundation of mutual respect and common goals. It’s inspiring to see members turn to each other for advice, offer encouragement, and push one another to new heights.

This journey has shown us that becoming a great dentist is about so much more than clinical expertise. It’s about building strong relationships, understanding team dynamics, and leading with integrity. Our commitment to growth illustrates a future where dentists are compassionate leaders, expertly balancing patient care with the complexities of managing a successful practice.

Our role as a club continues to evolve, and we are excited to see how the Alliance will shape the careers of students at the Dental College of Georgia. Our vision is rooted in lifelong learning and making a meaningful impact. Together, we aim to set a new standard for success in the dental profession, empowering students to thrive both in practice and as leaders—building the dentists of tomorrow.

Ryan O’Donnell is a driven dental student with a passion for empowering others in both dentistry and business. A 2023 graduate of the University of Georgia, she is currently in her second year at the Dental College of Georgia (DCG). Ryan serves as an ambassador for DCG, has held a leadership role on the ASDA executive board, and is the founder of the Dentist Entrepreneur Alliance (DEA) at DCG, where she blends dental expertise with entrepreneurial vision and a commitment to traditional values. Outside of academics, Ryan enjoys experimenting with new recipes, taking walks with friends, and decorating her home, always infusing creativity and enthusiasm into her daily life.