Rock Dental Brand hires new Chief People Officer

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November 29, 2022

LITTLE ROCK, Ark. (Nov. 29, 2022) — Rock Dental Brands, headquartered in Little Rock, Ark., has expanded its executive leadership team for the second time in 2022, hiring Ryan Michalowski as chief people officer. 

Michalowski has close to two decades of experience in human resources management, most recently as chief people officer at MJ Insurance in Carmel, Ind. At Rock Dental Brands, he is tasked with overseeing human capital strategy at a time when the organization is in growth-mode. 

Ryan Michalowski, Rock Dental Brands Chief People Officer

Rock Dental Brands acquired 18 clinics during the past year, and expansion is planned to continue. The dental and orthodontics practice management organization announced in September that it secured $45 million in credit commitments from Chicago-based Twin Brook Capital in order to help fund further expansion. 

“I am energized by the growth trajectory at Rock Dental Brands and look forward to supporting that growth through a people services strategy that understands efficiency and change making, while creating an environment where staff feel supported and love their work,” Michalowski said. “It’s been inspiring to watch Rock Dental Brands leadership in action during this process. It’s such a smart, dynamic team. I can’t wait to be a part of it.” 

CEO Kristi Crum said this new hire shows that Rock Dental Brands prioritizes investment in its people.

“It is vital as we continue to expand that Rock Dental Brands is intentional about taking care of our staff and attracting top-tier talent,” Crum said. “This is especially true on the senior leadership team, where each person plays an integral role in our plans to take the brand to the next level.”

Earlier this year, Rock Dental Brands hired its first chief development officer, Todd Nickerson, tasked with overseeing all merger and acquisitions activity for the organization. 

 For more information about Rock Dental Brands, visit RockDentalBrands.com.

About Rock Dental Brands

Founded in 2015 by Dr. Bryan Hiller, Dr. Mark Dake and Merritt Dake, Rock Dental Brands is a progressive practice management group based in Little Rock, Ark. The company provides support to 102 general dentistry and dental specialist affiliates in Arkansas, Missouri, Tennessee, Florida and Alabama. Its oral health care brands include Westrock Orthodontics, Rock Family Dental, Impact Oral Surgery, Leap Kids Dental and a host of other independent brands.

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  • Job Title: Westrock Orthodontics

    "The decision to affiliate with Rock Dental Brands was easy. They are a dental practice management group that is founded by dentists and focuses on putting patients first. This affiliation has not only relieved harrowing administrative tasks, but also allowed me to keep my professional autonomy and set my own schedule. All of this, plus Rock Dental Brands’ proven track record, I am able to trust them to do the right thing for my practice and my patients."

  • Job Title: Owner Founder | Chief Dental Officer

    "How can I say as an individual provider, when I get out of school and open my practice, that I am providing better care than a group of doctors who have support with difficult cases and other specialists available for consultations? I don’t think anyone would disagree if I have a heart issue I want to go somewhere where there are multiple specialists that will take good care of me. I got into this because I feel that our organization can provide great quality and do it cost effectively. We are serious about quality. If we weren’t I wouldn’t be a part of it."

  • Job Title: Owner | Pediatric Dentist

    "Rock Dental Brands prides themselves on taking care of their patients before profits. I was in a place in my life where I wanted to be with a group who was owned by dentists, practiced dentistry, and knew what it is like to own a business and to provide excellent patient care. Rock Dental has wonderful values that align with my own core values. I love that about them."

  • Job Title: Owner Founder | Orthodontist

    "I love to see patients - that's why I became an orthodontist. What I don't love is bills, past due accounts, managing employee 401(k)'s, bonuses, marketing, and of course countless other issues that unexpectedly arise each day. Rock Dental Brands has taken many things off my hands leaving me free to concentrate on what I love: treating patients. The partnership between Rock Dental and our team "on the ground" has been wonderful. Rock Dental is an extension of our team that benefits our practice and our patients in way that I was unable to provide myself."

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