Summary: PepperPointe Partnerships’ inaugural 3-year Leadership Development Program culminated with 10 of its 15 participants transitioning into doctor ownership roles. Launched in 2021, the program fosters leadership, business acumen, and clinical expertise, addressing a nationwide decline in young dentist ownership and ensuring the continuity of doctor-led practice operations.
Key Takeaways:
- The program’s blend of clinical, management, and leadership skills successfully equips associate doctors to assume ownership, reinforcing continuity and growth in doctor-controlled groups.
- PepperPointe’s emphasis on doctor ownership addresses an industry-wide challenge—fewer young dentists taking ownership—by fostering dedicated leaders, enhancing patient care, and ensuring practice longevity.
PepperPointe Partnerships announced the successful conclusion of its inaugural Leadership Development Program, a 3-year program designed to equip doctors to reach their leadership and clinical potential. This program was created to prepare associate doctors for true doctor ownership, one in which they serve as leaders and partners in the company’s group practices.
Foundations of the Leadership Development Program
Launched in 2021, the PepperPointe Leadership Development Program blended soft skills like change management and servant leadership, with advanced business and clinical skills to prepare associate doctors for the varied responsibilities of ownership. The program has achieved remarkable results, and 10 of the 15 graduating participants are successfully transitioning into doctor ownership roles.
“The Leadership Development Program has been very beneficial in my transition from residency to private practice,” said Ryan Garbarino, DDS, orthodontist and PepperPointe Leadership Development Program Class of 2024 graduate. “With a variety of topics and speakers, each meeting helped piece together what it takes to effectively manage a business while maintaining the highest quality of patient care. I am extremely grateful to be part of this program and am excited to be amongst the first graduating class.”
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Year-by-Year Curriculum
Participants in the PepperPointe Leadership Development Program gained valuable insights from industry experts and doctor partners. The first year focused on clinical excellence, covering topics like team empowerment, patient relations, and systems optimization. Year two emphasized management strategies, performance innovation, and financial acumen. In the final year, the curriculum centered on inspiring leadership, enhancing skills in communication, emotional intelligence, and building a team-oriented culture.
Commitment to Doctor Ownership
“Doctor ownership is not just a phrase we use – it’s at the core of who we are and our mission at PepperPointe,” said Greg White, DMD, MSD, president and chief executive officer of PepperPointe Partnerships. “I’m incredibly proud of this program and the dedication shown by our graduates for the time they committed to this program and their mentors for helping to shape the next generation of practice leaders. As we witness a decline in ownership among younger dentists, this program and our mission have never been more critical. This commitment to the future, and to ongoing personal and professional growth, is also an investment in our patients and the communities we serve – a shared achievement we can all be proud of.”
PepperPointe believes that providing a meaningful pathway to ownership for associate doctors not only rewards their passion and commitment to the practice’s success — both financially and professionally — but also ensures the future of the Group Practices they support are protected, securing their legacy for future generations. Building on its success, the PepperPointe Leadership Development Program will welcome its next class of associate doctors in 2025.