Heartland Dental Care Expands Corporate Office in Effingham, Illinois

Dr. Rick Workman, CEO of Heartland Dental Care at groundbreaking ceremony

The Heartland Dental Care corporate office expansion mirrors their growth throughout the country.

Heartland Dental Care in Effingham may be doubling the size of its facility, creating 80 new full-time jobs over the next two years and retaining approximately 200 more, but it’s the city’s entrepreneurial spirit that helped keep the rapidly-growing company’s roots in Effingham.

    “You folks here in Effingham, I cannot express how honored I am for you to be a part of Heartland,” said Dr. Rick Workman, founder and chief executive officer of the company.

    Workman spoke to a crowd of approximately 50 people at the company’s groundbreaking ceremony Wednesday, where he talked more about Heartland’s $7.7 billion project that’s estimated for completion in June 2013.

    The building size will double to the west, going from its current square footage of 40,000 feet to 80,000 feet. After the two-year mark, approximately 100 more jobs could be created. Another expansion has been mentioned, but no plans have yet been brought to light.

    “It’s hard to imagine 32 years ago that we’d be doing this today,” Workman said, whose company employs approximately 4,000 workers nationwide.

Heartland Dental Care has certainly grown over the years.

But, increasing scrutiny by federal regulators in Medicaid reimbursements (Heartland manages many dental offices in the Midwest where Medicaid reimbursements have been generous) and pressure on state budgets, makes one wonder if the growth can continue. Heartland's growth plan apparently involves management in more dental markets in many more states - where state dental practice acts allow.

Undoubtedly, financial incentives from the State of Illinois and the City of Effingham have played a role in the expansion.

With this expansion, HDC continues to strengthen its commitment to the state of Illinois and city of Effingham. The construction, estimated to be completed by June 2013, will allow Heartland Dental Care to add up to 175 new local jobs over the next few years. In addition, with the number of out of town guests that visit the home office each year continuing to rise, commerce for local hotels, restaurants and other local businesses will increase. With the increased space and the return of the HDC Institute, HDC projects more than 7,000 local hotel rooms being booked by HDC guests each year.

"My administration is committed to putting the people of Southern Illinois to work in good-paying jobs, and companies like Heartland Dental Care are helping us do just that," Governor Quinn said. "Heartland Dental Care's expansion will create jobs in the Effingham area and help grow the economy."

Heartland Dental Care has over 4,000 employees nationwide. The company is eligible for Economic Development for a Growing Economy tax credits, which are based on job creation, and an Employer Training Incentive Program grant to help increase the skills of its workforce. The company will also benefit from being located in an Enterprise Zone. The state's business investment package, administered by the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity (DCEO), is valued at approximately $3.4 million over 10 years and is contingent on the company meeting its investment and job numbers.

Here is an embedded video of the groundbreaking ceremony:

Heartland Dental Care Adds Six Dental Practices in Wisconsin

From the press release:

Heartland Dental Care, a leading service organization, is pleased to announce its recent affiliation with Quirt Family Dentistry, a collection of six dental practices located in Central Wisconsin. This marks Heartland Dental Care's first affiliation in Wisconsin, increasing HDC's total state count to 20 and total practice count to over 360.

"We're thrilled to welcome Quirt Family Dentistry to our family; this affiliation marks another milestone in HDC's continued expansion," explained Richard E. Workman, DMD, Founder and Chief Executive Officer of Heartland Dental Care. "Quirt Family Dentistry has built a superb organization based on first-class patient care. We're proud to affiliate with them."

The affiliation, effective Friday, March 16, 2012, adds six Wisconsin practices to the HDC family, with locations in Wausau, Schofield, Merrill, Plover, Edgar and Wittenberg. The addition brings Dr. Robert Quirt and his sons Dr. Tim Quirt and Dr. Ben Quirt to the HDC family, along with Dr. Eric Gabrielsen, Dr. Bruce Beversdorf, Dr. Elizabeth Birr, Dr. Keith Simons and their teams.

Patrick C. Bauer, President and Chief Operations Officer of Heartland Dental Care added, "Not only does this addition allow HDC to break new ground in Wisconsin, but it brings a group of outstanding dental professionals to our company. They truly share HDC's vision of emphasizing patient care; the future definitely holds great things for this affiliation."

It is interesting that Heartland dental Care is expanding into other states, while the total number of dental practices under management seem to be decreasing or staying the same.

Is there some sort of consolidation going on here or are some of the practices either going back to be private dental offices or out of existence?

Maybe somebody from Heartland Dental Care can clarify as to the state of the health of their company?

Heartland Dental Care and the North Carolina Dental Board Consent Order

I had a post for Flap's Dentistry Blog regarding this flap, but because of formatting, I had to move it over to flapsblog.com.

Check out the post here.

Heartland Dental Care Acquires Neibauer Dental Corporation With 26 Offices

The consolidation of corporate dental offices continues.

Heartland Dental Care, a leading dental services organization, is pleased to announce that it has acquired Neibauer Dental Corporation (NDC), a dental practice management company which manages 26 Neibauer Dental Care offices in the Virginia and Maryland suburbs of Washington D.C.  Chris Neibauer, DDS, the principal shareholder of NDC, will continue to serve as president of NDC which will become a wholly-owned subsidiary of Heartland Dental.

"The affiliation of Neibauer Dental Care represents a significant milestone for Heartland Dental Care as we expand our presence in the Middle Atlantic States," explained Richard E. Workman, DMD, Founder and Chief Executive Officer of Heartland Dental Care.  "Dr. Neibauer and his team have built an excellent organization with which we are proud to affiliate."

The affiliation, effective Friday, September 30, 2011, was excitedly announced by Dr. Neibauer to his company. "It is my pleasure to inform you that Neibauer Dental Care has officially become a member of the Heartland Dental Care family," said Dr. Neibauer.  "Although the complete transition will take some time, we are excited that the journey has now officially begun. I am confident with Heartland Dental Care we will continue serving our patients and growing our business. Additionally, I am excited about the even greater successes that are yet to come."

Dentistry due to the economic recession has been identified as a slow growing business sector.

I cannot help but think with the bankruptcy of Allcare Dental earlier in the year and now with some acquisitions by larger corporate interests, that Heartland Dental Care is getting a good price to expand their operations into states where they have not had a presence.

If Heartland remains profitable, I look for them to acquire more offices as more and more baby boom dentists retire and sell their offices.

Heartland Dental Care Grows to 305 Offices Nationwide

Some in the heartland of the United States and some on the East Coast.

Heartland Dental Care, Inc., a leader in dental practice management, brought its total number of affiliated practices to 305 with the affiliation of seven established practices and the creation of five new dental care facilities during second quarter 2011.

The affiliations include practices in Jacksonville, Fla., Schaumburg, Ill., Spartanburg, S.C., Hendersonville, Tenn., San Antonio, Tex., Devine, Tex. and Arlington, Va. The new dental care facilities are located in O'Fallon, Mo., Chesterfield, Mo., Lakeland, Fla. and Orlando, Fla. 

"The affiliations and new starts we've added in second quarter are second to none," said Richard E. Workman, DMD, Founder and Chief Executive Officer of Heartland Dental Care, Inc. "Words cannot express how wonderful these new team members and doctors are; we are truly blessed to welcome such wonderful professionals to our Heartland Family."

Heartland's network of ever-expanding dental professionals isn't the only thing experiencing growth.  With the latest 12 additions to the Heartland Family, Heartland's footprint has also expanded into their 19th state, South Carolina. 

"Our continued goal of expansion is furthered with these 12 additions; allowing us to provide professional, personalized dental care to those in these new markets," said Patrick C. Bauer, President and Chief Operations Officer. "It's an honor to work for a company that has such a positive impact on dental professionals and patients alike."

I noticed that Aspen Dental, another corporate dentistry provider announced earlier this week that they are at 300 dental offices nationwide and twenty two states.

When I was in Indiana a few weeks ago and drove from Indianapolis towards Danville, I noticed at least five new "corporate type" dental offices in either Big Box or strip mall type shopping centers. There were also professional buildings as well, but the shopping mall offices all had brightly colored and very large signage.

I am wondering as the "Baby Boom Generation" of dentists retires and sell their practices, they are selling to companies like Heartland and Aspen?

Heartland Dental Care Begins Social Media Initiative

Interesting, since I would have thought a big practice management company would already have a large presence online. But, it is never too late.

Heartland Dental Care, a leader in dental practice management, recently stretched into the viral world of social media, utilizing Facebook, Twitter and LinkedIn to increase marketing awareness and communicate with a whole new audience.

"Further establishing our online presence is vital in allowing complete access to Heartland and providing current and prospective dental professionals the necessary tools to engage with our brand," said Nancy Pals, Director of Recruitment at Heartland Dental Care.  "With these social media additions, our reach is limitless – a factor that gives us a tremendous advantage in recruiting.  We can extend nationally or even worldwide if we want to; via multiple sources, everyone from doctors, dental students or anyone else for that matter can now learn how Heartland can best serve their needs."

With the Facebook, Twitter and LinkedIn accounts, users can find details about and apply for the latest career opportunities, stay abreast of industry news and engage with other Heartland Dental Care dentists and dental professionals.  Followers of Heartland will have access to candid discussions about Heartland and Dental Group Practice Management, clinical insights and other company specific details.

From what I have seen on this blog, they better be moderating their comments very closely. I look forward to some lively discussions regarding their practice management style and ethics.

And, besides LinkedIn, their Facebook and Twitter accounts are not active. They better get busy.....

Stay tuned.....

Heartland Dental Care - A Dissent Part Two

There seems to be information coming forward about Dr. Rick Workman and Heartland Dental Care. There are dentists who do not think their method of practice is the best. I welcome comments from Heartland or other dentists pro and con.

From the internet:

On December 29, 2004 at 11:42:47 PM 'fldmd' posted....

Here are some answers to your questions. Yes sir, my office collected 1.57 million Dollars not Pesos. I work 4 days per week 9am to 5pm. But that is nothing dollarwise compared to heartland's Dr Shanteau, by the way he was a super nice guy. He does $200,000 plus per MONTH mostly on IN medicaid in the middle of nowhere and had great team of assistants who could fill the fillings and help him do a lot of dentistry. How do I do it? I spend a lot of money on my: 1)CE and now I am a practicing MAGD, 2) technology (lasers, 2 cerecs, LVI, implants etc etc), 3) and a beautiful 10 chair (7 equipped) practice. I am in a growing area and see on average 80 plus new patients a month. Unfortunately, my state does not see the wisdom of allowing my assistants to place any of my fillings as Indiana does so I do them. I do not have to do any external marketing only internal marketing and do not participate in PPO's or HMO's or state programs. I went to several successful private practices around the country and spent many hours of time talking with those dentists and staff to find out what they did. Now, I am doing it. Anybody can. In response to the comment on my alphbet fillings from Joe. The alphabet fillings were on senior citizens with limited income. You all have them in your practice, older people who just want functioning restorations. Yes, I informed them of the options of onlays and crowns, but they did not have the finances to choose those treatments. That was considered just an excuse by their senior lackey "bulldog." How are you Bulldog? I still do three or four surface composite restorations on people who cannot afford other dental treatment options that cost more. Do you turn them away? Joe, I hope not for their sake. The month I was in trouble for not diagnosing 70% periodontal disease on my patients was the month the medicaid program kicked. They have specific benchmarks for all dental procedures and I was not in the "Thriveing office" category that month and the vast majority of my new patients were kids. And as you fellow dentists know, juvenile periodontitis is not a prevalent condition found in children. You may find higher incidence of gingivitis in that population group, but you cannot pull out the periodontal diagnosis if it is not there and all the associated treatment plan items they want you to sell like Rotadents and 500% marked up mouthwashes that were not any better than listerine. By the way, when I was there they also gave credit for anything the assistant did to the company and did not pay the doctor their 25% of x- rays, whitening kits etc. etc. I got reamed by Rick Workman for saying that they were operating under our licenses and therefore we desevered to be paid the 25% of the those procedures because if we were not there none of those procedures could be done. You do not ask questions in front of other dentists at their giant pep rallys. You are to follow the rules. Ask questions and you are a TROUBLEMAKER. Other doctors were glad I asked the question they just would not vocalize the question. They did not like the answer either by the way. And while I was there, I was one of their top 15 producing dentists according to their own statistics that came out every month and their "check it out" fax that comes to your office every day to tell you how the best offices did the day before in collections and production and performance by individual doctors. I think they put out that propaganda every day to spur on the younger dentists to try to beat each other and create competition. Did I forget to tell you all about the former dental assistants who come to your office and critique your diagnosis. Some of the younger dentists may be intimidated and stand there and listen about how they should have treatment planned this or that all the while chafing about a dental assistant telling them how to do dentistry and treatment plan more expensive treatment options. But,I did NOT care for it probably because I was older and had practiced for a while and alas again I was branded a TROUBLEMAKER even warranting another call from the big kahuna himself. I had this self-confessed "ex"-hippie with long stragly hair come to my office to evaluate it and "fix it". After a couple days of not improving the collections like she should have been doing, she decided to critique one of my treatment plans. I told her I did not remember her being in my dental school class and until she graduated dental school, passed two national board exams, and passed a state dental license exam she could limit her comments to the business side of the practice. That did not make her happy so she complained all the way up the corporate ladder and that is when I decided to leave that place. I should have done it a year earlier. But better late than never they say. In response to that guy's comment that I have a beef with Heartland. Yes, you could say I have about 26,000 reasons to have a beef with Heartland. Other dentists from my dental school told me that they were not paid on money collected after they left. So, it was not a complete surprise. My lawyer said they had been sued before and would drag a lawsuit out over a long time and I would have to come back to the area for court dates and since I was moving anyways I listened to his counsel. Live and learn. Sa la Vie. Yes, I posted my comments several times because other doctors considering working for them should know they are not always what they seem. And the only positive comments are coming from currently employed dentists who have not been there very long and really buy into that "You can't make it on own" garbage they exspouse at every CE event or "giant brownnose the big kahuna pep rally day" a.k.a corporate meeting or dentists who NEVER worked there and are HYPNOTIZED by the big kahuna or various heartland low level employees trying out brownnose each other in hopes that one of the senior lackeys or maybe even the big man himself will read their post and then they will get a star on their forehead and move up another level.... There are always diferent views and this one desrves to be heard and if a young doctor decides to go to work for them after reading this post at least he or she knows a little more than I did when I decided to work there Yes, It is true they will fire dentists for not producing a lot of dentistry. Just ask Chad. Chad Thompson, "senior lackey" ( glad you read my post Chad) and Heartland Human Resource Manager. Chad, do you remember firing that late term pregnant dentist down south back in 2000 who sued you and got her job back. Why she wanted that job was beyond me unless it was.... the health insurance maybe that was it. Did you have to hire back her mid term pregnant hygienist you let go as well?.. All in the name of shaping up that office. Or did you settle?... That office was only doing about half what the other ones were doing which is pretty good. You see, other people don't get to hear this side of heartland. and chad, I earned my MBA while at IU, so none of "your" systems were valuable to me. They are common business sales and marketing systems designed for service business, but each dental group goes to the same group meetings and has the same consultants make them a "special" system. I have worked for three different groups and the "systems" are all similar but the difference is the leadership of the organizations. The only thing positive out of my heartland experience was seeing Walter Hailey again. I knew of Walter Hailey from Harbourside dental group back east before I went to Heartland. He was a great guy and had good courses. I am sure Steve is still doing a fine job. Any more questions??

Heartland Dental Care - A Dissent

From the Internet:

They are not what they seem.
With all of this warm fuzzy propaganda about placed on this site about Heartland mostly by Heartland non dentist employees or dentists who have never worked for them, I think it is time for a different point of view to be heard.
You all should know that Heartland Dental is not a wonderful place to work or to try to emulate.
They will gladly fire doctors for not producing the desired amount of dentistry or doing everything their way. Just ask the dentists they let go. There are plenty of them out there. That is why they recruit heavily from dental schools. The younger dentists need jobs and have a lot of debt. They work for 2 to 3 years with them, then wise up and leave. Additionally, they send former assistants to the offices and if they catch you doing a MODB restoration. God help you. They are on the phone to report you, because that is NOT the Heartland Way. Then you would get a call from one of the lackeys saying "We do not do "Alphabet fillings at Heartland," so Dr. don't do that again."
And it does not matter if your clinical training and education tells you that was the best restoration for that situation. You do it their way all the time, no exceptions or you hit the highway. If you continue to practice dentistry your dental school trained way, then you recieve more phone calls from progressively more important lackeys without dental school educations who tell you to shape up or ship out!
Its true. If you do not believe it, find dentists who use to work there AND are now out on their own. Ask around.
I worked for three dental groups in different areas of the country before finding where I wanted to live and some groups treat you very well, while others will call you out on the carpet if you do not diagnose 70% of your patients with periodontal disease. What if most of your patients were kids or young adults that month? It does NOT matter! That is Not the Heartland Way.
Also, when I left Heartland I found out that they did not pay me my percentage of collections as they were supposed to do. But, I had already heard that from other doctors who left before me so there was no surprise.
Before you go to work with them make sure you have looked at starting or buying your own practice or becoming a partner. They are much better options. I truly wish I had started my own practice earlier. I work less and make five times as much money. My private practice collected 1.5 million last year. Second year in private practice. Heartland likes to tell you that independent dental practices are not a good option for you. They tell you that you should do the dentistry their way and leave the managing and the majority of the profits to them. That is nonsense! Managing your own practice is not neurosurgery. It just takes common sense and treating people by the Golden Rule. Be right rather than focusing on being rich and the money Will come to you, and you will fill better about the way you earned it.
At the very least if you have to work for Heartland because there seems to be no other options coming out of dental school, just use Heartland as a stepping stone and have a lawyer review your contract and do not agree to 25 mile noncompete clauses.
Workman once asked me if I would rather be rich or right. He said he would rather be rich. I told him I would rather be both. He did not like my answer. It does not matter now, because now I am both. And you can and will be if you choose to be both too. Your future is very bright and you DO NOT need Heartland to have it!
Don't buy all that propaganda.
Caveat Emptor

Sooooo... what say you dentists? Did Heartland and Rick Workman treat you right or wrong?