Accelerate Dental's Resource Library

In the latest episode of Dentistry Unmasked, Mike Baird, CEO of Accelerate Dental, delves into the ongoing debate over who should hold the reins of dental care—individual practitioners or corporate entities. Baird, known for his innovative approach to dental partnerships, discusses the challenges and opportunities within the dental industry, emphasizing the importance of maintaining quality care amidst evolving business models. This thought-provoking conversation offers valuable insights for dental professionals and stakeholders aiming to understand the shifting dynamics of dental practice ownership and patient care.

Michael Baird serves as CEO and Founder of Accelerate Dental, a next gen Dental Partnership Organization which empowers dentists to be the primary beneficiaries of the financial upside on their practices. Prior to that, Michael served as CEO for Henry Schein One, the world leader in dental practice management software. Prior to Henry Schein One, he was founder and CEO of Avizia and served as President of Amwell after Avizia was acquired in 2018. Michael led Amwell to become the largest provider of telehealth technology and services in the country and a successful IPO in 2020. Additionally, Michael is the winner of the 2018 E&Y Entrepreneur of the Year award. Michael holds a BS degree in accounting from Brigham Young University, an MBA with distinction from the Kellogg School of Management at Northwestern University.

Join the winners of the 2025 ‘Emerging Dental Groups to Watch’ in this exclusive panel discussion.

EGTW Panelists include:

Phil Cassis – Providence Dental Partners
Dr. Viren Patel – Smile Obsession
Mike Baird – Accelerate Dental Group
Dr. Sean Tomalty – EKOS Dental Group
Dr. Bradley Hughes – Vision Dental Partners
Mark Censoprano – MAX Surgical Specialty Management

Learning Objectives:

Identify the strategies used by emerging dental groups to ensure sustained growth.
Discover the key factors contributing to their success and the significant challenges they face.
Understand how their core philosophy drives their achievements and guides their practices.
Explore methods they use to empower and motivate their dental teams.
Examine both their short-term and long-term goals to understand their vision for the future.
Get answers to your questions

Jonathan Moffat is joined by Mike Baird and Kyle Welch for a candid look at the current state of Dental Service Organization (DSOs) and private equity in dentistry. They break down what is really happening behind the scenes, from debt structures and recap risks, to why some DSOs are thriving while others are stalling out. Whether you are already sold, still considering your options, or just want clarity in a shifting landscape, this conversation pulls back the curtain and offers a grounded perspective on what’s next.

Accelerate Dental aims to keep dentists as entrepreneurs rather than employees. The rise of DSOs has changed the dental practice landscape significantly. Ownership is crucial for optimal patient care and practice management. Mike Baird’s background in healthcare and technology informs his approach to dental partnerships. Dentists often feel isolated in their profession, lacking support systems. Accelerate Dental provides a model that allows dentists to retain control of their practices. The importance of community and collaboration in the dental field is emphasized. Dentists need access to business expertise to run successful practices. The model of Accelerate Dental is designed to attract entrepreneurial-minded dentists. Maintaining the heart of dentistry is essential for patient care and practice culture.