Are DSOs getting the best team members?
In this new Dentistry Unmasked, we invited Dr. Chris Salierno and Laura Bettencourt, BSDH, to share their take on whether small practices can compete with DSO. They both have vast experience working in both settings. Spoiler alert! Private practices can attract the best team members and you may be surprised to learn what the best team members are seeking!
More Dentistry Unmasked
Picking the right financial team
Is fluoride all it's cracked up to be?
About sponsored guest Chris Salierno, DDSDr. Chris Salierno is a general dentist from Long Island, New York. He graduated from Stony Brook School of Dental Medicine in 2005. Dr. Salierno has served as the national president of the American Student Dental Association, Chair of the ADA New Dentist Committee, and as president of his local dental society. He lectures internationally on clinical dentistry, practice management, and leadership development. His material can be viewed on his blog, The Curious Dentist. In 2017 he became a chief development officer with the Cellerant Consulting Group. He was the chief editor of Dental Economics from 2014 to 2021. In 2021, he became the chief dental officer at Tend.
About sponsored guest Laura Bettencourt, BSDH, RDH
Laura Bettencourt, BSDH, RDH, has more than 15 years of clinical experience in the New England area. She is one of the cofounders of Diamond Dental Hygiene Career Coaching and is a board member of the NHDHA. Her expertise lies in fostering human connections, building relationships, advancing careers, and leading teams. Laura has actively contributed to the development and implementation of various programs, including those related to compliance, hygiene excellence, and periodontal protocols. As a mindset hygiene career coach, she takes great joy in guiding and empowering her clients to attain the confidence and clarity they desire. Laura is deeply committed to education, mentorship, and promoting a positive attitude in all aspects of life. For inquiries, contact her at [email protected].
Related links
@hello_tend
@the_curious_dentist
@diamonddentalcoaching
@lbett414
About the Author

Pamela Maragliano, DMD
Pamela Maragliano, DMD, is the chief editor of Dental Economics. Based in Salem, Massachusetts, Dr. Maragliano began her clinical career as a dental hygienist. She went on to attend Tufts University School of Dental Medicine, where she earned her doctorate in dental medicine. She then attended the University of California, Los Angeles, School of Dental Medicine, where she became board-certified in prosthodontics. Dr. Maragliano owns a private practice, Salem Dental Arts, and lectures on a variety of clinical topics. You may contact her at [email protected].
David R. Rice, DDS
Chief editor
Founder of the nation’s largest student and new-dentist community, igniteDDS, David R. Rice, DDS, travels the world speaking, writing, and connecting today’s top young dentists with tomorrow’s most successful dental practices. He is the editorial director of DentistryIQ and leads a team-centered restorative and implant practice in East Amherst, New York. With 27 years of practice in the books, Dr. Rice is trained at the Pankey Institute, the Dawson Academy, Spear Education, and most prolifically at the school of hard knocks. Contact him at [email protected].

Chris Salierno, DDS
Chief Editor, Dental Economics
Chris Salierno, DDS, is the chief editor of Dental Economics and the editorial director of the Principles of Practice Management and Group Practice and DSO Digest e-newsletters. He is also a contributing author for DentistryIQ and Perio-Implant Advisory. He lectures and writes about practice management and clinical dentistry. He maintains a blog to answer patient questions at ToothQuest. Dr. Salierno maintains a private general practice in Melville, New York. You may contact him at [email protected].
Updated Dec. 4, 2020

Laura Bettencourt, BSDH, RDH
Laura Bettencourt, BSDH, RDH, has more than 15 years of clinical experience in the New England area. She is one of the cofounders of Diamond Dental Hygiene Career Coaching and is a board member of the NHDHA. Her expertise lies in fostering human connections, building relationships, advancing careers, and leading teams. Laura has actively contributed to the development and implementation of various programs, including those related to compliance, hygiene excellence, and periodontal protocols. As a mindset hygiene career coach, she takes great joy in guiding and empowering her clients to attain the confidence and clarity they desire. Laura is deeply committed to education, mentorship, and promoting a positive attitude in all aspects of life. For inquiries, contact her at [email protected].