DSO General Dentistry

DECA Dental Group (Ideal Dental)

Dallas, TX Est. 2008 decadental.com

Practices: 200+
States: 8
Ownership: Private Equity

About DECA Dental Group (Ideal Dental)

DECA Dental Group is a Dallas-based, clinician-founded and clinician-led dental service organization that has been delivering high-quality dental care to patients since 2008, actively expanding its footprint coast-to-coast under the consumer brand Ideal Dental. Their vision is to be the premier provider of dental services under one roof while being the first choice for dentists and staff seeking a partner for growth, innovation, and learning.

Leadership

Dr. Sulman Ahmed Founder / Chairman / CEO

Dr. Sulman Ahmed is the Founder, Chairman, and CEO of DECA Dental Group. In 2008, he opened his first dental office with a vow to establish a genuinely patient-centered model. Today, the rapidly growing brand includes around 200 locations across nine states, serving approximately 3,000 guests every day. He earned his Doctor of Dental Medicine degree from Tufts University School of Dental Medicine, where he now serves as Chair of the Board of Advisors, and serves as President of the Association of Dental Support Organizations (ADSO).

EY Entrepreneur of the Year 2017; Glassdoor Top CEO 2021

Dr. Chris Swayden Chief Dental Officer

Dr. Chris Swayden is the Chief Dental Officer at DECA Dental Group, bringing a deep background in comprehensive dentistry with a strong focus on clinical excellence. He earned his dental degree from Nova Southeastern University and completed hundreds of hours of advanced continuing education in implant dentistry, pediatric dentistry, endodontics, and orthodontics. Prior to joining DECA in a leadership capacity, he built fourteen successful de novo dental locations. His leadership philosophy centers on compassion, excellence, and genuine connection, and as CDO he is committed to elevating clinical outcomes and supporting doctors at every stage of their careers.

Dr. Rodney Alles Clinical Leader & Partner

Dr. Rodney Alles is one of DECA Dental's founding partners, having collaborated with Dr. Sulman Ahmed from the organization's earliest days to form the foundation of their clinician-led DSO model. A highly regarded dental professional with over 10 years of clinical experience, Dr. Alles has a unique skill set for developing and integrating procedures and building systems that keep patients satisfied and practices profitable. He attended the University of Oklahoma for both undergraduate and dental school, and is a member of the Texas Dental Association, American Dental Association, American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry, and the Academy of General Dentistry.