Effingham, Ill. – October 02, 2026 -- Heartland Dental, the nation's largest dental support organization, has closed its affiliation with Foundation Dental Partners, adding 33 supported practices across Georgia, Tennessee, South Carolina and Kentucky to its network.
Heartland Dental extends its Southeast footprint through the Foundation affiliation
The transaction brings Foundation Dental Partners' doctor-led practices under Heartland Dental's support umbrella, giving affiliated doctors access to Heartland Dental University's clinical and leadership development programs along with operations, marketing, technology, payor relations, human resources and procurement services.
Deal follows a 13-month run of expansion for the DSO
Heartland Dental has welcomed Smile Design Dentistry with 60 supported practices and Inspire Dental Group with nearly two dozen solo practices over the past 13 months. Its De Novo program has opened 51 offices in 2026, targeting 68 by year-end.
Technology access expands for Foundation's supported practices
Foundation Dental Partners' doctors will gain access to Heartland Dental's clinical technology stack, including artificial intelligence powered by VideaAI, digital scanning and aligner systems, and established supply and laboratory partnerships.
"Foundation Dental Partners has established an exceptional network of high-quality supported doctors and practices with a strong reputation for providing world-class dental experiences throughout the Southeast," said Pat Bauer, President and CEO of Heartland Dental.
Advisors on both sides finalized the transaction terms
Ropes & Gray LLP advised Heartland Dental on the deal. Truist Securities served as lead financial advisor and DLA Piper LLP served as legal counsel to Foundation Dental Partners.
Heartland Dental, majority owned by KKR, now affiliates with over 3,200 doctors across more than 1,960 locations in 39 states and the District of Columbia.