In 2016, Heartland Dental introduced the Doctor Mastery Program (DMP) with one clear goal: to help supported general dentists reach new heights, personally and professionally. As we mark a decade of the DMP, we celebrate not only its longevity but all of the doctors who have stepped into deeper clinical excellence, leadership, and impact through this five-to-seven-year journey.
More than 50 supported doctors have completed the program since its launch, earning the distinction of DMP graduates. Along the way, they’ve achieved AGD Fellowship, mentored peers, and transformed patient care in their offices, all while embracing Heartland Dental’s vision for long-term, sustainable success.
A Vision with Purpose
The Doctor Mastery Program was the vision of Founder and Executive Chairman, Rick Workman, DMD, who believed that exceptional dentistry comes not just from skill, but from empowered, lifelong learners. While Heartland Dental has always offered access to extensive continuing education, DMP took it further: a five-to-seven-year journey open to all supported doctors, blending elite CE, mentorship, and milestone achievements, including up to $250,000 in total bonuses for those who complete it.
At its core, DMP is about more than credentials. It’s about growth. Supported doctors who step into this program often walk away with sharpened clinical skills, stronger leadership presence, and a renewed sense of purpose.
“DMP Is a Gift That Keeps on Giving” – Qais Musmar, DDS, FAGD
When Dr. Musmar, first enrolled in DMP, some of his peers asked why he’d do it. But for him, the answer became clear early on.
“Once you go through the process, you realize the advantage is in the journey,” he shared. “It expands your mindset and helps you break free of doing the same things over and over.”
Through DMP, Dr. Musmar explored lasers, advanced bone grafting techniques, and procedures he once thought were outside his comfort zone. The growth wasn’t just clinical, though. It transformed the way he led his team.
“To grow your business, you have to be a leader in your practice. DMP opened my eyes to what’s possible, not just as a clinician, but as a leader in dentistry. With the knowledge you gain from achieving the award you not only gain the initial financial prize, but for the rest of your career you, your team and your practice will never stop growing! And over time that initial financial reward becomes insignificant compared to the growth of the practice!”
His advice? Don’t wait.
“I wish I had done it right out of dental school instead of waiting until I was older. You have nothing to lose by signing up but everything to gain.”
“It Became an Office Goal” – Lauren Stone, DMD, FAGD
For Dr. Stone, of Brownsboro Station Dental Care, DMP helped her take on challenges she once hesitated to pursue, like adding implants to her scope of care.
“The DMP pushed me to take more advanced CE, treat comprehensive cases, and say YES to more procedures,” she said.
But it wasn’t just her growth, it was her team’s.
“DMP motivated me to not only work on myself, but to create a commitment to my team to lead well. It became an office-wide goal.”
Dr. Stone credits DMP with helping her collaborate better with her RMO, PMO, and team, leading to a culture shift that impacted patients too.
“It allowed our practice to grow both as individuals and collectively. The result? A better overall experience for our patients.”
“I Wouldn’t Change a Thing” – Jacob Berger, DMD, FAGD
For Dr. Berger of Smiles at Lakewood Ranch, the Doctor Mastery Program arrived at just the right time in his career, when he was searching for direction and structure after dental school.
“The DMP gave me a clear set of goals, which kept me motivated and growing,” he shared. “It pushed me to take on challenges I might not have pursued on my own.”
In addition to strengthening his clinical expertise, DMP helped him develop a stronger business mindset and long-term vision for his career.
“Looking back five years later, I’m genuinely glad I did it, I wouldn’t change a thing.”
The Journey Continues
As DMP enters its second decade, the mission remains the same: to help build a community of confident, capable supported doctors who are committed to excellence.
Whether you’re just starting out or considering your next big challenge, the Doctor Mastery Program offers more than CE, it offers a path to mastery, surrounded by mentors, systems, and a support network that believes in your potential.