Lead a Growing, High-Performance Dental Organization
Seeking an experienced Director of Operations to partner directly with the owner-doctor and lead the operational performance of a growing general, implant, and sedation practice in Lexington, NC. We are scaling toward becoming the premier full-arch and implant destination in the Triad, built around comprehensive digital, same-day care.
This is not a traditional office manager position.
We are not looking for someone to answer phones, put out fires, and keep the trains running. We are looking for a proven leader who can build systems, develop people, drive accountability, improve profitability, and create an exceptional patient and team experience. The ideal candidate is energized by leadership and operational excellence, thrives in a fast-paced environment, and has a track record of helping organizations scale.
In this role you will serve as the #2 to the owner-doctor — the operational leader of the practice — freeing the owner to focus on clinical excellence, surgery, strategic growth, and family priorities.
What You'll Be Responsible For
Leadership & Culture
- Lead, coach, and develop department leads and team members across clinical and administrative roles
- Drive a culture of accountability, ownership, professionalism, and continuous improvement, anchored in our four core values
- Conduct regular one-on-one meetings, performance reviews, and team huddles
- Resolve team conflict and address performance issues promptly and professionally
- Recruit, hire, onboard, and retain top talent
Operations & Systems
- Build, document, and continuously improve standard operating procedures (SOPs)
- Create scalable systems that reduce day-to-day dependency on the owner-doctor
- Own scheduling efficiency and block-scheduling optimization across providers
- Monitor daily operations, identify bottlenecks, and ensure consistent execution across departments
- Lead implementation of new technologies, clinical and digital workflows, and practice initiatives
Financial Performance
- Manage budgets, payroll, overhead, vendor relationships, and key financial metrics
- Monitor production, collections, case acceptance, hygiene performance, and supply spend
- Identify opportunities to improve profitability while protecting the patient experience
- Develop, track, and report KPIs for every department on a consistent scorecard
Patient Experience
- Ensure every patient receives an exceptional, five-star experience
- Monitor patient feedback, reviews, and satisfaction metrics, and act on them
- Improve communication systems and service standards across the patient journey
- Partner with clinical leadership to improve patient outcomes, treatment acceptance, and retention
Strategic Growth
- Execute organizational goals and quarterly initiatives
- Support practice growth — including our implant and full-arch service line — through operational excellence
- Lead special projects and expansion initiatives
- Serve as the primary operational partner and right hand to the owner-doctor
Qualifications
Required
- Minimum 3 years of leadership experience in dental, healthcare, or multi-location service organizations
- Proven experience leading and managing teams of 10+ employees
- Strong financial acumen — experience managing budgets, overhead, and KPIs
- Demonstrated experience building systems, workflows, and operational processes
- A track record of improving team performance and organizational results
- Excellent communication and leadership skills, high emotional intelligence, and strong conflict-resolution ability
Preferred
- Dental or multi-provider practice management experience
- Experience managing department managers or a leadership team
- Familiarity with an operating system such as EOS / Traction, Scaling Up, Lean, or Six Sigma (we run on EOS — we can train and coach the right leader on it)
- Bachelor's degree in Business, Healthcare Administration, or a related field
The Right Person
You may be a great fit if you:
- Naturally take ownership instead of making excuses
- Enjoy solving problems and improving systems
- Can hold people accountable while maintaining trust and respect
- Are highly organized and execution-oriented
- Think strategically but are willing to roll up your sleeves
- Are comfortable having difficult conversations
- Want to build something meaningful rather than simply maintain the status quo
You are probably not a fit if you:
- Avoid accountability conversations
- Need constant direction
- Prefer administration over leadership
- Become overwhelmed by change or growth
Compensation & Benefits
- Base salary of $70,000–$100,000, based on experience and proven performance
- Performance-based bonus tied to practice KPIs and growth
- Paid time off
- Continuing education and leadership development
- Clear opportunity for long-term growth within the organization
Exceptional candidates with extensive dental operations leadership experience may be considered above this base range.
To Apply
Please submit your resume along with a brief cover letter telling us what attracted you to this opportunity and the operational improvement you are most proud of implementing.
Pay: $70,000.00 - $100,000.00 per year
Benefits:
- 401(k) matching
- Dental insurance
- Family leave
- Health insurance
- Paid time off
- Professional development assistance
Work Location: In person
