Heartland Dental at a glance
Who owns Heartland Dental
KKR agreed in March 2018 to acquire a majority interest in Heartland Dental from Ontario Teachers’ Pension Plan and other shareholders, with Ontario Teachers’, founder Rick Workman, management and supported dentists remaining significant shareholders; the deal closed April 30, 2018.
Trades, footprint and model
Trades: General dentistry (dental support organization)
Footprint: 1,900+ supported locations and 3,000+ doctors in 39 states plus DC, per its January 2026 release, which also reported 33 affiliations and 60 practices added via Smile Design Dentistry in 2025.
Model: Heartland is a dental support organization (DSO): it provides non-clinical support (staffing, marketing, purchasing, systems) to affiliated practices, which it adds through affiliations and de novo offices.
Dated timeline
| Date | Event | Source |
|---|---|---|
| 2018-03-07 | KKR agrees to acquire a majority interest from Ontario Teachers' | |
| 2018-04-30 | Heartland Dental and KKR finalize the majority interest deal | |
| 2026-01-28 | 2025 growth release: 33 affiliations plus 60 practices via Smile Design Dentistry |
What they say they look for
Its releases emphasize affiliations with established general practices and continued de novo openings. It does not publish size thresholds or pricing on the pages we reviewed; expect a DSO structure with an employment term for the selling dentist.
Questions to ask if Heartland Dental approaches you
- Platform or add-on?
It sets the multiple range. Ask directly which one you would be.
- Cash at close vs rollover vs earn-out
Get the split in dollars. Ask how rollover equity is valued and when it can be sold. See rollover equity.
- Your role and for how long
Employment term, non-compete length and territory, and what happens if you leave early.
- What happens to your brand, people and customers
Get commitments on staff pay, benefits and brand in writing if they matter to you.
- Sponsor timeline
When did the current owner invest, and when do they expect to sell? It affects your rollover payout.
Comparable acquirers
TradeExit Guide is not affiliated with, endorsed by, or paid by Heartland Dental or any acquirer. This profile uses only public sources linked above. Request a correction.
Got a letter from this buyer? Get the offer-review checklist
Twelve questions to ask any acquirer before you share numbers or sign an LOI.
Frequently asked questions
Who owns Heartland Dental?
KKR agreed in March 2018 to acquire a majority interest in Heartland Dental from Ontario Teachers’ Pension Plan and other shareholders, with Ontario Teachers’, founder Rick Workman, management and supported dentists remaining significant shareholders; the deal closed April 30, 2018.
Is TradeExit Guide affiliated with Heartland Dental?
No. We have no relationship with any acquirer and take no fees from buyers or sellers.
Sources
- Heartland Dental - KKR agrees to acquire a majority interest from Ontario Teachers' (accessed 2026-09-23)
- Heartland Dental - Heartland Dental and KKR finalize the majority interest deal (accessed 2026-09-23)
- Heartland Dental - 2025 growth release: 33 affiliations plus 60 practices via Smile Desig (accessed 2026-09-23)