NASHVILLE, TN (September 9, 2025): Bailey & Company announced today that it served as financial advisor to Smile Design Dentistry, a leading Florida-based dental support organization (DSO) and portfolio company of Tenex Capital Management, on its acquisition by Heartland Dental, one of the first, and now largest, DSOs supporting over 3,100 doctors in more than 1,880 locations across 39 states and the District of Columbia.
The transaction with Smile Design Dentistry expands Heartland Dental’s network of supporting offices in Florida, a growing region with increasing oral care needs among families, aging adults and seniors. Since Smile Design Dentistry’s founding over 20 years ago, Dr. Mili Patel, Chief Dental Officer and Sachin Patel, CEO, have worked to build a strong presence across Florida with a culture rooted in collaboration and growth. Together with their team, Smile Design Dentistry shares Heartland Dental’s commitment to a doctor-led culture and comprehensive support model. With a strong network of 60 high-quality supported practices across Central Florida and the Tampa Bay area, Smile Design Dentistry supported offices provide comprehensive dental services, including preventative, restorative, cosmetic, emergency, pediatric, and specialty dentistry.
“Dr. Mili Patel and I started Smile Design Dentistry with the belief that the best patient care starts with empowered doctors and supported teams,” said Sachin Patel, CEO of Smile Design Dentistry. “This transaction with Heartland Dental allows us to stay true to that mission while gaining access to enhanced resources and technology, joining a support network that will elevate Smile Design Dentistry practices and enhance the careers of our team members. The strategic insights and deep knowledge of the DSO market from the Bailey & Company team were essential to helping us achieve this strategic outcome.”
“The combination of Smile Design Dentistry and Heartland Dental positions the strengthened organization for continued success across one of the nation’s most attractive geographies,” said Ben Matz, managing director at Bailey & Company. “The strategic alignment and shared focus on doctors and patients create a strong foundation for enduring achievement in the years ahead.”
B. Riley Securities acted a co-advisor to Smile Design Dentistry on this transaction.
Bailey & Company is a Nashville-based merchant banking platform focused on middle market healthcare companies in the healthcare services, healthcare technology, payer services, and pharma services & life sciences sectors. As one of the largest independent, sector-focused investment banking and investing platforms in the country, Bailey & Company supports strong management teams that have built scalable platforms by providing strategic insights, world-class advice, and access to one of the most diverse networks of industry experts. For more information see: www.bnco.com
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