Milwaukee, May 5, 2025 — ACT Dental, a leader in coaching and education for private dental practices, has announced its merger with Smile Source, the nation’s premier private practice dental network. The union of these two organizations aims to support the growth and success of independent dentistry across the country.
Dr. Barrett Straub, the new CEO of Smile Source, expressed his excitement about the merger. “As a private practice owner for nearly 20 years, I am honored to take on the role of CEO. This partnership allows us to create a community that empowers dentists to lead smarter, healthier, and more independent practices,” he said. Kirk Behrendt, the Founder and Visionary of ACT Dental, echoed Straub’s sentiment, emphasizing the shared mission of both organizations.
The merger combines ACT Dental’s expertise in coaching and education with Smile Source’s extensive network and operational resources. Together, they are building a community focused on supporting private practitioners. Dentists and their teams will gain access to enhanced tools, additional support, and more opportunities for growth, all while maintaining the high-quality services and relationships they rely on.
“We are merging our expertise, resources, and networks to better serve our members,” said Dr. Jeff Osborne, Chief Dental Officer of Smile Source. “This alliance positions us to help our members not just survive, but thrive in an ever-changing industry.”
The partnership also reflects both organizations’ commitment to people-first leadership and collaborative innovation. By combining ACT Dental’s proven coaching methods with Smile Source’s national network and buying power, the merger ensures that independent dental practices can maintain clinical autonomy and business sustainability in a dynamic dental environment.
While the merger brings new opportunities, current services, coaching plans, and membership benefits will continue without disruption. The two organizations are excited to enhance their offerings, marking the start of a new chapter focused on the future of independent dentistry.
