#4 – Chris Salierno, Chief Dental Officer at Tend

Chris Salierno’s Path to Tend

Chris Salierno’s dental career began in the traditional path of most dentists. Graduating two decades ago, he worked in various dental practices before opening his own in 2010. His career took a significant turn when he became the chief editor of Dental Economics magazine, a role he held for seven years. In 2020, Chris was approached by Tend to become their first Chief Dental Officer. Intrigued by Tend’s innovative approach, Chris sold his practice and joined the team to help revolutionize the dental industry.

What is Tend?

Tend is a dental practice that offers a full range of services including hygiene, general dentistry, and specialties like oral surgery and orthodontics. Operating in urban markets such as New York City, Boston, Atlanta, DC, and Nashville, Tend stands out by creating each location from scratch. This approach allows them to provide a curated patient experience from the first interaction. Each Tend practice is designed to eliminate common pain points in dentistry, offering a seamless and pleasant experience.

The Tend Experience

From the moment patients interact with Tend, whether booking an appointment or verifying insurance, the goal is to provide a unique and pain-free experience. Unlike traditional dental offices, Tend locations are designed to be calming and welcoming. This distinct approach stems from the fragmented nature of the dental industry, where many practices offer varying levels of patient care and experience. By building each practice anew, Tend ensures a consistent, high-quality experience across all their locations.

Technology and Financial Transparency

A significant part of Tend’s success is its integration of technology. Each location is equipped with state-of-the-art dental tech, including interaural scanners and a cloud-based practice management system. This uniform tech stack ensures a seamless experience for patients, even if they visit multiple Tend locations. Financial transparency is also crucial, and Tend’s partnership with Cedar automates the process of sharing payment options, making dental care more accessible and affordable.

Expansion and Future Plans

Tend is rapidly growing, with plans to expand beyond its current markets. New Jersey and additional locations in New York and Boston are on the horizon. Tend’s strategy focuses on major metropolitan areas that are typically underserved by group practices. This expansion aims to bring their unique brand of dental care to more urban locations, maintaining the high standards and patient-centric approach that have fueled their success.

Advice for Aspiring Dentists

Chris Salierno offers valuable advice for those starting their careers in dentistry: pay attention to the human beings connected to the teeth you are treating. Developing soft skills is just as important as mastering dental techniques. Building strong patient relationships and understanding their needs is crucial in providing excellent care. As dentistry increasingly integrates with overall health, these skills will become even more vital.

Conclusion

Tend is transforming the dental industry with its innovative approach, focusing on technology and exceptional patient experiences. Under Chris Salierno’s leadership, Tend continues to grow and expand, setting new standards in urban dental care. Their commitment to financial transparency and patient-centric services ensures they remain at the forefront of the industry. Aspiring dentists can look to Tend’s model as a beacon of what modern dental care can achieve.