Rick Workman, DMD set out to practice dentistry in 1980 with little hint of the impact he’d have on the industry. More than 40 years later, Dr. Workman has helped to change the landscape of dentistry with his innovative thinking, leaving an indelible impact on the field.

Dr. Workman opened his first dental office in the birthplace of Heartland Dental – Effingham, Illinois, and another office followed 15 months later. Pursuing his passion for dentistry came with 55 hours a week delivering patient care and an additional 30 hours on the business side of operations. As Dr. Workman continued to grow his dental career, he knew there had to be a better way for himself and future dentists to practice.

In 1982, Dr. Workman first introduced other dentists to the potential opportunities of high quality, non-clinical administrative support. With the help of a growing team of inventive professionals, he crafted the company, known today as Heartland Dental, into a world-class dental support organization. Heartland Dental provides an array of support services to more than 2,700 dentists in more than 1,700 supported offices in 39 states and is growing 10-15 percent per year. Today, Dr. Workman continues to be actively involved with the company as the Executive Chairman.

Prior to founding Heartland Dental in 1997 and introducing dentists across the country to the highest quality non-clinical administrative support, Dr. Workman practiced dentistry for nearly 20 years. In 2003, he was recognized by Ernst and Young as Entrepreneur of the Year and in 2017 as the second most influential person in dentistry by Incisal Edge magazine. He also helped establish the Association of Dental Support Organizations (ADSO).

Dr. Workman remains a strong advocate for professional development, devoting his time to providing leadership advice through speaking engagements and supporting many dental schools. In 2022, Dr.Workman donated $32MM to help establish the Workman School of Dental Medicine at High Point University where he currently serves as the Innovator in Residence and as a member of the school’s inaugural Board of Advisors.

Dr. Workman is a 1977 graduate of Southern Illinois University and a 1980 graduate of the Southern Illinois University School of Dental Medicine. Dr. Workman has been married to his wife Angie Workman for 25 years, and together they have 4 college-aged children.