Dr. Ira B. Lamster received his D.D.S. from the State University of New York at Stony Brook (1977), his M.M.Sc. from Harvard University (1980) and a Certificate of Special Training in Periodontology from the Harvard School of Dental Medicine (1980). Dr. Lamster served as Dean of the Columbia University College of Dental Medicine from 2001 to 2012, and Senior Vice President of Columbia University Medical Center from 2006 to 2012. He was on the faculty of the Mailman School of Public Health, Department of Health Policy and Management, from 2012 to 2017. Dr. Lamster is currently Dean Emeritus, Columbia University College of Dental Medicine, a Clinical Professor on the faculty of the Stony Brook University, School of Dental Medicine, and a member of the Santa Fe Group.

Dr. Lamster is the author of more than 200 manuscripts and book chapters. He served as Editor-in-Chief of the International Dental Journal from 2015 until 2021. Dr. Lamster’s research efforts have focused on diagnostic testing and risk assessment for periodontal disease, the interrelationship of periodontal disease and systemic disease, the oral health care needs of older adults, and the future of dental education and practice.

Stephen E. Thorne IV, BA, MHA is the Founder and CEO of PDS Health®, which continues the vision started by Pacific Dental Services® in 1994. Based in Henderson,Nevada, PDS Health is redefining healthcare by integrating dental and medical services, enhancing operations and care delivery for nearly 1,000 dental, dental specialty, and primary care practices across 24 states. This approach,centered on the connection between oral health and overall health, aims to create healthier, happier patients and set new benchmarks in the healthcare industry.Under Mr. Thorne’s leadership, PDS Health has become a leader in promoting the Mouth-Body Connection®,advocating for enhanced collaboration between dental and medical professionals to improve patient outcomes and reduce overall healthcare costs. The company was the first large dental organization to implement Epic®, the largest electronic health record system in the U.S., revolutionizing patient data exchange and care coordination across its network.Mr. Thorne’s influence extends beyond company operations to significant contributions within health care education, scientific research, and policy. He has held positions on several prestigious boards, promoting the integration of oral health and medical care, and has been recognized with an honorary Doctor of Humane Letters from A.T. Still University.Residing in Nevada with his wife and family, Mr. Thorne continues to drive healthcare innovation, demonstrating a lifelong commitment to advancing the field.

Dr. Sulman Ahmed is the Founder, Chairman, and CEO of DECA Dental Group, the holding company for the consumer-facing brand Ideal Dental. He is the influential leader shaping and motivating DECA’s strategy and culture. In 2008, Dr. Ahmed opened his first dental office with a vow to establish a genuinely patient-centered model. Today, the rapidly growing brand has around 200 locations in nine states and serves around 3,000 guests daily.

His natural ability to scout talent and cultivate strong leaders has allowed him to architect a first-class organization of leaders from the top down. Under his leadership, DECA has become a vanguard as one of the industry’s fastest-growing and well-respected organizations, earning numerous honors, awards, and recognitions.

In his personal career, he has achieved many honors and awards, including receiving The University of Texas at Dallas Distinguished Alumni Award (2024). He has also been named the EY Entrepreneur of the Year (2017), one of Glassdoor’s Top CEOs (2021) with a 98% approval rating, and one of Dallas Business Journal’s Most Admired CEOs (2023). He is also an in-demand national leadership, entrepreneurial, and motivational conference speaker.

More recently, he garnered the Silver Stevie Award for People-Focused CEO of the Year and became an official member of the Forbes Business Council. He is also a newly published author with his book, “Make Them Smile: Why Customer Satisfaction Is the Key to Rapid and Sustainable Growth” by Dr. Sulman Ahmed. It’s a must-read for professionals seeking rapid and sustainable growth.

He earned his Doctor of Dental Medicine degree from the Tufts University School of Dental Medicine, where he now serves as the Chair of the Board of Advisors as of 2024. He also serves as President of the Association of Dental Support Organizations (ADSO), the premier association for businesses in the dental industry.

Dr. Ahmed’s exceptional leadership qualities stem from his unwavering commitment to DECA, his partnerships, and the wider community. This dedication sets him apart as a trailblazer and industry leader.