Chief Dental Officer – Dental Implant Technology | Chicago, IL

Are you a strategic clinical leader with deep expertise in dental implantology and a passion for advancing patient care? We are seeking a visionary Chief Dental Officer (CDO) to lead innovation and excellence in dental implant technology at a rapidly growing dental organization in Chicago, IL. This is a unique opportunity to shape clinical standards, drive technological adoption, and mentor a team of dental professionals committed to transforming smiles and lives.

Drive the Future of Dental Implant Care in Chicago

A forward-thinking dental organization headquartered in Chicago, IL is looking for an experienced Chief Dental Officer (CDO) to lead its clinical strategy in dental implant services. The ideal candidate will bring extensive knowledge in implant dentistry, proven leadership in clinical operations, and a collaborative mindset to bridge clinical quality with business growth. If you’re passionate about patient-centered care, cutting-edge implant solutions, and building high-performing dental teams—this is your next career-defining opportunity.

Key Responsibilities of the Chief Dental Officer (CDO) – Dental Implant Technology

Clinical Strategy & Vision: Lead the development and execution of the organization’s clinical strategy focused on dental implantology. Establish best practices in patient care, treatment protocols, and clinical innovations that position the organization as a leader in implant dentistry.

Operational & Clinical Excellence: Oversee all clinical operations, ensuring quality standards, regulatory compliance, and operational efficiency across dental practices. Drive the implementation of advanced implant procedures and technologies to improve patient outcomes and clinical workflows.

Innovation in Implant Technology: Champion the adoption and integration of cutting-edge dental implant technologies and materials. Collaborate with R&D teams and suppliers to evaluate, implement, and refine emerging solutions that elevate care delivery.

Talent Development & Team Leadership: Recruit, mentor, and support dental professionals in implant training and continuing education. Build a high-performance clinical team through coaching, professional development, and peer collaboration.

Patient Experience & Quality of Care: Ensure exceptional patient experiences by maintaining high standards of safety, comfort, and satisfaction. Oversee the design of patient-centric implant care models that prioritize long-term oral health and aesthetics.

Clinical Governance & Compliance: Maintain full compliance with state and federal dental regulations, clinical guidelines, and infection control protocols. Serve as the clinical authority on quality assurance, peer review, and ethical care delivery.

Cross-Functional Collaboration: Work closely with executive leadership, marketing, operations, and finance to align clinical goals with broader business objectives. Contribute to strategic planning, budgeting, and practice growth initiatives.

Education & Community Engagement: Represent the organization in dental forums, academic partnerships, and community outreach initiatives. Advocate for oral health education and promote awareness of dental implant solutions among diverse populations.

Performance Analytics & Continuous Improvement: Utilize clinical data and performance metrics to evaluate treatment outcomes, drive continuous improvement, and support data-informed decision-making at all levels.

What the Client is Looking for in You

As the Chief Dental Officer (CDO) – Dental Implant Technology, the client is seeking an innovative clinical leader with deep expertise in implantology, a commitment to excellence in patient care, and the strategic acumen to lead a fast-growing dental organization. You should be a forward-thinking dental executive who thrives in a collaborative environment and excels at aligning clinical best practices with business growth objectives.

Extensive Experience in Dental Implantology

The ideal candidate will have a strong clinical background in implant dentistry with hands-on experience performing advanced procedures and leading teams in a dental implant setting. A history of guiding multi-location dental practices or DSOs and implementing implant-focused care models is highly desirable. Board certification and specialized implantology training are a plus.

Visionary Leader in Clinical Strategy

The client is looking for a CDO who can craft and implement a forward-looking clinical roadmap. You should bring experience in leading clinical operations, developing care protocols, and driving the adoption of evidence-based practices. Your ability to anticipate industry trends and translate them into actionable strategies is essential.

Commitment to Clinical Excellence & Patient-Centered Care

A relentless focus on quality care and patient satisfaction is critical. You must demonstrate an ability to set and uphold high clinical standards while fostering an environment that prioritizes safety, compassion, and positive health outcomes. Experience in developing patient-centric implant programs and personalized treatment pathways is highly valued.

Mentorship and Team Development

The client seeks a clinical leader who can attract, inspire, and develop top-tier dental professionals. You should be experienced in coaching dentists, overseeing clinical education, and creating a culture of continuous learning and collaboration across the network.

Strong Understanding of Regulatory Compliance

The role demands deep knowledge of healthcare regulations, infection control protocols, and dental board standards. The client values a leader who can ensure ethical practices, maintain licensure compliance, and uphold the highest standards of clinical governance.

Cross-Functional Collaboration & Business Alignment

You must possess the ability to work seamlessly with business leaders, operations, marketing, and finance to ensure that clinical objectives support overall organizational goals. A balance of clinical insight and business sense is critical to success in this role.

Passion for Innovation in Implant Technology

The client is looking for a CDO who is passionate about leveraging the latest in implant systems, digital dentistry, and surgical innovations. Your ability to evaluate emerging technologies and integrate them into the clinical workflow will play a pivotal role in maintaining the organization’s competitive edge.

FAQs About the Role – Chief Dental Officer (CDO) – Dental Implant Technology

What are the key responsibilities of the Chief Dental Officer in this role?

As the Chief Dental Officer (CDO), you will be responsible for leading clinical strategy and ensuring excellence in all aspects of dental implant services. This includes developing and standardizing implant care protocols, mentoring dental teams, overseeing clinical compliance, and introducing cutting-edge implant technologies. You will collaborate with cross-functional leaders to align clinical operations with business objectives, enhance the patient experience, and ensure high-quality outcomes across all practices.

What qualifications and experience are required for this position?

The ideal candidate should have a DDS or DMD degree with an active dental license in Illinois (or eligibility to obtain one). Advanced training or board certification in implant dentistry is strongly preferred. Significant clinical experience in implantology, along with prior leadership experience overseeing dental teams or multi-site practices, is essential. Experience in clinical strategy development, technology adoption, and patient-centered care delivery will set you apart.

What leadership qualities are essential for this role?

The client is seeking a visionary clinical leader with exceptional communication skills, a collaborative mindset, and a deep commitment to quality and innovation. You should be capable of inspiring dental teams, navigating regulatory environments, and fostering a culture of continuous learning and improvement. Strong decision-making abilities, emotional intelligence, and a passion for improving patient outcomes are critical for success.

What challenges can I expect in this role?

As CDO, you will encounter challenges such as ensuring consistency in care delivery across multiple locations, integrating new implant technologies, and maintaining regulatory compliance. Managing workforce development, balancing clinical efficiency with patient satisfaction, and adapting to a fast-evolving dental technology landscape are key areas where your leadership will be tested.

How will the Chief Dental Officer contribute to the organization’s success?

The CDO will play a central role in driving clinical excellence and innovation within the dental implant service line. Your leadership will directly influence patient satisfaction, operational efficiency, and the adoption of modern technologies. By aligning clinical goals with business strategy, you will help expand the organization’s reputation and footprint in the implant dentistry space.

What is the clinical culture and team environment like?

The organization fosters a collaborative, patient-focused clinical culture that values transparency, innovation, and continuous growth. The environment encourages professional development, teamwork, and evidence-based care. As CDO, you will have the opportunity to shape this culture, mentor future leaders, and elevate the standard of implant care across the organization.

What Remuneration Can You Expect from This Job?

As the Chief Dental Officer (CDO) – Dental Implant Technology in Chicago, IL, you can expect an executive-level compensation package that reflects the strategic impact and clinical leadership required of this position. This role offers a competitive blend of base salary, performance incentives, and long-term benefits designed to attract seasoned dental professionals and clinical innovators.

Base Salary

The base salary for a Chief Dental Officer in the dental and healthcare services sector typically ranges from $220,000 to $350,000 annually, depending on the size of the organization, geographic footprint, and the candidate’s level of experience and specialization in implantology.

Performance-Based Incentives

In addition to base compensation, the CDO is eligible for performance bonuses tied to key metrics such as patient satisfaction, clinical outcomes, expansion of implant services, and operational efficiency. Annual bonuses often range between 20% and 50% of the base salary and are designed to reward clinical leadership and growth milestones.

Equity Participation or Profit-Sharing

Depending on the structure of the organization (DSO or private equity-backed), the CDO may be offered equity participation or profit-sharing incentives. These long-term benefits align your success with the company’s growth and value creation, offering potential for significant financial upside over time.

Comprehensive Executive Benefits

The CDO will also receive a full suite of executive benefits, which may include:

Premium health, dental, and vision insurance coverage
401(k) plan with employer contributions or executive retirement options
Paid professional development and continuing education allowances
Malpractice insurance coverage
Paid membership in professional associations (e.g., AAID, ICOI)
Flexible scheduling and generous paid time off
Wellness stipends or concierge medical benefits

Signing Bonuses & Relocation Assistance

To attract top-tier talent, the organization may offer signing bonuses and comprehensive relocation assistance for out-of-state candidates. These incentives can range from $25,000 to $100,000 depending on experience level and geographic flexibility.

Total Compensation Potential

When combining base salary, bonuses, profit-sharing or equity, and benefits, the total compensation package for a Chief Dental Officer can range from $300,000 to $600,000+ annually. High-growth organizations or those with national expansion goals may offer even more competitive packages to secure visionary clinical leadership.

How to Apply

If you are an experienced and visionary dental leader specializing in implantology, we invite you to apply for the Chief Dental Officer (CDO) – Dental Implant Technology position in Chicago, IL. This is a rare opportunity to lead clinical innovation, elevate patient care standards, and shape the future of a rapidly growing dental organization.

To apply, please submit your updated resume along with a cover letter highlighting your expertise in dental implant technology, clinical leadership, team development, and strategic healthcare management. Be sure to emphasize your accomplishments in improving clinical outcomes, driving implant service growth, and fostering collaborative clinical cultures.

This role offers a significant opportunity to impact patient care quality and organizational success at the highest level of clinical leadership. Apply today to advance your career as Chief Dental Officer – Dental Implant Technology in Chicago, IL!

For further information or to explore similar leadership opportunities in dental healthcare, visit our Dental Device Executive Search Firm page.

Job Category: Dental Implant Technology

Job Type: Full Time

Job Location: Chicago

Chief Dental Officer – Dental Implant Technology | Chicago, IL