Most doctors enter dentistry with years of rigorous clinical training but little preparation for the realities of running a business. Managing people, navigating insurance, building sustainable systems, and planning for growth require a completely different skill set—one rarely covered in dental school. While some programs are beginning to evolve, the fact remains: ownership demands business leadership as much as clinical expertise.
For nearly four decades, the Academy of Dental Management Consultants (ADMC) has stood as the professional home for the nation’s most respected dental management consultants. Its members bring proven expertise in every aspect of practice ownership—human resources, leadership, finance, marketing, systems, and transitions. Each member is vetted for professionalism, integrity, and results, giving practice owners confidence that when they seek help, they are connecting with a trusted advisor.
To explore how ADMC continues to serve practice owners striving for stability, growth, and long-term success, I spoke with three of its leaders. Their perspectives reflect ADMC’s past, present, and future—each adding a vital piece to the story of why this organization is dentistry’s go-to resource.
“Dentists need trusted, collaborative partners who can advise them on both the business and the people,” says Laci Phillips Newland. “That’s what ADMC provides. Our members are vetted for professionalism, integrity, and expertise. When a practice owner hires one of our consultants, they know they’re working with someone who can be counted on.”
Laura Nadler emphasizes that vetting is at the core of ADMC’s value. “Anyone can wake up and decide they’re a consultant. ADMC members are different—they’ve been sponsored, endorsed, and approved by peers and clients who know their track record. That credibility is what makes us a safe and smart choice for practice owners.”
Bonnie Pugh sees that credibility reinforced by community. “My ADMC family has always been a constant source of strength and encouragement. Together, we lift each other up and achieve more than we ever could alone. That support translates directly into better results for the practices we serve,” she explains.
The needs of practice owners vary widely—sometimes they’re fighting staffing shortages, sometimes they’re navigating insurance, sometimes they’re growing so quickly they need systems to catch up.
“Every aspect of the business side of dentistry—HR, marketing, insurance, financial systems, leadership, growth strategies, transitions—you name it, there’s someone in ADMC who specializes in it,” Laci explains. “Not every consultant is right for every practice, but the diversity of our membership means we can always connect practices to the right expertise.”
Laura sees a clear trend reshaping the landscape: “Fractional expertise is becoming more common. Instead of hiring a full-time ‘jack of all trades,’ practices want experts who can step in as needed for a specific area. That’s exactly where ADMC members shine—focused expertise delivered in the right way at the right time.”
Bonnie adds that ADMC members don’t just bring skills—they bring momentum. “I like to say we’re catalysts. We bring in the tools and knowledge a practice needs, but we also spark confidence and energy. That combination is what helps doctors move forward instead of spinning their wheels.”
Founded in 1987 to bring consultants together and elevate dentistry through collaboration, ADMC has evolved with the profession’s changing needs.
“We’ve always listened to our members and adapted,” says Laci. “Our Connect meetings, tiered memberships, and partnerships with industry leaders all reflect one thing: staying relevant so every practice owner can find the right expertise.”
Laura adds that the Academy’s history is the foundation for its growing visibility. “We’ve often been called dentistry’s best-kept secret. But the truth is, the secret’s out. ADMC has the skills and expertise practices need to flourish—and now we’re stepping into more places where practice owners and teams can find us.”
Bonnie points to ADMC’s adaptability in moments of crisis. “During COVID, we didn’t retreat—we rallied. We held a hybrid meeting, live streamed to members at home, and partnered with sponsors to send curated boxes so everyone could participate. That’s who we are. We stay connected and keep moving forward, no matter the challenge.”
As private practices face consolidation pressures and rapid change, ADMC leaders are clear-eyed about the Academy’s responsibility.
“We’re committed to anticipating what’s next and preparing our members—and by extension, their clients—for the continual evolution of dentistry,” Laci says. “That means stronger collaborations, expanded resources, and elevated visibility so practice owners always know where to turn.”
Laura underscores the importance of accessibility. “I want practice owners to know we’re here for them. Whether they’re starting up, growing, or transitioning, there’s an ADMC member with the experience to help them succeed. We’re not just prepared for the future—we’re ready to meet them in it.”
Bonnie sees continued innovation ahead: “We’re constantly exploring new ways to deliver education, strengthen connections, and expand the value our members can bring to practice owners. ADMC’s role is to make sure consultants stay at the cutting edge so practices get the very best.”
For practice owners and managers, the business side of dentistry doesn’t have to be a burden carried alone. ADMC offers more than access to consultants—it offers connection to a community of trusted professionals with the experience and track record to help practices stabilize, grow, and succeed at every stage of ownership.
“No doctor has to do it all alone,” Bonnie says. “There’s a network of trusted advisors out there who know the roadblocks and how to get past them.”
ADMC is where those advisors can be found – ready to work hard for dentist-owners. And for practice owners ready to build stronger businesses and brighter futures, it may just be the most important professional resource they’ve yet to discover.
To find the right consultant for your practice, explore ADMC’s consultants.
Meet the ADMC Leaders
Laci Phillips Newland - President
Laci Phillips Newland is a dynamic force in dentistry—equal parts strategist, speaker, and team motivator.
Since 1992, Laci has worked every side of the dental practice, from chairside assistant to business office powerhouse to managing high-end cosmetic offices where presenting $40,000–$50,000 treatment plans was part of a typical day. Her hands-on experience, combined with a natural gift for communication, laid the foundation for a thriving career in dental coaching and speaking.
In 2008, Laci stepped onto the national stage and hasn’t slowed down since. She’s spoken at most of the national dental conventions, countless regional and state meetings, and dozens of study clubs—captivating audiences with her relatable humor, real-world insights, and passion for business success.
As a founding partner of Practice Dynamics, Laci blends her deep love of team development, growth strategies, and business metrics to deliver customized coaching, workshops, and speaking events across the country. Whether she’s on stage or in the trenches with a client, her mission is clear: empower dental teams to grow through balance-driven success using systems, teams, and technology.
Laura Nadler - Vice President
Practices struggle to attract new patients by chasing every new platform in existence. Laura Nadler doesn't just get you new patients. She gets you the right patients. She knows a strong brand story is key to connection. As a brand coach, filmmaker, and best-selling author, Laura helps practices tell their unique story through websites, photography and video that reflect their authenticity.
She is the author of Lights! Camera! YOU! a step-by-step guide to video content. Laura is the Vice President of ADMC, and member of SCN and AADOM’s ASCA. When she’s not working, Laura loves to travel (17 countries & counting) and is a wine and sci-fi nerd. She lives in New York with her husband and their two furry babies.
Bonnie Pugh - Executive Director
Bonnie, the founding partner at Practice Dynamics, blends her love for the dental industry and business to help dental teams across the country reach new heights in their success. She specializes in coaching teams to a goal by blending their unique philosophy with proven systems and business practices.
Bonnie has a long record of success in the business of dentistry. Prior to founding Practice Dynamics, she was the Product Line Manager for the Dental Division of Carestream Dental. In this role, she was responsible for the strategic planning of the dental practice management line of products. This experience gives her a unique understanding of the blend of the business of dentistry, the technology that supports it and the teams that make it happen.
A lifetime learner and educator, Bonnie recently took on the role of Executive Director of the Academy of Dental Management Consultants. In this role, she guides an organization that serves to help dental management consultants throughout the country to improve and grow their skills.
Her love for knowledge and personal growth drives her to provide balance driven success through systems, teams, and technology for the practices she works with every day.
