When Dr. Woody Oakes wrote The Winning Combination decades ago, he articulated something every private-practice dentist knows instinctively: clinical excellence alone doesn’t secure a thriving practice. Success comes when strong dentistry and strong systems work together, supported by clear leadership and a unified team.

That idea has guided generations of practice owners—and it remains just as relevant today.

For this Winning Combination issue, we look to two leaders who embody that philosophy as completely as anyone in modern dentistry: Dr. Ross Nash and Mrs. Debra Engelhardt-Nash.

Ross is widely recognized as a pioneer in esthetic dentistry—an artist, a teacher, and a clinician whose commitment to excellence has inspired thousands.  Debra has spent her career helping dentists and teams build practices defined by communication, culture, clarity, and consistency. Together, they have shaped what private practice can look like when clinical mastery and practice-management strength are woven together intentionally.

Their interview in this issue is thoughtful, personal, and deeply grounded in real-world experience. They share not only how The Nash Institute came to be, but why the balance between skill and systems matters so much—and how dentists can build that balance in their own practices.

As we continue our mission to support private-practice owners, this issue serves as both an inspiration and a roadmap. The “winning combination” isn’t a slogan. It’s a philosophy that preserves the independence, purpose, and craft of dentistry.

There are no two voices better suited to champion that message today than Ross and Debra.

— Steve Parker
Editor-in-Chief | CEO