DECA Dental Group is sinking its teeth into a new way to expand.

The Dallas-based dental services organization, backed by private equity giant Blackstone, has launched a nationwide joint venture program, according to an announcement from the company.

Under its Ideal Dental brand, DECA’s new program allows dentists to leverage the company’s infrastructure to set up, own, and grow their practices, complete with DECA’s brand recognition.

DECA calls the program a “landmark initiative.” Dr. Sulman Ahmed, DECA’s founder and CEO, wants to help other entrepreneurial dental professionals on their transformative journeys in ownership.

A Tufts University School of Dental Medicine grad, Ahmed opened his first office with a vision of patient-centered care in 2008. That vision established DECA Dental, which has since grown to 200 locations across nine states.

‘Bridging the gap’ between solo practices and corporate dentistry

DECA’s joint venture program—or JV, as the company refers to it—could bridge the gap between solo practices and corporate dentistry for dentists while growing its own network.

“Our JV opportunity is about more than providing clinicians with ownership opportunities,” Ahmed said in a statement. “It offers them an opportunity to thrive through access to Ideal Dental’s expertise, support systems, and brand reputation at a location of their choosing.”

Per DECA, Ahmed has racked up accolades, including The University of Texas at Dallas Distinguished Alumni Award (2024), EY Entrepreneur of the Year (2017), and a spot on Glassdoor’s Top CEOs list (2021). Dallas Business Journal also named him one of its Most Admired CEOs in 2023.

Blackstone, which invested in DECA in 2021, sees potential in this dental growth model.

“We believe DECA’s platform is truly differentiated because of the outstanding dentists that founded and lead the business, delivering a unique ability to bring entrepreneurial innovations like this program to the dental industry,” Blackstone’s Todd Hirsch said in a statement.

The program is already gaining traction, according to DECA. The dental group reports that it has lined up deals stretching into “2026 and beyond.” The company said that its culture is built on a patient-centric model, aiming to be the go-to provider for comprehensive dental services under one roof.

DECA Dental Group is the holding company for the consumer-facing brand Ideal Dental.

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