The Association of Dental Support Organizations (ADSO) has announced the appointment of AJ Acierno, DDS, as its next executive director. Acierno, a dentist and former dental support organization (DSO) executive, brings experience in private practice ownership, DSO development, and multisite dental operations to the position.
Acierno succeeds Andrew Smith, who has led ADSO since 2021 and announced his departure in August. In his new role, Acierno will lead the association's advocacy efforts as it works with state and federal policymakers on issues affecting DSOs and dental practice models.
“I’ve seen dentistry from almost every seat, as an associate, a practice owner and the leader of a growing DSO, and I know what it takes to deliver great patient care and to build and run the organizations that make that care possible,” said Acierno. “Every dentist should have the right to choose the practice model that best supports them in caring for their patients. For some, that’s owning a practice. For others, it’s working as an associate or partnering with a DSO. A DSO is simply another option, and one that makes investments in technology and training possible and helps practices meet workforce challenges. My job is to make sure policymakers understand that value and to be an advocate for every dentist, whatever path they choose. Our industry is changing quickly, and we will meet those challenges by working together.”
Acierno began his dental career in 2001 as an associate dentist at Heartland Dental before opening his own practice in Schaumburg, Illinois, in 2003. In 2012, he co-founded DecisionOne Dental Partners with his brother, Michael Acierno, DDS. The organization expanded to more than 35 practices before merging with Smile Brands in 2019.
Following the merger, Acierno served as chief operating officer of the Midwest Region at Smile Brands, overseeing 191 practices across 12 states. He subsequently served as president of clinical operations and chief dental officer, with responsibility for clinical operations involving nearly 700 practices and 7,500 team members across 33 states.
In those positions, Acierno worked on clinical standards, technology adoption, and operational processes across dental practices.
“AJ has built a DSO from the ground up, led it through a major merger, and helped run one of the largest dental support organizations in the country, all with the perspective of a practicing dentist,” said ADSO president Scotte Hudsmith. “He knows the business realities DSO leaders face, and having practiced in nearly every setting, he can help policymakers and regulators on both sides of the aisle understand that DSOs are one more choice dentists can make about how to practice. We are confident he is the right leader to guide ADSO’s advocacy and growth in this next chapter, as a new generation of state and federal policymakers takes office.”
Acierno earned his DDS from Creighton University in 2001 and serves on the university's board of trustees.
ADSO is an international nonprofit trade association whose members support more than 15,000 dentists. The organization provides research, education, and advocacy on behalf of its members, including engagement with policymakers on issues affecting DSO-supported dental practices.
