Becker’s Healthcare Podcast: Interview with Phil Cassis, CEO of Providence Dental Partners

Host: Ariana Portolatten
Guest: Phil Cassis, Co-founder and CEO, Providence Dental Partners
Release Date: September 1, 2025

Episode Overview

This episode features a detailed conversation with Phil Cassis, CEO of Providence Dental Partners, focusing on the pressing challenges and emerging opportunities in the dental industry. Phil shares insights from his multi-generational background in dentistry, discusses workforce and economic pressures, explores the rising influence of technology, and outlines the leadership qualities needed for future success.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

Introduction to Phil Cassis & Providence Dental Partners

• Phil’s Background:
  • Grew up in a family of dentists; deep-rooted industry experience ([00:24])
  • Career history includes 12 years at Henry Schein, consulting on practice management

“I've got the privilege and the awesome responsibility of being the CEO at Providence Dental Partners. ... It's the only thing I've ever really known.” —Phil Cassis [00:24]

Major Issues in the Dental Industry

Workforce Shortages & Wage Inflation

• Hygienist and dental assistant shortages remain critical bottlenecks
• Wage inflation and competition for talent force new retention strategies

“Workforce shortages and wage inflation in particular with hygienists and assistant shortages. That remains one of the top constraints to growth and just the stability of our businesses.” —Phil Cassis [01:19]

• Companies are responding by creating more attractive recruitment offers (e.g., sign-on bonuses) and focusing heavily on organizational culture

Economic Pressures: Tariffs & Medicaid Cuts

• Monitoring rising supply costs due to tariffs; not a huge effect yet but preparation is underway
• Watching for ripple effects from Medicaid cuts, even though Providence does not see Medicaid patients directly

Providence’s Strategies for Recruitment & Retention

Attracting and Retaining Top Talent

• Engaging directly with hygiene schools and professional associations
• Leaning on current team members for high-quality referrals
• Emphasis on team fit and shared commitment to quality care

“It's not just about having someone who's licensed in that role. It's about having the right people on board.” —Phil Cassis [03:31]

Preparedness for Rising Costs

• Open to being flexible with products and costs, always prioritizing patient care over minimal savings
• Clinical leaders assess new products for cost-effectiveness and quality

“We typically don't run our business with just ... smaller cost in mind. We always put patient care first.” —Phil Cassis [05:13]

Excitement and Apprehension for the Dental Sector’s Future

Sources of Concern

• The inevitability of new, complex challenges appearing regularly
• The mentality: deal with panic quickly, then enact practical solutions

“The first thing we're gonna do is panic and get that out of the way. And then we're going to figure out what the logical practical thing to do is.” —Phil Cassis [05:56]

What Excites Phil

• Advancements in AI and their impact on both clinical and business operations
• Rapid pace and interoperability of new technologies
• Exciting product innovations (e.g., Curidont, a biomimetic product that regrows tooth enamel, allowing earlier treatment and prevention)

“It's exciting to see where these innovators of AI have come into the industry over the last five years... ultimately allows us to serve our patients at a higher level.” —Phil Cassis [07:00]

Leadership Qualities for 2025 and Beyond

Culture & Team Focus

• Teams are the organization’s foundation; invest in training, development, and a positive work environment
• “Fun” as a core company value strengthens retention and enriches patient experience

"One of our core values at PDP is fun... And I love our teams. I love that we have fun together outside of the office too.” —Phil Cassis [08:43]

Embracing Change

• Success depends on willingness to adapt; set change-positive cultures from the outset with transparency and honesty
• Modern leadership demands proactive change management and openness to tough conversations

“To be successful in the coming years, you have to be willing to lean into the change. That means being transparent and having honest, tough conversations about some of the change and some of the changes that are coming.” —Phil Cassis [09:41]

Inspirational Quote

• Edward Deming:

  “It is not necessary to change. Survival is not mandatory.” —Quoted by Phil Cassis [10:50]

• This philosophy guides Providence’s continual adaptation and communication about change

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• On Family and Roots:
  “My dad's a dentist. ... My brother's an endodontist, sister-in-law is a dentist. ... So it's the only thing I've ever really known.” —Phil Cassis [00:27]

• On Team Referrals:
  “Usually the ones who are already here and working with us ... we want them to refer and recommend more of their friends who bring the same level and commitment to quality.” —Phil Cassis [03:40]

• On Adaptation:
  “We as leaders have to always be willing to change and evolve forward.” —Phil Cassis [11:13]

Timestamps for Key Segments

• Introduction & Phil’s Background: 00:13–01:12
• Current Industry Challenges: 01:19–02:44
• Providence’s Approach to Staffing: 03:03–03:56
• Tariffs & Cost Decisions: 04:24–05:29
• Excitement & Apprehension: 05:38–08:17
• Leadership for the Future: 08:26–11:43

Conclusion

Phil Cassis provides candid perspectives on managing uncertainty, the necessity of nimble leadership, and how a strong, fun-focused team culture underpins organizational resilience and patient satisfaction. His approach blends industry tradition and forward-looking innovation, offering listeners both practical ideas and inspiration for navigating the changing landscape of healthcare and dental practice management.