Doug Brown

Doug is the Co-founder and Managing Partner of Dental Innovation Alliance (“DIA”), a dental technology venture capital firm that includes as its partners some of the top executives and companies in the dental industry. DIA’s mission is to accelerate dental and health innovation through impactful investments in and support of technology companies that lead to exceptional outcomes for all stakeholders. Brown has personally invested in and advised multiple early-stage technology companies, as well as four dental support organizations. Previously in his career, Doug led and successfully grew two national dental support organizations, most recently as CEO and Vice Chairman of Affordable Care LLC, which now affiliates with over 450 practices in 42 states.  

 

In the late ‘90s, Brown formed and led a study group of ten dental industry leaders which eventually launched the Association of Dental Support Organizations (ADSO). Doug has since held leadership positions within ADSO, including previously serving as President. Brown has also worked for Arthur Young & Company as a CPA, held executive positions in multi-unit retail companies, and led a management consulting firm that he co-founded.

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Doug is active in many areas to help the dental industry grow and prosper. He serves on the Dean’s Advisory Board for UNC Adams School of Dentistry, and previously served on the Dean’s Advisory Board for UIC at Chicago School of Dentistry.

 

In 2022, he chaired the first conference of international DSO CEOs, sponsored by Straumann International. In 2009, Doug worked closely with the leadership of the ADA to find pathways for collaboration between the ADSO and the ADA. He is the Founder, Chairman and benefactor to Local Start Dental, an innovative non-profit dental clinic and learning center in Durham, NC.  Local Start Dental was opened in 2022 with three main goals: to serve the underserved, to provide clinical rotations for UNC Adams School of Dentistry students, and to educate general dentists in advanced surgical procedures. In July 2024, Doug was ranked fourth on Incisal Edge’s annual list of “32 Most Influential” people in dentistry.

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Brown holds a B.S. and an M.B.A. degree from Duke University and the Fuqua School of Business, respectively. He serves on nine boards, both for-profit and not-for-profit, most of which are in the dental industry. Doug lives in Cary, NC, has been married for 42 years, has one son and three grandchildren.