Dr. Sulman Ahmed
Dr. Sulman Ahmed is the Founder, Chairman and CEO of DECA Dental Group, the holding company for the consumer-facing brand Ideal Dental. He is the influential leader shaping and motivating DECA’s strategy and culture. In 2008, Dr. Ahmed opened his first dental office with a vow to establish a genuinely patient-centered model. Today, the rapidly growing brand represents around 200 locations in nine states, serving around 3,000 guests daily.
His natural ability to scout talent and cultivate strong leaders has allowed him to architect a first-class organization of leaders from the top down. Under his leadership, DECA has become a vanguard as one of the industry’s fastest-growing and well- respected organizations, earning numerous honors, awards, and recognitions. In his personal career, he has achieved many honors and awards, including receiving The University of Texas at Dallas Distinguished Alumni Award (2024). He has also been named the EY Entrepreneur of the Year (2017), one of Glassdoor’s Top CEOs (2021) with a 98% approval rating, and one of Dallas Business Journal’s Most Admired CEOs (2023). He is also an in-demand national leadership, entrepreneurial, and motivational conference speaker.
More recently, he garnered the Silver Stevie Award for People-Focused CEO of the Year and became an official member of the Forbes Business Council. He is also a newly published author with his book, “Make Them Smile: Why Customer Satisfaction Is the Key to Rapid and Sustainable Growth” by Dr. Sulman Ahmed. It’s a must-read for professionals seeking rapid and sustainable growth.
He earned his Doctor of Dental Medicine degree from the Tufts University School of Dental Medicine, a foundational step in his career, where he now serves on their Board of Advisors. Beyond DECA, he serves as President of the Association of Dental Support Organizations (ADSO), the premier association for businesses in the dental industry. Dr. Ahmed’s exceptional leadership qualities stem from his unwavering commitment to DECA, his partnerships, and the wider community. This dedication sets him apart as a trailblazer and industry leader.
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