Lightwave Dental, a leading doctor-led dental platform in Virginia and the Carolinas, today announced that Dr. Clifton Cameron, currently President and Chief Clinical Officer, has been appointed Chief Executive Officer effective October 1, 2026. He succeeds founder Justin Jory, who is stepping down as CEO after ten years leading the company.
Founded in 2016, Lightwave Dental pioneered what the company calls a Dental Leadership Organization (“DLO”) – a doctor-led alternative to the traditional Dental Support Organization model, in which clinicians lead the enterprise and the business platform exists to support the delivery of care. Lightwave grew from 8 affiliated practices, approximately $23 million in revenue, and roughly 150 team members at inception to more than 100 affiliated practices, over $300 million in revenue, and more than 1,800 team members today.
“Ten years ago we set out to prove that a dental group could grow quickly without ever compromising on the quality of care, and that doctors, not administrators, should lead that effort,” said Justin Jory, founder of Lightwave Dental. “Our team proved it and I am honored to pass the torch to one of our strongest doctor leaders in Dr. Clifton Cameron. I am confident in Dr. Cameron’s ability to lead the next phase of the company’s growth and development. He is a clinician first, he helped build our model, and he has earned the trust of our affiliated doctors and teams.”
Dr. Cameron joined Lightwave in 2019 and has served as President and Chief Clinical Officer, where he has led the company’s clinical strategy, quality standards, and doctor development programs.
“It is an honor as a clinician to lead a company built by clinicians, for clinicians,” said Dr. Cameron. “Justin and I built something rare in our industry: real growth that never came at the expense of patients or the doctors who serve them. My focus is on continuing that – investing in our affiliated doctors and teams, deepening our support for clinical excellence, and expanding thoughtfully so that more patients have access to the standard of care our affiliated practices deliver every day.”
Jory will remain a shareholder in Lightwave Dental and will serve as an advisor to the company.
About Lightwave Dental
Lightwave Dental is a doctor-led Dental Leadership Organization supporting more than 100 dental practices across Virginia and the Carolinas, with over $300 million in annual revenue and more than 1,800 team members. Founded in 2016, Lightwave partners with doctors and specialists who want to lead – providing the clinical mentorship, business platform, and growth opportunities that allow doctors to focus on delivering exceptional patient care. Learn more at www.lightwavedental.com.
View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20260921741816/en/
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