Founders

Dr. Albert graduated from Lehigh University in 2007 and earned his dental degree from UMDNJ (now Rutgers School of Dental Medicine) in 2011. In 2016, he built and opened his first dental practice as a start-up, laying the foundation for his entrepreneurial journey. He expanded his footprint by acquiring his second location in 2020, followed by two more in 2022.

Recognizing the challenges and opportunities in dental practice ownership, Dr. Albert began mentoring and partnering with dental entrepreneurs, helping them analyze, negotiate, and acquire 19 different assets in just 18 months. His approach is rooted in integrity, honesty, and a commitment to true partnership.

Driven to make Rising Tide a different kind of DSO, Dr. Albert is dedicated to keeping it dentist-led and under dentist control. He is passionate about empowering clinicians and ensuring they maintain autonomy in their practices. As a staunch advocate for partner doctors, he upholds Rising Tide’s core pillars of integrity, gratitude, innovation, and legacy.

Above all, Dr. Albert attributes his success to genuinely caring for his partners, fostering a culture of collaboration, and always putting people first.

We strive, with excellence, to serve our patients and our community with the highest quality of dental care possible, while creating a compassionate and relaxing atmosphere of trust.

Dr. Burden completed his Doctor of Dental Medicine degree at Temple University in 1999, where he learned traditional dentistry techniques. Dr. Burden finished his hospital-based general practice residency at the Virtua Health System in New Jersey in 2000. While taking a two-day course entitled “Air Abrasive Microdentistry” his approach to dentistry completely changed. “I then began diagnosing and treating dental disease and opened my first solo microdentistry practice, New Paradigm Dentistry, in 2001."

Dr. Degel has practiced as a cosmetic dentist since 1990, when he took over the Astoria Dental Group practice. He is a member of the American Dental Association, Academy of General Dentistry, American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry, International Congress of Oral Implantologists, American Society of Osseointegration, and American College of Oral Implantology. His superior quality care has earned him distinguished recognition. He has been featured on the hit TV show, “Top Docs,” as well as in Vogue Magazine, celebrated as the best care provider in the Tri-State Area. He has also been named one of America’s Top Dentists multiple times by the Consumers Research Council of America.

Dr. Fatland is of the 1999 graduating class of Southern Illinois University School of Dental Medicine, which scored second in the nation on the national exams. He is a member of the American Dental Association, Illinois Dental Association, Chicago Dental Society, Doctors for Oral Conscious Sedation, and the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry. Dr. Fatland has additional professional training in Invisalign, Sedation Dentistry, Mini-Implants, Oral Surgery, Patient Communication, and Pacific Aesthetic Continuum (live 1-on-1 training with the same dentist from ABC’s Extreme Makeover.) He has been practicing dentistry for over 10 years, although he has been in the field for 17 years. He assisted chairside with his father, who is also a dentist in the Chicagoland area. In his previous practice, Heartland Dental Care, he ranked in the top five of Illinois for patient care. He spends most of his personal time with his wife and 5 kids. He likes to read books, go to the movies and exercise.

In 2009, Dr. Lesmeister was awarded his Doctor of Dental Surgery degree from the University of Minnesota.   

After an associateship in Wisconsin, he began practicing in McIntosh, Minnesota in 2010. Since then, he and his team have provided quality dentistry for patients in that location and from their second location in Red Lake Falls, which was opened in 2016. In 2018 the team relocated to Crookston. He is excited to bring services to Crookston and its surrounding area. 

Steven believes that continuous learning is essential to providing the best, most current dentistry possible. For that reason, he takes a significant amount of continuing education. While he enjoys most aspects of dentistry, Dr. Lesmeister’s favorite part is getting to know the patients and working with his team. “For me, going to work is fun.”

Dr. Cedric Lewis is a highly experienced dentist specializing in aesthetics, implants, and cosmetic dentistry. Dr. Lewis has been voted one of Hawaii's Best Dentists by his peers and was chosen by the American Dental Association for Diversity in Leadership.

Judith Mamah, D.D.S. of Designing Smiles is a caring, friendly, and gentle dentist who believes in the total well-being of her patients.  Dr. Mamah has helped patients achieve thriving oral health since 1989 and her current practice, Designing Smiles, has provided the community of Hackensack, New Jersey with superior dental care utilizing cutting-edge technology since 1999.  

Dr. Michael McCartney Jr. opened Adel Dental Associates back in 1995 to provide a comfortable, welcoming place for patients to receive high-quality dental care. Dr. McCartney is a member of the American Dental Association, Georgia Dental Association, and Southwestern District Dental Association. During his time as a member of the Southwestern District, he has served through the officer chain, being president during 2006-2007. He attained Fellowship in the Academy of General Dentistry by taking over 500 hours of continuing education and passing a difficult written exam. In 2005, Dr. McCartney was awarded Fellowship in the prestigious Pierre Fauchard Academy, a dental honor society that recognizes its members for service to the public and to organized dentistry. He also received the prestigious Honorable Fellow Award from the Georgia Dental Association in 2009; this is given in recognition to public service, our patients, & organized dentistry. He is also one of three dentists on the Medical Provider Insurance Advisory Council with the Georgia Insurance Commissioner’s Office. 

As a Seattle University alumnus and graduate of the University of Southern California Dental School, Dr. Daniel McKay, continues to set himself apart by committing to a lifetime of learning. While attending the prestigious Pacific Aesthetic Continuum (PAC-Live) in San Francisco, he acquired knowledge and training in advanced cosmetic, laser, and reconstructive dentistry. Dr. McKay is the dentist for the Seattle University athletics department. He is also a proud fellow of the International Dental Implant Association. Since 1993, Dr. McKay has established himself as one of the finest dentists in Seattle with praise from his patients and respect from his colleagues.

Dr. Edward Po is a highly skilled and experienced dental professional with a strong foundation in medical microbiology and advanced dental practices. He graduated in 2002 from the University of California, Davis with a Bachelor of Science in Medical Microbiology. Dr. Po then went on to earn his Doctor of Dental Surgery (DDS) degree in 2005 from the University of the Pacific, School of Dentistry. His passion for dentistry led him to pursue additional specialized training, completing Advanced Surgical and Prosthodontics training in 2006 at UOP.

Since 2006, Dr. Po has owned and operated a successful group dental practice that provides comprehensive care in all facets of general dentistry. While his practice treats a wide range of dental needs, Dr. Po's primary focus is on surgical procedures, implant surgery, and advanced restorative dentistry, where he excels in delivering exceptional outcomes for his patients. His dedication to continual learning and excellence in dental care has established him as a trusted leader in his field.

Dr. Smith is deeply committed to offering top-notch dental care, utilizing the latest advancements in technology. He has been recognized for his expertise in cosmetic dentistry and implantology and is a strong advocate for comprehensive, individualized treatment that enhances both dental and overall health. His priority is creating a comfortable and informed environment for his patients, ensuring they receive care tailored to their needs.

Dr. Wetterhus is dedicated to offering personalized dental care focused on a conservative approach to treatment and long-standing dental principles. He is an expert in dental implants and full-mouth reconstructions, leveraging advanced technology for the best patient outcomes. His practice emphasizes a family-oriented approach, ensuring treatments align with the best interests of his patients.

Dr. Kent F. Willett graduated with honors from the University of Missouri — Columbia with a degree in microbiology in 1976. He proceeded to get his dental degree from the University of Missouri — Kansas City in 1980. After completing his residency in general practice at the VA Hospital in New Orleans, he returned to Columbia where he established a dental practice. In 2006, Dr. Willett trained with Dr. Rhys Spoor, where he completed advanced training in cosmetic veneer cases. 

Dr. Willett received the honor of being named the “Best Dentist in Columbia” by Inside Columbia Magazine in 2007, and he continues to uphold this standard of excellence today. He was recently honored again as a Reader’s Choice in “Inside Columbia’s” Best of 2019. Dr. Willett is a member of the prestigious Pankey Institute in Key Biscayne, Florida, where he has completed studies in restoring difficult dental cases. As part of the Pankey Institute, he sees referrals from all over the United States.