Lasting Impressions | Winter 2014

20 x LASTING IMPRESSIONS When Chris Steven Villa- nueva , D.M.D., graduated from NSU’s College of Dental Medi- cine in 2004, he saw two ways of practicing dentistry. A dentist could join a large group practice, saving on office costs, but risk sacrificing pro- fessional autonomy. Or, he could start a private practice, which meant juggling office management and patient care. “I had the idea to create a model where you get the best of both worlds,” said Villa- nueva, who is now based in Dallas, Texas. So, in 2009, he founded a dental management company that today provides services to more than 100 den- tal offices in five states—Texas, Oklahoma, New Mexico, Loui- siana, and Alaska. The concept is simple: his Dallas-based company takes care of billing, office management, business promotion, and the paperwork of credentialing and continuing education, while the dentists he serves focus on caring for their patients. “I want to pre- serve the integrity of our pro- fession,” Villanueva said. Linda C. Niessen, D.M.D., M.P.H., M.P.P., dean of NSU’s College of Dental Medicine, said Villanueva represents the next generation of leaders in the dental profession. “It is important that our profession continues to be innovative,” said Niessen. “Dr. Villanueva is a prime example of how NSU graduates are demonstrating their leadership in all phases of dentistry and giving back to the profession.” Villanueva credits his suc- cess to a combination of luck, planning, and education. Born in Cincinnati, Ohio, Villanueva grew up in the Phil- ippines and Venezuela. The fifth of six children, he was the son of a vice president of Proctor & Gamble. His father, who had risen through the ranks in cor- porate law, encouraged his son to follow his footsteps and go to law school. But Villanueva Alumni Impressions SERVING DENTISTS Management firm allows doctors to focus on patients. Chris Steven Villanueva’s company handles the business management for 100 dental offices in five states. Photo: Hank Henley BY LIZ ATWOOD