Mark Coyne, Founder and CEO of Strategic Dental

Meet Mark Coyne

Mark helps dental insurance organizations solve complex network, operational, and growth challenges. Drawing on more than 25 years of industry and executive leadership experience, he brings practical insight, strategic direction, and hands-on support to help clients strengthen performance, navigate change, and turn strategy into action.

Before founding Strategic Dental, Mark served as president of Dental Select and as a member of its board of directors. He was responsible for all company operations, including claims, enrollment, network management, underwriting, actuarial, sales, marketing, legal, finance, customer service, and provider relations. He also led information technology and software development initiatives supporting real-time claims processing and payments.

In 2020, Mark led the successful sale of Dental Select to Ameritas. He subsequently completed a year of post-acquisition service, helping ensure a successful transition for both the Ameritas and Dental Select teams.

Prior to joining Dental Select in 2015, Mark served as vice president of GEHA Solutions and as a member of its board of directors. His responsibilities included network operations, sales, national accounts, marketing, and operational leadership for the Connection Dental Federal and Connection Vision insurance plans.

Mark received his Master of Business Administration degree from the University of Kansas, and Bachelor of Science degree from Washburn University.

Service

Mark has 15 years of volunteer service with the National Association of Dental Plans. He serves on the operations and education committees, and recently served on its Board of Directors and was Chair of the education committee. Learn More at nadp.org.

Mark serves on the TeamSmile Board of Directors. TeamSmile’s mission is to promote children’s oral health by providing children in need with a life-changing dental experience through the power of sports. Learn more at teamsmile.org.

Why Strategic Dental

We know the dental industry inside and out. Unlike generalist or big-firm consultants, we are laser-focused on dental insurance. Our expertise spans operations, executive strategy, and network services — giving us a unique ability to simplify complexity and deliver innovative solutions.

What Sets Us Apart

A hands-on, customized approach supported by trusted industry relationships nationwide. We work side-by-side with leadership teams to reduce costs, improve operational performance, and drive measurable ROI. You’re not just getting advice — you’re gaining a partner committed to your success.

Our Promise

We stand behind our work with a simple promise: measurable results, clear communication, and a consulting experience that pays for itself many times over.

CLIENT PERSPECTIVE

“What impressed me most was Mark’s willingness to roll up his sleeves and work alongside our team. Rather than simply offering high-level advice, he engaged directly in the problem-solving process, asked thoughtful questions, and collaborated to identify viable solutions.”

PRESIDENT & CEO — NATIONAL SCHOOL-BASED DENTAL ORGANIZATION

  • Philosophy

    At Strategic Dental, we strive to simplify every part of the dental insurance experience. We embrace the virtues of listening, patience, and partnership. We believe many paths lead to greatness, and show flexibility in approach as information is learned or situations change. We empower teams and encourage collaboration to reduce complexity, enable improvement, and unlock value. We believe no problem is too big to solve with hard work, creative thinking, and old-fashioned teamwork. Our work starts with a clear understanding of where you are and where you want to go, and ends with your success.

  • Commitment

    We are relentless in the pursuit to surprise and delight at every opportunity, with a commitment to accountability, teamwork, and creativity. Our team will take time to learn and understand your needs, respond versus react, hear as well as listen, ask questions to clarify what is learned, have patience, follow your leadership, and be kind. We are results-driven, objective, proactive, adaptable, and fun. We are easy and flexible to work with, and take pride in doing things right the first time. We never back down from a challenge, and always play to win.

CLIENT PERSPECTIVE

“It has been a pleasure collaborating with Mark Coyne on several dental strategic initiatives. Mark consistently demonstrates strong leadership, clear communication, guidance, and a commitment to driving meaningful results. His extensive expertise has been instrumental in delivering effective solutions and making a significant impact on our projects.”

MANAGER, STRATEGIC SERVICES & DENTAL NETWORKS — NATIONAL INSURANCE CARRIER