By: Maria Williams

When one thinks about dentistry, the only thing that springs to mind is a dentist who examines teeth, works on them, and everything happens magically behind their office wall. This is exactly what Kelly Boyd-Rivera thought. Her journey into the dental industry began somewhat serendipitously. “Fifteen years ago, I didn’t even know dental labs existed,” she recalls. Her curiosity and determination soon led her to uncover the immense potential within the dental lab industry. Further, recognizing the need for scalability without compromising quality, she embarked on a mission to revolutionize how dental labs operate. 

A pioneer in her field today, Kelly has leveraged her 15 years of industry expertise, along with her background in advertising to transform her company Cadmus Dental Lab into a leader in dental solutions, on track to achieve a staggering $70 million in revenue this year. The laboratory distinguishes itself through a unique combination of rapid turnaround times, exceptional quality, and competitive pricing. These achievements are not just business strategies but a reflection of Kelly’s philosophy. “I never make a promise that I cannot keep. We are only as good as our last case,” she asserts. This commitment to integrity has fostered deep trust with their clients, setting Cadmus apart in an industry often plagued by finger-pointing and unmet expectations. 

Kelly’s approach to her relationships with dentists is revolutionary. She openly acknowledges the 1% of cases that might fall short of expectations and actively seeks feedback to drive continuous improvement. “If we take on a case and it does not turn out right for the patient, we own it. This builds tremendous trust with our clients,” she explains. This ethos of accountability and partnership has been pivotal in Cadmus’ rapid growth, boasting a 25% increase month over month. 

A life-altering catastrophe left Kelly with severe burns, which marked a watershed moment in her career. The outpouring of support from the dental community during her recovery was overwhelming and reaffirmed her influence in the industry. “I received so many messages and flowers. It was then I realized the impact I had made,” she shares. This incident became the catalyst for founding this dental lab hero company, driven by the recognition and trust she had earned over the years. 

Scaling a dental lab while maintaining high standards is no small feat. Kelly’s previous corporate experience equipped her with the skills to think big while staying grounded in quality. “Every case is unique, just like a fingerprint. The challenge was to scale this custom product while ensuring high quality and turnaround time,” she notes. Kelly explains Cadmus’ success is in no small part the result of a proud partnership with an esteemed Southeast China lab – a relationship that began over 15 years ago and still continues to flourish to this day.

Despite its international presence, Cadmus maintains the feel of a local lab, nurturing individualized relationships with dentists. This personal touch sets them apart. Further, her background in advertising has instilled in her a deep understanding of customer needs and service delivery. “These are lessons I brought from advertising to the dental lab industry.”

A trailblazer in a predominantly male-dominated industry, Kelly Boyd-Rivera is one of only three women globally who own a dental lab of such scale. Yet, she doesn’t see her competition as other women but the entire industry. “I am in this industry with everyone – local, national, international labs. Every day we strive to feel like a small local lab with an individual touch; while delivering on an international scale,” she affirms. As Cadmus continues to grow, it does so on a foundation of strong values and a commitment to excellence, guided by a leader who epitomizes the ideal of what the dental industry can offer.

Published by: Khy Talara