Dr. Clifton Cameron Will Become Lightwave Dental CEO
The current President and Chief Clinical Officer will assume the top role at the Raleigh firm on October 1, 2026.
Updated on Sept. 21, 2026 in People
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Dr. Clifton Cameron will transition into the role of Chief Executive Officer at Lightwave Dental on October 1, 2026. He will succeed company founder Justin Jory, who served as the top executive for ten years.
Why it matters
The leadership change marks a new chapter for the doctor-led dental support organization as it continues to manage its expansive clinical network. Justin Jory will remain involved with the Raleigh-based company as an advisor and shareholder.
Lightwave Dental now supports more than 100 dental practices, up from the eight sites it held at its 2016 founding. The company currently generates over $300 million in annual revenue while employing more than 1,800 team members.
The players
Dr. Clifton Cameron
He currently serves as the President and Chief Clinical Officer of Lightwave Dental.
Justin Jory
He is the founder of Lightwave Dental and served as its Chief Executive Officer for ten years.
Lightwave Dental
This is a Raleigh-based, doctor-led dental support organization that provides business services to clinical practices.
The details
Lightwave Dental operates as a doctor-led Dental Leadership Organization with a platform built to support the clinical delivery of care across the Carolinas and Virginia. Founder Justin Jory led the company through significant growth during his tenure, and Dr. Cameron joined the organization in 2019 to serve as President and Chief Clinical Officer.
Timeline
2016: Lightwave Dental was founded.
2019: Dr. Clifton Cameron joined the company.
October 1, 2026: Dr. Clifton Cameron becomes Chief Executive Officer.
Market Landscape
This leadership transition occurs as the dental sector continues to see rapid consolidation through the rise of private equity-backed Dental Support Organizations. Lightwave Dental is positioning its internal leadership to maintain its competitive standing against other large regional clinical networks.
The transition to a new CEO is an internal corporate restructuring that is not expected to change the daily delivery of care for patients at affiliated practices. Patients can continue to expect the same service standards across the company's network in the Carolinas and Virginia.
The takeaway
Effective executive succession planning is essential for long-term growth in the healthcare services sector. Maintaining founder involvement as an advisor can help ensure continuity in company culture during leadership handoffs.
Further reading
For more on the individuals shaping local industries, visit our People section.
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