Meet the Team
Behind every successful practice transition, valuation, or partnership lies a team of specialists committed to your career's growth and success.
Whether you're looking to buy, sell, or seek career coaching, our expertise ensures you're guided by professionals who understand the nuances of the orthodontic marketplace.
Meet the people dedicated to empowering your next career move with confidence and strategic insight.
Chris Bentson
Partner
Chris Bentson has been working with orthodontists regarding the business aspects of their practices for over thirty-five years. He is the founder of Bentson Copple Patterson & Associates. He spends much of his time working within the orthodontic industry. He joined the AAOF Board in 2016 and served as AAOF President in 2023-2024. He was awarded the 2022 “Outstanding Contribution to the Specialty Award” by a non-orthodontist from the AAO. Chris is also a guest lecturer in the Wharton Business School’s AAO Partnership course: “Mastering the Business of Orthodontics” covering “Practice Level Financial Management" and "Financial Acumen and Practice Transition Planning". Chris is a frequent presenter at AAO sponsored meetings and is a contributor to national orthodontic periodicals and journals.
Doug Copple, CVA
Partner
Doug Copple graduated from Appalachian State University where he earned his Bachelor of Science in Business Administration (BSBA) and Master of Science (MS) degree in Accounting. Prior to working with Bentson Copple Patterson & Associates, he was an Audit Senior for Ernst & Young, LLP, and an Audit Associate/Senior for KPMG, LLP. Doug is a member of the National Association of Certified Valuation Analysts (NACVA). He is integral in both the exclusive valuation methodology and tax allocation/negotiations in the transition process. Doug ensures that our clients are provided with reports of the highest quality that adhere strictly to industry standards. His goal at Bentson Copple & Associates is to provide shorter negotiation cycles and stronger assurance of deals reaching completion.
Shannon Patterson, CPR, CMSR
Partner
Shannon Patterson is a respected leader and consultant in the orthodontic industry, serving as a partner at Bentson Copple Patterson & Associates. With a nationwide client base, Shannon advises orthodontists on the business and operational aspects of their practices, with a particular focus on practice and career transitions.
A Kolbe Certified™ Consultant, Shannon specializes in using the Kolbe suite of assessments to foster strength-based relationships and build highly functional teams. Her expertise helps orthodontists better understand their natural strengths and align them with strategic goals. Shannon is also a Certified Personnel Recruiter (CPR) and Certified Medical Staff Recruiter (CMSR), and she is an active member of the American Academy of Medical Management (AAMM). She currently serves on a committee with the American Association of Orthodontists (AAO), reflecting her ongoing commitment to industry leadership and professional development.
As a sought-after speaker, Shannon frequently lectures at AAO annual sessions, regional orthodontic society meetings, study clubs, user meetings, and orthodontic residency programs across North America. Her insights are regularly featured in leading orthodontic publications, where she contributes thought leadership on practice management and career development.
Shane Burden
Resident & Transition Advisor
Shane Burden is a Placement & Talent Acquisition Consultant at Bentson Copple Patterson & Associates, LLC. He brings years of orthodontic and dental industry experience to our team. Before joining Bentson Copple Patterson & Associates, he served as Rocky Mountain Orthodontics’ (RMO) Manager of North America, leading the aligners division. Shane is a liaison between our company and orthodontic residents, doctors seeking career opportunities, and all of the orthodontic residency programs in the United States. He works closely with our candidates developing strong relationships, providing guidance throughout the recruitment process, and being an industry resource to them.
Anthony Copple, JD
Transition Advisor
Anthony Copple received his undergraduate degree in Finance and Banking (BSBA) from Appalachian State University. He went on to attend law school at Elon University where he earned his Juris Doctorate (JD). Before joining the Bentson Copple Patterson & Associates team, Anthony honed his negotiation skills at a small, general practice law firm in Asheboro, North Carolina. He works closely with our clients and their counterparts to ensure that practice transitions progress and conclude as efficiently as possible. His goal at Bentson Copple Patterson & Associates is to negotiate the terms of each transition in a way that meets or exceeds each client’s expectations.
Jackie Crowe, CPA
Financial Analyst
Jackie Crowe is a Financial Analyst at Bentson Copple Patterson & Associates. She received her Bachelor of Science and Master of Science degrees in Accounting from the University of North Carolina at Greensboro. Jackie is responsible for the initial creation of valuation reports and works with our team and clients to understand the unique financial position of each Practice. She also prepares partnership and buy-out documents for transition services.
Ali Gentry
Client Relations Support Associate
Ali Gentry works in Finance and Operation capacities for Bentson Copple Patterson & Associates. She assists with the production of valuations and works with clients to obtain the necessary documents needed for their transactions. She received her Bachelor of Arts degree in Business Administration from the College of Charleston. Before joining Bentson Copple Patterson & Associates, Ali was an independent insurance broker, specializing in Life and Long-Term Care insurance planning. She also provides additional administrative support and top-notch service to our clients.
Laura Overcash, CPS
Director of Marketing
Laura Overcash serves as Director of Marketing at Bentson Copple Patterson & Associates. She received her Bachelor’s Degree in Communication with a concentration in Advertising from Appalachian State University. Laura is responsible for all of the Bentson Copple Patterson & Associates' marketing campaigns, public relations, and branding which allows our company to be visible to clients who are in need of any orthodontic transitional service. She coordinates the details of all trade show events, speaking engagements, lectures, and webinars. Laura is a Certified Presentation Specialist (CPS)™ and a member of the Presentation Guild.
Amber Copple, CPA
Financial Director
Amber Copple is the Financial Director at Bentson Copple Patterson & Associates. She received her Bachelor of Science and Master of Science degrees in Accounting from Appalachian State University. Amber is responsible for maintaining the company’s general ledger, including financial reporting and account reconciliation. She helps manage the accounts receivable and accounts payable functions and has human resource responsibilities as well.