Pediatric dental practices are more than healthcare settings; they’re community touchpoints where families, local businesses, and neighborhood institutions naturally intersect. Fireside, a Birmingham-based technology company, was founded on the belief that these everyday interactions hold untapped potential to support both practice growth and the broader communities they serve.

“Fireside began with a simple shared challenge among pediatric dentists—how do you grow your practice alone?” said Bart Yancey, cofounder and Chief Executive Officer of Fireside. “We wanted to create a platform that gave them both community and practical tools for growth.”

What started as a small Birmingham pilot has since evolved into a network of more than 65 practices across 17 states. By combining consulting services, technology, and point-of-care marketing, Fireside offers a model that helps pediatric dentists strengthen their business while staying rooted in the values that define their patient care. 

“Pediatric dentists are small business owners as much as they are healthcare providers,” Dr. Yancy explains. “Fireside exists to help them grow their business and profitability so they can provide an even better patient experience.”

That commitment to connection is what led to the launch of Communion, Fireside’s new advertising initiative that turns waiting rooms into hubs of community impact. After 45 days of its 90-day pilot, Communion already includes several Birmingham-area pediatric practices and a growing roster of local advertisers. The model is simple but powerful, and a portion of the revenue from each local ad is given directly to a school in the practice’s own neighborhood.

For Dr. Jeff Flannery of Oak Mountain Pediatric Dentistry, the mission resonates deeply. “Before this program, my practice served the community, and local brands advertised to them,” he shares. “Now, we all operate in Communion. This platform allows us to seamlessly share resources and support the schools where my patients and their patrons learn. For me, hosting these relevant local messages that simultaneously send funds back to education isn’t advertising—it’s a shared act of service. It’s a blessing realized through partnership.”

The name itself carries meaning. As the team explored the concept, they discovered that “communion” traces back to a Greek word associated with gratitude. The idea reflects their hope to bring everyone—dentists, families, local businesses, and schools—to the same table, strengthening the bonds that make a community feel whole. Many dental practices already support neighborhood schools through sponsorships, events, and volunteer efforts; Communion expands that impact and gives families a clear pathway to get involved.

Across Birmingham, the pediatric dentists participating in the pilot embody this spirit of connection through their individual practices. These practices illustrate how this communal model manifests at the local level–and how meaningful partnerships can turn ordinary appointments into opportunities for connection.

Red Mountain Pediatric Dentistry – Dr. Lauren Dean

Raised in Homewood, Dr. Lauren Dean provides Birmingham families with care that feels both advanced and personal. At Red Mountain Pediatric Dentistry, she combines gentle technology with a big-hearted approach, creating an environment where young patients feel understood and at ease.

Oak Mountain Pediatric Dentistry – Dr. Jeff Flannery

For Dr. Jeff Flannery, Oak Mountain is home in every sense. After training across the country, he returned to Birmingham to build a practice grounded in community and shaped by trust. His office at the base of the mountain has become a place where kids laugh, parents relax, and neighbors know they are cared for by one of their own.

Lovell Pediatric Dentistry – Dr. Adrian Lovell

Walk into Dr. Adrian Lovell’s Homewood practice and you’re likely to be greeted by Lucy and Dolly, his two golden retrievers. That warm, family-first spirit carries through everything he does, turning dental visits into milestones that kids actually look forward to.

Liberty Park Children’s Dentistry – Dr. Quyen Ying

In the heart of Liberty Park, Dr. Quyen Ying has created a haven for families seeking more than routine care. A mom herself, she understands the value of patience, sensory-friendly spaces, and relationships that extend into the neighborhood. From school visits to soccer sidelines, she is woven into the daily life of the community.

Vestavia Hills Pediatric Dentistry – Dr. Flynt Purvis

Generations of Vestavia families know Dr. Flynt Purvis not just as their dentist, but as a steady part of their story. His practice has become a place where children grow up feeling at ease, welcomed by a western theme complete with a tree stretching toward the ceiling—mirroring the forests of Jackson Hole. For nearly twenty years, he has kept smiles bright and connections strong in the community he calls home.

As Communion continues to expand, its purpose remains steady: to uplift the neighborhoods these dentists serve and ensure that even the quiet moments in a waiting room help strengthen the communities around them.

Want to learn more or get involved?

Discover how Fireside and Communion are transforming pediatric dental practices and local communities. Visit Fireside to explore the network, connect with a participating practice, or inquire about becoming a future partner.