Dr. Fender, DMD serves as a Partner at the Thurston Group. At Thurston Group, Dr. Fender is responsible for development and relationship management of their physician practice management companies, including clinical leaders, research endeavors and practice growth opportunities. Dr. Fender also provides strategic oversight to Thurston Group’s portfolio companies clinical integration and affiliation programs.

Prior to joining Thurston Group, Dr. Fender co-founded Smile Doctors, where he served as Chief Clinical Business Development Officer since 2015. His success at Smile Doctors allowed the company to grow significantly through strategic acquisitions and was also able to implement an affiliation program that allowed the company to grow to a national presence. In addition, Dr. Fender co-founded SGA Dental Partners in 2018.

Dr. Fender earned his dental degree in 1993 from the University of Georgia Dental School where he graduated as Valedictorian. He then completed and received his degree in orthodontics from Vanderbilt University.

Currently, Dr. Fender serves on the Board of Directors for National Dental Healthcare REIT, SGA Dental Partners and Gen4 Dental Partners.

Dr. Fender and his wife, Hope, have 3 sons with 2 grandsons and reside in Florida.