Your Passion + Our Professional Expertise

Time to Get Back to Doing What You Love

At CMG Associates, we believe that quality care starts with you, the provider. We set you up for success by taking on the work you dread, so that you can focus on doing what you love – taking care of patients. We handle the paperwork and management side of the practice, so that you can focus on taking care of patients, yourself and your family.

Working with CMG Associates seems a lot like not working at all. What I mean by that is it is so well run, organized, and efficient that it allows me to only have to think about doing what I love — Dentistry. I’ve never felt like an employee. I am part of a well-trained and intelligent team whose common goal is to provide first class dental care to our patients. Best job I’ve ever had!

Dr. Terry Turner, Associate Dentist

Helping our associate dentists be successful by providing them the resources and support they need so they can focus on patient care, is what motivates me.

When our associate dentists are happy and successful, we all win!

Dr. Wade Clayton, Co-Founder

When a dentist is ready to transition out of running the day to day operations of their business or looking to form their retirement exit, continuing the legacy they have built with their patients and staff is vital to a successful transition, and is the utmost importance to us. Giving the dentist the peace of mind that their practice is in good hands is a major priority.

Jeff Gardino, Co-Founder

The best decision of my career has been to sell my practice to CMG Associates/Bellano Dental, and then join their team as an associate dentist. It has always been my goal to provide the best care possible in a compassionate and caring way. They have given me the tools to excel in these areas with new and up to date equipment, well trained and competent staff, and an atmosphere that is conducive to making dentistry enjoyable for me.

Dr. Lance Ashlock, Associate Dentist

At CMG Associates, we strive to give time back to our associates by relieving the pressure that comes with running a dental practice. We allow our associates to take excellent care of their patients, and we aim to help our them develop the leadership skills they need so their team can truly excel.

Dr. Drew Mefford, Co-Founder

Hear from CEO Jeff Gardino

Recently featured on the Financial Flossing podcast, Jeff Gardino shares some of the history of how CMG got started, what he’s learned along the way, and how we plan to proceed with growing the local group model of the practice. Give it a listen by clicking below!

Trusted Partners, Lasting Legacy

CMG Associates was founded to give Memphis area dentists an opportunity to partner with local dental professionals that have a sincere interest in this community. With a combined 40 years’ experience in dentistry, we have a unique understanding of the Memphis market.

In partnering with CMG Associates, you gain a collaborative community of peers, a proven business management model, and the ease of knowing that someone else is managing all the details of your practice

Or, if you are looking to phase out of your dentistry career, CMG is here to partner with you. We make sure your patients and team are treated with the same hands-on, compassionate care that you have provided over the years while you take a step back. When you are ready, CMG will ensure a smooth transition for you, your patients, and your team, helping you move into retirement with confidence that your legacy is secure.

Multiply your patient time — divide the work with us

A New Formula for a Great Practice

Offer best in class care by using state of the art technology and the highest standards in dentistry.

Cultivate an environment of respect for our patient’s time and empathy to each patient’s personal needs.

Provide team members opportunities to expand their own dental careers by continuing to invest in their growth and development.

Earn the respect of the dental community in the greater Memphis area and become a trusted local industry leader.

Our Focus

Bring the passion back to your practice

CMG Associates combines our passions of a love of people and a love of dentistry. We work with integrity, empathy, and innovation to lead the dental industry in the Mid-South.

CMG’s Founders

Wade Clayton, DDSChief Strategy Officer

Dr. Clayton received his liberal arts degree from the University of Mississippi in Oxford and furthered his studies at the University of Tennessee College of Dentistry. In addition, Dr. Clayton completed an Advanced Education in General Dentistry residency. While attending the University of Tennessee, he served as President of the Student Government and President of the American Student Dental Association. Dr. Clayton began private practice in 1998 and partnered with Dr. Mefford in 2007.

Jeff Gardino, MBA Chief Executive Officer

Jeff Gardino is a lifelong Memphian. Growing up in a dental family, Jeff has remained on the business side of dentistry throughout his career. Jeff is a graduate of the University of Memphis and earned his Master of Business Administration from Union University. After spending over 12 years with Henry Schein Dental, Jeff partnered with Dr. Clayton and Dr. Mefford in 2018 to form CMG Associates.

Drew Mefford, DMD Chief Dental Officer

Dr. Mefford received his liberal arts degree from Georgetown College in Georgetown, KY and graduated from the University of Kentucky College of Dentistry with high distinction. While at the University of Kentucky, he was awarded the International College of Dentists Outstanding Achievement and Leadership Award. He was also selected as a member of the Omicron Kappa Upsilon Dental Honorary Society. Dr. Mefford began private practice in 2004.