In 1974 Dr. James R. Pride founded Pride Institute, which grew to become today’s leading practice management research and consulting company in the dental field. After owning a private general practice and serving as assistant dean at the University of the Pacific School of Dentistry, Dr. Pride realized how challenging it was for dentists to give comprehensive care due to a lack of training in sound business and leadership skills needed to deliver quality dentistry.

To fill this need, he formed Pride Institute and through it left an indelible mark on the profession and on the countless dentists whose lives he touched. Dr. Pride provided dentists with innovative tools to improve their efficiency and enhance their growth as managers and leaders. During his distinguished career, Dr. Pride introduced many innovations that have now become standard practices in dentistry, such as dual-entry operatories, 10-minute appointment scheduling, an array of quantitative tools to statistically analyze the practice, and an unprecedented scientific approach to systems, management, and leadership that revolutionized the dental office.

He led the vanguard in financially preparing dentists for retirement and created original concepts and agreements for practice transitions, which have aided dentists in making pivotal changes at the crossroads of their lives. As countless letters and tributes from dentists and their families attest, his coaching helped dentists achieve levels of success and fulfillment that they had never thought possible. He enhanced the professional and personal lives and futures of thousands of dentists who studied with him and his consultants at Pride Institute.

As an undergraduate, Dr. Pride attended Chico State College and the University of California at Berkeley. He obtained his DDS degree in 1961 from Loyola University. Following that, he served as an officer in the United States Air Force and for 12 years was in private practice in Williams, California.

A farmer at heart, Dr. Pride founded Pride Mountain Vineyards in California’s famed Napa Valley, where he and his wife Carolyn developed a prestigious winery producing ultra-premium wines that have won the highest industry awards. Pride Mountain Vineyard’s Merlot was served at the 50th anniversary dinner of NATO, the largest gathering of heads of state in 30 years at the White House. His wife Carolyn and children Suzanne Pride Bryan and Steven Pride continue to operate the winery. In honor of Dr. Pride, the James R. Pride Endowed Chair in Dental Practice was created at the University of the Pacific School of Dentistry. It is the only endowed chair in dental practice management in the country. Contributions may be made to: UOP School of Dentistry, 2155 Webster Street, San Francisco, CA 94115 The dedicated staff at Pride Institute is tremendously proud of its admired and beloved founder. The Institute continues to maintain his legacy and celebrate his life through its ongoing growth and success.