By: Zach Miller
Rio Esqueda has built a career in dentistry by being open to new challenges, asking meaningful questions, and examining traditional practices with a fresh perspective. Currently serving as the Chief Operating Officer for dental sleep software company Restfull, Rio is focused on leading a team that is developing systems designed to help dentists be both more successful and less stressed.
Tell us a bit about your background and what led you into dentistry.
I started my career as a performer but always felt the pull to be a businesswoman in a suit. I got my Master’s in Healthcare Administration from UNLV, built experience managing systems in different industries, and was actively pursuing a hospital role. During that search, I came across a national DSO expanding into Kansas City—and that’s how I entered the dental industry.
You’ve worked with some of the biggest brands in the industry. What made you decide to pursue innovation and work with smaller businesses?
I saw the move to the International Academy of Sleep as an opportunity for personal and professional development. With a smaller company, there’s often more agility and room to explore creative ideas—and Restfull reflects that potential.
What was your innovation “a-ha” moment?
When I met the team that would become key collaborators on Restfull—especially Christie Fink and Mark Murphy—the “integrator” in me was truly inspired. I could envision how to start pulling resources together, prioritizing initiatives, and leveraging my team-building skills to support Restfull’s emergence as a leader in dental sleep billing software. Seeing others’ passion for the work drives my own.
What appeals most to you about this intersection of healthcare and tech?
It’s a unique space where innovation can lead to measurable outcomes. Technology gives us the opportunity to rethink how care is delivered—from expanding access to improving efficiency.
What makes it rewarding is the knowledge that each improvement—big or small—can have a direct impact on a patient’s experience. It’s a space where purpose and progress intersect. Leading here means constantly listening, adapting, and working toward thoughtful change, not just speed.
What have been the biggest challenges you’ve faced as a leader in this space?
Doing the research and trusting my instincts has been challenging, but with the right people in place, those challenges become manageable. Empowering the right team and trusting their expertise has made a significant difference.
What gaps or inefficiencies in the dental industry are you most passionate about solving?
Dentists should be fairly compensated for the care they provide. It can be difficult running a dental practice and also handling insurance battles over what treatment is considered “allowed.”
I’d like to see medical insurers make it more straightforward for dentists to receive payment for medically necessary services.
What makes Restfull different from what’s already out there?
We’re focused on simplifying the workflow for dentists treating patients with sleep apnea—from documentation to reimbursement. Our platform is designed to support not only oral appliance therapy but to eventually expand into surgical and other medical procedures within the dental setting. We see an opportunity to broaden the scope of what practices can manage internally.
How do you make sure you are staying in touch with the real-world needs of dental practices?
It’s a team-wide commitment. We stay informed on clinical research, software updates, credentialing rules, and dental laws across different states. We try to meet change with adaptability, not hesitation.
What’s your leadership philosophy?
I don’t ask anyone to do something I wouldn’t be willing to do myself or haven’t already done. That philosophy has guided how I lead and support my teams.
How do you build and motivate a team in such a specialized and fast-moving field?
In the words of Richard Branson, “Clients do not come first. Employees come first.” When you create an environment where people feel supported and encouraged to grow, they’re far more likely to deliver their best work.
Beyond finances, people need psychological safety to contribute fully. I try to foster that daily.
What’s your biggest aspiration for Restfull?
I’d like to see Restfull evolve into a solution that helps dentists receive reimbursement for a broader range of medical services, not just oral appliances. Our vision is to become a trusted support system for dental practices navigating medical billing.
What’s one piece of advice you wish you’d gotten early in your career?
Never be afraid to ask questions. Curiosity leads to clarity, and clarity leads to better decisions.
To learn more about Rio’s work with Restfull, visit https://restfull.com. You can also connect with her on LinkedIn or reach out via email: Rio@Restfull.com.
Published by Joseph T.
