Episode Description: What if you could reduce clear aligner treatment times by 25% and use 40% fewer aligners per case? In this episode of the Orthodontic Products Podcast, sponsored by OrthoFX, host Alison Werner speaks with Dr Terry Sellke about the material science making these metrics a reality. They dive into a recent independent retrospective study from the University of Illinois Chicago (UIC) that compared the OrthoFX FXClear aligner system head-to-head with legacy materials. Sellke discusses his transition to this new generation of aligner polymers, how highly predictable clinical outcomes are fundamentally changing digital treatment planning, and why marrying predictable aligners with remote monitoring can effectively double the return on investment per patient.

Topics Covered:

• The clinical findings from the UIC retrospective study comparing FXClear to traditional aligner systems.
• How advanced aligner polymers eliminate the need for heavy overcorrections in digital treatment plans.
• Clinical experiences with posterior tracking and avoiding posterior open bites.
• Why predictable tooth movement combined with remote monitoring leads to a significant drop in refinement appointments.
• How to utilize the "value per visit" metric to measure productivity and increase practice profitability.
• The importance of adopting emerging technologies to combat rising overhead and evolving consumer demands.

Chapters:

02:52 - Incorporating Clear Aligners and Transitioning to OrthoFX
04:11 - The Catalyst for the UIC Retrospective Study
06:08 - The Impact of Fewer Refinement Appointments
07:49 - Addressing Posterior Open Bites and Heavy Overcorrections
10:09 - Evaluating FXClear in Complex Clinical Scenarios
11:50 - How Material Science is Changing Digital Treatment Planning
13:49 - Utilizing the "Value Per Visit" Metric to Boost Profitability
17:53 - Why Orthodontists Must Embrace Emerging Technologies

Read More:
New Study Finds OrthoFX Aligners May Offer Greater Efficiency and Predictability

About the Guest: Dr Terry Sellke has over 50 years of experience in private practice in Lake County, Illinois. He served for 36 years as a professor and co-director of the orthodontic clinic at the University of Illinois Chicago College of Dentistry, where he also acted as a research advisor. An international author and lecturer, Sellke has contributed extensively to the advancement of orthodontic education and clinical practice.

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Have a question for a future episode? Drop it in the comments or email editor@orthodonticproductsonline.com

#Orthodontics #ClearAligners #OrthoFX #PracticeManagement #OrthodonticProducts #orthodontists

Episode Description: While clear aligners have dominated orthodontic conversations in recent years, new industry data indicates a shift back toward traditional braces. In this episode of the Orthodontic Products Podcast, sponsored by DynaFlex, host Alison Werner talks with Darren Buddemeyer, CEO of DynaFlex, about the renewed interest in the bracket category and how the technology is evolving to meet modern clinical demands. Drawing on his more than 30 years of experience growing DynaFlex from a small lab into a major manufacturer, Buddemeyer explores why many orthodontists are rediscovering the predictability and control of fixed appliances.

Tune in to hear the clinical drivers behind this trend, how innovations in self-ligation and optimized slot sizes are increasing practice efficiency, and the latest engineering advancements in aesthetic ceramic brackets.

Key Takeaways:

• The Bracket Resurgence: The clinical factors driving the renewed demand for orthodontic brackets over clear aligners.
• Tackling Complex Cases: Which cases—including Class II and Class III corrections—often benefit from the predictable control of fixed appliances.
• Practice Efficiency: How advancements in self-ligation and optimized bracket slot sizes (like the Norris system) are improving treatment times.
• Aesthetic Advancements: The engineering challenges of developing clear ceramic brackets that aim to perform with the durability of metal.
• Arch Development: How the rising trend of early arch development integrates with and simplifies subsequent bracket or aligner phases.

Chapters: 

01:08 - The Shift Back to Braces: Data and Clinical Drivers 

04:41 - Which Complex Cases Benefit Most from Brackets 

06:28 - Evolution of the Bracket Category & Self-Ligation 

08:19 - Improving Practice Efficiency with Modern Bracket Systems 

10:02 - Engineering Aesthetic Brackets: The Norris Clear System 

11:54 - Balancing Aligners and Brackets in Your Case Mix 

13:07 - DynaFlex's Roadmap and Innovations 

14:44 - The Role of a Full-Service Lab & Early Arch Development 

16:56 - Future Innovations in the Bracket Space

About the Guest: Darren Buddemeyer is the CEO of DynaFlex. He has led the company for more than 30 years, growing it from a small lab into a major global manufacturer of orthodontic products, appliances, and dental sleep medicine devices. 

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#Orthodontics #Braces #ClearAligners #OrthodonticBrackets #DynaFlex #OrthodonticProducts #DentalPodcast #SelfLigatingBrackets

Episode Description: The latest Orthodontic Products Levin Group Annual Practice Survey reveals that while 2025 was a year of stable production, those top-line numbers are masking a growing profitability crisis. In this episode, host Alison Werner welcomes Dr Roger Levin, CEO and founder of Levin Group, to break down the data and explore the critical disconnect between steady patient flow and shrinking profit margins. Levin explains how a perfect storm of rising overhead, a persistent staffing crisis, and growing economic uncertainty is putting unprecedented financial pressure on orthodontic practices across the country.

Moving beyond the numbers, this conversation provides a strategic roadmap for orthodontists looking to protect their bottom line in 2026. Levin shares actionable advice on what separates the top 25% of performing practices from the rest, detailing how to combat rising costs and navigate looming "fee wars." From systemizing a five-part referral marketing program to evolving the treatment coordinator’s role to communicate undeniable value, this episode offers essential strategies to help you raise fees confidently and ensure your practice thrives in a shifting economic landscape.

Key Takeaways: 

• The Production-Profit Disconnect: Stable production is masking shrinking profits. Because rising overhead is outpacing inflation, practices must increase their patient volume just to maintain current income levels.
• Prioritize Staff Retention: The staffing crisis is a massive driver of rising overhead. Building a rewarding practice culture to retain your current team is critical for protecting your bottom line.
• Systemize Referral Marketing: Passive word-of-mouth isn't enough. Top-performing practices actively manage a five-pillar strategy targeting patients, parents, social media, the community, and referring dentists.
• Combat "Fee Wars" with Value: As orthodontics becomes increasingly commoditized, Treatment Coordinators must evolve into "value coordinators" who can justify your costs through exceptional relationship-building.
• Raise Fees and Elevate Service: Levin advises raising fees by at least 5% annually to survive rising costs. To support this, practices must deliver an exceptional customer experience and offer flexible patient financing.

  Chapters:
  00:55 Stability vs. Underlying Challenges in Orthodontics
  03:44 Production vs. Profit: Understanding the Disconnect
  06:39 Performance Tiers: What Separates the Best from the Rest?
  09:40 Staffing Crisis: Building a Strong Team Culture
  12:35 Addressing New Patient Starts: Strategies for Success
  15:44 Rising Overhead: Protecting Profitability in Uncertain Times
  27:19 The Commodity Nature of Orthodontics
  29:41 Building Value in Orthodontic Practices
  30:37 Referral Marketing as a Key to Success
  34:22 The Impact of DSOs and OSOs on Orthodontics
  38:32 Remote Monitoring and Teledentistry Trends
  43:12 Prioritizing Customer Service and Financing Options

  Links:
  🔗 Read the article—Steady Year, Shifting Landscape: Findings From the 2025 Orthodontic Practice Survey

  About the Guest: Roger P. Levin, DDS, is the CEO and founder of Levin Group. 

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  Have a question for a future episode? Drop it in the comments or email editor@orthodonticproductsonline.com

  #Orthodontics #Orthodontist #PracticeManagement #RogerLevin #OrthodonticPodcast #OrthodonticPractice #OrthodonticConsulting #LevinGroup

Episode Description: While aligners often dominate the conversation around aesthetic treatment, fixed appliances remain a critical tool for orthodontists. In this episode of the Orthodontic Products Podcast, sponsored by Solventum, host Alison Werner speaks with Dr Lisa Davison about how she integrates ceramic brackets into her busy practice. Davison shares insights on bridging the gap between patient aesthetic demands and clinical predictability, and explains why modern ceramic systems—like the Clarity Advanced Ceramic Bracket System—are a reliable, versatile, and highly aesthetic option for patients who may not be ideal candidates for aligners.

Topics Covered:

• How to position ceramic brackets as an aesthetic solution for patients who aren't ideal aligner candidates.
• The essential clinical criteria for evaluating a ceramic bracket system, including aesthetics, strength, and ease of use for your clinical team.
• Why modern ceramic systems can offer superior bond strength and fewer failures compared to traditional metal brackets.
• How bracket design impacts patient comfort, acceptance, and versatility in styling with clear or vibrant ligature ties.
• Practical insights on seamlessly integrating ceramic brackets into your practice workflow without altering established mechanics or protocols.

Chapters:
02:02 - Aligners vs. Ceramic Brackets: Patient Compliance
03:46 - Bridging the Gap Between Aesthetics and Control
04:34 - Key Clinical Criteria for Ceramic Systems
06:24 - Onboarding and Team Training
07:46 - Patient Response, Comfort, and Ligature Ties
09:26 - Bracket Design and Treatment Mechanics
10:44 - Day-to-Day Workflow and Flash-Free Placement
11:49 - Bond Failures: Metal vs. Ceramic Brackets
13:26 - Advice for Orthodontists Reconsidering Ceramics
14:59 - The Future of Aesthetic Orthodontic Treatment

About the Guest: Lisa Davison, DDS, MS, is a board-certified orthodontist with a two-doctor, 15-team-member office in Powell, Ohio. She completed her dental degree at New York University and her orthodontic residency at Jacksonville University. 

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#Orthodontics #Orthodontist #OrthodonticProducts #solventum #CeramicBraces #ceramicbrackets #clearbraces #braces #orthodontictreatment #clarityadvanced

Episode Description: Online reviews have long been a factor in how patients choose an orthodontic practice, but the rise of AI is fundamentally changing their role. In this episode of the Orthodontic Products Podcast, host Alison Werner talks with Jessie Pressman about this critical shift. They explore how reviews no longer just influence perception but directly shape a practice's visibility and narrative in AI-powered search results. Pressman shares actionable strategies for modern reputation management, explaining why specific patient language matters, how to handle negative feedback without panicking, and why automation is key to future-proofing your practice's growth.

Topics Covered:
—How AI-generated summaries are changing the function of patient reviews from social proof to a direct driver of search visibility.
—Why specific, authentic language (like mentioning "Invisalign" or "flexible financing") in patient feedback is critical for training AI search algorithms.
—Actionable tips for encouraging patients to leave detailed, highly valuable reviews.
—The best-practice strategy for handling negative reviews offline to protect your practice’s reputation.
—The role of automation in building a consistent, stress-free review generation system for your staff.
—How to future-proof your reputation management to align with evolving SEO and AIO (Artificial Intelligence Optimization) technology.

Chapters:
01:20 The Importance of Authentic Language in Reviews
04:17 Handling Negative Reviews Effectively
07:25 The Role of Technology in Reputation Management
11:19 Future-Proofing Your Reputation Strategy
14:19 Conclusion and Contact Information

About the Guest: Jessie Pressman is head of consulting at People + Practice, where she leads a national team of growth consultants focused on helping orthodontic practices achieve measurable growth. With more than 20 years of experience in marketing and executive leadership across healthcare, technology, and consumer brands, Pressman brings strategic insight and operational clarity to every engagement. She is passionate about building high-performing teams and helping practices turn opportunity into sustainable results. She is also the author of the Orthodontic Products article, “The New Influence of Patient Reviews in the Age of AI Summaries.”

Read the Article: The New Influence of Patient Reviews in the Age of AI Search

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#Orthodontics #Orthodontist #OrthodonticMarketing #DentalMarketing #PracticeGrowth #OnlineReviews #ReputationManagement #AISearch  #DentalSEO #PatientReviews #OrthodonticProducts #OrthodonticPodcast

Episode Description: In this episode of the Orthodontic Products Podcast, sponsored by DynaFlex, host Alison Werner speaks with Jason Sherbel, DMD, MS, about his transition to a passive self-ligating (PSL) bracket system to support his growing practice. Sherbel explains that the switch was not about chasing a trend but rather solving specific inefficiencies—such as inconsistent ligation and unpredictable repositioning—that began to compound as his patient volume increased. He details how adopting the Norris System’s 0.020-inch slot, combined with digital tools like indirect bonding and CBCT, has allowed him to standardize workflows, reduce decision fatigue, and empower his clinical team to deliver more consistent results.

Topics Covered: 

• Identifying how minor clinical inconsistencies compound to slow down growing practices.
• The impact of standardized ligation and archwire sequencing on reducing decision fatigue.
• Comparing 0.018 and 0.022 slot sizes and the mechanical advantages of the 0.020-inch slot.
• How passive self-ligation empowers clinical assistants and improves overall office flow.
• Integrating PSL with digital technologies like indirect bonding and CBCT for precise bracket placement.

Chapters: 

00:32 Clinical Philosophy and Treatment Planning

02:21 Transition to Passive Self-Ligation Systems

05:12 Identifying Inefficiencies in Practice

07:25 Evaluating Passive Self-Ligation Options

10:22 Onboarding the New System

12:49 Advice for Orthodontists Considering PSL

15:38 Future of Orthodontics and Technology

About the Guest: Jason Sherbel, DDS, MS, is a dual board-certified orthodontist and dental sleep medicine specialist who graduated from the University of Michigan School of Dentistry, where he also completed his orthodontic residency and mini-residency in dental sleep medicine. He practices with his wife at their Farmington Hills, Mich, practice, Aspire Orthodontics.

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#Orthodontics #ClinicalAutonomy #Biomechanics #DigitalOrthodontics #DentalAI #Orthodontist #OrthodonticProducts

Episode Description: In this episode of the Orthodontic Products Podcast, host Alison Werner sits down with Dr. Mark Bronsky to discuss the increasing commercial influence on clinical practice. As the marketplace floods with new technologies and branded systems, Dr. Bronsky shares his candid perspective on maintaining clinical autonomy and ensuring treatment decisions remain grounded in biology and biomechanics rather than marketing hype.

Topics Covered:
• Strategies for evaluating new technology based on clinical value.
• The dangers of outsourcing decision-making to algorithms.
• Why core principles of growth must lead treatment planning.
• Advice for young orthodontists on avoiding brand dependence.
• The future role of AI in diagnostics vs. commercial interests.

Chapters:
05:15  Evaluating Technology in Orthodontics
11:37  Core Principles of Orthodontics
15:37  The Role of AI in Orthodontics
17:28  Future Innovations in Orthodontics

About the Guest: Mark J. Bronsky, DMD, MS, is a board-certified orthodontist and founder of Bronsky Orthodontics in New York City. A graduate of UAB and UNC Chapel Hill, he specializes in dentofacial orthopedics and craniofacial anomalies. He is a member of the Angle Society and teaches at New York Presbyterian Hospital/Cornell Medical Center.

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#Orthodontics #ClinicalAutonomy #Biomechanics #DigitalOrthodontics #DentalAI #Orthodontist #OrthodonticProducts

In this episode of the Orthodontic Products Podcast, host Alison Werner sits down with Ty Ramsey, a mergers and acquisitions advisor with Professional Transition Strategies. They cut through the noise surrounding practice transitions to clarify why the peak growth phase of a practice is often the optimal time to explore a partnership.

Ramsey breaks down the financial reality of today’s market, explaining why selling while you’re growing often leads to significantly higher valuations than waiting until retirement. He also dismantles the stigma of "selling out," reframing these transactions as strategic partnerships that preserve clinical autonomy while offloading administrative burdens.

What You Will Learn:
—Why partnering during a growth phase often yields better financial outcomes.
—The difference between "selling out" and forming a strategic partnership.
—How a DSO/OSO partnership can accelerate growth through shared resources.
—Key financial metrics investors look for, including annual collections and EBITDA.
—Common deal structures like equity rolls and joint ventures.

Chapters: 
02:53 Understanding the Timing of Exit vs. Expand
05:56 Misconceptions About Selling and Partnering
08:54 The Benefits of Transitioning During Growth
12:00 Partnerships and Accelerating Growth
14:54 Evaluating Practice Readiness for Acquisition
17:54 Risks of Delaying Decisions
21:01 Key Considerations for Orthodontists
23:58 Conclusion and Next Steps

👤 Guest Bio: Ty Ramsey is a mergers and acquisitions advisor with Professional Transition Strategies. 
Contact: ty@professionaltransition.com 
Learn more: https://professionaltransition.com/

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#Orthodontics #PracticeManagement #DSO #BusinessStrategy #OrthodonticProducts #OSO

Episode Overview: In this episode of the Orthodontic Products Podcast, host Alison Werner talks with Jeremy Manuele, DMD, about navigating the transition to digital indirect bonding (DIB). While interest in DIB has grown, the crowded landscape of systems—from fully customized platforms like LightForce to semi-customized options like KLOwen and bracket-agnostic software like DIBS AI—can make it difficult for orthodontists to know where to start. Manuele shares a practical roadmap for evaluating, implementing, and mastering digital indirect bonding in a modern practice. He breaks down the key differentiators between today’s leading systems, discusses the real-world impact on clinical workflows, and explains how precise digital bracket placement can dramatically reduce repositioning appointments and shorten overall treatment times.

✅ Key Takeaways 
🔹 System Differentiators: Understanding the nuances between fully customized (LightForce), semi-customized (KLOwen), and bracket-agnostic (DIBS AI) systems is crucial for finding the right fit for your practice. 
🔹 True Cost Analysis: Evaluating DIB requires looking beyond the upfront lab fee to the long-term savings gained from reduced chair time and fewer total appointments. 
🔹 CBCT Integration: While not strictly mandatory for every case, integrating CBCT data significantly speeds up the doctor’s setup approval process and improves root positioning accuracy. 
🔹 The Learning Curve: A successful transition requires the doctor to master the software setup (approx. 30-50 cases) while supporting the clinical team through the change in bonding protocol. 
🔹 Eliminating Repos: Precise digital placement allows practices to trust their initial bonding, often eliminating the need for a dedicated repositioning appointment. 
🔹 Implementation Strategy: For those new to DIB, starting with a system that utilizes your existing bracket inventory can lower barriers to entry and simplify the team's onboarding process.

⏱️ Chapters: 
06:06 Benefits of Digital Indirect Bonding
07:58 Comparing Digital Indirect Bonding Systems
18:51 The Role of CBCT in Digital Bonding
20:54 Streamlining Digital Indirect Bonding
24:14 Learning Curve and Integration Challenges
29:47 Maximizing Efficiency with Remote Monitoring
32:50 Precision in Bracket Positioning and Treatment Outcomes
36:11 Cost-Benefit Analysis of Digital Indirect Bonding

👤 Guest Bio:
Jeremy Manuele, DMD, practices at Hamilton & Manuele Orthodontics, located in Las Vegas. A board-certified orthodontist, he is an early adopter of in-office 3D printing and direct-print aligner technology. Author of The MARPE Advantage, he serves as a part-time instructor at UNLV School of Dental Medicine. 

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Have a question for a future episode? Drop it in the comments or email editor@orthodonticproductsonline.com

#DigitalIndirectBonding #Orthodontics #OrthodonticTechnology #BracketPlacement #IndirectBonding #OrthoWorkflow #LightForce #DIBS #KLOwen #DigitalOrthodontics #OrthodonticPractice #OrthodonticEducation #DentalTechnology
 #OrthoPodcast

📌 Episode Overview:
Orthodontic treatment success depends on more than biomechanics—it hinges on patients maintaining strong oral health throughout treatment. In this episode, sponsored by Proctor & Gamble Crest + Oral-B, explore the oral health challenges common to both bracket and aligner patients, the science behind today’s most effective preventive tools, and how orthodontic teams can drive better patient habits. Dr Stephanie Gans breaks down the evidence behind oscillating-rotating toothbrush technology, the advantages of advanced stannous fluoride formulations, and how integrated solutions like the Ortho Essentials program support cleaner, healthier, and more predictable orthodontic outcomes.

⏱️ Chapters
01:05 Common Oral Health Challenges in Orthodontic Treatment
01:42 Hygiene Risks for Bracket Patients
02:32 Unique Oral Health Issues for Aligner Patients
04:53 How Poor Hygiene Impacts Treatment Outcomes & Costs
06:42 Why Oscillating-Rotating Brushes Outperform Manual & Sonic
10:38 Inside the Oral-B iO: Features That Improve Brushing Habits
13:43 Stannous vs. Sodium Fluoride: Key Differences and Benefits
18:16 How Ortho Essentials Supports Better Home Care
20:25 Communication Strategies That Strengthen Patient Habits

✅ Key Takeaways
🔹 Hygiene challenges remain one of the biggest threats to orthodontic outcomes—regardless of appliance type.
🔹 Oscillating-rotating power brushes outperform manual and sonic brushes in plaque removal, especially around brackets.
🔹 Advanced stannous fluoride provides benefits beyond cavity protection, including enamel strengthening and gum health support.
🔹 Synergy matters: combining paste, power brush, rinse, and floss leads to more consistent patient results.
🔹 Communication is key—clear, repeated coaching drives better compliance and long-term habit formation.
🔹 Integrating structured oral care programs like Ortho Essentials can reduce risk, improve predictability, and support practice efficiency.

👤 Guest Bio:
Stephanie Gans, DDS, is a practicing dentist turned senior scientist and professional and scientific relations manager at Crest + Oral-B. With more than 10 years of clinical experience and over 7 years in oral care innovation, she focuses on educating dental professionals about the latest science behind paste and power brushing technologies. Dr Gans regularly collaborates with key opinion leaders and national associations to support evidence-based patient care and improved oral health outcomes.

🔗 Links
💠 Ortho Essentials Program: https://crestoralbproshop.com/80842533.html#product.info.resources

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Have a question for a future episode? Drop it in the comments or email editor@orthodonticproductsonline.com

#Orthodontics #OrthodonticProductsPodcast #OralHealth #OrthodonticPatients #CrestOralB #StannousFluoride #OrthodonticHygiene #OrthoEssentials

📌 Episode Overview:
Branding isn’t just a logo—it’s the promise your practice makes and consistently delivers. In this episode, we dig into how orthodontic practices can evolve their brand without losing the trust and recognition they’ve built. Amy Epstein explains when to consider a refresh vs a full rebrand, how to communicate change to protect equity, and the metrics that show your brand work is paying off. This conversation extends Amy’s article, “How to Evolve Your Practice Brand While Protecting Its Legacy,” featured in the November issue of Orthodontic Products.

⏱️ Chapters

00:00 Evolving Your Orthodontic Practice Brand
03:04 Understanding Brand Refresh vs. Rebrand
08:19 Connecting Brand Perception to Business Results
11:49 Utilizing Patient Feedback for Brand Development
14:38 The Role of Team Members in Brand Identity
16:20 Strategic Steps for Brand Evolution
18:20 Honoring Legacy in Brand Evolution

✅ Key Takeaways

🔹 Patients experience your brand before they meet you—make that first touch count.
🔹 Consider an update when your practice’s progress outpaces how you’re presented (new doctors, modalities, markets).
🔹 A refresh modernizes visuals/message; a rebrand responds to larger strategic shifts.
🔹 Protect equity with clear, early, and frequent communication tailored to each audience.
🔹 Measure impact via conversion rates, time-to-start, web engagement, reviews, and word-of-mouth.
🔹 Your team is central to defining and delivering the brand promise—bring them in early.
🔹 Start with discovery: what patients value, what you do best, and how competitors position themselves.
🔹 Evolving your brand ≠ abandoning your legacy—carry forward the elements that still hold equity.

👤 Guest Bio:
Amy Epstein, MBA, is the co-founder of People + Practice, an orthodontic marketing agency on a mission to unveil opportunities for orthodontic practices to thrive by implementing digital marketing strategies, technology, and services that fuel practice growth. She is also the co-host of The Golden Age of Orthodontics podcast, dedicated to highlighting the most innovative technologies and approaches in the orthodontic industry. 

🔗 Links
People + Practice Website: PPLpractice.com
Email: Amy: amy@pplpractice.com

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VISIT ORTHODONTIC PRODUCTS: https://orthodonticproductsonline.com/
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#Orthodontics #OrthodonticPractice #PracticeGrowth #BrandingForOrthodontists #OrthodonticMarketing

Sponsored by: Ormco

📌 Episode Overview:
In this episode of the Orthodontic Products Podcast, sponsored by Ormco, host Alison Werner talks with Dr Ricky Caples of Caples and Robinson Orthodontics in Monroe, La, about his transition to Ormco’s Spark Aligners and how clear aligners have reshaped his approach to treatment. He shares insights on patient comfort, workflow efficiency, and the benefits of using both Spark Aligners and the Damon Ultima System under the Ormco umbrella.

⏱️ Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Dr. Ricky Caples and His Practice
02:57 Evolution of Orthodontics: Clear Aligners and Digital Tools
06:00 The Spark Aligner Experience: Workflow and Patient Comfort
09:02 Complex Cases and Versatility of Spark Aligners
11:58 Comparing Spark Aligners with Competitors
15:11 The Ultima Bracket System: A Game Changer
17:54 Embracing Change in Orthodontics

✅ Key Takeaways:

▪️ Spark Aligners have improved treatment predictability and reduced refinements in his practice.
▪️ Patient comfort and support from Ormco were key factors in making the switch.
▪️ Having both Spark Aligners and the Ultima bracket system under one company has streamlined workflows and support.
▪️ Staying open to change allows orthodontists to evolve with technology while maintaining quality patient care.

👤 Guest Bio: 
Dr Ricky Caples has been a practicing orthodontist in Monroe, La, since 1993. He received his DDS degree and his MS in orthodontics from Louisiana State University. He is a Diplomate of the American Board of Orthodontics and an active member of the American Association of Orthodontics, the Southwestern Association of Orthodontics, and the past president of the Louisiana Association of Orthodontics. He is also a member of the American Dental Association and received the Distinguished Service Award from the Louisiana Dental Association. He is also a member of the Cleft Palate Team of Northeast Louisiana. Caples is a collector of vintage convertible cars and rare watches. He spends his spare time with his wife Lynna, traveling or enjoying his family of two children and 4 grandsons. He is an avid turkey hunter.

🔗 Links: 
▪️ https://caplesrobinsonortho.com/
▪️ https://ormco.com/

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Have a question for a future episode? Drop it in the comments or email editor@orthodonticproductsonline.com.

#OrthodonticProducts #SparkAligners #Ormco #Orthodontics #AlignerTreatment #ClearAligners #Orthodontist #DentalPodcast #DamonUltima #OrthodonticPractice

📌 Episode Overview:
In this episode of the Orthodontic Products Podcast, host Alison Werner talks with Dr Jeremy Manuele about the move from thermoformed aligners to direct-print aligners and how this shift is changing in-office workflows. He shares how his team integrated direct printing into their daily operations, what design features improve fit and tracking, and how force reactivation can enhance treatment consistency. Manuele also discusses practical challenges—like staining, surface texture, and occasional breakage—and the steps his team takes to address them.

For orthodontists exploring whether direct-print aligners make sense for their practice, this conversation offers a clear, experience-based look at both the opportunities and the realities of this new approach.

⏱️ Chapters
00:30 Manuele’s early 3D printing journey
07:25 Direct-print vs thermoformed: what actually changes
10:55 Variable thickness, built-in features, engaging undercuts
17:22 Force reactivation and material behavior
24:00 Managing force decay and overcorrections
29:31 Pros/cons: fewer attachments, staining, surface feel, breakage
46:17 Workflow & team roles in design and post-processing
54:28 Costs and decision-making for adoption
56:25 What’s next for direct-print aligner technology

✅ Key Takeaways:

• Direct-print aligners represent the next step in 3D printing for orthodontics—offering greater design control and a more customized fit.
• Understanding how these aligners engage undercuts and maintain consistent force helps clinicians evaluate their clinical potential.
• Adoption requires a mindset shift: more time spent on digital design and less on physical model production.
• Listeners will learn how to prepare their team and workflow for direct printing, from software setup to post-processing and patient communication.
• Manuele shares what to realistically expect in the first months of adoption—common challenges, learning curves, and how to determine when your practice is ready to make the transition.

🔗 Links:
👉 Direct-Print Aligner Reactivation Demo — Link to see the short clip showing how heating the aligner in hot water returns it to its original form and active force that Manuele mentions in the podcast.

👤 Guest Bio:
Jeremy Manuele, DMD, practices at Hamilton & Manuele Orthodontics, located in Las Vegas. A board-certified orthodontist, he is an early adopter of in-office 3D printing and direct-print aligner technology. Author of The MARPE Advantage, he serves as a part-time instructor at UNLV School of Dental Medicine. 

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#orthodontics  #OrthodonticProducts #3DPrinting #DirectPrintAligners #ClearAligners #InOfficeAligners #DentalPodcast #OrthodonticsPodcast

📌 Episode Overview:
In this episode of the Orthodontic Products Podcast, host Alison Werner talks with two guests who bring different but complementary perspectives on OSO and DSO partnerships. Allison Hale offers the practice owner’s inside view, sharing how she and her sister navigated the process of affiliating Parks Orthodontics with an OSO—what drove the decision, how they evaluated options, and what changed once the deal was finalized. Ty Ramsey provides the advisor’s perspective, drawing on his experience guiding doctors through valuations, due diligence, and competitive bidding to maximize outcomes.

Together, Hale and Ramsey explain what orthodontists need to know before exploring OSO or DSO partnerships, from protecting culture and preserving legacy to understanding growth levers, timelines, and financial impact.

⏱️ Chapters
01:22 Why Parks Orthodontics pursued an OSO partnership
02:37 What PTS does and how the process works
03:35 OSO vs DSO definitions, models, and misconceptions
07:48 Market landscape, private equity, and valuations
13:33 Preserving legacy and culture in partnerships
18:14 Preparing for a transition KPIs, advisors, and due diligence
24:39 Evaluating offers and choosing the right fit
29:03 Day-one changes HR and accounts payable
33:18 Exploring DSO options and practice growth
37:30 Timing the market and trailing 12 months
41:57 Post-affiliation growth levers and planning ahead
48:25 Why mid-career orthodontists may benefit most
51:36 Final advice from Hale and Ramsey
55:02 Typical timelines from valuation to close

✅ Key Takeaways:
🔹 Hear directly from a practice owner who completed an OSO partnership and an advisor who helps doctors evaluate and close deals.
🔹 OSOs and DSOs differ widely—understanding activist vs aggregationist models is essential.
🔹 Planning early, tracking KPIs, and setting non-negotiables protects both culture and value.
🔹 Post-affiliation, practices often see growth through improved pricing, overhead reduction, and new operational support.
🔹 Mid-career orthodontists may be in the strongest position to benefit, with legacy and long-term upside both in play.

👤 Guest Bios:
Allison Hale is COO at Parks Orthodontics in Yorktown, Va, where she helped lead the practice’s OSO partnership. She also consults with orthodontic practices to streamline operations and prepare for growth or transition.

Ty Ramsey is a mergers and acquisitions advisor with Professional Transition Strategies, where he helps orthodontists and other dental specialists evaluate OSO and DSO partnerships and navigate the transition process.

🔗 Links: 
🔹 Parks Orthodontics: https://www.parksorthodontics.com/
🔹 Professional Transition Strategies: https://professionaltransition.com/

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📌 Episode Overview:

In this episode of the Orthodontic Products Podcast, sponsored by OrthoFX, host Alison Werner talks with Dr Robert “Tito” Norris about why he made the decision to switch from a major aligner system to OrthoFX. Drawing from more than 30 years in practice—and his own experience as a patient—Norris explains the clinical and material science differences he discovered when comparing aligner systems side by side. He shares how super-elastic materials, reduced force levels, and streamlined workflows have changed outcomes for his patients and his practice.

For orthodontists questioning whether it’s time to reevaluate their aligner system, Norris offers candid insight into what to consider, what’s at stake, and why patient comfort and clinical predictability should drive decision-making.

⏱️ Chapters

00:03 Introduction to Dr. Tito Norris

01:12 Early experiences with aligners and attachment design

04:26 Why challenging cases led him to explore alternatives

06:26 Comparing three aligner systems side by side

09:06 The patient perspective: treating himself with OrthoFX

09:44 The role of material science in aligner performance

13:39 Super-elastic plastics vs multi-layer materials

16:23 Impact on refinements, attachments, and appointments

17:34 Practice workflow and staff integration

19:53 Why now is the time for orthodontists to reassess aligner systems

✅ Key Takeaways:

🔹 Traditional multi-layer plastics can deliver heavy forces, while OrthoFX’s material mimics nickel-titanium for gentler, more predictable movement.

🔹 In treating himself, Norris achieved his expansion goals with fewer aligners, fewer attachments, and no refinements—an outcome that also benefits patient comfort.

🔹 For practices, fewer refinements and appointments translate into efficiency gains, while studies showing higher effectiveness raise important questions about when to consider switching systems.

🔹 The patient experience improves with lighter forces and less chair time, underscoring how material advances can reshape both outcomes and satisfaction.

🔹 Norris frames the decision as more than a clinical choice—it’s about ethical responsibility to use materials that move teeth effectively while minimizing unnecessary force.

👤 Guest Bio:

Robert “Tito” Norris, DDS, is a board-certified orthodontist in private practice at Stone Oak Orthodontics in San Antonio, Tex. A graduate of the University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio Dental School, he completed a general practice residency at the VA hospital in Washington, DC, and his orthodontic specialty training at Howard University. After serving as a U.S. Air Force orthodontist, he returned to San Antonio to open his practice. Norris, who lectures both nationally and internationally, holds several patents and trademarks, and is the inventor of the Norris 20/26 Passive Self-Ligating Bracket System.

Sponsor: OrthoFX

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#Orthodontics #OrthodonticProducts #ClearAligners #AlignerTreatment #OrthoFX #DrTitoNorris #Orthodontist #DentalPodcast #AlignerSystems #PatientCare

📌 Episode Overview: 

In this episode of the Orthodontic Products Podcast, host Alison Werner sits down with Dr. Steven Siegel, president of the American Association of Orthodontists (AAO), to discuss the newly released 2025 Economics of Orthodontics Survey.

This in-depth survey takes a closer look at the state of orthodontic practice across the U.S. and Canada, covering patient volumes, treatment trends, practice finances, staffing, and shifting business models. Dr. Siegel shares insights into what the data reveals about opportunities and challenges facing orthodontists today—and how the AAO is working to support its members.

Chapters:

00:00 Introduction to the Economics of Orthodontics Survey

02:07 Understanding Patient Volume Trends

05:32 Financial Disparities in Orthodontics

07:16 Addressing Gender and Ethnic Disparities

10:30 Future Investments in Orthodontic Practices

13:45 Consumer Awareness and Patient Acquisition

15:39 Advocacy and Future Directions for Orthodontics

Key Takeaways:

🔹 Patient volumes hit record highs in 2024, but many orthodontists still reported not feeling busy enough, reflecting uneven growth across regions.

🔹 Nearly half of orthodontists expect to shift practice modalities within five years, highlighting generational change and evolving career paths.

🔹 Income disparities by gender and ethnicity persist, even after adjusting for variables, prompting new AAO initiatives to address equity.

🔹 Braces are seeing a resurgence over aligners, influenced by social media trends, compliance challenges, and case complexity.

🔹 Younger orthodontists are investing in new offices and digital workflows, signaling optimism and commitment to the profession’s future.

Resources Mentioned: 

🔗 2025 AAO Economics of Orthodontics Analysis Reporting on 2024 Practice & Patient Statistics 

👤  Guest Bio: 

Steven M. Siegel, DMD, is the 2025–2026 president of the American Association of Orthodontists. With over 35 years in practice in Glen Burnie, Md, he has also served as longtime faculty at the University of Maryland and worked with the Johns Hopkins Cleft Palate and Craniofacial Team. An AAO trustee since 2016, Siegel has led initiatives in inclusion and engagement. He trained at Tufts and the University of Medicine and Dentistry of New Jersey and began his career in public health and general dentistry.

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Comment 💬, and subscribe 🔔 for future episodes.

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Have a question for a future episode? Drop it in the comments or email editor@orthodonticproductsonline.com.

#Orthodontics #AAO #OrthodonticProducts #Orthodontist #DentalPodcast #OrthodonticPractice

📌 Episode Overview:
Search is changing—and fast. In this episode, Orthodontic Products editor Alison Werner sits down with Jeff Slater of Kaleidoscope to explore how orthodontic practices can stay visible as patients turn to AI tools like ChatGPT, Siri, and Google’s AI Overviews for answers. Building on his recent article for Orthodontic Products, Jeff breaks down the differences between SEO (Search Engine Optimization), AEO (Answer Engine Optimization), and GEO (Generative Engine Optimization) and explains what your website must do to remain competitive in today’s search environment.

Chapters:
00:00 Introduction to Answer Engine Optimization (AEO)
02:34 Understanding the Shift in Search Behavior
05:33 Optimizing Content for Patient Queries
08:32 The Importance of Content Structure and Authority
11:29 Technical Foundations for AEO and GEO
14:32 Common Mistakes in AEO Implementation
17:35 Future-Proofing Your Digital Presence
20:43 Conclusion and Contact Information

Key Takeaways:

• What Answer Engine Optimization (AEO) is and how it works
• How AEO and GEO differ from traditional SEO strategies
• The importance of Q&A-based content in AI-powered search
• Why mobile performance and site speed now impact search rankings
• How to use subheadings, attribution, and schema markup effectively
• Why stale content and outdated websites are hurting your visibility
• Actionable tips to future-proof your orthodontic website

Resources Mentioned:
🔗Jeff Slater’s article from the July/August issue of Orthodontic Products: From SEO to AEO: The New Rules of Online Visibility for Orthodontists

👤 Guest Bio & Contact Info:
Jeff Slater is the vice president of operations at Kaleidoscope with nearly 15 years of experience in digital marketing for the orthodontic and dental industries. His areas of expertise include SEO, social media, paid search & Internet advertising, Google Business Profiles, location-based marketing, WordPress websites, and online branding.

📧 Email: jeff.slater@thekaleidoscope.com
🌐 Website: https://thekaleidoscope.com

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Have a question for a future episode? Drop it in the comments or email editor@orthodonticproductsonline.com.

Episode Overview:
In this episode of the Orthodontic Products Podcast, host Alison Werner is joined by consultant Cassie Kellner to explore how the DISC behavioral assessment can be used to build more cohesive orthodontic teams. Cassie breaks down the four DISC personality types—Dominance, Influence, Steadiness, and Conscientiousness—and shares how these insights can help teams understand one another, reduce conflict, and collaborate more effectively. Whether you're launching a startup or managing a long-established practice, DISC offers actionable strategies to strengthen culture and communication.

Chapters:
00:00 Introduction to DISC and Team Dynamics
04:09 Understanding DISC Assessment and Its Categories
09:11 The Benefits of DISC for Teams
13:24 Applying DISC in Startups vs Established Practices
16:36 Building a Thriving Team Culture with DISC

Key Takeaways:
🔹 DISC is a behavior assessment tool that categorizes individuals into four types: Dominance, Influence, Steadiness, and Conscientiousness.
🔹 Understanding DISC can help teams connect on a deeper level and improve workplace dynamics.
🔹 The assessment provides a fun and engaging way for teams to learn about each other.
🔹 Teams of all sizes can benefit from DISC, whether they are new or established.
🔹 DISC helps identify individual motivators and stressors, enhancing communication.
🔹 The tool fosters a safe space for team members to express their needs and preferences.
🔹 Using DISC can lead to a more well-rounded team with diverse strengths.
🔹 Strategies provided by DISC help individuals work effectively with different personality types.
🔹 Building a thriving team culture starts with understanding and valuing each team member.

Resources Mentioned:
📌 Everbloom Culture Building Workshops: https://www.discovereverbloom.com/discworkshop

Guest Bio and Contact Info:
Cassie Kellner is the founder of Everbloom, an orthodontic consulting firm focused on team culture, leadership development, and emotional intelligence. With over two decades of experience in orthodontics—from front-line team member to consultant and coach—Cassie helps practices unlock their people potential. Learn more at https://www.discovereverbloom.com

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Have a question for a future episode? Drop it in the comments or email editor@orthodonticproductsonline.com.

Episode Overview:
Orthodontic consultants Andrea Cook and Jackie Dorst, RDH, BS, join host Alison Werner to explain how misinformation—and simple habit—can derail OSHA and infection-control compliance in an orthodontic practice. They outline the real-world risks (from six-figure fines to failure to attract great new hires), identify reliable sources for up-to-date guidance, and spell out who should own compliance in the office.

Chapters:
00:03 Why “hand-me-down” protocols put practices at risk
04:40 Common misinformation hot spots (Facebook groups, vendor advice)
10:50 Summer hires & the dangers of “just doing sterilization” without training
12:30 Credible resources: AAO Staff Club & Ask ADS AI tool
16:55 What the CDC Oral Health Division closure doesn’t change
22:35 Top three compliance questions Andrea & Jackie hear most
24:00 Dental unit water-line shocks & testing—new state rules in Florida and Georgia
30:15 Financial penalties: $16,000 per OSHA infraction; up to $165k/day for willful violations
38:20 Who should manage OSHA & infection prevention—and how to empower them
42:00 How strong protocols help attract (and keep) quality team members

Key Takeaways:

• Misinformation is common—practices must rely on verified, non-commercial sources for OSHA and infection control guidance.
• Compliance impacts perception—patients and prospective staff notice when safety standards fall short.
• Outdated habits aren’t enough—what worked in a previous office may no longer meet today’s regulatory requirements.
• Leadership matters: The doctor sets the tone; a dedicated, well-trained coordinator enforces it.

Resources Mentioned:
💠 AAO Staff Club (annual OSHA & infection-control CE): https://www2.aaoinfo.org/aao-for/staff/
💠 Association for Dental Safety's Ask ADS site (a free AI beta for evidence-based answers): https://www.myads.org/ask-ads
💠 CDC Guidelines for Infection Control in Dental Settings: https://www.cdc.gov/oralhealth/infectioncontrol
💠 Andrea Cook’s OSHA Inspection & CDC Infection Prevention Compliance Checklists: https://www.andreacookconsulting.com/forms-downloads

Guest Bios and Contact Info:
Andrea Cook is a clinical consultant specializing in OSHA compliance, infection-control protocols, and sterilization-room design. Also guides practices on clinical efficiency, workflow development, and technology adoption.
🔗 Website & free checklists: andreacookconsulting.com

Jackie Dorst, RDH, BS, is a microbiologist and dental hygienist with 30+ years of lecturing and consulting on instrument sterilization, infection prevention, and OSHA safety. Frequent AAO speaker and contributor to Orthodontic Products.
📧 safepract@gmail.com | 📱 +1 949-842-1747 | 🔗 https://jackiedorst.com/

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Description:
Align Technology is cracking down on the use of its Invisalign trademark—and orthodontic practices need to pay attention. In this episode, Orthodontic Products Editor-in-Chief Alison Werner sits down with orthodontic marketing expert Mary Kay Miller to explain what this enforcement means for your website, social media, ads, and printed materials.

Whether you're actively offering Invisalign, transitioning to another aligner brand, or just launching your practice, this episode breaks down what you can and cannot do when it comes to using the Invisalign name. Miller walks through real-world examples of what practices have faced, the SEO impact of removing trademarked content, and how to restructure your digital presence without losing visibility.

👉 Topics Covered:
00:00 Introduction to Invisalign Compliance
02:10 Understanding Trademark and Licensing Issues
05:52 Align Technology's Legal Actions Explained
10:19 SEO Implications of Trademark Compliance
15:00 Best Practices for Orthodontic Practices
20:08 Advice for New Practices
23:22 Utilizing Reviews for SEO

✅ Key Takeaways:

• Only active Invisalign providers can use the brand name in marketing
• Compliance requires updates to SEO, URLs, images, and more
• Patient reviews mentioning Invisalign are allowed and support local search

💠 Contact Mary Kay Miller at mk.miller@thekaleidoscope.com
🌐 Learn more: https://thekaleidoscope.com

👍 Like this video if it helped
💬 Drop your questions in the comments
🔔 Subscribe for more orthodontic practice insights

#Invisalign #Orthodontics #DigitalMarketing #OrthodonticMarketing #TrademarkCompliance #AlignTechnology #ClearAligners #Orthodontist #seo

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📌 Available on all major podcast platforms!

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Topic: Protecting Your Practice from Hidden Lease Clauses

In this episode, attorney David Cohen joins host Alison Werner to shed light on the hidden lease provisions that can undermine the profitability, flexibility, and future sale of your orthodontic practice. Cohen, who specializes in dental practice transactions and real estate law, walks through real-world examples and outlines how orthodontists can avoid costly lease mistakes that often go unnoticed until it’s too late.

Drawing on his firm’s experience with over 300 practice transactions annually, Cohen emphasizes why legal review of commercial leases is not optional—it’s a critical strategy for practice stability and growth.

Key Provisions to Watch For:
🔹 Profit-Sharing Clauses: Language that requires you to share a portion of the proceeds from the sale of your practice with the landlord.
🔹 White Box/Restoration Clauses: Requirements to return the premises to its original condition upon leaving, potentially costing tens of thousands of dollars.
🔹 Assignment Restrictions: Terms that make it difficult to assign the lease to a buyer, limiting your ability to sell the practice.
🔹 Relocation Clauses: Provisions that allow landlords to move your practice to another unit, often with insufficient compensation and significant production loss.
🔹 Repair and Replacement Costs: Especially for HVAC systems and other infrastructure; these clauses can leave tenants responsible for expensive replacements.

Practical Advice Covered:
💠 How to negotiate key lease terms in a letter of intent (LOI)
💠 What to do if you’re already locked into an unfavorable lease
💠 How to use lease renewal as leverage for renegotiation
💠 Why attorneys—not brokers—should review legal documents
💠 When to involve a lawyer during the lease process

Timestamps:
00:00 Understanding Hidden Lease Provisions
04:42 Common Hidden Clauses in Dental Leases
09:32 Impact of Hidden Clauses on Practice Sales
13:36 Negotiating Lease Terms Effectively
17:04 Mitigating Risks in Existing Leases
22:08 Best Practices for Lease Negotiation

Contact Information for David Cohen:
📧 Lease-related inquiries: david@cohenpropertylaw.com
📧 Practice sale inquiries: david@cohenlawfirmpllc.com

✅ Don’t forget to like and subscribe.

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They also discuss OrthoFX’s integrated services—remote monitoring with FXOnTrack, patient financing with FXPay, and marketing support—all designed to simplify practice management. Menon explains how AI powers treatment planning, progress tracking, and retention strategies to keep patients on track and improve long-term results. He also shares OrthoFX’s vision for expanding care access through collaboration with general dentists.

Key Takeaways:
🔹 OrthoFX’s aligners offer faster, more predictable treatment with fewer refinements.
🔹 The full-service platform reduces operational friction with integrated tools.
🔹 AI enhances treatment planning, monitoring, and retention management.

Timestamps:
00:00 – Introduction
00:53 – How OrthoFX’s aligner portfolio has expanded with clinical consistency
02:15 – FDA-cleared AirFlex aligner designed for reduced daily wear
04:35 – Why OrthoFX built a full-service practice support model
07:16 – Meeting evolving patient expectations with flexible treatment options
09:20 – Remote monitoring with FXOnTrack and rescue aligner solution
10:41 – How FXPay improves patient affordability and practice efficiency
11:47 – AI-powered treatment planning and progress tracking
14:19 – AI’s role in post-treatment retention and relapse prevention
15:24 – OrthoFX’s vision for reshaping the orthodontic care model
17:15 – How OrthoFX helps practices expand access through collaboration with GPs
20:58 – How to learn more about OrthoFX’s platform
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Norris shares insights into the clinical signs of airway issues, how to assess patients using tools like CBCT imaging and sleep questionnaires, and the benefits of collaborating with ENT and sleep specialists. He also discusses the treatment modalities available, including the role of MARPE (Mini-Implant Assisted Rapid Palatal Expansion) and how orthodontists can successfully integrate these practices into their existing workflows.

Key topics include:
🔹 The importance of airway assessments in orthodontics
🔹 Identifying signs of upper airway obstruction in adolescent and adult patients
🔹 The role of CBCT and sleep questionnaires in diagnosing airway issues
🔹 Treatment approaches for patients with sleep-disordered breathing
🔹 The impact of early intervention on long-term health outcomes

Norris also highlights valuable resources and training opportunities for orthodontists looking to expand their practice to include airway management as part of their treatment offerings.

Listen to the full episode to learn how integrating airway treatments into your orthodontic practice can improve patient care and health outcomes.

Timestamps:
00:00 – Introduction
01:08 – Dr. Tito Norris’ journey into airway-friendly orthodontics
03:06 – Key signs and symptoms to look for in patients
06:37 – The role of sleep questionnaires in identifying airway issues
08:04 – How CBCT imaging improves airway assessments
10:03 – Identifying anatomical structures related to airway obstruction
12:15 – Using home sleep studies in the diagnostic process
14:02 – Treatment options for patients with sleep apnea
17:17 – Advantages of early treatment in adolescents
19:28 – The decision-making process for adult patients
20:39 – Implementing airway treatment into practice management
23:44 – Building relationships with ENTs and sleep specialists
25:22 – Recommended resources and training for orthodontists
27:17 – Final advice for orthodontists on integrating airway treatments

RESOURCES:

Dr Norris’ three-part article series in Orthodontic Products:
✔️ Airway Friendly Orthodontics Part 1: Diagnosis
✔️ Airway Friendly Orthodontics Part 2: Transverse Treatment
✔️ Airway Friendly Orthodontics Part 3: Anterior-Posterior Solutions

Recommended Airway Management Courses:
🔹 Dr Ilya Lipkin Course
🔹 Dr Marianna Evans Course
🔹 Dr Jeff Rouse Course
🔹 Dr Rebecca Bockow
🔹 Dr Tito Norris Course

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📌 Available on all major podcast platforms!

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LINKEDIN: https://www.linkedin.com/company/ortho-products/

Recorded after recent economic shifts, the conversation places the 2024 data in the broader context of uncertainty and change. Levin discusses how orthodontists can increase production, manage overhead, and prepare their practices for an unpredictable future.

Topics covered include:

• 2024 trends in production, overhead, and profitability
• Strategies to access unused practice potential
• Remote monitoring and its effect on appointment intervals
• Staffing challenges and solutions for retention
• Adapting aligner fees and increasing adult patient engagement
• Career-stage specific advice for orthodontists

📌 Key Takeaway: Whether you're just starting out or planning retirement, this episode offers practical, data-driven guidance to help you adapt and plan ahead.

🔗 Resources & Links
Read the full survey article: https://orthodonticproductsonline.com/practice-management/business-development/findings-from-the-2024-orthodontic-practice-survey/
Learn more about Levin Group: https://levingroup.com

✅ Don’t forget to like, subscribe, and click the bell icon for updates on future episodes.

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📌 Available on all major podcast platforms!

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VISIT ORTHODONTIC PRODUCTS: https://orthodonticproductsonline.com/

SUBSCRIBE to THE OP NEWSLETTER: https://info.medqor.com/opsubform

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LINKEDIN: https://www.linkedin.com/company/ortho-products/

In this episode of the Orthodontic Products Podcast, sponsored by Ormco, host Alison Werner talks with Dr. Nadia Nizam about building a scalable, efficient orthodontic practice while balancing clinical innovation and leadership as a woman in a changing industry. The conversation covers her transition to Spark Aligners, the integration of Ormco’s digital bonding technology, and how she’s streamlined operations to meet today’s staffing and economic challenges.

🔑 3 Key Takeaways:
• Transitioning to Spark Aligners improved treatment efficiency and patient outcomes.
• Ormco’s digital bonding technology helped support a high-volume workflow with a smaller team.
• Economic and staffing pressures are driving practices to prioritize cross-training and scalable systems.

📌 Topics Covered: 00:00 – Introduction
01:12 – Starting a practice while pregnant
02:12 – Creating a niche with aligners
03:09 – Long-standing relationship with Ormco
06:40 – Why she switched to Spark Aligners
09:03 – Integrating Ormco’s digital bonding tech
11:04 – Female leadership in orthodontics
14:31 – Connecting workflow to work-life balance
15:31 – Efficiency and staffing in today’s market

🔗 Learn more at: https://ormco.com/en-us

👍 Don’t forget to like, comment, and subscribe for more episodes focused on helping you build a healthier, more successful orthodontic practice.

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📌 Available on all major podcast platforms!

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VISIT ORTHODONTIC PRODUCTS: https://orthodonticproductsonline.com/

SUBSCRIBE to THE OP NEWSLETTER: https://info.medqor.com/opsubform

INSTAGRAM: https://www.instagram.com/orthoproductsmag/
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LINKEDIN: https://www.linkedin.com/company/ortho-products/

#Orthodontics #PrivatePractice #SparkAligners #Ormco #WomenInDentistry #OrthodonticWorkflow #DigitalBonding #PracticeOwnership #OrthodonticProductsPodcast

Joining us is Jeromy Moss, territory manager at A-dec and a certified ergonomics assessment specialist. With nearly two decades of experience helping orthodontists design and optimize their clinical spaces, Moss brings deep expertise in how ergonomics can extend career longevity and improve practice efficiency—for both doctors and their teams.

🔑 3 Key Takeaways:

• Ergonomics Starts with the Right Seating – Why a one-size-fits-all stool won’t cut it, and how proper adjustments can prevent daily strain.
• Bring the Patient to You – Learn how to position patients correctly to reduce trunk rotation, shoulder shrugging, and forward head posture.
• Practice Design Impacts Career Longevity – How A-dec’s equipment and Smart Start Program are designed with the health and growth of your practice in mind.

📍 Visit A-dec at the AAO Annual Session – Booth #3202 to see their ergonomic operatory setup in person.

📺  Additional content: Check out the Orthodontic Products website to see Jeromy Moss demonstrate an ideal stool and operatory setup.

🔗 Learn more at https://www.a-dec.com

👍 Don’t forget to like, comment, and subscribe for more episodes focused on helping you build a healthier, more successful orthodontic practice.

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📌 Available on all major podcast platforms!

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VISIT ORTHODONTIC PRODUCTS: https://orthodonticproductsonline.com/

SUBSCRIBE to THE OP NEWSLETTER: https://info.medqor.com/opsubform

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FACEBOOK: https://www.facebook.com/OrthoProducts/
LINKEDIN: https://www.linkedin.com/company/ortho-products/

In this episode of the Orthodontic Products Podcast, host Alison Werner talks with Mary Kay Miller about the growing impact of Google’s AI on local business search—and what that means for orthodontic practices.

Miller, a long-time expert in orthodontic marketing, explains how recent changes to Google’s algorithms, security protocols, and business verification systems are affecting how and where practices appear in search results. She breaks down real-world cases where practices lost their Google Business Profile (and hundreds of reviews) due to overlooked verification emails or mismatched information.

Whether you're running a startup or an established office, this episode outlines what you need to know to protect your digital presence.

🔍 What You’ll Learn:

📌 How Google’s AI-driven verification system works—and why it’s catching practices off guard
📌 Why inconsistent business names, addresses, or documentation can lead to dropped listings
📌 What to do (and what to avoid) to keep your Google Business Profile secure and visible

📩 Resources Mentioned:

Kaleidoscope Marketing: https://thekaleidoscope.com
Contact Mary Kay: mk.miller@thekaleidoscope.com

📢 Don’t forget to like, comment, and subscribe for more insights into orthodontic practice growth and digital strategy.

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📌 Available on all major podcast platforms!

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VISIT ORTHODONTIC PRODUCTS: https://orthodonticproductsonline.com/

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LINKEDIN: https://www.linkedin.com/company/ortho-products/

Together, they discuss:

📌 The major ways legacy systems are limiting operational efficiency and adaptability.

📌 How open-platform technology can drive profitability, improve patient experiences, and streamline workflows.

📌 The critical role of data-driven insights in scaling OSOs.

📌 Why AI will revolutionize practice management, from patient interactions to financial operations.

📌 Key factors to consider when evaluating new technology solutions for long-term success.

If you’re part of a large practice or OSO, this conversation will provide actionable strategies to modernize your technology and future-proof your business in the evolving orthodontic landscape.

Key Takeaways:

🔹 Outdated technology hurts growth – Siloed systems reduce efficiency, complicate patient management, and limit scalability.

🔹 Flexibility is key – Open-platform software allows seamless integration with new AI-driven tools and data analytics.

🔹 Patient experience matters – Modern tools improve engagement, increase case acceptance, and drive revenue.

🔹 AI is changing the game – From ceph tracing to automated financial management, AI is making software more intuitive and efficient.

🔹 Choose the right tech partner – Practices should seek scalable, open, and data-centric platforms to stay competitive.

📌 Available on all major podcast platforms!

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VISIT ORTHODONTIC PRODUCTS: https://orthodonticproductsonline.com/

SUBSCRIBE to THE OP NEWSLETTER: https://info.medqor.com/opsubform

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FACEBOOK: https://www.facebook.com/OrthoProducts/
LINKEDIN: https://www.linkedin.com/company/ortho-products/

Key Topics Covered:

• The differences in onboarding new hires with no orthodontic experience vs. seasoned professionals
• How to streamline and modernize onboarding documents and SOPs
• The role of video training and digital tools in building a resource library for your team

Key Takeaways:

• Onboarding should focus on employee retention by eliminating gray areas and ensuring clarity in training.
• Written SOPs should be concise, bullet-pointed, and regularly updated—long, outdated manuals are ineffective.
• Digital platforms like Trainual can help practices track training progress, notify teams of updates, and improve onboarding consistency.

🔗 Learn more about Cassie Kellner and her consulting work at https://www.discovereverbloom.com/

📌 Available on all major podcast platforms!

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LINKEDIN: https://www.linkedin.com/company/ortho-products/

Key Topics Covered:

• The shift toward digital workflows in orthodontics
• How tracking key metrics can optimize practice efficiency and profitability
• The benefits of an integrated product portfolio for streamlining treatment
• Trends shaping the future of orthodontics and practice management strategies

Key Takeaways:

• Digital workflows reduce chair time and enhance treatment planning.
• Tracking metrics like conversion rates and value per visit improves profitability.
• Partnering with companies offering a full suite of products simplifies practice management.

More About Our Guest: Dr Colby Gage is an orthodontic faculty member at Western University of Health Sciences and an Ormco insider. He lectures on digital orthodontic systems and practice management, helping orthodontists integrate innovative solutions into their workflows.

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VISIT ORTHODONTIC PRODUCTS: https://orthodonticproductsonline.com/

SUBSCRIBE to THE OP NEWSLETTER: https://info.medqor.com/opsubform

INSTAGRAM: https://www.instagram.com/orthoproductsmag/
FACEBOOK: https://www.facebook.com/OrthoProducts/
LINKEDIN: https://www.linkedin.com/company/ortho-products/

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VISIT ORTHODONTIC PRODUCTS: https://orthodonticproductsonline.com/

SUBSCRIBE to THE OP NEWSLETTER: https://info.medqor.com/opsubform

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LINKEDIN: https://www.linkedin.com/company/ortho-products/

In this bonus episode, host Alison Werner explores products featured in Orthodontic Products' annual Product Focus issue. Through insightful conversations with company representatives, you'll learn about the latest offerings that can enhance your practice efficiency, patient care, and clinical outcomes.

Highlights from the Episode

• Allure Orthodontics - Allure Mini Twin Brackets
  • Guest: Josh Somogyi, Vice President
• TP Orthodontics - InVu Aesthetic Bracket System
  • Guest: Sandra Hoefer, Vice President of Global Marketing
• DynaFlex - Norris Metal Bracket System
  • Guest: Mike Parlante, Director of Business Development
• Mari's List - Orthodontic Buying Club
  • Guest: Mari Sawtelle, Founder
• Ortho2 - Edge Cloud Practice Management Software
  • Guest: Jess Huennekens, Regional Manager
• Procter & Gamble - Crest and Oral B iO OrthoEssentials System
  • Guest: Dr. Stephanie Gans, Senior Scientist
• Zenno Robotics - Zenno Practice Robot
  • Guest: Todd Blankenbechler, CEO

Links & Resources:

• Annual Product Focus Issue: orthodonticproductsonline.com/magazine

Stay Connected:
For the latest industry news and innovations, visit orthodonticproductsonline.com and subscribe to the podcast.

Thanks for Listening!

Listeners will learn about:

🔹Wright's journey to board certification and her experiences with initial certification and recertification.
🔹The differences between the American Board of Orthodontics (ABO) and the College of Diplomates of the American Board of Orthodontics (CDABO).
🔹The resources and support provided by CDABO, including annual meetings with high-caliber lectures and family-friendly activities.
🔹The importance of board certification for enhancing professional credibility and confidence.
🔹How to join or reinstate CDABO membership and the value of maintaining membership for continuous professional development.

Wright emphasizes the benefits of CDABO's support services, including comprehensive preparation courses and an intimate, collegial atmosphere at annual meetings, which provide valuable opportunities for professional growth and networking. 

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VISIT ORTHODONTIC PRODUCTS: https://orthodonticproductsonline.com/

SUBSCRIBE to THE OP NEWSLETTER: https://info.medqor.com/opsubform

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FACEBOOK: https://www.facebook.com/OrthoProducts/
TWITTER: https://twitter.com/OrthoProducts
LINKEDIN: https://www.linkedin.com/company/ortho-products/
YOUTUBE: https://www.youtube.com/@OrthodonticProducts

Key takeaways:

• Dr. Carter began using DentalMonitoring in 2018 to improve the management of aligner patients, reducing unnecessary visits by addressing issues remotely.
• The success with aligners led to the adoption of the technology for braces patients, enhancing treatment management through real-time data.
• Dynamic scheduling has overhauled traditional appointment setting, basing patient visits on actual treatment needs rather than predetermined intervals.
• The new system significantly reduces practice stress by improving preparedness for visits, thus enhancing both patient and staff satisfaction.

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VISIT ORTHODONTIC PRODUCTS: https://orthodonticproductsonline.com/

SUBSCRIBE to THE OP NEWSLETTER: https://info.medqor.com/opsubform

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FACEBOOK: https://www.facebook.com/OrthoProducts/
TWITTER: https://twitter.com/OrthoProducts
LINKEDIN: https://www.linkedin.com/company/ortho-products/

Key takeaways:

• Frost explains the benefits of passive self-ligation brackets, particularly the Ultima system's 3D control, which enhances finishing and treatment efficiency.
• The Ultima system, developed by Dr Damon, addresses challenges of passive self-ligation, offering improved rotation and torque control for better results.
• Frost recommends continuing education, such as Ormco's online courses and the upcoming Ormco Forum, for practitioners transitioning to the Ultima system to optimize their proficiency and patient outcomes. OP

Key takeaways: 

• ClearX aligners utilize 4D technology to pre-program temporary and permanent shapes, reducing plastic waste by up to 50%.
• Patients receive a booster with their aligners, allowing easy transition between forms at home, minimizing plastic usage.
• With refinement rates as low as 0.2% to 0.5%, ClearX aligners offer predictable outcomes, comparable to leading brands.
• K Line Europe’s OEM services, launching at AAO, aim to expand ClearX aligner's reach and promote eco-friendly solutions in orthodontics.

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  VISIT ORTHODONTIC PRODUCTS: https://orthodonticproductsonline.com/

  SUBSCRIBE to THE OP NEWSLETTER: https://info.medqor.com/opsubform

  INSTAGRAM: https://www.instagram.com/orthoproductsmag/
  FACEBOOK: https://www.facebook.com/OrthoProducts/
  TWITTER: https://twitter.com/OrthoProducts
  LINKEDIN: https://www.linkedin.com/company/ortho-products/

Five key takeaways from this discussion: 

1. Orthodontic production dropped slightly in 2023 but the industry remains relatively stable.

2. Rising overhead costs, especially related to staffing, need to be offset by increasing production through better systems and strategies.

3. Staffing challenges are a major issue for orthodontic practices and retaining existing staff is important.

4. Referral sources are diversifying and practices need varied marketing approaches targeting different referral channels.  

5. Remote monitoring will likely play a larger role in orthodontics going forward, changing patient visit intervals and practice management.

Orthodontists will walk away from this conversation with insight into the issues and trends facing their industry and Levin’s advice on how to proactively organize the orthodontic practice for future economic growth. As he puts it, take advantage of today’s relative stability to set your practice up to thrive amidst any future instability.  

Gelles highlighted the volatile orthodontic market dynamics, notably the surge in adult patient starts in 2021—spurred by temporary economic stimuli—which sharply contrasted with a downturn in 2022. Despite a general decline in patient starts by 3.5%, Gelles pointed out that the decrease was not solely due to economic reasons but also to changes in consumer behavior and practice management strategies.

One significant trend discussed was the increase in adult patients, from 25% to almost 35% within their tracked groups, particularly influenced by the economic landscape and orthodontists' financial demands. Gelles criticized some orthodontists' approach of requiring substantial upfront lab fees for treatments like aligners during economic downturns, which he believes disproportionately impacts case starts.

Additionally, Gelles and Werner discussed the demographic and behavioral aspects of adult patients, notably Millennials and Gen Z. Unlike children, whose orthodontic needs are often anticipated by parents, adult orthodontic decisions are usually more spontaneous and influenced by personal life events. Gelles emphasized the importance of immediate engagement and flexible financial options to convert these patients at the point of decision.

The podcast also covered the recent partnership between OrthoFi and Align Technology, which facilitates spreading lab fees over several months, easing financial pressures on patients and practices alike. This adjustment aims to boost patient intake by mitigating upfront costs.

Peniche talks about how his firm succeeds in achieving an 85% case acceptance rate and how orthodontists can stop wasting money on purchases that are either overpriced or unproven to work.

Peniche addressed critical issues surrounding expenditure oversight and effective resource allocation. He emphasized the importance of the establishment of dedicated credit lines for marketing expenditures to uphold transparency and fiscal accountability. Additionally, Peniche underscored the necessity of scrutinizing expenditures on branded promotional items, urging practices to explore cost-efficient procurement channels directly from manufacturers.

Later he spoke about the pivotal role of harmonizing contemporary digital marketing methodologies with time-honored interpersonal approaches. By harnessing modern online approaches like social media and leveraging traditional relationship building methods, practices can strike a balance between modernization and personalized engagement.

Peniche also advocated for trusting in the process when working with a consultant and coming up with innovative methods to improve patient engagement and efficiency within a practice. He also encouraged practice owners to really consider who they were putting in crucial patient-focused positions where a positive interaction could be key to achieving more starts.

Stapleton, an authority in the field, underscored the pivotal role of 3D printing technology in dental applications, citing its steady growth and continuous innovation as drivers for both the company and the broader industry.

During the podcast, Stapleton explained the recent advancements in 3D printing technology, emphasizing the synergistic progress in hardware and materials. These advancements have resulted in faster, more accurate, and efficient printing processes, poised to revolutionize orthodontic practices.

The conversation also turned toward a discussion on in-office 3D printing and its impact on orthodontic workflows. Stapleton outlined the benefits, including reduced turnaround times for orthodontic appliances, improved patient comfort, and overall enhanced treatment outcomes.

Moreover, the conversation delved into specific orthodontic applications of 3D printing, ranging from large-scale manufacturing for aligners to emerging uses of metal printing for specialized items. Stapleton highlighted the potential of in-house 3D printing labs to produce a variety of orthodontic devices, such as aligners, retainers, and indirect bonding trays, streamlining the treatment process for practitioners and patients alike.

Looking ahead, he said he expected significant developments in materials and automation within the next decade, anticipating faster, stronger, and more efficient printing processes. While acknowledging the potential for in-office 3D printing to become more widespread, he emphasized the continued relevance of large-scale manufacturing for efficiency and scale.

Stapleton's insights shed light on the transformative potential of 3D printing in orthodontics and offered practitioners guidance as they navigate the integration of this cutting-edge technology into their practices.

In this episode, Jackie provides: 

• a backgrounder on measles,
• a list of symptoms, including the one orthodontic staff are uniquely positioned to spot, 
• a breakdown of who is at risk,
• a reminder of the steps you can take to protect staff and patients from airborne diseases, 
• guidance on what to do if you have an exposure in your office, and 
• information on where to learn more. 

Resources mentioned in this episode: 

• CDC Measles Main Page: https://www.cdc.gov/measles/index.html
• CDC Measles Healthcare Providers page: https://www.cdc.gov/measles/hcp/index.html
• CDC COCA Call - We Must Maintain Measles Elimination in the United States: Measles Clinical Presentation, Diagnosis, and Prevention: https://emergency.cdc.gov/coca/calls/2023/callinfo_081723.asp
• CDC COCA Call PowerPoint Slide Presentation: https://emergency.cdc.gov/coca/ppt/2023/081723_slides.pdf

In addition to his role at PepperPointe Partnerships, White is an orthodontist in private practice for more than 25 years and a founding partner of White Greer and Maggard, a pediatric and orthodontic group practice located in Lexington, Ky. Through these two lenses, he explains the nuances associated with private equity backed DSOs, what that model looks like, and what the end result can mean for both dental professionals and the communities they serve. 

White explains how consolidation in the dental industry isn’t a recent phenomenon. There was movement in the 1990s, but it wasn’t until the 2008 recession that the trajectory of consolidation ramped up—with its biggest jump coming with the pandemic. In the 1990s, only 2% of practices were owned by DSOs. By 2013, it was 13%. And by 2023, it was 34%, according to White. 

Given this, White talks about the need for dental professionals, especially orthodontists, to understand what it means to sell your practice to a DSO that is backed by private equity. He talks about who owns what; what a doctor is really earning; and what role stock plays into a potential payout. 

In this episode, White also talks about how this consolidation affects associates today and future generations of dental professionals. Younger doctors are struggling to buy or start a practice due to high student loan debt. Many are unable to afford the upfront costs of a practice, which leads them to DSOs to start their careers. But what happens when they want to start their own practices? White argues that their options are limited. 

To round out the conversation, White talks about the importance of knowing your exit plan whether you’re 5 years or 30 years into your career. There are options, but you need to do the work to understand all of them. 

The discussion delved into trends shaping the orthodontic industry in 2024 such as personalized treatment plans, the growth of adult orthodontics, diverse patient engagement strategies, and advancements in technology that promise to enhance care options for patients and streamline practice workflows. 

DeVries emphasized the significance of personalized treatment plans, considering factors such as age, genetics, and lifestyle for more effective outcomes. The growth of adult orthodontics, driven by aesthetic brackets and clear aligners, was identified as another prominent trend. Adult patients, comprising one-third of orthodontic patients in the U.S., are seeking cosmetic improvements at a higher rate, contributing to a 40% increase over the past decade.

“[There is] a trend towards people putting more value in cosmetic care. This is driven by aesthetics,” says DeVries. “People want to have a healthy looking smile more so than an actually healthy smile, which I think is really beneficial to the orthodontic industry.”

Regarding patient engagement, DeVries highlighted the need for varied communication methods to cater to different patient preferences, combining email, text, and phone calls. 

The podcast also touched upon advancements in orthodontic technologies. DeVries highlighted the rise of in-house solutions, 3D printing, computer-aided fabrication, teledentistry, and emerging robotic dentistry. These technologies offer both precision and efficiency, impacting urban and remote areas alike, providing advanced care.

“People just want solutions to their problems,” says DeVries. “And the quicker and better the solution is, the more appealing it is for us to consider.”

In the episode, Norris talks about his journey into orthodontics and the intersection of engineering principles and orthodontics, before the conversation shifts to talk about the importance of systems in every aspect of his practice—from the moment a patient calls the office to placing brackets. In a practice that treats over 900 cases annually, Norris explains how he and his team rely on a systematic approach that starts with a meticulous patient examination. This exam allows the team to thoroughly collect the data they need to progress the case efficiently and successfully. From there, everything from bracket placement to appointment staggering is systemized. These checklists are vital to keep patient outcomes consistent among all three doctors in the practice. 

Norris goes on to explain the significance this systematic approach has on the interdisciplinary cases he treats. He shares the systems he has in place to efficiently treat cuspid substitution and airway cases. 

In recent years, Norris’ practice, Stone Oak Orthodontics, has become known for treating patients with airway issues. In fact, Norris shares his journey to treat his own airway issues with a MARPE. In this conversation, Norris breaks down with it takes to incorporate airway treatment into the orthodontic practice and how treating these cases can have a profound impact on a patient’s life, including his own. 

Throughout, Norris reminds the audience how important systems are regardless of the type of case to achieve efficiencies in the practice and practice profitability. And when it comes to profitability, Norris is quick to explain that profitability is about more than increased revenue; it’s also about time gained. 

A frequent lecturer, Norris explains how systems and the efficiencies they create allow him to have the work-life balance he wants, which includes about 15 weeks off a year. He not only spends that time with family and engaging with the actives he loves—like competitive swimming and surfing—but he also uses that time to spend on professional development and lecturing and offering in-office courses. 

Norris has two courses upcoming: a 2-day course (February 23-24, 2024) with Dr Chad Foster offered by DynaFlex on Exceptional Esthetics and Predictable Systems in Scottsdale, Ariz; and an in-office course offered twice a year (in May and October), also in conjunction with DynaFlex, at his San Antonio, Tex-based practice. 

Morrow also touches on the role of soft tissue lasers in clear aligner therapy and their ability to enhance procedures for better patient outcomes. From accelerated tooth movement using lower wavelength lasers to reducing healing times for oral ailments, laser technology promises improved efficiency and results. Emphasizing the significance of before-and-after photography, Morrow underscores its utility as a tangible record of patient progress. And for practitioners considering this tech? Comprehensive training sessions, like those from Biolase, ensure a smooth transition.

Tune in to learn how lasers are gradually transforming modern dentistry with Dr. Morrow.

In this episode, Levin joins host Alison Werner to talk about leadership in the orthodontic practice and how overwhelmed orthodontists and office managers can move from that frustrating stage to that of the highly-successful leader—where the practice is fun, the days are easier, and the practice is at its most lucrative and employees are most satisfied.

As Levin puts it, an orthodontist’s #1 job after clinical orthodontics is being a great leader.” If you do that, he adds, “everything else will fall into place.” So how do you become a great leader and create an environment where everyone wants to work? Levin breaks it down in this episode:

• Levin explains his Four Levels of Leadership—the self-motivated leader, the growth-orientated leader, the overwhelmed leader, and highly-successful leader—and helps orthodontists and their staff identify which type of leader they are. He also explains how you can transition through each of those levels to get to the highly successful leader stage.
• A key aspect of growing as a leader is delegation, and by extension trust. Levin explains why you need to trust your staff and stop micromanaging. But that doesn’t mean you are turning a blind eye. Instead, de explains why you need to shift from managing your staff to measuring results. And if staff miss a measurement, it doesn’t mean they violated your trust. “It means they need mentoring and training—which is what great leaders are happy to do,” says Levin.
• To move through the Four Levels of Leadership, Levin shares his 10 Principles of Leadership and explains how to implement each one. OP

• The pandemic exposed consumers to the benefits of virtual appointments and remote monitoring across different facets of their lives, including orthodontics. And as Shimmin explains, they don’t want to give that up. 
• Shimmin discusses the importance of going all in if you are going to invest in a technology. “The most painful and challenging place to live is in that dabbling phase,” she says. 
• When implemented correctly, Shimmin says, practices can experience “remarkable growth” without having to hire more staff, work more doctor days, or build a larger facility. And all this can be done while experiencing less stress, improving the patient experience, and setting the practice apart. 
• Shimmin talks about how the artificial intelligence built into Dental Monitoring and how that gives practices actual data and metrics they can use to not only grow their business, but also improve both management and clinical workflows. 
• Shimmin acknowledges that onboarding a new technology can be daunting, but there are ways to do it successfully. And the first step to success is good communication. She explains how a full-team meeting to discuss the “why” of implementing any new technology is key to getting staff buy-in.  Too often staff members worry a new technology is going to create more work. As Shimmin points out, that doesn’t have to be the case here. 
• As practices implement Dental Monitoring, they’re quickly going to see that they need to adjust their schedule template to maximize the benefits of the platform. Shimmin explains how to do this, and why it needs to start with building a digital workflow. 
• Practices still tend to use remote monitoring technology solely for their clear aligner cases. Shimmin explains the benefits of using it with patients in brackets and wires and how to create a workflow and schedule these patient appointments. 

• “If you have a 3D printer, you can now directly print this aligner without having [a] model, without going through the thermoforming process,” said Kim, adding that, with this new FDA approved material, the in-office lab can skip several steps in the current manufacturing workflow, including cutting out the aligners and polishing before delivery to the patient.
• What’s more, according to Kim, with a direct printed aligner, the clinician can more precisely control the thickness and insert bumps as needed. Kim shared that he and his team found that when the orthodontist can control the thickness they can “control the geometric inside of the aligner.” That, and the ability to add bumps, creates a huge opportunity for the orthodontist because it helps reduce the need for attachments, he said.

For Kim, the shape memory polymer used to make the material is very interesting.

• He says it somewhat mimics the behavior of NiTi wire. The difference being that a NiTi wire can be exposed to cold temperature to become more flexible, while this Direct Aligner material becomes totally flexible when placed in warm/hot water. The advantage of this shape memory, according to Kim, is that the patient can maintain the shape—and thus the forces—of the aligner at home. Kim points out that patients remove their aligner up to 10 to 20 times a day to eat. “So think about the plastic deformation” every time they remove the aligner, said Kim. But with this material and some warm water, the shape can be restored. Kim uses the analogy of a deformed plastic Coke bottle. Once it’s deformed, it’s not going back to its original shape. But with this material, he can advise patients to put their aligner in warm water at the end of the day if they notice it’s not tight enough. “It will go back to the original shape so they can maintain [a better fit] every day,” he added.

Now when it comes to forces, Kim shares he has been able to apply bigger activations per aligner, thus saving time in treatment and decreasing the number of aligners over the course of treatment. With traditional thermoforming plastics, Kim points out, something like a .5 mm activation per aligner can create a force level that causes the patient too much discomfort and even pain. But with this material, Kim can do that.

• “I’m constantly putting .5 mm activations and even 5° rotation per aligner, and then have patients wear [the aligner] just a little bit longer—maybe 2 weeks. Sometimes we go longer,” said Kim, adding that with a standard activation of .25 mm per aligner, to move 1 mm you need four aligners. “But if I can put .5 mm activation per aligner [and] have them wear [it] for 2 weeks, then I need only two aligners.”

In this episode, Kim also talks about the hardware requirements, including 3D printer compatibility with the material needed, and the need for a specific type of curing machine. He also talks about the staging software needed to plan cases using direct 3D-printed aligners. What’s more, he talks about retention and his plans to test an on-site retainer-bending machine from YOAT, a medical technology manufacturer based in Seattle. OP

The COVID-19 public health emergency, issued on January 31, 2020, by the U.S. government put in place temporary measures to increase the federal government’s ability to detect and contain the virus. On May 11, 2023, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services allowed the public health emergency to expire. This will bring an end to a number of programs, including those that gave access to free vaccines and treatment for COVID infections. But, as Dorst explains in this episode, the sunsetting of the CDC’s COVID data tracking efforts will have the most impact on the healthcare sector. As Dorst explains, that data provided information on community infectivity which could be used to guide the sector’s infection control protocols. 

In this episode, Dorst breaks down what the end of the public health emergency means for orthodontic practices and her recommendations going forward. She points to the end of staff and patient health screenings for COVID, but reminds practices that basic health screening is still important to protect staff and other patients from other infections. Dorst also talks about the importance of having a return to work policy for staff members who are ill, whether it’s COVID or not and the role masking can still play in the practice beyond those procedures that result in splatters and splashes. And from there, Dorst reminds listeners that OSHA’s respiratory protection standard, which predates the COVID-19 pandemic, and vaccine guidelines are unaffected by the end of the public health emergency. She talks about best practices and shares resources for practices.

To close out the episode on the public health emergency, Dorst addresses the CDC’s recent announcement regarding ventilation in buildings and public spaces. And while it doesn’t pertain to healthcare spaces, she reminds listeners of the CDC guidance for healthcare spaces, including orthodontic offices. OP

Resources mentioned in this episode: 
Immunize.org—Healthcare Personnel Vaccination Recommendations

Guymon, who is a graduate of Baylor Dental College (now known as Texas A&M School of Dentistry) and went on to open his practice in northern Utah, started in leadership at the component level with the Utah Association of Orthodontists before moving on to leadership roles within the Rocky Mountain Society of Orthodontists. As he was closing out his presidency of the Utah state association, he had his first opportunity to become involved with the AAO with its Council on Communications.

In this episode, Guymon talks about the benefits of being involved in state, regional, and national orthodontic associations. As Guymon says, “We are so much better together as a group.” At the same time, he acknowledges that not every orthodontist wants to get involved in leadership; but there are still a myriad of opportunities to still get involved and make a difference—whether it’s serving on a committee or task force, or simply sending a text to a legislator.

Guymon, who stepped into his term as AAO president for 2023-2024 at the close of the recent AAO Annual Session in Chicago, shares that his number one priority for his term is to be help shepherd the many initiatives that have been launched in recent years—such as TechSelect and the New Product Showcase. As Guymon puts it, the AAO seeks to support and encourage innovation in the profession.

From there, Guymon talks about the latest campaign from the AAO Consumer Awareness Program—or CAP—and the association’s advocacy work. At the federal level, the AAO remains focused on such issues as student load relief and the RAISE Act. But it’s at the state and regulatory level, that Guymon says the AAO has been able to have a more immediate impact. He talks about the AAO’s approach and how its team has been able to monitor and react quickly to ensure the health and safety of the profession and patients.

In this interview, Guymon also shares his thoughts on how the profession has evolved, the AAO’s diversity and inclusion work and upcoming Winter Conference in San Antonio and next Annual Session in New Orleans, and how the AAO can work with DSOs/OSOs. OP

When Davis started his private practice 6 years ago, he was limited on space; the only spaces available were under 1,200 feet. But within this space, Davis built out four chairs and relied on technology and a digital workflow to make that small space as useful and productive as possible. 

Three year’s later, Davis’ practice went a step further and went fully digital—adopting customized treatment for both aligners and brackets, and with that remote monitoring—all in an effort to grow the practice.

As Davis describes it, the decision to go fully digital was a big one, but it was also purposeful and intentional. And a key component of that was choosing the right technologies. On the bracket front, that was LightForce’s custom 3D-printed bracket system. And for remote monitoring, it was DentalMonitoring. That platform, he says, allowed him to “exponentially grow and change” his practice’s capacity. 

In the 2+ years since implementing DentalMonitoring, Davis says his practice has seen increased production, starts, and volume, all while not growing the team—and having more time to spend with family. 

Davis, who didn’t implement DentalMonitoring until the latter half of 2020, talks about he relied on a self-created app in the early days of the pandemic to monitor patients virtually. But he and his staff could only manage 50 to 60 patients at a time. Knowing he needed a more robust system to expand, he turned to DentalMonitoring and with its AI tools now monitors close to 1,000 patients in his practice. DentalMonitoring, he says, has allowed him to increase his practice’s capacity without adding additional salaries or infrastructure costs. 

In this episode, Davis not only shares the advice he was given when implementing DentalMonitoring—to go all in and use it with both his bracket and aligner patients—but also how DentalMonitoring has been key to growing his practice while keeping his fixed costs in check. He also talks about the data he looks at to know that this platform is helping him grow and giving him the ROI he needs to know this is a worthwhile investment. What’s more, he talks about how his practice manages patients using DentalMonitoring, including the staffing and scheduling considerations. OP

To get started, Solomon talks about how she spent the first part of her career as an active-duty general dentist with the U.S. Air Force and then worked for a corporate practice after finishing her orthodontics residency. It wasn’t until the pandemic hit, when she had time on her hands, that she decided it was time to start her own practice from scratch. Solomon shares how two local dentists—one a general dentist, the other a pediatric dentist—helped her start her boutique practice, offering her space within their practices. The two doctors seeing her work were soon referring their patients to her.

The pandemic was also the reason Solomon built out an at-home concierge service. The city of Beverly Hills had stricter rules than the city of Los Angeles around orthodontists seeing patients in-person in those early days. To keep seeing patients in her boutique practice, Solomon took advantage of the fact that she had an iTero Flex intraoral scanner from Align Technology and a portable dental unit and hit the road. In this episode, she shares what the set up looks like for her and her assistant; why this is a great way to connect with the rest of the patient’s family, and how this service can be a great way to connect with and serve immunocompromised patients and those with anxiety.

From there, Solomon talks about how she recently implemented a Retainers for Life program into her boutique practice. Solomon’s goal is to make the program affordable for her patients and to make it something they sign up for when they sign up for orthodontic treatment. She breaks down her fees and how her treatment coordinator includes it as part of the initial consultation. As Solomon puts it, “No patient starts treatment without understanding that you need to do retainers after.”

Finally, Solomon talks about the orthodontic technologies and products that have her attention—from uLab Systems and Brava by Brius to 3D printing; and how she has carved out a niche for herself in the very saturated Los Angeles orthodontic market with a boutique practice that stands out with its unique at-home concierge and retainers for life offerings. OP

In practice since 1991, Lowe is an early adopter of clear aligners, and has watched the treatment modality evolve over the last 25 years. Digital technology has been a key driver of the evolution in aligner treatment, he says, even more so in the last 5 years. But it’s not just intraoral scanning, treatment planning, remote monitoring, and AI technology that have moved the treatment modality forward; the thermal plastics have increased the range and predictability of movement. As Lowe puts it, there has been “tremendous change” in the last 5 years.

Lowe has been a ClearCorrect user for much of his career. He shares how he initially came to the brand with the intention of treating mild malocclusions with aligners, but after using it for some time, he saw how the ClearCorrect aligners could be effective with moderate and then more complex malocclusions. What’s more, he talks about patient response to the aligners. At times, Lowe has used other aligner brands in his practice—and has even used multiple aligner brands with the same patient, which allowed him to receive some unique patient feedback. One point they made, they preferred ClearCorrect’s high trimline over the scalloped trimline found on other brands. That increased comfort translates into better retention and more predictable movement, according to Lowe.

As Lowe talks about the more predictable movement that comes with better retention, he makes the point that more predictable movement allows him to avoid using a lot of attachments. Lowe believes much of aligner therapy today is over engineered, with an over reliance on attachments. From a clinical standpoint, for him, ClearCorrect’s high trimline allows him to treat the way he wants to treat.

In this episode, Lowe also talks about ClearPilot 6.0, ClearCorrect’s latest treatment planning platform and its global footprint. ClearCorrect accepts scans from multiple intraoral scanners when planning aligner treatment. In addition, the company has the ClearCorrect Clinic app which the team can use to communicate with and educate patients. He also shares how he appreciates his relationship to ClearCorrect and the fact that they listen to experienced clinicians as they seek to improve the product. As he says, “They understand that the orthodontist is truly their customer.”

Lowe also shares his experience growing his solo orthodontic practice and working with a pediatric dentistry group practice. He talks about the benefits and challenges of each, balancing his clinical and business owner roles, and the dynamics of the two practices. In addition, he talks about how he has embraced remote monitoring to make treating patients who are on the go easier and more efficient. OP

As a frequent lecturer, Bicknell talks about the evolution of brackets and how the biggest challenge has always been an issue of geometry. With the Damon Ultima System, Bicknell sees a pre-manufactured bracket that is able to apply forces in three dimensions that are predictable and exact, addressing that issue of geometry. 

Bicknell is quick to point out that Ultima isn’t an upgrade of a previous version of Damon passive self-ligating brackets. As he says, “What Ormco did is they went back to the drawing board, and they tried to get their engineers and people in the same room to develop a system of brackets and wires that are engineered to work together from the ground up to deliver a certain expectation.” And that expectation was to create a “pure system that would put the teeth where they want to go in about a year, but also have a passive system.” Damon Ultima was designed so that the brackets and wires talk to each other and express exactly what the orthodontist wants, says Bicknell. He further explains that this system eliminates the times that you, as the orthodontist, aren’t moving teeth. That translates into fewer visits and shorter treatment time.

In this episode, Bicknell shares how the Ultima system has impacted his cases and finishes, practice productivity, and how it allows his team to feel like experts. What’s more, he talks about how this has translated into improved job satisfaction for his staff at a time with many practices are facing staffing shortages. 

Bicknell, who has been practicing for 20 years, talks about how he is so much more excited about orthodontics now than he has ever been. For him, the juxtaposition of enhanced technology and manufacturing capabilities are allowing more exciting products to come to market. As he says, “If we can invent something, but we can’t make it, what’s the point?” What’s more, he points out that products and technology have evolved so that the treatment pathway is not only a straighter line, but a shorter one as well. 

In addition to sharing his experience with Damon Ultima System, Bicknell shares his experience building his two-office practice west of Chicago. He talks about the differences between building a practice from the ground up and acquiring an established practice. And finally, he shares what excites him about the future of orthodontics. OP

Only 6 years out of her residency, Emory-Carter is early in her career. But in that short time, she has taken ownership of three orthodontic offices, starting with the one owned by the orthodontist who treated her as a child. Each office has one thing in common—it serves the community she grew up in. In this episode, Emory-Carter shares how she knew the time was right to jump on these opportunities and why the decision is about more than potential extra income. 

From there, Emory-Carter talks about building out these offices to run at full capacity, and how staffing, systems, and technology have been key. Included in that is Ormco’s Spark Clear Aligners. Emory-Carter talks about how each of the offices she bought didn’t previously offer aligners and shares how she integrated them and got staff to see the benefits to the system. Emory-Carter talks about the benefits of Spark Clear Aligners, from the integrated hooks and CBCT integration in the software platform to the proprietary TruGEN materials used to manufacture the aligners. What’s more, Emory-Carter talks about the results of her own in-office analysis comparing Spark to other clear aligner brands. A key finding was how many fewer refinements she was doing with Spark Clear Aligners. This translates into less patient burnout, better compliance, and shorter treatment times. 

In this episode, Emory-Carter also talks about both her patients’ and her staff’s experience with Spark. She shares how the former find the aligners comfortable and less likely to stain, while the latter appreciates the attachment template and the Spark dashboard. 

To round out the episode, Emory-Carter talks about the role remote monitoring plays in managing her aligner cases and the technology that she has on her radar. OP

From there Berant talks about why he prefers to work with ClearCorrect aligners to treat his cases. One of the key reasons he was drawn to ClearCorrect was its parent company, Straumann Group. As a periodontist, he was familiar with many of their subsidiaries and their product lines. When ClearCorrect came under the Straumann Group umbrella, Berant saw an opportunity for synergies in how he practices.

Berant offers his take on patient experience with ClearCorrect aligners. He points to the fact that patients seem happy with the fit. Given that an aligner that isn’t fitting properly can quickly lead to poor tracking and patient non-compliance, Berant welcomes the fact that he sees less of this with the ClearCorrect aligners, keeping treatment plans on track and finishes on time.

In this podcast, Berant also shares his take on the ClearCorrect treatment planning platform. He shares how he appreciates that ClearCorrect has given the clinician the freedom to place the attachments and cutouts where and how they want them, while also providing responsive customer support. 

For Berant, digital technology and aligners go hand in hand when it comes to practice growth. He shares how the ability to use the treatment planning software to show potential aligner patients their final smile during a consult eliminates the need to “sell” patients on treatment. And he shares his decision-making process for deciding on an aligner brand for his patients. 

To close out the episode, Berant puts on his periodontist and orthodontist hats simultaneously and talks about how orthodontics fits into overall oral health. He shares a story about the daughter of one of his patients and how recognizing that her teeth grinding was related to an airway problem helped get her the treatment she needed to find better overall health and improve academically.

The link between orthodontics and oral health is clear. Misaligned teeth can make it difficult to clean properly, leading to a buildup of plaque and bacteria that can cause cavities, gum disease, and other oral health problems. By correcting these issues with orthodontic treatment, you can help your patients maintain good oral hygiene and reduce their risk of developing these conditions. 

But orthodontics is about more than just straightening teeth. As Hoss explains in this podcast, it's also important to consider the impact of orthodontic treatment on the entire craniofacial complex. This includes the jaw, the airway, and other structures that can affect breathing, speech, and other aspects of oral health. 

By taking a comprehensive approach to orthodontic treatment, you can help your patients achieve optimal results that improve both their oral health and overall quality of life. This may include using advanced techniques such as digital scanning and 3D modeling to create customized treatment plans that address their unique needs. 

Of course, orthodontic treatment is only part of the equation. As Hoss emphasizes in this podcast, it's also important to educate your patients about the importance of good oral hygiene habits and regular dental checkups. By working together, you can help your patients achieve healthy, beautiful smiles that last a lifetime. 

The fact is oral health and orthodontics are closely linked, and, as an orthodontist, you have a critical role to play in helping your patients achieve optimal outcomes, says Hoss. By taking a comprehensive approach to treatment, using advanced techniques, and emphasizing the importance of good oral hygiene, you can help your patients achieve healthy, beautiful smiles that last a lifetime. OP

To learn more about best practices when it comes to maintenance and testing of dental waterlines, Orthodontic Products Chief Editor Alison Werner spoke to Kellie Thimmes and Mike Rust from ProEdge Dental Water Labs. Thimmes is a senior consultant and education specialist at the company, while Rust is a regional sales manager. Both have extensive experience working with dental and orthodontic practices to help them maintain safe dental waterlines.

In this episode, they talk about why orthodontic practices should pay attention to the CDC alert, the need for more awareness on the issue of dental waterline safety in general, and the risks to the patient, the practice, and the doctor’s license if dental waterlines are not maintained properly. As Thimmes and Rust point out, often, inspectors come to the practice to investigate a complaint unrelated to waterlines; but, once there, they’ll ask to see the practice’s latest water test results. And if those aren’t in order, the practice could have fines levied against it, while the doctor could face actions against their license.

They then take a deep dive on best practices for maintaining dental waterlines in the orthodontic practice and explain that while this is about protecting the health and safety of the patient and practice staff, it is also about ensuring equipment, such as handpieces, aren’t needlessly damaged. Rust and Thimmes explain what it means to have a compliant dental unit waterline, needed documentation, and the three main steps to dental unit waterline maintenance: shocking, treating, and testing. They breakdown how often you should be testing, testing options, and what to use to treat your waterlines between testings. And if your practice fails a waterline test, Rust and Thimmes say don’t panic. Address the problem and reach out to the experts if you need help. OP

As AAO President Normal J. Nagel, DDS, recently stated, office managers are often to “whom many practice owners entrust significant management and leadership duties.”

The AAO-Wharton program is taught asynchronously by faculty from the Wharton School of Business at the University of Pennsylvania who have teamed up with expert orthodontists and orthodontic practice consultants.

To learn more about the program in general and the inclusion of office managers, Orthodontic Products Chief Editor Alison Werner spoke to Anil J. Idiculla, DMD, a graduate of one of the first cohorts and now one of the AAO instructors with the program, and Renee Doyle, DDS, MS, an orthodontist in private practice in Illinois, who completed the program this fall.

Idiculla not only talks about his experience as a student but also breaks down the 8-week MBO cohort program and what attendees, both orthodontists and office managers, can expect. Meanwhile, Doyle shares where she was as a small business owner before starting the program and how the program has changed her approach. She also explains why she thinks the program is ideal for office managers.

Both AAO member doctors and their office managers can now enroll for the next program cohort, which will begin January 11, 2023. The program includes access to AAO Business Coaches who will support attendees throughout the course and will lead peer-to-peer discussions.

Those who complete the program will earn a Wharton certificate and 18 units of CE. OP

Dorst first explains nontuberculous Mycobacteria infections and the risks and complications that can occur for patients who contract these infections. She then breaks down the proper maintenance and monitoring protocol for dental unit waterlines in the orthodontic practice. Dorst points out that proper maintenance and monitoring of dental unit waterlines can be complex. To help orthodontic staff navigate this, she identifies a number of resources that can help.

In this podcast, sponsored by Dental Monitoring, Benton shares how he adopted the company’s remote monitoring platform during the office closures at the start of the COVID-19 pandemic to ensure continuity of care. But in opting for the Dental Monitoring platform, he was looking for a tool that could do more than just that. He wanted a remote monitoring platform that could be an extra employee to help the practice wade through the massive number of photos and data coming in as it faced (and continues to face) staffing shortages. With Dental Monitoring’s AI technology, he got that.

In this podcast, we look at the hiring crisis and talk about why group interviews can be key to making the hiring process more effective and efficient for the hiring team.

To start, Cahill shares what metrics she uses when helping clients decide whether to lease or buy a practice property, and to get started, she advises practitioners to do their market research. She also lays out the common pitfalls leasers face, specifically the fact that practice owners often fail to articulate their deal breaking terms at the start of negotiations and that they may not be as well educated on regulations and laws that apply to their practice. Knowing the regulations and laws that pertain to operating an orthodontic practice are important because commercial landlords might not be up to speed on such matters. She also discloses what orthodontic practice owners should know before they attempt to negotiate a lease. And for the orthodontists who want to buy a practice space, Cahill reveals the red flags they should avoid. In other words, buyer beware. 

What’s more, Cahill offers advice to practice owners as they navigate property purchases and leasing with the threat of a recession looming and talks about why having a lawyer on your team when leasing or buying a property can be an advantage. 

Finally, Cahill shares the keys to negotiating a competitive contract and why practice owners should never rush a contract and/or closing date. She also shares how often financially savvy orthodontic practice owners should review their risk mitigation policies and the role an attorney can play in helping practices set up their risk mitigation policies. OP

But before practices can vet a social media agency, they need to know what one does—so Smith starts there with a breakdown. The truth is these agencies can offer quite a few services from graphic design and caption writing to community management, email marketing, and website management. Smith then talks listeners through timing: Specifically, when is the right time to bring in an agency to handle this aspect of your practice’s digital marketing plan. Clues that it might be time to hire an agency: You’re not posting at least three to five times per week and/or the staff member in charge of social media dreads the task. If your social media strategy is random then you aren’t going to get the return on investment, according to Smith. 

From there, Smith provides guidance on how to find an agency that can meet the marketing needs of an orthodontic practice specifically. One tip she offers, go straight to Instagram, Facebook, and LinkedIn and search “social+media+agency+dentistry/orthodontic+practices.” Looking at social media channels like Instagram also allows you to get a good introduction to the agency’s work before you ever contact them.  

And finally, Smith talks listeners through the questions they should be asking during discovery calls. Her 10-part interview guide gives orthodontic practices the tools for vetting an agency to know if it is the right fit for their digital marketing campaign and their practice. 

In this episode of the Orthodontic Products Podcast, they talk about Fagala’s new children’s book, All the Best Faces Wear Braces. The book includes 14 original humorous poems that describe the different types of orthodontic patients orthodontists and their team members see. The book was not only written to educate kids about orthodontic treatment but also to serve as a marketing opportunity for orthodontic practices. As Fagala explains, the opening and closing of the book can be customized to individual practices to be a marketing and outreach tool with young patients and their parents, referring dentists, and local schools.

The book is just one of the ways Neon Canvas is seeking to bring innovation to orthodontic marketing. In the 6 years since it started, Neon Canvas has grown from a team of 4 to 45 and now has orthodontic clients in 42 states and Canada. Fagala shares how orthodontists benefit from working with a digital marketing company founded by a practicing orthodontist.

Also in this interview, Fagala offers advice to practices that are on the fence about hiring an outside firm to handle their digital marketing. He points out that a profitable practice is going to be one where the orthodontist is maximizing their time spent doing what they do best—which is orthodontics, not tinkering with a website, writing blogs, or doing social media posts.

Fagala also shares his thoughts on the key marketing trends affecting orthodontists—and no surprise, Google is at the top of that list. Fagala reiterates what most orthodontists already know: Your practice website needs to rank #1, #2, or #3 in organic search results. And the key to getting there is a strong website and an investment in search engine optimization, or SEO. Fagala also shares his thoughts on where social media should fit into an orthodontist’s digital marketing plan and how mobile continues to change the marketing landscape.

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The conference was an opportunity for orthodontists at all stages of their career to not only gather information about how practice modalities are changing, but to ask questions of those peers who are leading the way. And this wasn’t a meeting purely focused on how OSOs are changing the practice landscape. It touched on how dual specialty practices—specifically pediatric dentistry and orthodontics—are gaining traction within the industry and how digital technology is changing the orthodontic practice. 

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Hear about practice management software, aligner therapy, teledentistry tools and 3D printing advancements in this episode from the MEDQOR Podcast Network.

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