The Golden Age of Orthodontics (Dr. Leon Klempner)

In this installment of The Golden Age of Orthodontics, we are excited to visit with Dr. Glenn Krieger, founder of the Orthopreneurs Facebook group. This group boasts over 6,000 members to date. What are the pros and cons of a DSO and an OSO? How are they structured, and who should consider joining? He has invaluable insight into partnering with another doctor in your practice. Don’t miss this informative episode. Why? Because there’s never been a better time to be an orthodontist!

IN THIS EPISODE:

• [01:12] Introduction of People and Practice hosts and Dr. Krieger
• [05:01] Dr. Krieger explains the conception of the Orthopreneurs Facebook group
• [09:02]Dr. Krieger delves into what an OSO is, how it operates and who should consider joining
• [14:39] What are the pros and cons of a DSO and an OSO, and how may they benefit a new graduate
• [22:20] Dr. Leon mentions there is another side to consider, and Amy and Dr. Krieger discuss the value of community
• [28:19] Dr. Krieger answers questions from a listener about partnering with another doctor
• [38:55] Dr. Krieger reveals what he would be if he weren’t an orthodontist

KEY TAKEAWAYS: 

• There are some naysayers regarding joining an OSO; however, often, they have not done their research.
• One benefit of an OSO is that you are only grouped with successful practices.
• Choosing a partner for your orthodontic practice is a crucial decision that significantly impacts your practice's future.

RESOURCE LINKS

People + Practice  - Website

Dr. Leon Klempner - Email

Orthopreneurs Podcast with Dr. Glenn Krieger

We speak with Dr. David Sarver, an orthodontist with his own practice in Alabama, author of multiple books on the industry including a new release coming out February 2020, and a prolific speaker with over 400 engagements under his belt in the United States, Europe, Australia and the Middle and the Far East. He also played Division 1 basketball in college. Dr. Sarver talks to us about his unique take on building trust in a practice for both the young clinician and the established orthodontist.

Topics covered also include:

• Thoughts on differentiating a practice based on quality and trust
• Considering the aging smile in your treatment plan
• The value both clinically and as a marketing tool of bringing patients back over the years for follow up appointments
• Personal growth and knowledge needed to bring the highest quality care to your patients

About Our Guest:

Dr. Sarver received his DMD from The University of Alabama School of Dentistry and M.S. in Orthodontics from the University of North Carolina in 1979. He is a Diplomate of the American Board of Orthodontics, a member of the Edward H. Angle Society of Orthodontists, a Fellow in both the International and American Colleges of Dentists and is a Fellow of the American Academy of Esthetic Dentistry.

In addition to his private practice, Dr. Sarver’s book, "Esthetics in Orthodontics and Orthognathic Surgery" was published in September 1998. He is also co-author (with Dr. Proffit and White) of the surgical text “Contemporary Treatment of Dentofacial Deformity), and is co-author the 4th and 5th editions of Proffit’s classic textbook “Contemporary Orthodontics”. He has given more than 300 professional presentations in the United States, Europe, Australia and the Middle and the Far East.

Resources:

https://sarverortho.com/

Have you had a lifelong vision to establish your own orthodontic practice, only to find obstacles such as financial constraints, roadblocks, and a scarcity of available practices hindering your pursuit? In 2020, Dr. Maggie Law embarked on her entrepreneurial journey, and she is eager to divulge insights into her experience. Maggie will candidly discuss the advantages of managing your own practice, shedding light on the positive aspects and the hurdles she encountered along the way. Tune in to this conversation, and you'll find inspiration and see Maggie's apparent joy for seeing her dream come true. Remember, there has never been a better time to be an orthodontist.

IN THIS EPISODE:

• [0:00] Dr. Leon introduces today’s topic: Starting a Practice from the Ground Up with Dr. Maggie Law
• [3:03] Maggie is introduced and shares her educational background and how she started her practice in 2020
• [9:25] Maggie shares the reasons she wanted to have her own practice
• [12:58] Maggie discusses how she controls her overhead costs and the financial decisions in opening a practice
• [19:00] Maggie answers a caller's questions regarding the benefits of having your own practice, and Dr. Leon shares some advice
• [24:10] Maggie shares the challenges she has faced, and she leaves the listeners with advice

KEY TAKEAWAYS: 

• [8:29] The first step in opening a practice is to find a location. It’s important to research other nearby practices and, sometimes, decide how far you want to be from your home.
• [9:24] There are many orthodontic practice startups now, and many reasons contribute to orthodontists taking that road. One is that in the long term, the orthodontist wants to be able to make their own decisions about their career and their business. 
• [11:36] Doctors are not selling their practices to recent graduates like they did in the past. They are selling to large OSOs because they can sell for more money. Consequently, as a recent graduate, you must open your own practice. 

RESOURCE LINKS

People + Practice  - Website

Leon - Email

Amy - Email

People + Practice - Email

Maggie Law - Instagram

Orthodontics Startups - Facebook

QUOTES: 

“I think one of the main reasons orthodontists want to have their practice is that we are hard workers, high achievers, goal-oriented and ultimately, working for somebody else long term is not what makes us happy.” Dr. Maggie Law

“I always say that being an associate is great until one day it's not. And then when you get to that day where you're like, wow, I could be working hard for myself, or I can be working hard for somebody else, it's like this flip, and I think most people don't choose to do startups because it is the harder path.” Dr. Maggie Law

We speak with Jooan Garbo, a premier change agent for orthodontic practices. Over the past 30 years Joan has led over 2,000 seminars in effective communication and relationship skills, team-building, and customer service. She empowers dental teams in the areas of communication and leadership with her insightful and humorous presentations. Her high energy level and enthusiasm inspire people to action, giving them a renewed sense of purpose and the resources for motivation.

In this installment of The Golden Age of Orthodontics, we are hosting Jonathan Martin, an expert assisting dentists during the transition phase of selling their practice. With a remarkable record of overseeing dental practice sales totaling more than a billion dollars, Jonathan imparts invaluable insights into the intricacies of selling your practice. He shares four essential elements determining the success or failure of an enticing offer to acquire your business. There’s never been a better time to be an orthodontist.

IN THIS EPISODE:

• [01:01] Introduction of People and Practice and its message and Jonathan Martin’s background. 

• [03:27] Jonathan describes how the economics have impacted the sale of dental practices and explains EBITDA in detail. 

• [11:09] What are favorable KPSs, and how cash comes into play on an offer. What things have changed in the last 12 months? 

• [15:39] How do cash, stock, hold-out money and seller financing impact your sale? 

• [22:00] What are the critical items to evaluate as you are looking at an offer to purchase your business? 

• [24:28] Jonathan discusses whether a seller would receive more money from a DSO or an OSO versus a private transaction. 

• [29:51] What should a Dr. do if they receive unsolicited offers from a DSO or an OSO? 

• [33:53] The bottom line is to do your due diligence and get professional help. 

KEY TAKEAWAYS: 

• Inflation, labor costs and the interest rate rise have slowed down dental practice sales.

• Cash at closing, stock, holdback money and seller financing comprise the four components of an offer to purchase your practice.

• Hire a professional to look over the contract when you are selling your business. 

RESOURCE LINKS

People + Practice  - Website

Dr. Sercan Akyalcin - Harvard Website

Harvard Orthodontics Dentistry - Website

Jonathan Martin - Website

Jonathan Martin - Linkedin

BIO: 

Jonathan joined McGill & Hill Group in September of 2005. He earned bachelor's degrees in both accounting and finance, and a Master of Accountancy degree from the University of North Carolina at Charlotte. Jonathan works with dentists and dental specialists across the United States assisting them with their transition needs, and speaks regularly at dental schools and study clubs. He is a member of the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants and the North Carolina Association of Certified Public Accountants.

QUOTES: 

“If you are...

Welcome to the Golden Age of Orthodontics with Dr. Leon Klempner and co-host Amy Epstein. In this episode, we dive into a crucial yet often overlooked issue in dental and orthodontic practices—embezzlement. Today’s guest is  David Harris, CEO of Prosperident, the world’s largest firm investigating financial crimes committed against dentists, who shares eye-opening statistics on how pervasive embezzlement is in orthodontic practices. David sheds light on the behaviors of those who steal, the fine line between delegation and abdication, and the essential steps your HR department must take to protect your practice, including rigorous pre-employment screening. The key takeaway? More orthodontists will be embezzled than won't, making vigilance and proactive measures essential to safeguarding your business. Don’t miss out on this information-packed episode.

IN THIS EPISODE: 

• [2:39] Amy introduces David Harris, CEO of Prosperident, a firm expert in addressing dental practice embezzlement
• [4:12] David explains the pervasiveness of the embezzlement problem and outlines statistics of practices who have experienced embezzlement
• [12:29] David discusses the difference between delegation and abdication and the behaviors of people who steal
• [19:31] Pre Employment screening is a must for hiring, and David shares other practices that your H.R. Department must put into place
• [24:23] Discussion of a proximity tag on your computer and what is the next step if someone is stealing from your practice

KEY TAKEAWAYS: 

• More Orthodontists will be embezzled than won’t.
• Practitioners don’t have the time to monitor the bookkeeping aspect of their business, while the thief has all the time in the world to devise a plan to steal.
• An employee will gain your trust before they steal from you.

RESOURCE LINKS

People + Practice  - Website 

Dr. Leon - Email

Amy - Email

People + Practice - Email

Prosperident - Website

Prosperident Phone Number: 888-398-2327

BIOGRAPHY:   

David Harris may have the coolest job in dentistry - he gets to chase and catch those who steal from dentists. A rule-breaker in his youth, David changed his direction and has spent much of his adult life in the world of investigation and

Enforcement, where he uses his unrivaled ability to understand the criminal thought process to help educate and protect dentists. David is the Chief Executive Officer of Prosperident, the world’s largest firm investigating financial crimes committed against dentists. David is a licensed private investigator, a Forensic

Certified Public Accountant and a Certified Fraud Examiner. He is the author of the definitive book on embezzlement, the most recent Healers versus Stealers: How to Outsmart the Thief in Your Dental Practice. In addition to being a prolific author, David is a frequent presenter at regional, national, and international dental conferences, and his vast wealth of experience, coupled with his keen sense of humor, makes David both an engaging and entertaining speaker.

In recognition of his long and distinguished service to the dental profession, David is one of a handful of non-clinicians to be honored with a Fellowship in the International Academy of Dental Facial Esthetics.

In the past year and a half we have had over 10,000 downloads of our podcast. This month we are doing a “best of” episode where we feature a few highlights form our previous podcast episodes including great guests like Dr. Jonathan Nicozisis, of the Aligner Fellowship Institute; Landy Chase, president and CEO Ortho Yes; Mark van Weelde, Vice President of Global Sales and Marketing at Dental Marketing; Chris Bentson, a partner in Bentson Copple & Associates; and many more.

For show notes & more: https://pplpractice.com/episode-18/

We speak with LeeAnn Peniche about the techniques and efficiencies needed to run a modern orthodontic practice. Peniche is the founder and president of Peniche & Associates, a company that teaches orthodontists about the processes and marketing they need to excel in the business of orthodontics. In this episode we engage Peniche about her business philosophy and recommendations including topics like how to increase pure conversion numbers, assessing if a patient is open to virtual consultations, and the best way to implement limited treatment options into your practice.

IN THIS EPISODE:

• Addressing poor conversion rates and simplifying the process to get patients to yes
• How patient demographics changes the way we communicate with them
• Technological differentiators orthodontists have at their disposal to conduct more exams per day and increase patient acceptance
• The benefits of advising patients on limited treatment for those who want a social six fix to get their “selfie smile” - as long as doctor takes full records and presents the options
• LeeAnn Peniche’s tips for running a better practice

Guest Bio

LeeAnn Peniche is the founder and president of Peniche & Associates and has spent 40 years working with thousands of practices, teaching and coaching on best practices with patient processes, marketing and in general, the business of excellence. LeeAnn’s philosophy is that each orthodontic practice has an opportunity to make a difference in patients’ lives beyond just straightening teeth. The systems she’s developed have helped transform the lives of thousands of patients by simplifying the process of starting treatment, and helping practices stay relevant to patient needs. LeeAnn has a team of 18 executives and consultants and she lectures throughout North America and Australia on the business of orthodontics. 

Welcome to The Golden Age of Orthodontics, hosted by Dr. Leon Klempner and Amy Epstein. In today’s episode, we're thrilled to be joined by Dr. Maz Moshiri, a faculty member of Align Technology since 2013 and co-founder of the Aligner Intensive Fellowship. This online residency has helped nearly 5,000 orthodontists worldwide master the art of clear aligners. Dr. Maz dives deep into the future of orthodontics, sharing his insights on the latest innovations in aligner technology, the integration of AI and CBCT, and the critical role of balancing clear aligners with fixed appliances. He also provides a thoughtful discussion on Orthodontic Service Organizations (OSOs), weighing the pros and cons of joining one and highlighting the importance of choosing the right OSO for long-term success. Whether you're an industry veteran or a newcomer, this episode offers invaluable perspectives on staying ahead in the rapidly evolving world of orthodontics. Remember, there has never been a better time to be an orthodontist. 

IN THIS EPISODE: 

• [2:51] Amy introduces Dr. Maz Moshiri, and he discusses the current state of clear aligners and customized digital braces 
• [8:29] Dr. Maz shares his thoughts on AI and machine learning 
• [13:47] Dr. Maz discusses the integration of CBCT
• [15:44] Dr. Maz discusses how graduates are prepared to enter the field of orthodontics and how he determines whether to use clear aligners or exercise the option of fixed appliances in his practice
• [22:19] Dr. Max shares his insights on the future of the OSO model and the importance of choosing the right OSO if joining is your decision

KEY TAKEAWAYS: 

• Direct print aligners also allow you to vary the thickness of the aligner and defined areas, which changes the biomechanics and can increase stiffness. This is intriguing because it may make the aligners more effective clinically, potentially using fewer attachments.
• AI will not replace an orthodontist. For your patient to achieve the desired goals, you need the correct diagnosis and the doctor involved in tracking the progress.
• It is beneficial for an orthodontist to have several resources available to move teeth because one way does not fix all problems. Having options is also beneficial for a patient.

RESOURCE LINKS

Dr. Mazyar Moshiri - Email

Aligner Intensive Fellowship - Website

People + Practice  - Website 

Dr. Leon - Email

Amy Epstein - Email

People + Practice - Email

BIOGRAPHY:   

Dr. Maz Moshiri has been a faculty member of Align Technology since 2013. He co-founded the Aligner Intensive Fellowship, an online residency that has educated nearly five thousand orthodontists worldwide on the proper treatment planning and use of clear aligners. He is a Clinical Assistant Professor in the orthodontic residency program at the Center for Advanced Dental Education at Saint Louis University, focusing on clear aligners. He serves on the clinical advisory boards of Orthodontic Partners and as an Associate Editor for the Voice of an Expert column for the AJODO Clinical Companion. Dr. Moshiri is a Diplomate of the American Board of Orthodontics and a Fellow of the American College of Dentists, the International College of Dentists, and the Pierre Fauchard Academy.

QUOTES: 

“I...

We speak with Chris Bentson, a partner in Bentson Copple & Associates, a company that offers transition, valuation and training services for the orthodontic industry, and the editor-in-chief of Bentson Copple reSource, a quarterly newsletter focused on the business aspects of running a successful orthodontic practice. In this podcast we address with Chris how orthodontists can take the disruption in the industry and use it to their advantage by offering the same convenience patients are seeking at mail order alignment companies but with the added value of a one-on-one, full consultation by a qualified doctor. The secret is to embrace technology. We get into the nuts and bolts of what forces are affecting the industry and the tools available right now to help independent and small group practices beat the big box orthodontic companies.

IN THIS EPISODE:

• How has disruption by Smile Direct Club and Invisalign affected small independent practices
• The future of orthodontics is bright for the practice that adopts teledentistry technology
• Address the growth of corporate dentistry and consolidation of practices 

Guest Bio

Chris Bentson has been working with orthodontists regarding the business aspects of their practices for over twenty-five years. He is currently President of Bentson Copple & Associates. Chris also serves as Editor-in-Chief of the Bentson Copple reSource, a quarterly newsletter focused on the business aspects of running a successful orthodontic practice. He is a frequent guest lecturer at orthodontic resident programs, study clubs, and orthodontic user meetings. He is a contributor to national orthodontic periodicals and journals. Over the course of Chris’ career, he has personally visited over one thousand orthodontic practices in the United States, Canada, and Australia.

Dr. Bill Layman, the owner of Straighten Up Orthodontics in Clearwater, Florida, is our guest on this episode of The Golden Age of Orthodontics. Dr. Layman talks about the advantages of using a 3-D Treatment Letter, demonstrating the potential outcomes of orthodontic treatment using virtual technology. This gives patients the assurance they require to move forward with treatment. Additionally, he discusses the advantages of remote monitoring and employing uLab for aligners. There’s never been a better time to be an orthodontist.

IN THIS EPISODE:

• [00:57] Amy and Dr. Leon discuss what their marketing firm does and the frustrations Dr. Leon experienced as a practicing orthodontist. 
• [03:47] Dr. Layman explains the benefit of a 3-D Treatment Letter. 
• [07:58] What was the motivation for the creation of this digital technology? 
• [11:06] The differences and benefits of Ulab for aligners. 
• [13:22] Dr. Layman uses remote monitoring to the advantage of patients by acknowledging their busy schedules. 
• [16:20] Dr. Layman responds to Dr. Strauss from Florida regarding virtual setups. 
• [18:36] Three ways of creating 3D communication. 
• [23:24] There is an increase in patient acceptance when they can see the result visually. 

KEY TAKEAWAYS: 

• An animated representation of a patient's teeth after correction instills motivation and confidence, encouraging them to undergo the necessary treatment

• Teamwork between an Orthodontist and a GP assures patients they are working with the right professionals

• Patients highly appreciate having remote check-ups as it saves significant time

RESOURCE LINKS

People + Practice - Website

Dr. Bill Layman - Website

DrBill@suortho.com

BIOGRAPHY: 

Raised in a small Virginia farm town, Dr. Bill Layman worked during high school as a farmhand, loaded dog feed, mowed church lawns, and was a full-service gas attendant. After graduating from The Citadel with a Bachelor of Science in biology, he served as a paratrooper with the Army’s 82nd Airborne. While in dental school at the Medical University of South Carolina, he was elected and served four years as class president while earning his Doctorate in Dental Medicine. He has lived and worked in Clearwater since opening Straighten Up Orthodontics in 2005. He and his wife Andrea have one son who is now attending Tulane University and majoring in Finance and Real Estate. Dr. Layman recently completed his Masters of Business Administration at the Wharton School, University of Pennsylvania, where he also received the Ben Franklin Award for leadership.

Welcome to the Golden Age of Orthodontics, where innovation meets expertise. Join host Dr. Leon Klempner and co-host Amy Epstein as they delve into the cutting-edge advancements shaping the world of orthodontics. In today's episode, we're excited to welcome April Lowry, the Director of Product at Aura and Dental Product Management at PracticeTek. April shares her insights on selecting the right software for your orthodontic practice, emphasizing the critical need for systems that prioritize both patients and staff. From essential questions to ask when evaluating new software to the impact of patient-centric solutions, this discussion is packed with valuable advice for modern orthodontic practices. If you're looking to enhance your practice with the latest technology, this episode is a must-listen. Remember: there’s never been a better time to be an orthodontist. Tune in and stay ahead of the curve! 

IN THIS EPISODE: 

• [3:49] Amy introduces April, who discusses how to determine the technology you need to run a potential multi-million dollar practice
• [10:37] April discusses implementing new technology that works bidirectionally with the software currently used
• [13:47] The importance of access to data through analytics or a reporting module
• [17:04] A discussion on improving the patient experience through specific examples and how these changes can influence patients' choice of practice
• [25:34] Discussion of keeping track of leads and how to make a good decision on software
• [33:16] Discussion of information in fields that are not migrated into new technology and the future of AI in the industry

KEY TAKEAWAYS: 

• It is critical to make your office accessible to new patients. Patients should only provide their name, date of birth and insurance information. You may lose business if you make it too difficult to make an appointment. 
• New technology should operate bidirectionally to transfer data between platforms and work with the software you already are using. 
• Patients should be able to  make appointments and make payments on their smartphones so the office does not have to make those entries. This method also takes the burden from office staff to enter data.

RESOURCE LINKS

People + Practice  - Website

Leon - Email

Amy - Email

People + Practice - Email

April Lowry - Email

PracticeTek - LinkedIn

PracticeTek - Website  

In this podcast we speak with Dr. Terry Sellke, a board-certified orthodontist who has been practicing for 38 years. Dr. Sellke is an old friend of ours and he has been incorporating new technology and system enhancements into his practice for decades in order to achieve exceptional results while decreasing total treatment time. He retired from University of Illinois in 2006 as a Clinical Professor, Master Clinical, Co-clinical Director, and Master's Thesis Advisor where he had been since 1970. He now teaches his The Bottom Line Practice Management Program and Clinical Orthodontics to orthodontists and their staff worldwide. In February 2022, Dr. Sellke is running a multi day seminar where he will teach his course exclusively to orthodontists in Aruba. You can find out more about the program here: www.orthobottomline.com.

In this episode, we address other important topics like:

• What are the biggest orthodontic industry disruptors and how have they permanently changed the industry of orthodontics
• How can practices compete with the direct-to-consumer orthodontic model
• How can orthodontists adapt to disruption in the industry and new consumer demands for faster, cheaper, and more convenient service
• Letting consumers know there is an alternative to direct-to-consumer

https://pplpractice.com/

In this 30 minute podcast we speak with Chris Bentson, a partner at Bentson Copple & Associates, a company that performs practice valuations, providing recruiting services, and negotiating transactions with both buyers and sellers. He also serves as Editor-in-Chief of the Bentson Copple reSource, a quarterly newsletter focused on the business aspects of running a successful orthodontic practice. Chris has consulted with a thousand orthodontic practices during his 30-year career. We speak with Chris about the changes brought about in the industry since the pandemic first shut down practices across the country last year.

We also cover important topics like:

• How an accelerate to digital has become the most enduring effect from pandemic for orthodontic practice owners
• Advice for graduating orthodontists choosing between a position at a group practice, a DSO, or joining a solo practice
• Solo practices capitalizing on the direct-to-consumer market with digital marketing
• Making up for lost production and cash flow due to Covid-19 shutdowns

Chris Bentson is a partner at Bentson Copple & Associates based in Greensboro, North Carolina. The company serves the orthodontic community by performing practice valuations, providing recruiting services, and negotiating transactions with both buyers and sellers. Chris has authored dozens of articles published on the business of orthodontics in numerous orthodontic publications. He also serves as Editor-in-Chief of the Bentson Copple reSource, a quarterly newsletter focused on the business aspects of running a successful orthodontic practice.

For show notes and more: pplpractice.com

IN THIS EPISODE:

• [02:00] Dr. Riolo talks about his experience building a completely digital practice

• [06:00] The Lingual Orthodontics niche and how Dr. Riolo uses it in his practice
• [15:00] The important role of convenience in orthodontic treatments
• [22:00] Using staging software and data to benefit your practice

KEY TAKEAWAYS: 

• Adults are candidates for orthodontic treatments as much as children, if not more. 
• Convenience is a very important factor when people choose orthodontic treatment plans.
• Using the right software and data can elevate your practice

RESOURCE LINKS

https://seattleorthodontist.com/doctors/meet-dr-christopher-riolo/

BIO:  Dr. Christopher Riolo obtained his Bachelor of Science degree in Mathematics from the University of Wisconsin, Madison, and received his Doctorate of Dental Surgery from the University of Michigan School of Dentistry.

He completed his orthodontic training and received his Specialty Certificate in Orthodontics and Masters of Science degree at the University of Detroit Mercy School of Dentistry. Drs. Riolo and Bayirli both have PhD’s in Public Health, Epidemiology; Dr Riolo’s doctoral work for his PhD specifically related to the identification of the factors important in infectious disease transmission.  Be assured we are monitoring the local situation carefully with respect to COVID-19 and are confident that a visit to our office is one of the safest of your daily activities.

Dr Riolo currently teaches in the orthodontic department at the University of Washington as an affiliate associate professor. His research interests include; lingual braces (braces behind the teeth), custom orthodontic appliance systems and early/interceptive treatment of children.

Dr Riolo believes that the knowledge necessary to create beautiful smiles is gained through a combination of education, practical experience, and dedication to lifelong learning. Dr Riolo is a diplomate of the American Board of Orthodontics.

Our special guest is Steven McEvoy, an IT Professional and Project Manager for MME Consulting, a computer company specializing in serving dental practices nationwide. Steve is here to discuss cyber security. He exposes the loopholes, but he also provides solutions. Orthodontic practices are lucrative, making them a prime target for hackers who can leverage you and hold your data as ransom. This episode is a must-listen-to protect your data from ransomware and bad actors.

IN THIS EPISODE:

• [0:00] Dr Leon introduces today’s topic: Cyber Security. 

• [4:04] Steve explains why an orthodontic practice is ripe for cyber attack. 

• [6:53] Steve discusses antivirus programs and has suggestions on next-gen antivirus software for orthodontic practices. 

• [11:19] Steve describes how a hacker can fool a staff member. 

• [17:14] Listener, Mark Bronski, asks how to start protecting your practice from cyber attacks?

• [22:28] Steve discusses the value of staff training and using a password manager. 

• [28:25] Steve discusses the question of having your information in the crowd. 

KEY TAKEAWAYS: 

• [3:35] Why is an orthodontic practice a target for cyber security threats?

• [7:00] Do we still need antivirus software on my computer, and is it effective to fight off the next-gen cyber attacks?

• [11:11] How do you define this phenomenon? Is it phishing scams or social engineering? How do you define it?

RESOURCE LINKS

People + Practice  - Website

Leon - Email

Amy - Email

Steve McEvoy Email

MME Consulting - Website

QUOTES: 

“Every new ransomware attack is a unique thing. So an old school antivirus program was used to look for a particular pattern, an executable file that's coming in attached to an email. If it matched that pattern, it would stop it. But now it's a hacker that makes something that's completely dynamic. So there are better antivirus tools that are out there today. I refer to them as next-gen antiviruses, and they're available from multiple companies.” Steve McEvoy

“All practices should be monitored. If someone's out shopping for one, the buzzword is an EDR. An EDR solution stands for endpoint detection and response. They're available from multiple companies like Sentinel 1 and WatchGuard.” - Steve McEvoy

On today’s episode of The Golden Age of Orthodontics, co-hosts Dr. Leon Klempner and  Amy Epstein, MBA, celebrate four years of their podcast with their listeners.  They share clips of podcasts from those years and revisit the highlights of various episodes. Christopher Bentson, Suzanne Wilson, Dr. Sky Naslenas, Wes Lyon and Trey Lawrence are featured in this dynamic episode. A variety of relevant topics you will want to hear again are covered. At the end of this episode, there is a surprise announcement you won’t want to miss. 

IN THIS EPISODE:

• [00:56] Dr. Leon and Amy reflect on the beginnings of their podcast and will present highlights from podcasts that were fan favorites.
• [04:24] Christopher Bentson shares his thoughts regarding digital technology and where key players were focusing their investments. He also shares his recommendations on retooling staff.
• [12:10] Suzanne Wilson discusses essential business metrics or the value per patient visit.
• [13:18] Dr. Sky Naslenas tells us why she moved away from Invisalign.
• [15:57] Wes Lyon talks about factors to consider when you have an offer to sell your business.
• [17:21] Trey Lawrence advises on how to protect yourself if you are sued. [
• 23:27] Amy and Dr. Leon share exciting news regarding the Golden Age of Orthodontics. 

KEY TAKEAWAYS: 

• Orthodontists should be careful when taking patients who have experienced shoddy work and are seeking treatment. Again, thorough documentation is necessary to protect you from a lawsuit. 
• Carefully consider selling your business. It’s not just the cash you receive upfront.  If someone wants to purchase your practice, you may want to keep it yourself.
• Valued staff can be excellent virtual assistants with training, which frees up the doctor’s time.

RESOURCE LINKS

People + Practice Website

Chris Bentson - Website

Suzanne Wilson - LinkedIn

Dr. Sky Nasleenas - Website

Wes Lyon - Website

Trey Lawrence - Facebook

We cover important topics like:

• [02:00] Dr. Mehdi introduces himself and explains his background and work with BRIUS
• [07:19] How Dr. Mehdi came up with BRIUS Technologies using his education in physics and biomechanics
• [10:44] Design and production of BRIUS as an independent mover for patients
• [15:00] The efficiency of independent movers vs. traditional wires and brackets
• [23:16] Dr. Mehdi answers a question from a fellow orthodontist and listener about what to look forward to as technology advances

Key Takeaways:

• Keeping up with technology and trends will help keep orthodontic practices relevant and work more efficiently.
• Office visits can get to be inconvenient and consumers want less visits and quicker results- using advanced technology can help practices do this for it’s clients

About Dr. Mehdi Peikar:

Dr. Mehdi Peikar is the Chief Medical Officer, Chief Technology Officer, Co-Inventor and Co-Founder of BRIUS Technologies. Dr. Peikar is a practicing orthodontist who graduated from the UCLA School of Dentistry. He also holds a Master’s degree in Quantum Mechanics and Condensed Matter from the University of Illinois and a Ph.D in Biomechanics from Johns Hopkins University. Dr. Peikar’s unique background in academia, and passion for revolutionizing the orthodontic experience continues to drive product development and success in achieving superior biomechanical results.

https://pplpractice.com/

On today’s episode of The Golden Age of Orthodontics, we are joined by Dr. Scott Law, co-founder of Smile Doctors, an Orthodontist-owned Orthodontic group. Smile Doctors has grown to over 360 orthodontist-only partner practices in more than 25 states. Smile Doctors is a collaborative effort that combines the talents of many doctors to offer strengths and identify weaknesses, always putting patient needs first. In addition, Dr. Law will share the benefits of being affiliated with an OSO and cite reasons why it may not be a good fit or experience for every doctor and the OSO.

IN THIS EPISODE:

• [05:00] Dr. Law outlines the idea behind Smile Doctors. 
• [06:49] The benefits and risks of joining an OSO. 
• [13:46] Determining the optimal fit for doctors wanting to join an OSO. 
• [18:10] Selling your practice and how economics, the size of practice, and timing play a part. 
• [27:58] Retiring doctors who wish to sell their business and thoughts about losing the skill set of someone with experience.

KEY TAKEAWAYS: 

• OSOs benefit from providing so many ancillary services to the doctor that they do not have to provide.  
• An OSO is not the right fit for a doctor who wants total control over every facet of their practice. It also doesn’t work if a doctor is unwilling to check their ego. Everyone needs to be on equal footing.
• Being a part of an OSO gives an orthodontist autonomy. They no longer need to wait to have a dentist refer a patient. Orthodontistry is a business model that can stand on its own.

RESOURCE LINKS

Website - Smile Doctors

Linkedin - Dr. Scott Law

BIO:

Dr. Scott Law is a wet-fingered orthodontist charged with overseeing the clinical processes and responsibilities for Smile Doctors, an orthodontist-owned orthodontic group.  After completing residency at Jacksonville University School of Orthodontics in 2009, he and his wife Jessica purchased a small practice from a retiring orthodontist in Killeen, Texas. Using techniques based on customer service, fun, empowerment, and excellence, they grew that location to one of the largest practices in the U.S. Looking out on the horizon in 2015 and seeing the threats and opportunities facing orthodontics; they decided to scale their business based on the principle of Love On People First. Together with partners Dr. Dana Fender and Dr. Greg Goggans, Smile Doctors has grown to over 360 orthodontics-only partner practices. As an organization, we are constantly seeking transitioning doctors and or associates that align with our culture of loving people and seeking excellence as we deliver the Ultimate Patient Experience.

In this 30 minute podcast we speak with Kevin Dillard, who is the founder of Clear Blue Smiles, a direct-to-consumer aligner company that has solved a problem many orthodontists and consumers are concerned about: professional orthodontic oversight. Clear Blue Smiles utilizes an orthodontist in every case using Direct Monitoring to remotely monitor treatment. The most important point that Kevin stresses is that orthodontics is a complex biological process, and if treatment is not started and overseen by a professional you don’t know if it’s going to be safe or if it’s going to have a good outcome. In addition to serving as CEO and co-founder of Clear Blue Smiles, Kevin is a thought leader and legal expert in the industry. He served 18 years as an executive at the AAO as legal counsel.

In this episode, we address other important topics like:

• How Clear Blue Smile is different from other direct to consumer aligner companies
• Outlining the business relationship between Clear Blue Smiles and the orthodontists who take on their clients
• The two big problems that Clear Blue Smiles helps to solve for many orthodontic offices
• Feedback from consumers and orthodontists so far to Clear Blue Smiles’ business model

Kevin Dillard is the CEO and co-founder of Clear Blue Smiles. He spent 18 years as legal counsel at AAO, helping to shape the message regarding DIY orthodontics and spearheading Federal lobbying efforts at AAO.

In 2019, orthodontists are still graduating with an orthodontic degree having no knowledge on how to incorporate clear aligner technology in their treatment plan. Dr. Jonathan Nicozisis is a national speaker and educator who teaches about advanced techniques with Invisalign. 

 We spoke with Dr. Nicozisis about the disruption of the industry by Invisalign and the direct-to-consumer business models. His philosophy aligns with our own that doctors need to embrace the change and make it work for them instead of fighting it. We also speak about his online program to teach orthodontists how to work with clear aligners. Listen in on our wide-ranging and informative conversation with Dr. Nicozisis in this episode.

IN THIS EPISODE: 

• How clear aligner treatment is not being taught in residency programs and what Dr. Nicozisis is doing to fix that with his Aligner Intensive Fellowship program
• Impact of communication on a local level to differentiate the specialist from the general dentist in orthodontic treatment
• Changing the narrative on offering limited treatment to patients by discussing and educating patients and offering all the options
• Orthodontists have to address consumers’ desire for convenience is driving them to direct-to-consumer alternatives
• We play Monday Morning Quarterback and ask Dr. Nicozisis what he would do differently in hindsight as a young orthodontists just out of school

Resources:

Following dental school at the University of Pennsylvania and Temple University Department of Orthodontics, Dr. Jonathan Nicozisis has been in private practice in Princeton, NJ since the fall of 1999.  Aside from helping raise $23 million in venture capital funding for a medical start up to continue his Master’s thesis research that went all the way to human clinical trials overseen by the FDA, developing, patenting, and selling auxiliaries, and being on the Scientific Advisory Board of Propel Orthodontics and Master Faculty member of Align Technology, Jonathan considers his greatest career accomplishment helping his orthodontic colleagues become proficient in doing orthodontics with aligners.  With publications in refereed journals, trade publications, co-authoring a text-book chapter, countless hours of live lecturing, and a contribution in Seminars in Orthodontics, Dr. Nicozisis has collected his experiences and knowledge along with his partner Dr. Maz Moshiri’s, leading to the culmination that is The Aligner Intensive Fellowship – the world’s most comprehensive course on aligner orthodontics!

https://princetonorthodontics.net/#dr-nicozisis

https://alignerfellowship.com/

In this episode:

We speak with Landy Chase, president and CEO Ortho Yes, an orthodontic business consultancy that specializes in training practices how to increase their start rates with effective and detailed procedures for all members of the office staff. He is also an author of five books on the subject, In this episode we speak with Landy about how your office can start more cases and improve overall conversion rates. The secret? It’s not improving the performance of your Treatment Coordinator but how the doctor communicates the value of treatment to prospective patients. 

Topics covered also include:

• The skills to look for in hiring a Treatment Coordinator
• How to structure an effective initial consultation with your TC
• How orthodontists can compete with “Big Ortho.”

About Our Guest:

Landy Chase is a practice consultant and award-winning author and speaker who specializes in training orthodontic practices to increase the start rate of prospective patients. He provides highly effective, detailed procedures for doctors, TCs and staff to attract and acquire new orthodontic patients for client practices. He works exclusively within the orthodontic profession as a trainer, consultant and coach and has been a featured speaker at numerous study clubs around the United States. He has worked personally with over 100 client practices in just the last three years.

Resources:

Orthoyes.com

On this episode of The Golden Age of Orthodontics, we are joined by Dr. Sercan Akyalcin, the head of Orthodontics at Harvard School of Dental Medicine. What is the future of Orthodontics, and how does digital dentistry play a role? What are the educational requirements for admittance to Harvard’s Orthodontic program? Dr. Sercan will discuss these topics and share his perspective on Do-It-Yourself Dentistry. There’s never been a better time to be an orthodontist.

IN THIS EPISODE:

• Dr. Akyalcin discusses the variety of modalities studied to complete the training of an orthodontist and how the field of technology has drastically changed the tools available. 

• The Covid pandemic affected clinical hours of training; however, online teaching platforms adapted to change. 

• Dr. Akyalcin relates how the curriculum needs to include more classes focusing on the business side of orthodontics and states that there is a shortage of educators. 

• Discussion of the Do It Yourself Approach and why specialists will always be needed. 

• What does success look like for the next generation of orthodontists, and what is the importance of communication

• Dr. Akyalcin advises the steps required to be accepted into the Orthodontic Program and the vision he sees for the Harvard Orthodontic program. 

KEY TAKEAWAYS: 

• Learning the business side of an orthodontic practice is just as important as knowing the skill of dentistry. 

• Harvard is looking for well-rounded individuals to enter their Orthodontics Program. Therefore, although grades are important, they are not the determining factor.

• Educators need to teach their students the business side of their practice.

RESOURCE LINKS

People + Practice - Website

Dr. Sercan Akyalcin - Harvard Website

Harvard Orthodontics Dentistry - Website

BIO:

Dr. Sercan Akyalcin joined the School as a member of the faculty in the department of Developmental Biology and program director for Advanced Graduate Education (AGE) in Orthodontics on March 1, 2022.

Akyalcin, a native of Turkey, received his DDS and PhD degrees from Ege University School of Dentistry. Soon after completing his PhD degree, he began his teaching career in Canada. He then went on to receive his clinical training in the Orthodontic Program at The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston. In addition, he served as Bonham Magness Endowed Professor and Graduate Program Director at the same institution until 2016. He was a faculty member at Tufts University School of Dental Medicine in Boston, where he also served as the interim chair and graduate program director of Orthodontics before joining HSDM.

In his career as a dental educator and orthodontist, Akyalcin has published numerous peer-reviewed papers, contributed to published books and textbooks, and serves on the editorial boards of orthodontic and dental journals. He has been recognized with several

During this 30-minute podcast episode we speak with Greg Pellegrom, CEO of SmileSnap, a company that develops software for virtual dental consultations that integrates with your current workflow. We talk about how technology that promoted online, remote appointments provided a lifeline for offices and patients during the COVID-19 pandemic but also extends beyond this use to the future of orthodontic practice.

For show notes & more: http://pplpractice.com/episode-16/

In this 30 minute podcast we speak with Dr. Adam Schulhof about Grin, the remote orthodontic monitoring company he created. Grin is a comprehensive digital platform that provides orthodontic solutions to remotely monitor all types of teeth straightening needs by connecting patients to real orthodontists in their community. This allows orthodontists to remotely monitor their patients for routine visits. Adam guides Grin’s orthodontic global vision, oversees appliance design, and spearheads industry partnerships.

In this episode, we address other important topics like:

• Why and how Dr. Schulhof got the idea to create Grin
• Benefits that remote monitoring solutions bring to patients and orthodontic offices
• The effect that Covid-19 had on Grin’s development
• What does the future of orthodontics and dentistry look like, and how do products like Grin helps us get there
• Advice Dr. Schulhof would give anyone who is thinking about entering our speciality

Dr. Adam Schulhof, Grin Founder and CEO, combines more than two decades of orthodontic expertise: which includes pioneering the latest innovations in orthodontic technology. Grin is a comprehensive digital platform that provides remote orthodontic solutions for all types of teeth straightening needs by connecting patients to real orthodontists in their community. Dr. Schulhof is also a practicing orthodontist with offices in NJ and NYC. He graduated with high honors from the University of Medicine and Dentistry of New Jersey and received his specialty training from Columbia University.

On today’s episode of The Golden Age of Orthodontics, we are joined by Dr. Barry Benton, a board-certified orthodontist based in Oxford, Alabama. His practice, Designer Smiles by Benton, is in two locations. During Covid, Dr. Benton implemented Dental Monitoring to keep in touch with his patients and learned that it benefited both his practice and the patient. Today he shares how features like remote monitoring and dynamic scheduling have played a part in the success of his business. Don’t miss the informative conversation.

IN THIS EPISODE:

• [05:01] Dr. Benton explains why he began using remote monitoring in his practice.
• [08:32] Involving the entire staff in new technology was critical to the success and acceptance of his team.
• [10:33] Dynamic scheduling was implemented after remote monitoring and has proven successful.
• [14:28] The discussion of financial collections and insight into the length of time the appliance is viable. Learn additional benefits of dynamic scheduling. 
• [22:19] Dr. Benton explains how remote monitoring assists the patient and the orthodontist.
• [27:54] Learn how remote monitoring and dynamic scheduling can benefit your practice.

KEY TAKEAWAYS: 

• Patients benefit from remote monitoring because they don’t need to drive to the dental office as often.
• Compliance skyrockets when patients see the benefits for them.
• Involve your staff in the decision-making process when taking on new technology.

RESOURCE LINKS

Website - Designer Smiles by Benton

Facebook - Dr. Barry Benton

DrBarry@bracesbybenton.com

https://www.bracesbybenton.com/

BIO:

Dr. J. Barry Benton, D.M.D., M.S.D., is a board-certified orthodontist based in Oxford, Alabama, where he cares for patients at two locations of Designer Smiles by Benton, where he has worked since 2016. He received his Bachelor of Science at Furman University, his Doctorate of Medical Dentistry at the University of Alabama at Birmingham, and his Certificate in Orthodontics and Master of Science in Dentistry at Louisiana State University. Dr. Benton is also one of the youngest orthodontists in the country to be a diplomat on the American Board of Orthodontics.

In this 30 minute podcast we speak about selling your practice with financial expert Brad Kucharo from John McGill & Company. Brad has been a frequent guest of the show and is always ready to share his smart financial advice. In this episode, Brad talks about financial considerations for orthodontists in a number of different scenarios, especially what to expect with the proposed tax laws.

We cover important topics like:

• The overview of proposed new tax laws and how they will affect orthodontists’ income
• Considering the current market conditions and possible tax changes, when is it advisable to sell the business and is it beneficial to sell to a DSO
• What doctors should consider regarding newly proposed estate tax laws
• Actions to take in year-end tax planning that can potentially save orthodontists money

About Brad Kucharo:

Brad Kucharo is both a Certified Public Accountant and Certified Financial Planner and has been providing customized tax and business planning services exclusively for the dental profession since 2007. He has helped over 500 dentists and specialists across the country plan for financial independence, reduced stress and greater peace of mind. Brad also developed and directs John McGill & Company’s comprehensive “Planning for Retirement” service. He formerly worked at Price Waterhouse Coopers and is a current member of the American Institute of CPA’s and the North Carolina Association of Certified public accountants.

https://pplpractice.com/

We always look forward to conversations with Chris Bentson, Partner of Bentson Copple & Associates and President of the American Association of Orthodontists Foundation. In this episode, Chris delves into his past predictions while casting a visionary gaze into the future of the field. Throughout the episode, he illuminates the transformative impact of technology on orthodontic practices, stressing the paramount importance of embracing digital braces in today's landscape. Chris advocates for a forward-thinking approach, asserting that the future belongs to those willing to adapt. He confronts the reluctance of some older practitioners to embrace digital innovations, debunking notions of expense and investment hesitancy. 

Chris also underscores the significance of crafting tailored treatment plans and leveraging communication and technology to meet the diverse needs of adult patients. The conversation extends to strategies for reconnecting with former patients and speculates on the future trajectory of OSOs and DSOs. Remember: There’s never been a better time to be an Orthodontist.

IN THIS EPISODE:

• (4:52) Chris looks back on his predictions and looks forward to the future
• (9:44) Chris talks about the way technology has changed the ortho space and how critical it is for offices to embrace digital braces 
• (12:55) Chris discusses aligners digital and remote monitoring, stating that is the future and that it is the older doctors who are not willing to change
• (15:52) Chris speaks to the doctors who feel digital is too expensive and they don’t want to invest
• (21:15) Discussion of birth rates being down and, therefore, there are fewer kids and appealing to adults
• (23:02) Chris talks about making a plan, considering limited treatment, and meeting the adult patient where they are through communication and technology
• (26:58) Discussion of reaching out to former patients and the future of OSOs and DSOs

KEY TAKEAWAYS: 

• If you haven’t raised your rates in the last two years, raise them tomorrow. You need to take steps to overcome the rising interest rate situation.
• To make a digital practice work, you must trade staff costs for lab costs. Digital improves the doctor’s quality of life inside the practice, allowing them to use the extra time for patients, practice, or lifestyle. 
• The consumer wants digital braces. Orthodontic doctors who are slow to change are the older ones who have mastered analog braces. The younger doctors, 35 - 45 years of age, want to start with digital to get ahead of the shift we are bound to see.

RESOURCE LINKS

People + Practice  - Website

Leon - Email

Amy - Email

People + Practice - Email

Bentson Copple - Website

BIOGRAPHY:  

Chris Bentson is a partner of Bentson Copple & Associates in Greensboro, North Carolina. The company serves the orthodontic community by performing practice valuations, providing recruiting services, and negotiating transactions with both buyers and sellers. Chris has been working with orthodontists regarding the business aspects of their practices for over thirty years, and was recently awarded the "Outstanding Contribution to the Specialty Award by a Non-Orthodontist" from the AAO. He currently serves as President of the American Association of Orthodontists Foundation (AAOF, he’s a contributing...

Welcome to the Golden Age of Orthodontics with Dr. Leon Klempner and co-host Amy Epstein. In today's episode, we're excited to visit with a dear friend, Dr. Chris Cetta, the co-inventor of the precision aligner button and host of the Illuminate Orthodontic Podcast. Dr. Cetta will share the story behind licensing the precision aligner button and offer valuable advice for anyone with a product idea. We'll also dive into the latest trends in orthodontic technology. Since we're all old friends, we'll wrap up the podcast with a fun discussion about music, concerts, and our favorite bands and singers. Remember, there's never been a better time to be an orthodontist!

IN THIS EPISODE: 

• [2:52] Amy introduces Dr. Chris Cetta, and he shares his most memorable podcast guests and situations
• [9:11] Dr. Chris discusses co-inventing the precision aligner button and advice he would give to listeners who have ideas they want to bring to market
• [14:30] Dr. Chris explains how Dr. Richard Kaye and Dr. Leon and Amy met and made the decision to start a podcast
• [17:42] The pros and cons of licensing your ideas and Dr. Leon tells an invention story from 20 years ago
• [22:50] Dr. Jonathan Nicozisis  calls in to ask a question about new trends and how to afford the technology
• [26:39] Dr. Leon chats about music, instruments and concerts

KEY TAKEAWAYS: 

• A licensing approach to invention is a good path for a practicing orthodontist
• Often, an invention is conceived because an immediate problem needs an answer
• Lightforce and KLO allow you to dial in treatment and use digital treatment planning, which results in shorter treatment windows

RESOURCE LINKS

People + Practice  - Website 

Leon - Email

Amy - Email

People + Practice - Email

Dr. Chris Cetta - Email

Dr. Chris Cetta - LinkedIn

QUOTES: 

“Taking the licensing model was an interesting process. I learned a lot. I think it's a great modality for orthodontists to take. The biggest lesson I learned is to get very comfortable with the word no and embrace the word no, because if you are trying to license your product to another company, you're going to hear no a lot. And you can't let that discourage you; you can't let that break your spirit and throw in the towel. Another important thing to learn is that, when you get that no, ask for feedback from people because, if you get people to give you honest answers, you can get a lot of valuable insight into how you might be able to change your product or service to make it better along the way.” Dr. Chris Cetta

“I think the licensing model is ideal for orthodontic entrepreneurs. You will see a number of successful orthodontic entrepreneurs out there. We talked about John Pham, Adam Shulhoff, Brandon Owen, and Alfred Griffin; they've done wonderful things with their products. But not every orthodontist wants to quit being a clinician. Being a company CEO is a full-time job, which any of them can certainly tell you. I would suggest keeping the day job. Licensing is much less of a financial risk, than putting yourself out there. Another big thing is why not tap into the company's expertise in manufacturing the products, rather than trying to learn this all on your own.” Dr. Chris Cetta

Welcome to the Golden Age of Orthodontics, where we dive into the future of orthodontic care. Today, we're excited to have Kelly Riedel, the CEO of LightForce Orthodontics, as our special guest. Join us as we explore how LightForce is reshaping the industry with its revolutionary custom bracket technology. Imagine measuring and enhancing your protocols' effectiveness, all while setting a new standard in patient experience and practice efficiency. With LightForce, orthodontists can now create personalized digital treatment plans that are fast, precise, and uniquely tailored to each patient's needs. Kelly emphasizes the need to be customer-obsessed! There’s never been a better time to be an Orthodontist.

IN THIS EPISODE:

• [4:31] Kelly’s professional background and she shares a story about Jeff Bezos and a discussion of getting and keeping great staff
• [12:17] Kelly shares innovations being integrated from Amazon to LightForce as she discusses their core values
• [18:28] Kelly describes the process at LightForce once the patient information comes from the practice
• [20:14] What role will AI play at LightForce
• [25:28] Kelly discusses the future of changing technology

KEY TAKEAWAYS: 

• An orthodontic practice should be built around patient needs rather than what your competition is doing
• LightForce designs and builds the tools they need. They don’t pull them off a shelf. This sets them apart and provides essential, revolutionary services for practices and their patients
• Robots can do tasks well, and humans are needed when high-value judgment and relationship building are required

RESOURCE LINKS

People + Practice  - Website

Dr. Leon - Email

Amy Epstein - Email

People + Practice - Email

Kelly Riedel - Email

BIOGRAPHY:  

Kelly Riedel is the Chief Operating Officer at LightForce, provider of the world's first and only fully customized 3d printed orthodontic system. Prior to joining LightForce, Kelly was Director of Global Robotics Operations for Amazon, leading a cross-functional organization delivering all robotics technology into Amazon buildings worldwide. In this role, she managed operations across five different product design centers, coordinated with 100+ suppliers across four continents, and launched Amazon’s state-of-the-art, 350,000-square-foot Innovation Hub. An attorney by trade, she previously led the legal team for Amazon Robotics as a member of its executive team, and before that, was Senior Counsel at HMH Publishing Company, focused on technology transactions, and a member of the IP Transactions team at Skadden, Arps. She holds a B.A. from Middlebury College, a J.D. from Berkeley Law School, and was a member of the 2016 Harvard Business School Women’s Leadership Forum. Kelly resides in Massachusetts with her husband and two children. Over her desk, she has a print that reads, “Here’s to Strong Women: May we know them. May we be them. May we raise them.” She’s striving to do all three.

QUOTES: 

“Amazon has a lot of leadership principles. If you Google Amazon Leadership Principles, in my view, they are the best way to be a leader and a successful worker. The unique part about how Amazon uses them is they don't just have them; they read them and teach them. They live them. It is how they hire, evaluate themselves and how they evaluate others and choose what to invest in.” Kelly Riedel

“LightForce has three core values....

In this 30 minute podcast we speak with Sue Hanen, an orthodontic consultant and life coach with more than 20 years experience. With extensive knowledge of the business of orthodontics, her focus is to create the certainty, clarity, and connection your team desires with sustainable operating systems.  

We also cover important topics like:

• The four hidden gems - metrics you should be tracking: No show percentage, Emergency visits, Retention visits, and Overtreatment time
• How to manage these metrics to recapture your time to invest those hours in however you want
• Helping practices discover the leading indicators to avoid disaster
• What will happen with virtual appointments and exams post-Covid

Sue Hanen has helped hundreds of clients bring order to chaos with diligent fact-finding, strategic planning, and follow-through. By developing healthy practice metrics, and clarity of goals, she has decreased stress and helped reach targets. Sue is an iPEC Certified Professional Coach, a Kolbe Certified Consultant, and loves to identify team members' strengths and natural talents to enhance job satisfaction and longevity.

During this 30-minute podcast episode, we speak with Stephen Kaufman, head of the Wright, Constable & Skeen LLP healthcare law group. Steve discusses how orthodontists should approach new employment opportunities and negotiating contracts with employers. We also touch on the new legalities surrounding COVID-19 and take a question from a listener.

For show notes & more: https://pplpractice.com/podcast/

We speak with Charlene White, owner of Progressive Concepts, an orthodontic practice management consultant with over 35 years of experience helping to improve practice performance. In this episode, Charlene gives us her advice on how she evaluates a practice and optimizes systems to improve efficiency and profitability. Topics covered include:

• Some examples of the KPIs Charlene looks for when evaluating a practice’s performance and how they can be improved

• Importance of pivoting a practice from depending on referral flow to direct-to-market strategies

• Tips to for a healthy recall system

• Building a peak performance team

• The most important thing to help you dramatically increase patient starts

Today, we are excited to talk with Dr. Jep Paschal, the CCO at Braces On Demand. During our discussion, Jep elaborated on the advantages of Braces on Demand and discussed the monolithic product line and the results he has seen with this new product. The Braces on Demand approach to orthodontics holds multiple benefits for patients, primarily in the precise placement of the dental appliance, minimizing the possibility of errors and the duration required for teeth adjustment is expedited. Don’t miss this informative episode of the Golden Age of Orthodontics.

IN THIS EPISODE:

• [01:12] Introduction of People and Practice hosts and their services, and Amy introduces Dr. Jep Paschal. 

• [05:16] How does a Sugar Daddy candy bar equate to orthodontics? 

• [07:15] Jep talks about Braces on Demand and describes the product. 

• [11:30] Jep outlines the value to the patient. 

• [14:57] A comparison between Braces on Demand and other competitors and a discussion about the printer. 

• [21:15] Jep shares what an orthodontist is purchasing with Braces on Demand. 

• [24:00] Jep answers a question from a listener regarding his experience in the past with indirect bonding and remembering a horrible experience. 

• [27:37] What is the future, and what are the new products for Braces on Demand?

KEY TAKEAWAYS: 

• The monolithic clear system is almost undetectable. This eliminates the look of a mouth full of silver.

• Braces on Demand can produce a prescription for braces much faster than past methods.

• Braces on Demand provides a 3D model which ensures more accurate placement.

RESOURCE LINKS

People + Practice  - Website

Jep Paschal - Email

Braces on Demand - Website

On this episode of The Golden Age of Orthodontics, Dr. Leon and Amy are joined by Suzanne Wilson. Suzanne is a marketer with strengths in strategic planning, customer insights, and traditional and digital marketing tactics. Suzanne is Chief Operating Officer at Gaidge, a company that offers business and data-driven strategies to orthodontic practices to help them get their money’s worth through marketing. Tune in to learn more on this topic today!

IN THIS EPISODE:

• [07:22] Suzanne talks about her data and analytics company, Gaidge
• [13:10] The “Value of a Visit” and how it relates to overhead and profit
• [19:07] Where a business manager can start when it comes to data and analytics
• [28:38] Using your data to formulate marketing campaigns

KEY TAKEAWAYS: 

• Monitoring data and metrics is useful in creating marketing campaigns
• Understanding what costs are and what your production is an essential business metric.
• Gaidge answers a multitude of business questions using visualizations, pulling all the data from your practice performance, and helps provide a quick, clear understanding of what is truly happening in the business day to day, month to month, and year to year.

RESOURCE LINKS: 

Gaidge

BIO:  

Suzanne is a results-oriented marketer with strengths in strategic planning, customer insights, data-driven decision making, brand building and traditional and digital marketing tactics. She brings a holistic view of business and a data-driven approach to marketing that helps her clients get the most out of their marketing dollars. She works with her clients to determine short- and long-term needs and develops a collaborative marketing plan to drive actions with methods to measure results. From branding workshops to marketing spending audits, Suzanne brings the full toolbox and years of experience in upstream and downstream marketing to help your team elevate your brand and implement proven and innovative marketing tactics that enhance your customer experience and deliver quality leads.

I spent the early part of my career building skills in office management, accounting and procurement while I was in college pursuing a BA degree in English. I was lucky enough to have many great mentors in my life and a few of them inspired me to take a leap and pursue marketing. Thanks to some initial luck I started in a junior marketing role in 2008 and have since found a true love in what it means to serve customers by bringing products to life, leveraging the world of data and crafting the strategies that communicate a brand's unique value to the marketplace.

Suzanne joined Gaidge and impact360 in 2018 as their Chief Marketing Officer and was appointed Chief Operating Officer in 2022. She earned her Bachelor of Arts degree in English from the University of Utah in 2003 and achieved an Executive MBA with the class of 2017. She is based out of her home office in Salt Lake City, Utah.

We are thrilled to have Dr. Ravindra Nanda as our guest on the podcast. During our conversation, Dr. Nanda will explore groundbreaking advancements in the field of aligner orthodontics. He will provide insights into the innovative technology enabling orthodontists to sustainably produce aligners in their offices. While minimal training is needed, the mechanics behind this process are remarkably straightforward. It's never been a better time to be an orthodontist. 

IN THIS EPISODE:

• [04:32] Dr. Leon and Dr. Ravindra reminisce over their days at university and changes between now and then. 

• [06:19] Dr. Ravinda shares how he got involved with Graphy and how the process works. 

• [11:25] Dr. Ravinda discusses the cost of the aligners and functionality and shares the benefits to the patient. 

• [17:05] Treatment can accelerate the therapy and affect the impact on the environment. 

• [23:02] A listener asks a question of Dr. Ravinda regarding the mechanics of printing an aligner. 

• [27:32] Dr. Ravinda discusses the downside of the process. 

KEY TAKEAWAYS: 

• Graphy produces aligners with shape memory.

• Graphy can print aligners in 32 minutes.

• A benefit of Graphy aligners is that you don’t need as many attachments to the teeth. 

RESOURCE LINKS

People + Practice  - Website

Dr. Ravindra Nanda - Facebook

Dr. Ravindra Nanda - Instagram

BIOGRAPHY: 

Dr. Ravindra Nanda is at present UConn Alumni Endowed Chair, and Professor and Head of the Department of Craniofacial Sciences and Chair of division of Orthodontics, University of Connecticut, Farmington, Connecticut, U.S.A.

He received his dental training from Lucknow University, India and orthodontic training first at Lucknow, India and then from Nymegen, The Netherlands and the University of Connecticut. He also received a Ph.D. for the University of Nymegen in 1969. He was an Assistant Professor of Orthodontics at Loyola University, Illinois from 1970 to 1972 and since 1972 he has been associated with the University of Connecticut.

He is editor-in-chief of Progress in Orthodontics and an associate editor of Journal of Clinical Orthodontics. He is on the editorial board of ten different national and international orthodontic journals.

He is an active member of AAO, EOS, IADR and Edward H. Angle Society. Dr. Nanda is a Diplomate of the American Board of Orthodontics. He has given numerous named lectures at national and international societies including Mershon Lecture at American Association of Orthodontics and Sheldon Friel Lecture at 2011 EOS Congress.

Dr. Nanda has authored six orthodontic books and more than 200 scientific articles in major journals. His most recent books are Biomechanics in Clinical Orthodontics and Biomechanic and Esthetic Strategies In Clinical Orthodontics, Temporary Anchorage Devices in...

We're thrilled to welcome Trey Lawrence today as our special guest. Trey serves as the General Counsel for the American Association of Orthodontists. While AI-generated images are commonplace in daily marketing, it's essential to consider the potential risks associated with this advertising approach. Trey will delve into the legal aspects, obstacles, and potential pitfalls of incorporating AI in your orthodontic practice advertising. Additionally, he will touch upon the insights provided by the FTC and state dental boards. If you have an orthodontic practice, this episode is a must-listen, and as always, there has never been a better time to be an orthodontist.

IN THIS EPISODE:

• [3:34] Trey explains the legislation regarding AI is still unsettled. 

• [5:17] Looking at the FTC and state dental boards will give some guidance until further legislation comes forward. 

• [8:00] Trey gives an example of implied claims in advertising, and he also discusses stock photography. 

• [11:51] A listener asks a question about the AAO's position on AI usage. 

• [14:21] A discussion regarding AI and written content, as well as the penalties involved in false advertising. 

• [22:27] Trey admits to his knowledge nothing has ever been as revolutionary to the industry as AI and discusses the pitfalls. 

KEY TAKEAWAYS: 

• Dentistry has always been held to a higher standard by the FTC regarding truth in advertising.

• An advertisement using a white coat or a microscope must have evidence supporting its claim.

• Advertising can mislead the public if the patient shown in a before and after picture is not a patient of that practice.

RESOURCE LINKS

People + Practice  - Website

Leon - Email

Amy - Email

Trey Lawrence - TikTok

Trey Lawrence - Instagram

QUOTES: 

“The approach that we have to take is to start from the law that currently exists, which, because it's behind the technology, is going to be outdated, but from that law, kind of extrapolate it out and then predict as to what we think the safest course of action is going to be.” Trey Lawrence

“When we look at the ads, is the picture an AI-generated picture that will imply a material fact about the practice? Does it show somebody with perfectly straight teeth or someone wearing braces, but they're not a patient of the practice? Because, of course, it's an AI-generated image, and they don't exist at all. Those are the things that the FTC could look at.” Trey Lawrence

Dr. Leon Klempner and Amy Epstein invited Align’s President & CEO Joseph Hogan back to the podcast to talk about the future of orthodontics. Joseph is adept at taking advantage of the opportunities for advanced technology to increase market share in the medical industry. He brought his expertise from the Healthcare division at GE to Align Technology. In this 30-minute podcast we speak to Joseph about the digital transformation in orthodontics.

We cover many topics including:

• What is driving this digital transformation in orthodontics?
• How COVID-19 created the need for virtual consultation applications
• Adjustments that Align Technologies made to help orthodontists during the pandemic
• Marketing plans for Align Technologies to promote Invisalign for orthodontic partners
• The genesis of the new Invisalign Stickables product
• Listener Question: Is there a future for the now-closed Invisalign retail outlets?

Joseph Hogan joined Align in June 2015 as President, Chief Executive Officer, and a Director of Align Technology. Mr. Hogan has extensive experience leading large companies, including CEO roles at ABB, a global power and automation technologies company based in Zurich, Switzerland and GE Healthcare.

For show notes and more: pplpractice.com

Today on The Golden Age of Orthodontics, we are joined by Ren Menon, the CEO of OrthoFX. Before founding OrthoFX, Ren spent 13 years in leadership roles at Align. Ren is also the co-founder of other startups and sits on the board of several fast-growing early stage companies. Join us as we bring you insights from Ren and chat about how OrthoFX can support orthodontists and their patients through their entire treatment journey. 

IN THIS EPISODE:

• [05:30] Ren explains what makes OrthoFX aligners stand out from the pack. 
• [11:05] Ren shares the journey orthodontists take when they sign up with OrthoFX. 
• [15:00] Finance systems and how practices can use OrthoFX’s system or choose to stick with their own. 
• [22:00] How OrthoFX strives to keep the integrity of orthodontic practices. 
• [28:56] Ren shares his thoughts on current trends in orthodontics that will affect the future of the practice. 
• [33:36] Remote monitoring tool. 

KEY TAKEAWAYS: 

• OrthoFX supports doctors by providing a complete set of digital solutions to attract and treat clear aligner  patients 
• Practices can use OrthoFX in whatever way works best for them. 
• OrthoFX strives to help practices keep the integrity of the profession.

• [02:30] What Dr. Pham hopes to accomplish with InBrace technology
• [08:03] How InBrace differentiates itself from other similar braces
• [15:00] Dr. Pham explains the tangible benefits that patients can see from using InBrace
•  [22:40] Dr. Pham takes the time to answer a question regarding updates and new features for InBrace providers

KEY TAKEAWAYS: 

• Orthodontists are only tapping into about 5% of the available market with traditional orthodontia, so technology like InBrace is opening up the market to even more people who may not opt in to teeth straightening. 
• People are likely to be more open to a product that cuts treatment time, allows for little to no lifestyle changes, and offers quicker results.

RESOURCE LINKS

https://inbrace.com/john-pham/

https://pplpractice.com/podcast/

BIO:  

John Pham is InBrace CEO. The InBrace team is building an entirely new category of teeth-straightening – giving the 500 million people who’ve opted out of orthodontics a solution that has clinical precision and doesn’t require work or lifestyle adjustments while in treatment.

In this 30 minute podcast, we speak about selling your practice with financial expert Brad Kucharo from John McGill & Company who is returning to the show as our guest. Brad talks about some of the things he looks for when an orthodontist approaches him with the question if it’s time to sell. He assesses not only their financial situation but asks if they are psychologically and socially ready to retire after decades in practice.

In this episode, we address other important topics like:

• How important is it to keep the numbers at your practice going up before you sell?
• What should an orthodontist do if they are solicited by a DSO or broker?
• How do the potential tax increases affect an orthodontist’s decision to sell their practice?

Brad Kucharo is both a Certified Public Accountant and Certified Financial Planner and has been providing customized tax and business planning services exclusively for the dental profession since 2007. He has helped over 500 dentists and specialists across the country plan for financial independence, reduced stress and greater peace of mind. Brad also developed and directs John McGill & Company’s comprehensive “Planning for Retirement” service. He formerly worked at Price Waterhouse Coopers and is a current member of the American Institute of CPA’s and the North Carolina Association of Certified public accountants.

IN THIS EPISODE:

• [03:30] Dr. Schulof talks about Grin and how it came to be.
• [09:00] The importance of data, patients' chair time, and patient experience.
• [18:00] Barriers of entry in the orthodontic model.
• [24:00] Grin vs. Dental monitoring.
• [29:30] Dr. Schulof shares where he believes the Orthodontic industry will be five years from now?

KEY TAKEAWAYS: 

• Many Orthodontists see challenges in the market today, but Dr. Schulof sees them as opportunities. 
• Data can help each practice improve their patient experiences.
• Improving patient experience can lead to more patients, less chair time, and more profits.

RESOURCE LINKS

Grin Website

Dr. Schulof LinkedIn

We speak with Mark van Weelde, Vice President of Global Sales and Marketing at Dental Marketing (DM), a transformative medical technology company that allows patients and orthodontists to communicate remotely to closely monitor treatment. In this episode, we address the role DM can play in helping orthodontists compete with direct-to-consumer companies and how technology allows us to fill a gap in the marketplace providing the patient the convenience and speed they are looking for. We also address a concern of orthodontists that AI might detract from their role as a specialist.

In this 30-minute episode we speak with Dr. Bill Layman about how to build an orthodontic practice that can capture the easy aligner cases and make them profitable through available in-house technology. Dr. Layman is a board certified orthodontist practicing in Clearwater, FL who advises practices on this very subject.

Direct to consumer aligner companies are spending $300MM annually on marketing directly to patients. As distasteful as that is to many orthodontists, they are creating a market - a desire among patients to get their teeth straightened. In this episode we discuss in detail about the printing technology to install in your practice and the cost factors involved to create a fully digital workflows that eliminates the need for impressions, reducing the reliance on outside aligner companies.

Topics covered also include:

• Strategy of marketing to attract the retreats and the limited treatment cases - by lowering your price point while also lowering you aligner overhead you can increase your profitability

• Nitty-gritty details of the different available in-house 3D printers

• Three qualities to look for in choosing an in-house 3D printer

• How to choose the right software for your in-house aligner treatment cases

• What next generation technological breakthrough in 3D printing is on the horizon

• Marketing your fully digital practice to attract more cases

About Our Guest:

Dr. Bill Layman was raised in a small Virginia farm town, and worked during high school as a farmhand, loaded dog feed, mowed church lawns, and pumped gas. He used his wages to help pay for his braces — an experience that set him on the path to becoming an orthodontist. After graduating from The Citadel with a Bachelor of Science in biology, cum laude, Dr. Bill served as a paratrooper with the Army’s 82nd Airborne. While in dental school at the Medical University of South Carolina, he was elected and served four years as class president while earning his Doctorate of Dental Medicine.

As an orthodontic resident at Vanderbilt University, he was part of the cleft palate and cranio-facial anomalies team and received extensive training in the dental treatments of obstructive sleep apnea. Dr. Bill was also chosen by his classmates and faculty to serve as chief resident. Dr. Bill has also recently completed his Masters of Business Administration at the Wharton School, University of Pennsylvania where he received the Ben Franklin award. The Ben Franklin award is voted on by one's peers as the student recognized for their leadership contributions to the class.

During this podcast we speak with Dr. Alfred Griffin III, Founder and CEO of LightForce Orthodontics, a 3D printing, orthodontic insight and digital treatment company. Personalized healthcare is a trending topic in the medical industry and orthodontics is no exception. In this episode we touch on how to use LightForce to increase efficiency in treatment and customized care. LightForce is a technique more than a product and we discuss what makes it different.

For show notes and more: pplpractice.com

On this episode of People & Practice, Dr. Leon and Amy speak to CEO of Align Technologies, Joe Hogan. Joe joins us today to talk about how the technological developments and digital processes are advancing orthodontic practices. He firmly believes that this is the best time for orthodontics as patients can be treated better and faster than ever before. Watch now to learn more from Joe and how to manage current and future technology trends in orthodontic practices. We cover important topics like:

• [04:27] Joe talks about Align technology’s role in expanding the digital orthodontic market
• [06:22] Significant future advances in orthodontic technology and processes
• [09:36] Virtual care and the steps and procedures to Align’s orthodontic practices
• [14:26] How Align helps to prepare ortho residents in managing current and future technologies to the field

Key Takeaways:

• The digital process and technology advantage makes orthodontic procedures much less invasive and time consuming for patients. They don’t have to be seen in office as much and it’s a faster process than before.
• The digital age and AI will continue to improve orthodontic practices. The technology is based on science and results, which is very exciting for both patients and orthodontists alike.
• Current and future orthodontists should keep up with new trends to bring their patients the best possible care they can.

About Joe Hogan:

Joseph M. Hogan joined Align in June 2015 as President, Chief Executive Officer (CEO), and a Director of Align Technology. Mr. Hogan is an accomplished chief executive with extensive experience across multiple industries including healthcare, technology and industrial automation. Before joining Align, Mr. Hogan served as CEO of ABB, a $40 billion global power and automation technologies company based in Zurich, Switzerland. During his five years at ABB, Mr. Hogan oversaw a 25% increase in revenues. Prior to ABB, Mr. Hogan spent 25 years at General Electric (GE) in a variety of executive and management roles, including eight years as CEO of GE Healthcare, where he drove significant geographic and market portfolio expansion and more than doubled revenues from $7 billion to $16 billion. Mr. Hogan earned an M.B.A. from Robert Morris University and a B.S. degree in Business and Economics from Geneva College, both in Pennsylvania.

https://pplpractice.com/

In this episode:

Dr. Leon Klempner and Amy Epstein invited Brad Kucharo, a Certified Public Accountant and Certified Financial Planner from John McGill & Company, to the podcast to give us some financial tips and advice for orthodontics. This is especially timely as businesses plan their end of the year tax strategies, the recent change in the presidential administration, and the ongoing effects of the pandemic, specifically for practices that took Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) loans in 2020.

In this episode, we cover some important topics like:

• Statistics about practice performance over the last seven months after Covid
• Preparation for PPP loan forgiveness and the Provider Relief Funds filing
• Financial advice in case orthodontists again have to stop seeing patients in-person for any length of time
• How potential tax law changes under President-elect Biden will impact orthodontists
• Last-minute 2020 tax planning strategies and advice

Brad Kucharo is both a Certified Public Accountant and Certified Financial Planner and has been providing customized tax and business planning services exclusively for the dental profession since 2007. He has helped over 500 dentists and specialists across the country plan for financial independence reduced stress and greater peace of mind. Brad also developed and directs John McGill & Company’s comprehensive “Planning for Retirement” service. He formerly worked at Price Waterhouse Coopers and is a current member of the American Institute of CPA’s and the North Carolina Association of Certified public accountants.

For show notes and more: pplpractice.com

In this episode we speak with Gianna Hartwig, State Affairs Coordinator, and Trey Lawrence, Associate General Counsel, from the American Association of Orthodontists legal team. During our discussion we tap into legal issues that are top of mind for many orthodontists and the AAO’s position on these matters as they battle the issues and provide support for orthodontists and the industry.

In this episode we address:

• Legal ramifications for orthodontists of speaking out about direct-to-consumer orthodontics and how and when it’s appropriate
• AAO’s legal support fund that provides grants to support state legal issues if they arise
• Implications and outcomes of two court cases in Ohio and Texas that challenged specialty advertising rules in dentistry
• The AAO’s position on teledentistry and the AAO list of parameters to protect patient health and safety while allowing practitioners explore this technology

Do not miss this in-depth discussion of these important issues and the very informative advice the AAO legal team offers.

Resources:

• Direct link to the AAO website page for Questions to Consider When Researching Direct-To-Consumer Orthodontic Companies to share with patients.
• Update on the AAO’s wins in specialty advertising legislation
• List of AAO legal team contacts

On today’s episode of The Golden Age of Orthodontics, we are joined by Wes Lyon, President and CEO of the newly rebranded McGill and Lyon Dental Advisors. They provide specialized tax business and financial planning exclusively to Orthodontists and dental specialists. Wes is a CPA and certified financial planner, tune in as he offers objective advice to improve practice profitability and help practitioners achieve financial independence.

IN THIS EPISODE:

• [05:00] Wes discusses OSO and DSO. 
• [08:15] The importance of practice plans, goals, and exit strategies for the future. 
• [19:00] To sell or not to sell: Wes’s services for practice owners. 
• [26:13] How the OSO’s affect the independent orthodontic practices. 
• [30:00] Marketing directly to the consumer and improving digital footprint.

KEY TAKEAWAYS: 

• Instead of selling your practice, call someone who may help you market rather than giving up the most valuable asset you have in fear. 
• Market directly to your consumers. 
• Expand your digital footprint as a practice.

RESOURCE LINKS

McGill and Lyon Dental Advisors Website

McGill and Lyon Dental Advisors LinkedIn

BIO:

Wes Lyon, CPA, CFP, is a graduate of Virginia Tech and holds degrees in both accounting and finance. He has obtained his Certified Public Accountant Certificate as well as his Certified Financial Planner™ certificate. He is President and CEO of McGill and Lyon Dental Advisors. a member of McGill & Hill Group. Prior to joining the group as a tax and business planning advisor, Mr. Lyon worked for a global asset management firm. Before relocating to Charlotte, he served as a financial planner and business advisor to high net-worth individuals in the Washington, D.C. metro area. Mr. Lyon began his career in public accounting specializing in tax and audit for non-profits.

Dr. Alfred Griffin, the co-founder of LightForce Orthodontics, is our guest on this episode of The Golden Age of Orthodontics. Dr. Griffin shares how LightForce has benefited patients and orthodontists in ways even the developer finds surprising. In addition, Amy introduces a new podcast for team members of the orthodontic office called Practice Talk. The host will be Lacie Ellis, and she is excited to share answers on topics staff members find challenging in their day-to-day office experience. Enjoy today's podcast with Dr. Griffin, and stay tuned for Practice Talk.

IN THIS EPISODE:

• [04:25] Dr. Griffin explains his opinion on the best way to market a business and the products they have developed. 

• [06:42] LightForce just opened a factory in Wilmington, Massachusetts. 

• [08:41] Dr. Griffin discusses the benefits of LightForce to a patient. 

• [12:23] Dr. Griffin explains why this industry will grow in the future. 

• [14:49] The new features LightForce plans to integrate in the future. 

• [19:32] The practice benefits from implementing LightForce and the importance of the outcome to the patient. 

• [23:27] Amy describes how Dental Monitoring can help orthodontists. 

• [26:57] Amy introduces Lacie Ellis, who will be the host of Practice Talk.

KEY TAKEAWAYS: 

• Products and their developers used in orthodontic practices need to be those you trust.

• LightForce has proven to reduce both treatment time and the number of visits needed by the patient. 

• A new podcast geared toward the staff members of the orthodontist's office is on the horizon. Don’t miss Practice Talk coming next month!

RESOURCE LINKS

People + Practice - Website

LightForce Orthodontics - Website

Dr. Alfred Griffin - Linkedin

Dr. Leon Klempner - Instagram

BIOGRAPHY: 

Dr. Griffin founded LightForce Orthodontics in 2015. He received his BS in Biochemistry from the University of Virginia, after which he completed a DMD and PhD at the Medical University of South Carolina while lecturing internationally in craniofacial biology. Dr. Griffin also has a Masters of Medical Science and Certificate in Orthodontics from the Harvard School of Dental Medicine, where he currently serves as faculty, and he is an ABO-certified practicing orthodontist.

QUOTES: 

“You need to work with companies you trust because the impact of something going wrong is quite high. So building trust is something that we are driving towards because that becomes the standard that orthodontists stake their business on.” - Dr. Alfred Griffin

“The tools that enable doctors to have a better treatment plan and diagnoses will be the focus for LightForce in the future.” - Dr....

We're excited to welcome Philippe Salah, a dental industry innovator, to the show today. He is the CEO of DentalMonitoringⓇ, a company leading the way in transforming orthodontic care. Their groundbreaking Smart STL solution is changing the game in digital orthodontics, from creating retainers to managing adjustments during treatment. This Smart STL technology has the potential to revolutionize the future of orthodontics. Philippe and his team recognized the current system's inefficiency for both treatment and the environment, and their goal was to create a more streamlined process. Take advantage of this episode to improve your practice's efficiency and patient satisfaction.

Please note: Product availability, claims and regulatory status may differ across countries depending on local regulations. Contact your local DentalMonitoringⓇ representative for further information.

IN THIS EPISODE:

• [5:19] Dr. Leon expresses his excitement about AI
• [5:58] Philippe discusses what is new and changing over the last ten years, and he explains how the next innovation, Smart STL, works for your practice
• [10:45] Philippe explains the impetus for the creation of Smart STL
• [15:57] Intraoral scanners and stage files are still needed
• [18:23] Discussion of the time saved with Smart STL and communicating the procedure to the patient
• [25:34] Philippe addresses other changes and innovations coming in the future
• [28:39] Philippe describes the quality management platform developed a year ago, which would be an asset to any practice

KEY TAKEAWAYS: 

• The future of orthodontics lies in not having patients in your chair; instead, they will be in the comfort of their own homes with the doctor using an updated STL file corresponding to their teeth’s exact position.  
• Innovation comes in increments. Smart STL will require input from the doctor regarding the anatomy of the patient's teeth and cooperation from the patient who takes a DentalMonitoringⓇ scan with their smartphone.   
• Smart STL will improve the doctor's workflow, saving time and convenience for the patient, who will not have to make an unnecessary trip to the dental office.

RESOURCE LINKS

People + Practice  - Website

Leon - Email

Amy - Email

People + Practice - Email

Dental Monitoring - Website

In this podcast episode, we invite Dr. Keith Dressler, CEO of Rhinogram, a cloud-based, HIPAA-compliant telehealth communications system, about how the communication style of our target audience has changed.  We dig into how orthodontists need to adapt to speak with patients in the future with Dr.  Dressler. By evolving communication to partly virtual means orthodontists can increase profitability. Covid has made us all take a hard look at how we reconfigure our practices physically and our processes, providing a forced test case on going virtual.

We also cover important topics like:

• Marketing strategies to help practices acquire new patients
• Opening up your practice to a larger service area
• Telegraphing benefits to the patient of new orthodontic technology through marketing
• New features coming to Rhinogram this year
• Importance of patient consent in text communication beyond HIPAA

Dr. Keith Dressler is the CEO of Rhinogram, a cloud-based, HIPAA-compliant telehealth communications system. He has more than 35 years of experience in private orthodontic practice and currently serves on the advisory board of the American Teledentistry Association. He is also an avid entrepreneur. In 2000 Dr. Dressler co-founded OrthoBanc and in 1998 he co-founded Elite Physician Services, a national healthcare patient finance company.

For show notes and more: pplpractice.com

Our podcast is a special one to address the coronavirus COVID-19 crisis and how it is affecting the orthodontic industry. Our industry relies on in-patient treatment to be effective - there is no getting around that. But we can help mitigate the impact it has on our patients as we practice safe social distancing and even temporarily close our offices. Part of that strategy includes telehealth technologies to help you continue to serve your current patients and even attract new ones.

The White House Coronavirus Task Force and the AAO recommends that the public postpone all elective dental visits to help flatten the curve. In this podcast we talk about our strategies to help orthodontists get through this crisis and we speak with Dental Monitoring CEO & Founder Philippe Salah.

We speak with Amy Demas, president of Communicating Excellence, about the importance of practice communication for your front office. In the new normal, best practices for communication are vital as your staff will be overburdened with new and current patients asking questions about scheduling appointments, navigating your practice’s changes to accommodate social distancing and safety, and transitioning from all virtual appointments.

For show notes and more: https://pplpractice.com/podcast/

On today’s episode of the Golden Age of Orthodontics, Dr. Sky Naslenas joins Amy and Dr. Leon to share her experience with using uLab Clear Aligners. Dr. Naslenas has years of experience not only in orthodontics in general, but delivering the treatment utilizing the most aesthetic (invisible) orthodontic braces. Tune in to hear more on how to provide the proper treatment plans for patients who wish to use clear aligners and how to integrate uLab into your practice.

IN THIS EPISODE:

• [03:20] Dr. Sky’s experience providing aligner therapy to patients. 
• [09:10] How uLab works directly with Orthodontists. 
• [13:00] Staging treatments based on patient needs. 
• [18:45] Covid’s impact on treatment.
• [25:00] The role of digital assistance in orthodontic practices.

KEY TAKEAWAYS: 

• Technology with clear aligners has allowed staging treatments that work with patients' needs. 
• Clear aligners allow for flexibility with virtual visits. 
• Digital assistance is an important role for orthodontic practices to have in order to implement treatment plans.

RESOURCE LINKS

Orthodontic Studio

BIO:  

Dr. Sky Naslenas is an orthodontist from Toronto, owner of Orthodontic Studio with two locations in Canada. She earned her Masters of Science degree and Orthodontic certification in 2005 from the University of Toronto. Dr. Naslenas has been a presenter and invited speaker at several of the industry’s top events, including the annual meetings of the Canadian Association of Orthodontists, the American Association of Orthodontists, and the American Cleft Lip and Palate Association. She has also spoken at the general annual meeting for Dental Assistants and Hygienists. In addition to her work at Orthodontic Studio, Dr. Naslenas also works at the Hospital for Sick Children. There she’s committed to working with children with craniofacial anomalies, cleft lips and palate syndrome, and other developmental challenges.

What can be said to a patient who cannot afford braces due to financial constraints within their family? Fortunately, there are resources available to help. On today's episode, we'll introduce you to Smiles Change Lives, a non-profit organization dedicated to making braces accessible to children. For 27 years, Smiles Change Lives has helped countless children achieve healthy, beautiful smiles. The Vice President of Operations, Alexis Barclay, will delve into the program's details and explain how you can apply. We will also hear from Dr. Victoria Lynskey, an orthodontist with a decade of experience working with Smiles Change Lives. She'll share heartwarming stories about the program's impact and the joy of transforming a child's life through the gift of braces. Tune in and discover how Smiles Change Lives can bring a brighter future to children in need.

IN THIS EPISODE:

• [0:00] Dr. Leon sets up the scenario of a boy needing braces and a family who cannot afford them
• [5:10] Alexis explains how Smiles Change Lives is different than other nonprofits in this space
• [6:52] Alexis shares his music background playing electric bass in Kansas City
• [8:08] Alexis describes how they vet families to be eligible for Smiles Change Lives and how they help when they do not qualify
• [10:47] Alexis talks about the progression of qualifications for Smiles Changes Lives
• [13:47] Discussion of how the orthodontist participates in the program
• [15:22] Dr. Victoria Lynsky shares her positive experiences with Smiles Change Lives
• [18:01] The process of signing up with Smiles Change Lives
• [20:59] Alexis discusses what he sees in the future for Smiles Change Lives

KEY TAKEAWAYS: 

• [4:53] Smiles Change Lives has been in business for 27 years, and during that time, they have learned what not to do, let alone everything to do to support their providers and their patients
• [7:49] There is a strategy Smiles Change Lives uses to work with families who can’t financially afford braces. It begins with reviewing tax returns 
• [10:26] The completion rate of successful orthodontic work is 99% when the patient pays something out of pocket. It also provides leverage for the parent who pays the bill but empowers them, knowing they did this for their child.

RESOURCE LINKS

People + Practice  - Website

Leon - Email

Amy - Email

People + Practice - Email

Smiles Change Lives - Website

Alexis Barclay - Email

BIOGRAPHY:  Alexis Barclay

Raised across the pond in North London, Alexis moved to the US when he was just 17 years old. After living in Florida, he eventually made his way to Kansas City, where he’s been ever since.

In 2007, Alexis joined Smiles Change Lives, working at its sister company, Embrace Smiles, a promotional products company. From there, he served as Director of Provider Services for 11 years. Currently, he serves as Vice President of Operations.

When he’s not at work, you can find Alexis playing bass with one of Kansas City’s notable bands. He resides in Riverside, MO, with his wife, Brooklyn and three kids.

QUOTES: 

“We work with our orthodontists, figuring out what the best thing for the practices are. We are very...

Feedback is the cornerstone of your practice’s professional standing. Both patients and referring doctors actively search for reviews, underscoring the pivotal role that effective review management plays in shaping and maintaining your good reputation. Today, Jessie Pressman, the Head of Consulting at People + Practice, will impart crucial insights into navigating patient reviews. Drawing upon her extensive experience in overseeing the reputations of orthodontists, Jessie will provide proven strategies for addressing negative feedback and offer guidance on responding to positive reviews. And remember, for forward-thinking Orthos, there has never been a better time to be an Orthodontist. It’s the Golden Age, so take advantage of it.

IN THIS EPISODE:

• [0:00] Dr Leon introduces today’s topic: Managing Your Reviews with Jessie Pressman. 

• [3:06] Jessie explains how managing a practice’s reputation has changed over the years and ways that you can collect positive feedback. 

• [7:04] Jessie discusses what strategy and approach she has made to the People + Practice Program and gives examples of how her approach has resolved issues. 

• [11:20] Jessie explains what to do and say when you get a negative review and why you never apologize. 

• [15:47] Jessie outlines the times you don’t respond to a review and when to report them to Google. 

• [19:31] Jessie recommends some tips regarding getting reviews and responding to them. 

KEY TAKEAWAYS: 

• [4:13] There are ways to collect positive feedback from your patients. The tip is to ask for a review. When someone is happy, they don’t think of leaving a review. You have to ask by prompting the client for a review. 

• [4:53] Google is the search engine where you should spend your time and energy cultivating and responding to reviews. Facebook is no longer the preferred platform to use. Google is King.

• [14:10] There are legal reasons you should never apologize for a patient's bad experience in the office. Be very careful that you do not violate HIPAA laws.  

RESOURCE LINKS

People + Practice  - Website

Leon - Email

Amy - Email

People + Practice - Email

Jessie Pressman - Email

People + Practice Blog - Jessie Pressman

BIOGRAPHY:

NEW YORK, Oct. 3, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- People + Practice LLC, a leading marketing agency specializing in strategic consulting and brand development for healthcare practices, is thrilled to announce the appointment of Jessie Pressman as Head of Consulting. This strategic step signifies an ongoing commitment to enhancing consulting services, coupled with a robust...

On this episode we welcome back Trey Lawrence, as our special guest. Trey is the VP and general council for the AAO and he leads the organization's advocacy and legal teams. Trey is passionate about the legal, ethical, and regulatory issues around teledentistry and other emerging technologies that will impact the future of dentistry and orthodontics. Tune in to learn more from Trey as we chat about retreating DTC patients among other current topics concerning orthodontists and the possible legal ramifications

IN THIS EPISODE:

• [12:34] Government agencies and offices that assist patients harmed by treatments. 
• [21:00] Advice for orthodontists and patients coming from mailorder treatment. 
• [27:00] Teledentistry and creating a baseline standard of care. 
• [33:43] AI and Robotics impact on the dentist industry.

KEY TAKEAWAYS: 

• Legal issues are something every dentistry practice should be aware of and adjust to their needs, especially when patients may need issues rectified after using a mail order treatment. 
• Teledentistry, AI, and robotics have impacted the entire dentistry and orthodontic industry and everyone should adjust accordingly with new standards.

QUOTES: 

“Obviously you want to take responsibility for your own treatment, but you don't want to be on the hook legally for some harm that a patient has experienced because of treatment that somebody else has provided.” -Trey Lawrence

In this podcast we speak with Trey Lawrence, Vice President and General Counsel at the American Association of Orthodontists. Prior to joining the AAO, Trey practiced with a large law firm in St. Louis for about 15 years, concentrating in the areas of litigation and regulatory matters. We speak with Trey about the legal issues that might crop up while running your practice – some of them critically important to protecting yourself.

In this episode, we address other important topics like:

• What happens when you get a negative review and how do you respond
• Considerations when branding your own in-house clear aligner production services
• Can you pay general dentists a referral fee, and how to avoid getting into a fee splitting situation
• Can you give a patient a prize for sending a referral
• How to handle irate clients

Visit our website: pplpractice.com

On this episode of People & Practice, Dr. Leon speaks with Chris Bentson, who is highly knowledgeable on the business side of orthodontics. Chris is partner at Bentson Copple & Associates, which serves the orthodontic community on best practices on running an orthodontic practice. Tune in to this episode, or watch now to learn more from Chris and Dr. Leon as they talk about what the future looks like for orthodontics! We cover important topics like:

• [03:00] Chris talks about where the investment venture capital money is in the orthodontic market
• [07:00] The importance of spending time investing in the digital technology that supports orthodontic practices
• [16:00] Chris takes questions from listeners: how virtual platforms like remote monitoring and consults, improve profitability and increase capacity for growth
• [25:00] Rethinking the footprints of an orthodontic office
• [30:00] Solo practices vs. large corporate practices

Key Takeaways:

• Keeping up with technology and digital advances in an orthodontic practice is important in patient care and satisfaction which gives patients easier access to care

About Chris Bentson:

Chris Bentson is a partner at Bentson Copple & Associates, which serves the orthodontic community by performing practice valuations, providing recruiting services, and negotiating transactions with both buyers and sellers. Chris has authored dozens of articles published on the business of orthodontics in numerous orthodontic publications. He also serves as Editor-in-Chief of the Bentson Copple reSource, a quarterly newsletter focused on the business aspects of running a successful orthodontic practice.

https://pplpractice.com/

Welcome to The Golden Age of Orthodontics, the podcast for orthodontic professionals eager to stay at the forefront of innovation and patient care. Today, hosts Dr. Leon Klempner and Amy Epstein are joined by the esteemed Dr. Luis Carriere, member of the Editorial Review Board for the American Journal of Orthodontics and Dentofacial Orthopedics (AJODO) and contributing editor of the Journal of Clinical Orthodontics (JCO). Dr. Carriere will share his expertise on improving patient and parent communication, particularly with young patients, to foster a sense of responsibility in their orthodontic journey. This approach boosts compliance and eases anxiety, transforming the patient experience. Plus, we'll dive into the mechanics and advantages of the motion appliance, including its role in dental alveolar movement and its long-term impact on growth. Get ready to explore practical tips, insights on the latest orthodontic tools, and a vision of future innovations—because there has never been a better time to be an orthodontist.

IN THIS EPISODE: 

• [2:50] Dr. Luis Carriere explains his approach to talking to young patients about their orthodontic journey
• [10:23] The importance of treatment plans that engage young patients and improve their cooperation
• [18:03] How to attract other patients to your practice by communication
• [22:31] A deep dive into the motion appliance: its function and focus on dental alveolar changes rather than skeletal modification
• [33:19] Dr. Carriere shares his insights on the future innovations

KEY TAKEAWAYS: 

• Encourage young patients to take responsibility for their orthodontic treatment by treating them as young adults. Understanding the "why" behind their role enhances cooperation
• Educational tools and proactive communication build trust and establish credibility with patients and families, making your practice a trusted authority
• The motion appliance primarily works through dental alveolar movements, creating a stable environment for growth in the correct sagittal and anterior direction, thus promoting long-term effectiveness

RESOURCE LINKS

People + Practice  - Website 

Dr. Leon's - Email

Amy Epstein's - Email

People + Practice - Email

Carriere System - Website

Dr. Luis Carriere - Facebook

Dr. Luis Carriere - LinkedIn

BIOGRAPHY:   Luis Carriere DDS. MSD. PhD.

Dr. Luis Carrière obtained his dental degree from the University of Complutense in Madrid in 1991. He then attended the University of Barcelona, where he completed his Orthodontic training and received his Master of Science in Orthodontics in 1994. In 2006, he received his Doctorate in Orthodontics, Cum Laude, from the University of Barcelona.

Dr. Carrière won the “Joseph E. Johnson Award” in 1995 and the International Design Award Delta Gold ADI-FAD 2009 for the “Carriere Distalizer MB.” Dr. Carrière is a Member of the Editorial Review Board for the American Journal of Orthodontics and Dentofacial Orthopedics (AJODO) and a contributing editor of the Journal of Clinical Orthodontics (JCO). 

Are you an Orthodontist wondering how to grow your practice in this fast-paced, competitive marketplace that seems to be changing every day?

Welcome to The Survival Guide for Orthodontists, the podcast that makes YOU the authority in Orthodontics in your community. Get ready for insights on how to compete on expertise and trust against mail order and retail orthodontics. It’s not always about the lowest fees.

Dr. Leon Klempner and Amy Epstein, co-founders of People & Practice, know the business of orthodontics. They bring you insights, tips and guest interviews focused on helping you thrive in a massively disrupted industry. Put more patients in chairs by competing on expertise and trust, not the lowest fees.

The Survival Guide for Orthodontists podcast is dedicated to making you the authority in orthodontics to prospective new patients in your community.

In this 30 minute podcast we speak with Amir Abolfathi, the CEO and Cofounder of uLab Systems, developer of the next generation uSmile system that gives orthodontists control over treatment planning and processes while reducing their lab costs. Amir describes uLab Systems as a company that develops a suite of products for orthodontic tools: aligners, brackets and other hybrid systems. Computational power has increased exponentially, allowing orthos to now use a laptop computer to design treatments on systems like uSmile and then either send specs to the company’s manufacturing center or produce in-house with a 3D printer.

We also cover important topics like:

• How AI and machine learning simplifies production and treatment planning technology for orthodontists
• Addressing pain points that orthodontists face with future technological features
• Using a products like uLab Systems offers to lower patient costs

Amir Abolfathi has over 30 years of experience founding, building, and managing medical device companies. He is currently CEO and Cofounder of uLab Systems, the developer of the next generation uSmile aligner system. Prior to uLab, Amir was a founding member of Tusker Medical which was acquired by Smith & Nephew in 2020. He also was a founding member of EndoTex Interventional Systems and Embolic Protection, Inc which both were sold to Boston Scientific. Amir was the Executive Vice President of Research and Development at Align Technology, creator of Invisalign. He has held various management and engineering positions at Pfizer, Guidant, and Baxter-Edwards and has over 100+ issued patents.

For show notes and more: pplpractice.com

In this podcast, we speak with Michelle Shimmin of Shimmin Consulting. Since 1990, Michelle has been an international lecturer and trainer consultant in the field of orthodontics. She shares with us the different elements of running a practice, including protocols for training and hiring employees, how to encourage their growth and development, and the value of adding a remote team for your practice. Listen in to this episode to learn more about how Michelle works with clients to build competitive orthodontic practices.

We cover important topics like:

• Michelle’s advice on finding high-quality staff for your practice; using your employees as ambassadors for your practice to find great employees
• The importance of effective training tools for onboarding protocols
• Setting up internal pay structure for employees to encourage engagement and professional growth & development
• Digital marketing and adding remote team members and what roles they can provide for the business
• Creating expectations and processes for virtual team members

Key Takeaways:

• The key to employee retention is setting up your employees with a known internal structure. This encourages engagement and motivation to continue professional growth & development, adding value to your team.
• Setting your employees up for success starts with great training tools and onboarding protocols that train employees properly.
• The industry has grown and changed rapidly and digital marketing and remote opportunities for employees can be very valuable to the practice.

About Michelle Shimmin:

Michelle Shimmin is the owner of Shimmin Consulting. Michelle is an International lecturer, trainer and consultant who has been in the field of orthodontics since 1990, working as a Registered Dental Assistant, teaching orthodontic assisting, marketing, financials, treatment coordinating and practice management. Michelle travels the country and helps transform orthodontic offices on their systems to promote training, growth, and success through a comprehensive practice approach.

https://pplpractice.com/

Orthodontists have had a love/hate relationship with Align Technology for years. Dr. Leon Klempner and Amy Epstein invited Align’s President & CEO Joseph Hogan onto the show to have a frank discussion about where orthodontists specifically fit into Align’s business plan moving forward, past promises broken to orthodontists about marketing strategies for Invisalign, Smile Direct Club, and the future of orthodontics from a technology perspective. 

IN THIS EPISODE:

Mr. Hogan addresses:

• Invisalign’s past and present relationship with Smile Direct Club in light of litigation
• Moving from an initial Ortho-only strategy to offering Invisalign to GP Dentists
• His opinion on limiting ability to offer scanning and teledentistry hurting orthodontists
• How Invisalign plans to counter the advertising claims of online direct to consumer aligner programs

Resources:

Joseph Hogan joined Align in June 2015 as President, Chief Executive Officer, and a Director of Align Technology. Mr. Hogan has extensive experience leading large companies, including CEO roles at ABB, a global power and automation technologies company based in Zurich, Switzerland and GE Healthcare.