The OrthoPreneurs Podcast with Dr. Glenn Krieger

In this first installment of my Live Your Best Life series, I break down the mindset shift that helped me approach business, stress, money, and time differently after more than three decades in practice. I'll show you how to stop operating in constant “whack-a-mole” mode, define exactly where you want your practice and life to be five years from now, and work backward into measurable goals and priorities.The goal isn't simply to produce more. It's to build a practice that gives you more control, more time off, lower stress, and a life that actually feels successful. We'll talk about creating your “rocks,” separating signal from noise, and using the Eisenhower framework to decide what deserves your attention—and what should be delegated or deleted.

In this Five Minute Friday, I'm having a little fun with the frustrations almost every orthodontist knows too well. From referring dentists taking on cases they probably shouldn't, to patients armed with questionable Google advice, to parents insisting their child wears elastics when the evidence says otherwise, I'm counting down a few of the things that make practicing orthodontics uniquely entertaining — and occasionally maddening.This isn't a deep clinical lecture or a practice-management masterclass. It's a reminder that sometimes the best thing we can do is laugh at the situations we all experience. I share a few stories from my own career, including one unforgettable headgear compliance story, and talk about why boundaries, patient cooperation, and realistic expectations matter. If you've ever stared at a patient and thought, “There is absolutely no way you're wearing those elastics,” this episode is for you.

In this episode of The Orthopreneurs Podcast, I sit down with Dave Ternan, co-founder and CEO of Orthofy, to look beyond opinions and dig into the actual numbers shaping orthodontics today. With data spanning nearly 1,400 locations and roughly $10 billion in production, we talk about what's really happening with starts, case fees, patient affordability, adult demand, and the changing demographics of the orthodontic market.The numbers tell an important story. Starts have been largely flat over the longer term, adult demand has softened, and the core 11–16-year-old patient population is shrinking. That doesn't mean orthodontics is doomed — far from it. But it does mean the old model of simply opening your doors and expecting year-over-year growth may no longer be enough. Dave and I discuss why differentiation, better systems, smarter pricing, and a tightly managed new-patient funnel are becoming essential for practices that want to grow.

What if I told you the biggest thing holding your orthodontic practice back isn't your team, your market, or your overhead—it's you waiting until you feel “ready”?In this episode of Five Minute Friday, I'm challenging one of the most common patterns I see in orthodontists: delaying the very tools, technology, mentorship, and support that could make practice easier, more profitable, and less stressful. Whether it's remote monitoring, aligners, consulting, masterminds, or better systems, too many doctors wait for the practice to improve before investing in the things that could actually create that improvement.

We explore the latest tip on closing open bites more predictably using dental TADS.

What if I told you there's a guaranteed way to make your orthodontic practice more profitable—and it starts with identifying just ONE number?Most practice owners know they want more production, better profitability, or higher case acceptance. The problem is that knowing you want growth isn't the same as knowing exactly where to focus. In this Five Minute Friday, I'm challenging you to stop trying to fix everything and identify the one KPI that could make the biggest difference in your practice right now.

What if I told you the difference between a stressful orthodontic practice and an efficient one could come down to eliminating just a handful of recurring problems? The episode is about orthodontic efficiency with Dr. Ron Roncone, exploring decades of strategies to optimize orthodontic practices, reduce appointments, and improve patient care while discussing broader business and treatment philosophies in orthodontics.

What if doubling your take-home next year has less to do with working harder—and more to do with removing the limits you've placed on your own practice?Too many orthodontists set goals based on what feels comfortable instead of what might actually be possible. In this episode, I want to challenge you to stop asking, “What do I think I can grow by next year?” and start asking a much bigger question: What would have to change for me to double my take-home, take more time off, and enjoy my practice more?

For years, I've talked about working on your practice instead of getting buried in it. But the truth is, even the most successful orthodontists waste hours every week on tasks that someone else could do better, faster, and with less stress. In this episode, I sit down with someone who has completely transformed the way I work: Falyn Golub, founder of The Invisible Assistant.Falyn isn't your typical virtual assistant. She's an executive assistant, project manager, strategist, and problem solver who helps entrepreneurs reclaim their time by taking ownership of the countless details that steal their focus. We dive into what an executive virtual assistant actually does, why delegation is one of the most valuable skills you can develop, and how protecting your time allows you to become a better leader, doctor, and business owner. If you've ever felt overwhelmed by the never-ending to-do list that comes with running a practice, this conversation will completely change the way you think about productivity.

In this episode of Five Minute Friday, I'm challenging one of the most common tendencies I see among orthodontists: taking a proven system or technology and immediately trying to “make it our own.” We're highly educated, driven, and clinically capable—but those strengths can become weaknesses when we assume we can redesign every workflow better than the people who built and refined it. As staffing becomes more difficult, the practices that thrive will be the ones that implement technology before they are forced to. My goal is to help you build a more efficient, resilient practice—one that allows you to spend less time working inside the business and more time leading, growing, and enjoying it.

In this episode, I sit down with Lindsay Quinn, founder of Heartwise Collective, to explore how orthodontists can move beyond basic ChatGPT prompts and begin using AI as a true operational partner. Lindsay has spent 20 years in orthodontics and the last decade helping practices improve their systems and efficiency. In her own business, she used AI to double growth for two consecutive years without adding team members—and now she's teaching orthodontic practices how to create that same leverage.We discuss how AI can support every department of your practice, from marketing and financial analysis to treatment coordinator training, lead nurturing, and policy development. Lindsay also explains the difference between simply asking Claude or ChatGPT a question and building an AI system that understands your practice, brand, patients, and goals. You'll walk away with practical ways to reduce stress, improve predictability, strengthen accountability, and spend less time rebuilding the same systems from scratch.

In this episode of Five Minute Friday, I'm breaking down the different financial stages most orthodontists move through, from struggling with student debt and survival mode to having enough capital to access investments that may not have been visible earlier in your career. I share my own experience of rebuilding financially during orthodontic residency, the investing mistakes I made, and the lessons that changed how I think about preserving and growing money. This is not individualized financial advice, but it is a challenge to become more educated, ask better questions, and surround yourself with experienced professionals and peers. The goal isn't simply to earn more—it's to use the income orthodontics provides to create greater freedom, security, and opportunity for yourself and your family.

In this episode of The Orthopreneurs Podcast, I sit down with my friend Djamil Abiyev, founder of Partners Dental Studio, to explore some of the most exciting innovations happening in orthodontics today. From custom 3D-printed metal and titanium appliances to digitally guided MARPE placement, airway workflows, and cutting-edge expansion protocols, Djamil shares how his team is helping orthodontists solve complex cases with greater precision and predictability. If you've ever wondered where orthodontic technology is headed next, this conversation will challenge the way you think about treatment planning.But this episode isn't just about technology—it's about investing in yourself, believing in the value you provide, and having the confidence to charge appropriately for advanced care. We discuss why orthodontists shouldn't let lab costs dictate clinical decisions, how innovation creates better patient outcomes, and why embracing new techniques can transform both your practice and your patients' lives. Whether you're already treating complex airway cases or simply looking to elevate your clinical results, you'll walk away with practical ideas you can apply immediately.

What if I told you that much of what you're hearing about OSOs, DSOs, private equity, and debt is missing the context you need to make an informed decision about your practice?In this episode of Five Minute Friday, I break down some of the fear, misinformation, and clickbait surrounding private equity-backed orthodontic organizations. After receiving dozens of questions about the financial health of OSOs—particularly following a recent article—I want to explain how debt, refinancing, equity, and partnership structures actually work in the private equity world.This episode is not an argument that every orthodontist should join an OSO or DSO. It is a call to educate yourself, understand the structure of the deal, and stop allowing fear or industry rhetoric to make major financial decisions for you. My goal is to give you context so you can evaluate whether affiliation is right for your practice, your family, and your long-term goals.

There's a lot of noise surrounding OSOs, DSOs, and private equity. In this episode, I sit down with Jay Hedrick, CEO of Smile Doctors, to cut through the myths and have an honest conversation about how these organizations really operate. Whether you're completely independent, already affiliated with an OSO, or simply curious about what these partnerships look like behind the scenes, this episode will give you the perspective most orthodontists never get: direct access to the CEO of a multi-billion-dollar orthodontic organization.We dive into leadership, business strategy, private equity, equity opportunities, culture, joint ventures, de novos, and what it actually takes to build a sustainable organization that benefits doctors, teams, patients, and investors alike. This isn't a sales pitch—it's an inside look at how high-level business decisions are made and what every orthodontist should understand before making one of the biggest decisions of their career.

In this episode of Five Minute Friday, I'm challenging you to think beyond the traditional model of marketing to every parent in your community for routine pediatric orthodontic cases. When every practice is chasing the same audience with the same message, it becomes increasingly difficult to stand out—especially as the orthodontic market experiences slower or declining case starts. You do not need to copy my niche. The goal is to identify the cases you truly enjoy, develop the expertise to treat them exceptionally well, and make sure your community knows you offer that service. When you become known for something specific, you can reduce competition, build a stronger referral network, charge appropriately for your expertise, and create a practice that is both more profitable and personally fulfilling.

What if I told you one of the biggest wealth-building opportunities in oral health may have nothing to do with owning more practices?Most orthodontists have heard plenty about private equity, OSOs, and DSOs—but venture capital is an entirely different conversation. In this episode, I sit down with Dr. Jeremy Krell, co-founder and managing partner of Revere Partners, to explain how venture capital works, how it differs from private equity, and why innovation across the oral health industry may create compelling opportunities for doctors who want to invest beyond their own practices.Jeremy brings a rare combination of clinical knowledge and entrepreneurial experience. He shares how Revere Partners identifies promising oral health startups, provides the capital and guidance they need to grow, and creates opportunities for investors to participate before those companies reach acquisition or larger-scale expansion. You'll walk away with a clearer understanding of the risks, potential rewards, and practical steps involved in exploring venture capital as part of a broader investment strategy.

What if I told you the biggest threat to your orthodontic practice isn't competition—it's assuming tomorrow will look like yesterday?In this episode of Five Minute Friday, I tackle a conversation many orthodontists have been avoiding. For the first time in modern orthodontic history, we're seeing four consecutive years of flat or declining growth across the profession. This isn't about fear or pessimism—it's about recognizing the data, asking the right questions, and making smarter decisions before the market forces you to.I share why I believe this is a pivotal moment for our profession, what industry trends may be driving these changes, and why simply waiting for the next "bounce-back year" may not be the strategy it once was. More importantly, I discuss how surrounding yourself with the right peers, evaluating your practice through today's economic lens, and becoming more intentional with your business decisions can position you to thrive—regardless of what happens next.Whether you're considering opening another location, hiring an associate, or simply wondering why your growth has slowed, this episode will challenge you to think differently about the future of orthodontics and how to prepare for it.

What if I told you one of the biggest reasons your orthodontic results don't last has nothing to do with braces or aligners?As orthodontists, we're trained to move teeth—but lasting results depend on much more than mechanics. In this episode, I sit down with Autumn Henning, speech-language pathologist, certified orofacial myologist, founder of Chrysalis Orofacial, and one of the leading educators in the myofunctional therapy world, to talk about something every orthodontist should understand: oral function matters.We dive into what myofunctional therapy actually is, why airway treatment requires an interdisciplinary approach, and why no single provider—or appliance—can solve every airway or sleep-related issue. Autumn explains how speech, swallowing, breathing, tongue posture, and orthodontics all work together, and why better diagnosis always leads to better outcomes. If you're treating growing patients—or simply want more stable orthodontic results—this episode will change how you think about collaboration and patient care.*Quotes*"Protocols are probabilities. They work a lot of the time, but they're never going to work 100% of the time." *— Autumn Henning*"I believe there's a reason for everything. I don't accept 'idiopathic' without asking why." *— Autumn Henning**Key Takeaways*Intro (00:00)Autumn's background & oral function trifecta (01:59)How Chrysalis and Touch Training were created (03:51)Why orthodontics can't solve airway problems alone (04:49)What myofunctional therapy actually is (06:21)Hardware vs. software (09:16)Why interdisciplinary care matters (11:31)What happens during a myofunctional evaluation? (22:03)Virtual vs. in-person therapy (25:11)Treatment timeline & investment (27:44)Why school speech therapy often misses these patients (34:05)The future of airway treatment is collaboration (37:11)*

What if I told you the biggest threat to your orthodontic practice isn't aligners, competition, or GPs doing ortho—it's your inability to let go of the wrong work?In this Five Minute Friday, I'm talking about one of the most common mistakes I see orthodontists make when adopting new technology: trying to “make it their own” before they let it actually do what it was designed to do. Whether it's remote monitoring, financial follow-up, aligners, or any other system, too many doctors create stress by micromanaging tools that are supposed to make their lives easier.I break down why outsourcing isn't a weakness—it's one of the keys to operational efficiency. If you want your team focused on the work that truly moves the practice forward, you have to stop burdening them with tasks that can be done better, faster, and more consistently by people trained specifically to do them. The future of orthodontics belongs to doctors who do great ortho, lead well, and build systems that let their team focus on what matters most.

What if I told you the future of clear aligners isn't about cheaper plastic—it's about building a more efficient, more profitable, and less stressful orthodontic practice?In this episode of The Orthopreneurs Podcast, I sit down with Dr. Blake Davis, a practicing orthodontist who owns three successful practices and helped develop Olive—a new orthodontist-only clear aligner system designed with one goal in mind: helping orthodontists reclaim their time without sacrificing clinical excellence. Rather than focusing solely on aligners, we dive into how better systems, remote monitoring, thoughtful technology, and streamlined workflows can fundamentally change the way you practice.

What if I told you the reason your practice isn't growing isn't your marketing, your team, or your patients—it's your systems?In this Five Minute Friday, I'm challenging orthodontists to take an honest look at their operational efficiency. Too many practices assume their systems are working simply because the practice is surviving. But surviving is not the same as scaling, and “good enough” might be exactly what's keeping you from building a more profitable, less stressful practice.I break down why bringing in the right technology and expert support early—whether it's remote monitoring, financial systems, scheduling, or front desk workflows—can save you time, reduce staffing dependency, and make your practice more profitable. This episode is a reminder that being penny-wise and pound-foolish with technology can cost you far more than the investment itself.

In this episode, I'm joined by my good friend Oliver Gelles, Global Head of Communications at DentalMonitoring and one of the most respected minds in orthodontics when it comes to industry trends, technology, and practice growth. We have an honest conversation about why so many orthodontists struggle to implement innovation, how demographic shifts are changing the future of our profession, and why simply "dabbling" in technology is often more expensive than fully committing to it.Whether you're feeling stuck, dealing with staffing challenges, or wondering how to grow in a changing market, this episode will challenge the way you think about your practice and give you practical strategies to future-proof your business.

What if I told you your practice doesn't need more chairs, more days, or more team members—it needs you to find the bottleneck that's quietly killing your capacity?In this episode of Five Minute Friday, I'm talking about something most orthodontists don't spend nearly enough time thinking about: throughput and capacity. After a recent Orthopreneurs RD Blueprint webinar, I wanted to share a key concept that can completely change the way you look at growth in your practice.Too many orthodontists assume they need to hire another assistant, add another day, bring in an associate, or change the schedule when the real issue is much simpler: there's a bottleneck somewhere in the system. Whether it's scheduling, new patient flow, TC capacity, remote monitoring, or clinical chair time, your job as the leader is to identify the constraint, solve it, and then move to the next one.

Zach spent over a decade in the corporate world at American Airlines before helping build a multi-location healthcare company from the ground up. Along the way, he discovered that many growing businesses don't need another employee—they need access to the kind of executive-level expertise that helps organizations scale, solve problems, and avoid costly mistakes. Whether it's finance, operations, marketing, HR, or strategy, Zach explains how fractional C-suite leaders can provide the guidance and experience most practices can't afford to hire full-time.If you've ever felt stuck, overwhelmed, or unsure how to get your practice to the next level, this conversation will help you identify the blind spots that may be holding you back—and show you a practical way to overcome them.

What if I told you the CEO your practice “needs” might actually be the most expensive mistake you're about to make?In this Five Minute Friday, I'm challenging orthodontists to think carefully before hiring a CEO, COO, or high-level executive for their practice. Too many doctors hit $2–3 million in production, feel stretched, and assume the next move is bringing in a $250K–$300K leader. But in most cases, you're not ready for that—and you probably don't know how to hire that person yet.Instead, I break down why a fractional C-suite executive may be the smarter move. Whether you're dealing with capacity issues, technology decisions, growth opportunities, or confusion about whether to expand into satellites, this episode will help you think like a business owner—not just an orthodontist. You'll walk away with a clearer sense of when to ask for executive-level help, what kind of help you actually need, and why growing your main practice may be far better than chasing expansion too soon.

What if I told you the secret to building a thriving orthodontic practice isn't just clinical excellence—it's creating a culture where your team wants to build their future with you?I've met a lot of orthodontists over the years, but few embody positivity, leadership, continuous learning, and team development quite like Dr. Alyssa Carter. In this episode, we dive into what it's like to build a successful orthodontic practice in a small Texas town, why investing in your people matters more than ever, and how creating opportunities for growth can transform both your team and your practice.Alyssa shares her journey from growing up in rural Texas to becoming one of the most respected clinicians and lifelong learners in our profession. We discuss leadership, efficiency, delegation, remote monitoring, aligner systems, CE, team retention, and why today's team members need more than just a job—they need a vision for their future. If you're looking to improve your culture, elevate your systems, and become a better leader, this episode is packed with practical insights you can implement immediately.

What if I told you disagreeing with another orthodontist doesn't mean you have to dislike them?In this Five Minute Friday, I'm talking about something that shows up way too often in our profession: disagreement turning into division. Whether it's OSOs, airway, clinical philosophy, politics, or anything else, too many people assume that if we don't see things the same way, we can't respect each other — and I think that's a huge mistake.I'm not pro-OSO, anti-OSO, pro-airway, or anti-airway. I'm pro-education. My goal has always been to help orthodontists get the right information, talk to the right people, and make decisions that fit their practice, their patients, and their lives. In this episode, I share why opinions should never define someone's character, why education beats absolutism, and why we all need more good people in our lives — even when we disagree.

What if I told you the reason you're getting better finishes with braces might have nothing to do with the technology—and everything to do with your training?In this Five Minute Friday, I tackle one of the biggest mindset debates in orthodontics today: Are aligners actually inferior… or are most orthodontists simply undertrained in how to use them? After seeing a recent discussion sparked by Dr. Kyle Fagala in The Digital Orthodontist, I felt compelled to jump into the conversation and challenge some assumptions many of us still carry.If you've ever felt frustrated with aligners, questioned whether they can really produce elite finishes, or found yourself defaulting back to braces because they “feel safer,” this episode will push you to ask a hard question: Is the limitation really the appliance… or is it the training?

In this episode, we dive into where remote monitoring is headed next—and trust me, the future is closer than you think. We discuss FDA-approved remote STL generation, AI-driven treatment adjustments, real-time patient monitoring, and a world where aligner refinements may become largely automated in the background. More importantly, we talk about how orthodontists can use technology to reclaim their most valuable asset: time.Whether you're already using DentalMonitoring or you're still skeptical about remote care, this episode will challenge the way you think about patient visits, treatment efficiency, staffing, and the role technology will play in the next decade of orthodontics.

What if I told you the way you treat people when nobody's watching says more about your leadership than anything happening inside your practice?In this Five Minute Friday, I'm asking a question that might sting a little: Are you a pain in the ass? As orthodontists, leaders, employers, and colleagues, we spend a lot of time thinking about clinical outcomes, systems, and production—but not always enough time thinking about how people feel after interacting with us.This episode is about self-awareness, humility, and becoming the kind of person others actually enjoy being around. I share why the small moments matter most: how you speak to a server, how you respond when things don't go your way, how you show up online, and whether your interactions leave people better or worse than before. My challenge is simple: at the end of every day, ask yourself what you did well—and how you could have done it better.

What if I told you your marketing budget isn't the problem — your tracking is?In this Five Minute Friday, I'm breaking down the three things every orthodontic practice needs to make marketing actually work: a plan, a reliable way to track where patients came from, and a clear understanding of ROI. Too many practices are throwing money at PTAs, community events, online ads, referral gifts, and sponsorships without knowing what's truly producing starts.I'll show you the exact question I ask every new patient, why your TC needs to hear the answer, and how a simple spreadsheet can help you stop guessing and start investing smarter. When you know where your growth is coming from, you can double down on what works, fix what doesn't, and grow your practice with far more confidence.Quotes“You need to have a marketing plan. You need to write things down about how you're going to market.” — Dr. Glenn Krieger“You will not be guessing where you should be spending your money. You will be spending it smartly, and your practice will grow as a result.” — Dr. Glenn Krieger

What if I told you the key to better esthetic results isn't just looking at teeth—but learning to see the face first?In this episode of The Orthopreneurs Podcast, I'm joined by the legendary Dr. David Sarver for a masterclass-level look at interdisciplinary smile design and lifetime esthetics. As we revisit his course, Smile Projection: A New Concept in Smile Design, Dr. Sarver gives us a different way to think about orthodontic treatment planning—one that starts with the face, not just the occlusion.We talk about why the lateral and oblique views matter so much, how smile projection changes the way we evaluate maxillary incisor position, and how orthodontists can take good cases and make them truly exceptional. If you want to create better, quicker, more esthetic outcomes for your patients, this episode will help you see the smile in a completely new way.

I recently came across a social media incident that really bothered me.The long and short of it was that someone organizing an event had received a nasty email full of colorful language from one of the would-be attendees.They proceeded to take a screenshot of the email without the full context and posted it on their social media. They included the person's email, place of work, and other such detail.This got me thinking…Nobody is perfect. People are going to screw up, even those close to you.What will your reaction be? Will you get all worked up and do something to embarrass or destroy them?I would much rather you gave them grace. Just let it go.Quotes:"Give grace to people when they screw up, reach out to somebody with whom you're estranged if you can, and give grace." - Dr. Glenn Krieger"You're going to run into people in your life who will piss you off. And you know what, it's okay to let it go." - Dr. Glenn KriegerKey TakeawaysA social media incident that really bothered me (00:47)Give a little more grace (01:48)It's okay to let it go (02:54)Give grace to people when they screw up (05:37)Additional Resources- For more information, visit: https://orthopreneurs.com/- Join our FREE Facebook group here: https://www.facebook.com/groups/ #Orthopreneurs #DrGlennKrieger #5minutefriday

Have you ever considered that your back pain might be connected to something deeper than just a physical injury? This episode with Dr. David Bynum might just change your perspective on health and wellness.As a seasoned chiropractor with a deep understanding of alternative medicines, Dr. Bynum joins me to talk about the powerful interplay between chiropractic care, alternative therapies like Kambo and Ayahuasca, and a holistic approach to improving your overall health.Discover how these practices can not only address physical ailments but also lead to significant behavioral changes, promoting a holistic approach to health.Quotes “For me, health and wellness isn't about finding one single right way. Everything comes together in a broad way.” Dr. Glenn Krieger"Most sickness, disease, and trauma stem from our behaviors or the behaviors of those who cared for us. Alternative therapies focus on changing those behaviors to promote healing and wellness." Dr. David Bynum

What if I told you your biggest staffing frustrations might have less to do with Gen Z—and more to do with the culture we've created around work? This episode isn't about criticizing younger employees—it's about reflecting on what we tolerate, reward, and model inside our practices. I talk about the differences I've observed between Japanese and American workplace culture, how it impacts orthodontic teams, and why leaders may need to rethink the systems and expectations they've created. If you've ever struggled with ghosting, disengagement, accountability, or team culture in your office, this episode will challenge you to look deeper—and maybe see the problem from an entirely different angle.Quotes“It's crystal clear that the work ethic here for the younger generation is very different, at least on the surface, from what I see in the U.S.” — Dr. Glenn Krieger“I'm starting to believe that a lot of the problems we face in the U.S. are functions of the U.S. and the way we maybe tolerate some of the behavior that we see as employers.” — Dr. Glenn KriegerKey TakeawaysIntro: Lessons from Tokyo & Triforce Academy (00:00)Cultural nuances and work ethic observations in Japan (00:45)The growing conversation around Gen Z in the workforce (01:00)Is this a generational issue or a societal one? (01:40)What orthodontic employers may be unintentionally tolerating (02:00)How travel and exposure to other cultures can reshape leadership perspective (02:35)Final thoughts & invitation to experience Japan with Orthopreneurs RD (02:45)Additional Resources

What if I told you the fastest way to lower your stress, reclaim your time, and make your practice more profitable isn't working harder — it's finally letting go of the things you should've outsourced years ago?In this episode of Five Minute Friday, I'm talking about one of the biggest mistakes I see orthodontists make over and over again: being penny wise and pound foolish. Too many doctors are still using their best team members — or worse, their own mental bandwidth — to manage tasks that could be outsourced, automated, or handled far more efficiently by dedicated systems. If your days feel chaotic, your team feels stretched, and your practice still isn't running as smoothly as it should, this episode is for you.Quotes“Your goal is to show up, do great ortho, hug moms, kiss babies, and grow your practice — and don't micromanage everything else.” — Dr. Glenn Krieger“Money comes and goes, but time only goes.” — The Trockels, quoted by Dr. Glenn KriegerKey TakeawaysIntro (00:00)Why orthodontists stay penny wise and pound foolish (00:28)The time-versus-money tradeoff at different stages of practice ownership (01:18)How remote monitoring creates smoother days and fewer office visits (02:03)Why a leaner team can still support a high-producing practice (02:36)The overhead math: efficiency, staffing, and profitability (02:56)Why your in-house team is not monitoring patients the way you think they are (04:10)How delayed responses hurt both patient experience and team performance (04:46)Why outsourcing creates peace of mind, faster workflows, and better systems (06:06)The real goal: less micromanagement, more freedom, and a practice that runs on cruise control (07:53)

I've seen it firsthand: bringing in someone with zero experience—but the right attitude—can transform your culture, your team, and even your future. In this episode, I sit down with someone who proves that point better than anyone I know—Brooke Bruneman—a former team member who started with me as a sterile tech and is now graduating dental school and chasing orthodontics.We also get into some surprisingly real conversations—about social media in orthodontics, what actually works (and what's just noise), and even how Gen Z is dating today (spoiler: it's very different from what most of us grew up with). This episode will challenge how you hire, how you lead, and how you think about the next generation entering our profession.Quotes“I came to you with zero experience… I just needed someone willing to train me.”— Brooke Bruneman“When you find something good, it's hard to let go of it.”— Brooke BrunemanKey TakeawaysIntro (00:00)Why hiring for attitude beats hiring for experience (01:12)Brooke's journey from sterile tech to dental school (03:43)The value of real-world experience before dental school (04:24)Getting rejected—and coming back stronger (04:24)Why culture matters more than credentials (17:46)Keeping great people even after they “leave” your practice (18:45)How Brooke ran social media remotely through dental school (19:01)What actually works on social media for orthodontists (21:18)The power of the “hook” in content creation (33:42)Why most orthodontists get social media wrong (34:38)Gen Z, dating apps, and how communication is changing (40:14)Why safety and trust shape modern interactions (41:37)What residency programs might be missing in applicants (49:45)Additional ResourcesIf you're still hiring based on experience alone, you're missing out on your next superstar.Start looking for attitude, work ethic, and culture fit first—and train the rest. And if you've got someone great in your practice right now, don't wait—invest in them, mentor them, and keep them in your orbit however you can.

What if I told you that for less than the cost of one case, you could buy back hours of your week—and finally focus on the work that actually grows your practice?In this Five Minute Friday, I'm challenging one of the biggest blind spots I see in orthodontists today: the belief that “I can do it all myself.” After coming off a high-level Orthopreneurs RD meeting, it became crystal clear—most of you aren't lacking solutions… you're lacking time. And more importantly, you're holding onto tasks you should've delegated years ago.Quotes“The overwhelming majority of you are way too busy, don't have enough time, and are making enough money that you can afford an executive assistant.”— Dr. Glenn Krieger“If you can take $20,000 a year to free you up and focus on the things you need to be doing, it'll be the best money you ever spend.”— Dr. Glenn KriegerKey TakeawaysIntro (00:00)Why orthodontists resist solutions they actually need (00:58)What an executive assistant really does (and doesn't do) (01:20)Real-world examples: travel, scheduling, and life logistics (01:45)Fractional hiring: how to start small (02:25)The ROI of buying back your time (03:00)Why this may be the highest-leverage investment you can make (03:45)Additional Resources

I've had hundreds of conversations with orthodontists about DSOs, OSOs, and private equity—and here's the truth: most of you are making decisions based on incomplete, outdated, or just plain wrong information. In this episode, I sit down with Connor Jorgensen, Director at Tusk Practice Sales, to cut through the noise and talk about what's actually happening in today's market.If you've ever wondered what your practice is worth, how equity really works, or whether you're leaving money (or opportunity) on the table… This episode will give you clarity—and probably challenge a few assumptions along the way.Quotes“When someone tells you you're going to get a 5–7x return on your equity… that's unrealistic. If you're making decisions based on that, you need to run for the hills.” — Connor Jorgensen“If you're going to count DSO equity as zero, then you have to count your private practice as zero too. You're just trading one form of equity for another.” — Connor JorgensenKey TakeawaysIntro (00:00)Why “just say no to DSOs” is bad advice (00:16)Connor's background and insider perspective (04:08)OSO vs DSO vs multi-specialty: what actually matters (06:24)How brokers work—and who they really represent (09:09)Equity vs cash: what orthodontists misunderstand (11:19)Why 5–7x equity claims are misleading (13:12)The biggest mistake advisors make about equity value (16:18)Why selling often beats holding long-term (18:07)How OSOs improve profitability overnight (24:55)Cultural myths: what really happens after you sell (28:02)Why education—not opinion—should drive your decision (29:57)Additional ResourcesConnor and the team at Tusk Practice Sales will walk you through a complimentary orthodontic valuation analysis—no pressure, no obligation, just real numbers and real insight so you can make the right decision for your future.

What if I told you the smartest way to approach airway isn't to become the hero in the room — it's to become the gatekeeper who knows exactly when, where, and how to refer?In this episode of 5 Minute Friday, I tackle one of the most polarizing conversations in orthodontics: airway and sleep-disordered breathing. There's so much noise, ego, and misinformation around this topic that a lot of orthodontists either jump in too aggressively or back away completely. My take is simple: neither extreme serves patients well. We don't need to diagnose everything ourselves — but we do need to know enough to recognize red flags, evaluate the orthodontic pieces we are responsible for, and collaborate with the right interdisciplinary team.Quotes“We are part of a bigger puzzle. We're just one piece and if we work together with the science and our referral base, we'll be able to treat people really, really well.” — Dr. Glenn Krieger“We need to be gatekeepers and we need to work with ENTs and oral surgeons and myofunctional therapists and pediatric dentists.” — Dr. Glenn KriegerKey TakeawaysIntro (00:00)Why the airway conversation has become so overblown in orthodontics (00:25)Why orthodontists should be gatekeepers — not lone diagnosticians (00:46)The real problem with extreme pro-airway vs. anti-airway positions (02:17)How to use symptoms, occlusion, anatomy, and CBCT responsibly (04:55)When to treat the occlusion and when to refer to the interdisciplinary team (06:11)Why ENTs, oral surgeons, myofunctional therapists, and radiologists matter (06:32)What Dr. Krieger's Scottsdale airway course will teach orthodontists and teams (06:43)Why collaborative care creates better outcomes than ideology ever will (08:24)A real example of how orthodontic-ENT collaboration changed a child's life (10:08)Additional ResourcesI've seen firsthand how airway and sleep-disordered breathing can become one of the most rewarding parts of an orthodontic practice — but only when we stay in our lane, know what we're looking at, and work with the right team. If you want to learn how to evaluate these cases more thoughtfully, collaborate more effectively, and treat patients with greater confidence, keep an eye out for the upcoming airway and sleep-disordered breathing meeting in Scottsdale. And if you want to learn more about Orthopreneurs RD, message me directly.Register for the Make More Money Meeting: https://ortho4m.com/home - For more information, visit: https://orthopreneurs.com/- Join our FREE Facebook group here: https://www.facebook.com/groups/

I've seen a lot of innovation in this space over the years—but every once in a while, something comes along that makes you stop and think, “Okay… this actually changes things.” In this episode, I sit down with Dr. Mehdi Peikar—orthodontist, physicist, and one of the most fascinating minds you'll ever meet—to talk about where orthodontics is heading and what happens when you combine AI, biomechanics, and true customization.Mehdi walks us through his journey—from studying quantum mechanics and biomechanics at some of the top institutions in the world to building award-winning orthodontic technologies—and now launching Celebrace, a fully customized 3D-printed bracket system that flips traditional orthodontics on its head. We're not talking about “low, medium, high torque” anymore… we're talking about precision-built prescriptions for every single tooth, for every single patient.But this episode goes deeper than just a product. We get into the future—AI, robotics, and yes… even the possibility of orthodontics being automated someday. Whether that excites you or terrifies you, one thing is clear: the doctors who understand where things are going are the ones who will thrive.Celebrace is a 100% digital, AI-driven, fully custom metal braces system, designed to bring greater precision and consistency to finishing. If you're interested in seeing how it works in practice, LEARN MORE and get started.Quotes“Nobody's really MBT or Roth—every case is unique. Now we finally have the tools to treat patients that way.” — Dr. Mehdi Peikar“You approve the treatment plan… and we reverse engineer the bracket to match it exactly.” — Dr. Mehdi PeikarKey TakeawaysIntro (00:00)Mehdi's journey: ortho → physics → innovation (01:13)Why quantum mechanics thinking shapes innovation (03:54)AI vs. quantum computing—what's actually impacting us now (07:12)Will AI replace orthodontists? (09:08)The future: robots, automation, and orthodontics at home (11:54)Why traditional prescriptions (MBT/Roth) are outdated (26:26)What makes Celebrace different from other “custom” systems (33:03)How fully custom brackets improve efficiency and finishing (29:31)Reverse-engineering treatment plans into exact prescriptions (34:16)Digital orthodontics: where braces are heading next (32:48)Additional ResourcesIf you're even remotely curious about where orthodontics is heading—and how to stay ahead of it—this is one you don't want to ignore.

What if I told you your practice could grow to $3M+ without working harder—just by fixing the leaks in your funnel?In this episode of Five Minute Friday, I challenge you to take a hard, honest look at your practice performance. If you're stuck at $1.6M–$1.9M and grinding four-plus days a week, the problem isn't effort—it's efficiency. Somewhere in your marketing, your conversions, your case acceptance, or your systems… you're leaking. And the good news? You can fix it without adding more hours to your schedule.I break down what a sustainable, profitable orthodontic practice really looks like—and why a $3M, three-day-a-week model is not only realistic, but repeatable. We talk about the real drivers of growth: effective marketing, strong phone and TC systems, leadership, and patient experience. If you're ready to stop making excuses and start making changes, this episode will give you a clear, practical path forward.Quotes“I can almost guarantee you that no matter where you practice… your practice is not reaching its potential for what you want.” — Dr. Glenn Krieger“Somewhere along your funnel, you're leaking—and you can be much more effective with no more work.” — Dr. Glenn KriegerKey TakeawaysIntro (00:00)Why most orthodontists are stuck below their potential (00:30)The $3M practice model: realistic, sustainable, and repeatable (01:00)Why working more days isn't the solution (02:05)The 4 key growth drivers: marketing, conversion, case acceptance, leadership (03:45)Why most orthodontists don't know how to “close” cases effectively (04:20)How to build projections and take control of your numbers (04:55)Identifying and fixing leaks in your practice funnel (06:30)Additional ResourcesI've seen firsthand how small improvements in your funnel can unlock massive growth—without adding more stress or more hours to your week.If you're serious about building a more efficient, profitable, and scalable practice, join me at the 4M “Make More Money” Meeting in Nashville. We'll break down your numbers, your systems, and your strategy—from start to finish—so you can finally build the practice you actually want.Register for the Make More Money Meeting: https://ortho4m.com/home - For more information, visit: https://orthopreneurs.com/- Join our FREE Facebook group here: https://www.facebook.com/groups/

Unless you've been living under a rock, you must have heard about the recent developments in Artificial Intelligence and its capabilities.But have you tried using it in your orthodontic practice to help with some day-to-day tasks?AI is undoubtedly a huge part of our technological future, and we better learn how to use it.I have used it for writing job posts, responding to patients, creating emails, texts, performance reviews, policies and systems, social media posts, and more.One thing to note with AI is that AI is only as intelligent as the person using it, so the more specific you are with what you're looking for, the better the outcomes will be.Wondering how to incorporate AI into your practice? Tune in to learn more.

In this episode, I sit down with Kara Pfister, a speech-language pathologist and certified orofacial myofunctional therapist, to unpack one of the most misunderstood—and underutilized—areas in orthodontics: function. We break down what myofunctional therapy actually is, when you should be referring (and when you shouldn't), and why working without a team is one of the biggest mistakes you can make in modern orthodontics.If you've ever wondered why some cases relapse, why certain patients struggle with expansion or open bites, or how to actually build a referral network that improves outcomes—not just checkboxes—this episode will give you practical, real-world insight you can apply immediately. More importantly, it might completely change how you view your role as an orthodontist—not just as a tooth mover, but as a gatekeeper for long-term function and health.Quotes“We're not just fixing speech—we're often preventing bigger problems before they even start.” — Kara Pfister“If they release the tongue without addressing function… it's like doing surgery on a hip and expecting someone to just walk again.” — Kara PfisterKey TakeawaysIntro (00:00)Why orthodontists must act as “gatekeepers” for function (00:30)What a myofunctional therapist actually does (01:17)Why most speech issues aren't being caught early enough (02:46)The real causes: airway, tongue tie, and oral habits (14:35)Why school speech screenings often miss these problems (13:04)How to identify when to refer (31:22)The truth about tongue ties—when they matter (29:53)Why releasing a tongue tie without therapy fails (30:58)Expansion vs. tongue tie timing—what comes first (36:17)How improper function leads to relapse (34:49)Building a referral team that actually works (40:51)Where to find qualified myofunctional therapists (44:11)Additional ResourcesIf you're serious about improving outcomes—not just finishing cases—you need to stop working in isolation.Start by building your team:Find a qualified myofunctional therapist through https://iaom.com (International Association of Orofacial Myology)Connect with specialists (ENTs, oral surgeons, therapists) who share your philosophyAnd if you want to reach Kara directly:

In this 5 Minute Friday, I'm breaking down the uncomfortable truth: we obsess over the science of brackets and wires, but most orthodontists have no scientific approach to the part of the practice that actually creates growth—how patients move from interest to “yes.” I'll walk you through the funnel leaks I see everywhere: weak phone conversions, untrained trial closes, TCs who aren't coached on objections, and doctors who accidentally tank conversions by staying in the room too long or saying the wrong thing.And because I'm tired of watching practices bleed opportunity, I'm building something different: a focused event designed specifically to help doctors and key team members master every step of the funnel. If you want to grow ethically, confidently, and with a repeatable system (not “hope”), this episode will light a fire under you—in the best way.Quotes“Sales has science behind it. There are people who've studied this top to bottom and know exactly what gets people to say yes.” — Dr. Glenn Krieger“Do you have a scientific approach from A to Z—from the way you market, to how the phone is answered, to how the exam is handled, to how your TC closes? Or are you just hoping it works?” — Dr. Glenn KriegerKey TakeawaysIntro (00:00)The “A–Z” scientific sales funnel (marketing → phone → lead handling → exam → close) (00:00)Sales has science—proven triggers like scarcity and positioning (01:35)Where orthodontic practices leak: phone scripts, trial closes, consult flow, objection handling (03:24)Doctor behavior that can hurt conversions—and what to rethink (04:08)Why most TCs aren't trained to overcome objections scientifically (04:42)The “Make More Money Meeting” concept + who should attend (05:08)Instant implementation tip: TC sits next to patient when presenting fees (08:00)If “sales” offends you, this isn't your meeting—and that's okay (09:03)Additional ResourcesI've seen firsthand how a scientific sales system can change a practice faster than any new bracket or marketing trend.If you're ready to stop guessing and start building a funnel that converts—from the first call to the signed contract—go check out the meeting I created for this exact purpose at ortho4m.com. Bring the people who touch your funnel (office manager, TC, key front desk). If spots are still open, grab them—because not everyone is going to fit in that room.Register for the Make More Money Meeting: https://ortho4m.com/home - For more information, visit: https://orthopreneurs.com/- Join our FREE Facebook group here: https://www.facebook.com/groups/

Most orthodontists think they need a better system, better marketing, or better scripting.What they actually need is clarity.In this episode, I sit down with someone I deeply respect — Dr. Lou Chmura — and we go far beyond brackets, aligners, and production numbers. Lou has decades of clinical experience, but what makes him different is his deliberate, principle-driven thinking about life and practice. We talk about why so many orthodontists are more stressed than ever… despite practicing in one of the greatest professions in the world.If you've ever found yourself chasing growth, comparing yourself to others, or wondering why success doesn't feel as fulfilling as you expected — this conversation will hit home.Quotes“The practice is just a vehicle. If you don't know what kind of life you want, you'll build the wrong vehicle.” — Dr. Lou Chmura“If you can figure out your one thing — the thing that really matters to you — everything else organizes around it.” — Dr. Lou ChmuraKey TakeawaysWhy orthodontists are asking the wrong questions about successYour school pedigree doesn't matter — what you did yesterday does (02:05)Revenue vs. take-home: Why production numbers can be misleading (04:30)Why defining your life comes before defining your practice (12:00)The danger of chasing someone else's version of success (20:00)The STEAR framework: How your thoughts create stress (42:00)Why social comparison is sabotaging modern orthodontists (49:00)Finding your “one thing” — and building everything around it (52:00)Additional ResourcesI've seen firsthand how easy it is for orthodontists to drift — to chase growth, add locations, increase production — without ever stopping to ask, “Is this actually the life I want?”If you're feeling pressure, burnout, or just a sense that something's off… don't fix your systems yet.Fix your clarity.Reach out to Lou at drlou@eggheadortho.com or visit eggheadortho.com and start the conversation. Even one hour of honest reflection can change the trajectory of your career.You worked too hard to get here to build the wrong life.Register for the Make More Money Meeting: https://ortho4m.com/home - For more information, visit: https://orthopreneurs.com/- Join our FREE Facebook group here: https://www.facebook.com/groups/