Podcasts about Orthodontics

"Location is not everything." Connect With Our SponsorsSolventum - https://go.solventum.com/clarityGreyFinch - https://greyfinch.com/jillallen/A-Dec - https://www.a-dec.com/orthodonticsSmileSuite - https://getsmilesuite.com/ Summary In this episode of the Hey Docs! Podcast, Jill Allen speaks with Brian Mills, president and founder of ROAM Commercial Realty, about what orthodontists should know about commercial real estate in today's market. Brian shares his background in the dental industry and explains how ROAM exclusively represents healthcare tenants, emphasizing that today's market has higher construction costs and lease rates and can't be timed by waiting for elections or rate drops. They discuss shifting location strategies (retail vs. medical office), why “location isn't everything,” and the importance of data-driven demographic analysis over fears of saturation. Brian outlines key negotiation levers for startups—tenant improvement allowances, build-out and post-opening free rent, and controlling triple net exposure and added fees—while stressing the need for a strong team, mentorship, and a patient experience that values human interaction alongside selective AI tools. Connect With Our Guest ROAM Commercial Realty - https://www.roamcommercialrealty.com/ Takeaways The commercial real estate market is constantly changing.Doctors should be aware of current market conditions.Negotiation is key in securing favorable lease terms.Tenant improvement allowances are crucial for startups.Understanding additional fees in leases is essential.Retail spaces are becoming more common for practices.Location is important, but not the only factor for success.Fear is a significant barrier for new business owners.Education empowers clients to make informed decisions.Market saturation can be misleading; data is key.Surrounding yourself with a strong team is essential for success.Mentorship can provide invaluable guidance and support.Don't underestimate the importance of detailed communication with clients.The success rate for startups in orthodontics and dentistry is high when done correctly.Chapters 00:00 Introduction02:55 Brian Mills Background06:04 Market Pulse 202616:03 Retail Versus Medical Space21:22 Lease Negotiation Levers27:28 Hidden Fees And Triple Net32:31 Landlord Math And Valuation35:08 Fear Before The Leap39:20 Coaches And Great Teams41:38 Oversaturation And Market Data47:40 Bank Loans And Cash Flow49:32 Old School Human Touch53:51 How To Get in Contact Episode Credits:  Hosted by Jill AllenProduced by Jordann KillionAudio Engineering by Garrett LuceroAre you ready to start a practice of your own? Do you need a fresh set of eyes or some advice in your existing practice?Reach out to me- www.practiceresults.com.    If you like what we are doing here on Hey Docs! and want to hear more of this awesome content, give us a 5-star Rating on your preferred listening platform and subscribe to our show so you never miss an episode.    New episodes drop every Thursday!   

How do you grow an orthodontic practice without letting it take over your life?Dr. Courtney Dunn, co-founder of a four-location orthodontic practice and founder of Women in Orthodontics, joins Dr. Leon Klempner and Amy Epstein to discuss the leadership, delegation and efficiency strategies that have helped her scale both her practice and her career.Courtney explains why orthodontists need to become more comfortable giving up control, how her practice measures clinical efficiency before investing in new technology, and why the right office manager can fundamentally change how a practice operates. She also shares her experience using Solventum Clarity aligners and pre-cured attachments, including the potential impact on bonding time, tracking and refinements.The conversation also explores mentorship, professional support networks and why the market you choose can have a major impact on practice growth.Key takeaways:Delegation is essential to scaling an orthodontic practice without creating owner burnout.Measure treatment efficiency and ROI before adopting new technology simply because it is available.Solventum's Clarity attachment technology has helped Courtney's practice streamline bonding and, anecdotally, reduce refinements and treatment time.A true office manager can take meaningful operational responsibility off the orthodontist's plate.Mentorship, community and realistic expectations can help practice owners make better long-term decisions.

In this episode, Howard Farran welcomes back Dr. Ann Marie Gorczyca for her sixth appearance on the show. An orthodontist with more than 36 years of experience, she is a graduate of the Harvard School of Dental Medicine with a Master's in Public Health from Harvard's Department of Health Management and Policy, completed her orthodontic residency at Northwestern, and is a Diplomate of the American Board of Orthodontics and Past President of the Northern California Angle Society of Orthodontists. She taught practice management to orthodontic residents in the San Francisco Bay Area for nearly a decade, leads her team at Gorczyca Orthodontics in Antioch, California, and is the author of five practice management books — with her sixth and final entry in the series, One Team, One Score, arriving in September 2026. The conversation centers on leadership as the capstone of everything she's written. Dr. Gorczyca explains what "One Team, One Score" actually means, walks through the four forms of leadership — authoritative, bureaucratic, democratic, and laissez-faire — and how a dentist knows which to use and when. She shares what she learned studying leaders like Alan Mulally, Indra Nooyi, and Ursula Burns, why the single word "WE" changes the dynamic of an entire practice, and the "Achilles' heel" she sees in women leaders and how she coaches them through it. She and Howard also dig into the deceptively simple communication rules teams still get wrong, the warrior-versus-victim mindset in daily practice, where most dental teams get stuck in the forming-storming-norming-performing cycle, and the right way to address insubordination before it quietly poisons a team. The episode closes on a fitting note: quoting Michelangelo at 87 saying "I am still learning," Dr. Gorczyca reflects on what she's still figuring out after 36 years and six books.   Episode #1740 : Dentistry Uncensored with Howard Farran, Howard welcomes back Dr. Ann Marie Gorczyca — orthodontist, author, and practice management expert — for her sixth appearance on the show! With 36+ years in orthodontics and a Harvard DMD and MPH behind her, Dr. Gorczyca joins to discuss her sixth and final book, One Team, One Score. From the four styles of leadership to the warrior-versus-victim mindset, she breaks down how great dental teams are actually built.

What if I told you one of the biggest financial decisions of your career shouldn't start with “yes” or “no” — it should start with getting educated?The OSO and private equity landscape is changing quickly, and I don't believe orthodontists should make a decision based on fear, hype, or someone else's agenda. If you're considering an OSO, this could become one of the largest financial transactions of your life. You owe it to yourself to understand exactly what you're evaluating.In this episode of Five Minute Friday, I share my perspective after roughly six years of studying the OSO space and five years inside Smile Doctors. I break down why today's environment looks different from 2021, how the cost of money and broader economic uncertainty can affect deal flow, and why OSOs and DSOs should not automatically be treated as the same thing.

Dr. Kristine Grazioso joins host Dr. Joel Berg for a discussion focused on the importance of building a community in organized dentistry. Dr. Grazioso shares her journey from residency to now, espousing on the importance of her involvement in various AAPD councils and committees, as well her state organization, leading to the development of an alliance focused on the needs of independent dentists. She also delves into her experience as a member of Cohort VI of the John S. Rutkauskas Leadership Institute, and the personal growth and connections gained that continue to shape her career. Guest Bio: Kristine Grazioso, DMD is a board-certified pediatric dentist, founder of South Shore Children's Dentistry and Abington Children's Dentistry and Orthodontics, and Vice President and founding member of the Alliance of Independent Dentists. With over 30 years of experience, she is a passionate advocate for children's oral health, modern practice management, and preserving the future of independent dentistry.  See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

"It takes almost no time to do this." Connect With Our SponsorsSolventum - https://go.solventum.com/clarityGreyFinch - https://greyfinch.com/jillallen/A-Dec - https://www.a-dec.com/orthodonticsSmileSuite - https://getsmilesuite.com/ Summary In this episode of the Hey Docs! Podcast, Jill Allen sits down with David Harris, CEO of Prosperident, to discuss the challenges of employee turnover in the orthodontic and dental industry and the importance of pre-employment screening to protect practices from potential risks. They explore strategies for effective hiring, including conducting criminal background checks and verifying employment history, while emphasizing the need for thoroughness in the hiring process to ensure the right fit for dental teams. Jill and David also touch on the critical aspects of hiring decisions, financial oversight, and internal controls within practices. They emphasize the importance of accountability among staff, the necessity of regular financial checks, and the implementation of systems to prevent embezzlement. The discussion also covers the concept of articulation in financial reporting, ensuring that daily and monthly totals align to safeguard against discrepancies. Connect With Our Guest Prosperident - https://www.prosperident.com/ Takeaways Employee turnover in practices is a significant challenge.Pre-employment screening is crucial for reducing hiring risks.70 million Americans have a criminal record, impacting hiring decisions.Not all criminal records disqualify candidates; context matters.Most practice owners do not adequately screen potential hires.Be upfront about screening processes in job ads.Proper identification checks can prevent hiring fraud.Employment verification should cover the last five years.Asking about rehire eligibility can reveal important insights.Separation of duties in financial management can reduce risk of theft.Chapters 00:00 Introduction03:57 Why Hiring Feels Hard08:10 Screening Starts in the Job Ad10:30 ID Checks at Interview18:05 Verify Employment Properly21:23 Reference Questions to Ask24:55 From Hiring to Oversight27:45 Why Owners Must Verify30:40 Cash Accounting Blind Spots33:04 Modern Payment Timing Issues34:29 Graphing Variances Over Time38:02 Separation of Duties Rules42:11 Contract Checks in Ortho44:46 Articulation Daily vs Monthly48:53 Prosperident Contact Info Episode Credits:  Hosted by Jill AllenProduced by Jordann KillionAudio Engineering by Garrett LuceroAre you ready to start a practice of your own? Do you need a fresh set of eyes or some advice in your existing practice?Reach out to me- www.practiceresults.com.    If you like what we are doing here on Hey Docs! and want to hear more of this awesome content, give us a 5-star Rating on your preferred listening platform and subscribe to our show so you never miss an episode.    New episodes drop every Thursday!   

Orthodontic treatment can make oral hygiene more challenging, with brackets and aligner attachments creating areas where biofilm can accumulate and contribute to demineralization and white spot lesions.   This episode was brought to you by our friends at Solventum.   In this episode, Jessica Atkinson and Dave Torres discuss the role of fluoride in orthodontic prevention and how Solventum™ Clinpro™ Clear can help protect enamel while fitting seamlessly into clinical workflows.   What We Talked About   Why brackets and aligner attachments make oral hygiene more difficult.   The impact of biofilm and demineralization during orthodontic treatment.   The role of fluoride in orthodontic prevention.   How Clinpro™ Clear can migrate around brackets and attachments to reach high-risk areas.   Its fast-acting, 15-minute eat-and-drink time.   Its self-contained design for simple chairside application.   How Clinpro™ Clear can support both patient experience and practice workflow.   Resources: https://www.solventum.com/en-us/home/f/b5005503000/   https://s7d9.scene7.com/is/content/mmmspinco/clinpro-clear-brochure-ds-rps-enpdf   Contact the Hosts Jessica Atkinson jatkinson@endeavorb2b.com   Dave Torres dtorres@endeavorb2b.com

Orthodontic treatment can make oral hygiene more challenging, with brackets and aligner attachments creating areas where biofilm can accumulate and contribute to demineralization and white spot lesions.   This episode was brought to you by our friends at Solventum.   In this episode, Jessica Atkinson and Dave Torres discuss the role of fluoride in orthodontic prevention and how Solventum™ Clinpro™ Clear can help protect enamel while fitting seamlessly into clinical workflows.   What We Talked About   Why brackets and aligner attachments make oral hygiene more difficult.   The impact of biofilm and demineralization during orthodontic treatment.   The role of fluoride in orthodontic prevention.   How Clinpro™ Clear can migrate around brackets and attachments to reach high-risk areas.   Its fast-acting, 15-minute eat-and-drink time.   Its self-contained design for simple chairside application.   How Clinpro™ Clear can support both patient experience and practice workflow.   Resources: https://www.solventum.com/en-us/home/f/b5005503000/   https://s7d9.scene7.com/is/content/mmmspinco/clinpro-clear-brochure-ds-rps-enpdf   Contact the Hosts Jessica Atkinson jatkinson@endeavorb2b.com   Dave Torres dtorres@endeavorb2b.com

“What we can control is how well you know your business.” Connect With Our SponsorsSolventum - https://go.solventum.com/clarityGreyFinch - https://greyfinch.com/jillallen/A-Dec - https://www.a-dec.com/orthodonticsSmileSuite - https://getsmilesuite.com/ Summary In this Just Jill episode of the Hey Docs! Podcast, host Jill Allen addresses how orthodontic practices can respond to today's economy by focusing on controllable levers inside the practice. She explains why third-party financing can be a useful “third option” alongside pay-in-full discounts and in-office payment plans, weighing patient accessibility against transaction fees and emphasizing delinquency-risk mitigation and differences among financing companies. Jill also breaks down how down payments and monthly payment structures should vary for startups, acquisitions, and established practices, highlighting the need to protect cash flow and keep delinquencies low. She discusses when discounts make sense as a time-limited growth or marketing strategy and how to approach technology investments, arguing startups should lean into digital workflows early and established practices should implement change strategically. Jill closes with key KPIs—especially tracking production versus collections—to avoid being misled by short-term cash flow and encourages practice-specific pivots rather than reactive decisions. Connect With Our Guest Jill Allen & Associates - https://practiceresults.com/ Takeaways The economy is impacting patient decisions on orthodontic treatment.Third-party financing can help practices offer more options to patients.Understanding cash flow is crucial for practice sustainability.Technology investments can lead to long-term efficiency gains.Practices should consider the impact of payment options on patient acceptance.Not all third-party financing companies are created equal.Setting boundaries for down payments is essential for startups.Practices should adapt their strategies based on economic conditions.Mitigating delinquency risk is important for financial health. Building debt can harm startups' financial health.Delinquencies should ideally be below 5%.Collecting more than producing indicates financial issues.Discounts can be a strategic tool for practices. It does not diminish the value of treatment.Adapting to economic changes is essential for practice success.Chapters 00:00 Introduction03:32 Third Party Financing09:58 Financing Risks16:23 Down Payments Strategy26:24 Discounts Done Right32:58 Investing In Technology42:11 KPIs That Matter54:35 Final Thoughts Episode Credits:  Hosted by Jill AllenProduced by Jordann KillionAudio Engineering by Garrett LuceroAre you ready to start a practice of your own? Do you need a fresh set of eyes or some advice in your existing practice?Reach out to me- www.practiceresults.com.    If you like what we are doing here on Hey Docs! and want to hear more of this awesome content, give us a 5-star Rating on your preferred listening platform and subscribe to our show so you never miss an episode.    New episodes drop every Thursday!   

“Every phone call is revenue.” Connect With Our SponsorsSolventum - https://go.solventum.com/clarityGreyFinch - https://greyfinch.com/jillallen/A-Dec - https://www.a-dec.com/orthodonticsSmileSuite - https://getsmilesuite.com/ Summary In this episode of the Hey Docs! Podcast, Jill Allen welcomes back Richard May, VP of Business Development at Mango Voice, to discuss how AI-driven communication tools are helping orthodontic practices handle staffing challenges, reduce administrative burden, and improve patient experience. Richard explains Mango Voice as an AI voice platform covering phone systems, call recordings, virtual fax, and AI features like automated note-taking, sentiment analysis, and call filtering to identify both strong and problem calls for coaching. They explore how missed calls and voicemails cost practices revenue, and how Mango's AI receptionist “Margo” increases engagement compared to traditional voicemail. Jill and Richard also highlight AI-powered role-play phone training modules and integrated call summaries and transcripts that can auto-log into patient charts, improving workflow, documentation accuracy, and team development. Connect With Our Guest Mango Voice - https://mangovoice.com/ Takeaways Mango Voice focuses on AI voice solutions.Reliability and support are crucial for effective phone systems.AI note-taking can save time and improve patient documentation, reducing human error.AI receptionists can enhance patient engagement and reduce missed calls.Training front office staff is essential for maximizing revenue opportunities.AI tools can provide real-time feedback for improving communication skills.Role-playing with AI can enhance training for front office teams.Balancing AI and human interaction is key in healthcare settings. Documentation is crucial for effective healthcare communication.Recognizing team members boosts morale and productivity.Incremental improvements can lead to long-term success.Chapters 00:00 Introduction04:09 Why Phones Matter Now07:22 AI Notes and Call Coverage10:18 Call Data and Coaching Insights15:20 AI Roleplay Training Program19:24 Using AI Without Replacing Staff23:36 AI Notes for Clinics26:21 Standardized Call Summaries29:29 Workflow and Training Wins33:14 Culture and Team Recognition38:00 Small Changes Big Gains39:42 How to Get In Touch Episode Credits:  Hosted by Jill AllenProduced by Jordann KillionAudio Engineering by Garrett LuceroAre you ready to start a practice of your own? Do you need a fresh set of eyes or some advice in your existing practice?Reach out to me- www.practiceresults.com.    If you like what we are doing here on Hey Docs! and want to hear more of this awesome content, give us a 5-star Rating on your preferred listening platform and subscribe to our show so you never miss an episode.    New episodes drop every Thursday!   

"Practices don't necessarily have a staffing problem." Connect With Our SponsorsSolventum - https://go.solventum.com/clarityGreyFinch - https://greyfinch.com/jillallen/A-Dec - https://www.a-dec.com/orthodonticsSmileSuite - https://getsmilesuite.com/ Summary On this episode of the Hey Docs! Podcast, Jill sits down with Amanda Ketcham as she shares her journey of launching My Mountain Mover, a healthcare outsourcing company that connects remote talent with healthcare practices. Amanda explains the importance of viewing staffing as a capacity issue rather than a staffing problem, the benefits of delegation and outsourcing, and how to build a strong culture with remote teams. Jill and Amanda also address common fears associated with outsourcing, the role of AI in the future of practices, and the importance of choosing reputable outsourcing partners. The conversation concludes with insights on navigating the hiring process and the significance of relational skills in the age of AI. Connect With Our Guest My Mountain Mover - https://mymountainmover.com/ Takeaways Amanda is the founder of My Mountain Mover, which connects remote talent with healthcare practices.The pandemic opened doors for remote staffing solutions in healthcare.Practices often face capacity problems rather than staffing issues.Delegation is crucial for business owners to focus on their strengths.Outsourcing can lead to higher ROI for practices.Building a culture with remote teams is essential for success.Choosing a reputable outsourcing company is vital for compliance and quality.AI will play a significant role in handling administrative tasks in the future.Relational skills will be essential in the age of AI.Chapters 00:00 Introduction05:19 Why Capacity Matters10:55 Overcoming Outsourcing Fears13:55 Delegate and Elevate Framework20:43 Building Remote Culture24:36 AI and Remote Staffing Future27:57 Risks HIPAA and Turnover32:13 Where to Learn More Episode Credits:  Hosted by Jill AllenProduced by Jordann KillionAudio Engineering by Garrett LuceroAre you ready to start a practice of your own? Do you need a fresh set of eyes or some advice in your existing practice?Reach out to me- www.practiceresults.com.    If you like what we are doing here on Hey Docs! and want to hear more of this awesome content, give us a 5-star Rating on your preferred listening platform and subscribe to our show so you never miss an episode.    New episodes drop every Thursday!   

"Listening is not just being silent." Connect With Our SponsorsSolventum - https://go.solventum.com/clarityGreyFinch - https://greyfinch.com/jillallen/A-Dec - https://www.a-dec.com/orthodonticsSmileSuite - https://getsmilesuite.com/ Summary On this episode of Hey Docs! Podcast, Jill sits down with Daniel “Danny” Bobrow, CEO of AIM Dental Marketing, about why persuasive communication is often misunderstood in dentistry and orthodontics and how teams can improve case acceptance and trust without feeling salesy. Danny shares how his work evolved from dental marketing into training practices on communication, including his Art of First Impressions and the Persuasion Blueprint, built around three sequential steps: caring, connection, and collaboration. He explains concepts like the “care gap,” the illusion of transparency, and why patients decide emotionally then justify logically, offering examples for handling cost questions, improving first-call conversions, and using scripts that convey empathy while guiding calls. They discuss the need for leadership commitment, consistent practice through role play, better listening, and collaboration techniques that build patient ownership and compliance. Connect With Our Guest Danny Bobrow - https://www.dannybobrow.com/AIM Dental Marketing - https://americandentalmarketing.com/ Takeaways Danny's journey into healthcare marketing began due to family influence.Many doctors lack training in practice management and marketing.Persuasion in healthcare should align with patient care.Emotional communication is key to patient engagement.Building trust is essential for successful patient relationships.Doctors often resist learning about persuasive skills.Commitment from practice owners is crucial for team success.Role-playing can help develop communication skills.Caring must be communicated effectively to bridge the care gap. Commitment and consistency are crucial for team training.Listening involves more than just being silent; it's about engagement.Attuning to your audience enhances persuasive communication.Collaboration empowers patients and fosters ownership in their care.Expert override can hinder effective communication with patients.Good communication transforms transactional interactions into meaningful relationships.Taking time with patients pays dividends in practice success.Chapters 00:00 Introduction06:16 Why Doctors Resist Persuasion08:12 Persuasion Without Being Sales-y11:08 Caring Connection Collaboration17:53 Phone Call First Impressions21:49 Role Play and Team Buy In25:56 Why Change Feels Hard29:58 Attune To Your Audience31:30 Coaching Modules And Practice33:34 TAFI Call Control Script36:06 Collaboration And Ownership41:13 Expert Override Pitfalls42:44 Slow Down And Be Present44:01 Where To Learn More Episode Credits:  Hosted by Jill AllenProduced by Jordann KillionAudio Engineering by Garrett LuceroAre you ready to start a practice of your own? Do you need a fresh set of eyes or some advice in your existing practice?Reach out to me- www.practiceresults.com.    If you like what we are doing here on Hey Docs! and want to hear more of this awesome content, give us a 5-star Rating on your preferred listening platform and subscribe to our show so you never miss an episode.    New episodes drop every Thursday!   

Join Elevated GP: www.theelevatedgp.com Follow @dental_digest_podcast Instagram Follow @dr.melissa_seibert on Instagram Connect with Melissa on Linkedin   Dr. Vince Kokich Jr. is a highly esteemed orthodontist, educator, and thought leader in the field of orthodontics and interdisciplinary dentistry. Following in the footsteps of his father, Dr. Vince Kokich Sr., a globally recognized pioneer in orthodontics, Dr. Kokich Jr. has built his own legacy by advancing innovative approaches to patient care, education, and the integration of specialties within dentistry. Educational Background Dr. Kokich Jr. earned his Doctor of Dental Surgery (DDS) degree with high honors from the University of Washington School of Dentistry, a program known for its rigorous clinical training and commitment to evidence-based care. He went on to complete his orthodontic residency at the same institution, where he honed his skills in diagnosing and treating complex malocclusions, facial growth discrepancies, and interdisciplinary cases. Throughout his education, Dr. Kokich was recognized for his academic excellence and dedication to improving patient outcomes. His passion for teaching began early in his career and has remained a cornerstone of his professional life. Professional Career Dr. Kokich Jr. has practiced orthodontics for over two decades, specializing in comprehensive treatment plans that address both functional and esthetic concerns. He is particularly renowned for his expertise in: Interdisciplinary Treatment: Collaborating with restorative dentists, periodontists, and oral surgeons to achieve optimal outcomes for complex cases. Aesthetic Orthodontics: Enhancing smiles through precision orthodontic treatment tailored to each patient's unique facial structure and goals. Education and Mentorship: Sharing his knowledge and clinical experience with the next generation of orthodontists. As an orthodontist, Dr. Kokich is committed to providing patient-centered care. His approach focuses on creating harmonious outcomes that not only align teeth but also improve facial aesthetics and long-term dental health. Educator and Speaker Dr. Kokich Jr. is a sought-after speaker at national and international dental conferences, where he shares his expertise on topics such as: Advanced interdisciplinary treatment planning. Managing complex dental esthetic cases. Incorporating emerging technologies into orthodontic practice. He has been invited to lecture for prestigious organizations and institutions, including the American Association of Orthodontists, the American Academy of Esthetic Dentistry, and various study clubs and universities worldwide. His dynamic and engaging teaching style makes him a favorite among both clinicians and students. Innovator and Founder Dr. Kokich Jr. is the creator of Kokich Education, an educational platform dedicated to elevating the knowledge and skills of dental professionals. Kokich Education offers a range of resources, from webinars and case studies to in-depth courses, empowering clinicians to tackle even the most challenging cases with confidence. The platform reflects Dr. Kokich's philosophy of interdisciplinary collaboration and lifelong learning. To learn more about Kokich Education, visit kokicheducation.com. Publications and Research Dr. Kokich Jr. has contributed to several peer-reviewed articles and textbook chapters that focus on the integration of orthodontics with other dental specialties. His work has been instrumental in advancing the understanding of how orthodontics can complement restorative and prosthetic dentistry to achieve superior outcomes. Professional Affiliations Dr. Kokich Jr. is an active member of several professional organizations, including: The American Association of Orthodontists (AAO). The American Dental Association (ADA). The Pacific Coast Society of Orthodontists (PCSO). Legacy and Vision Dr. Vince Kokich Jr. continues to honor the legacy of his father while forging his own path in orthodontics. His dedication to innovation, education, and patient care has made him a leader in the field. Through his practice, lectures, and Kokich Education, Dr. Kokich inspires clinicians worldwide to achieve excellence in their work and deliver transformative care to their patients.

Hey there Voices of the Bench community, this is Trish Jones with Ivoclar. If you've been curious about fast-firing zirconia to improve efficiency but aren't convinced it can deliver predictable, high-quality results, I'd encourage you to connect with us. Our new IPS Emax Zirconia offers multiple fast-fire protocols designed to help save you valuable production time while maintaining consistent results. Time is money in every lab. Don't wait. Reach out to your local Ivoclar rep today and discover how IPS Emax Zirconia can help streamline your workflow. As full-arch dentistry continues to grow, so do the demands on today's dental laboratories. That's why Knight Dental recently launched SimplyARCH Studio, a dedicated production environment built exclusively for full-arch restorations. To support this specialized workflow, Knight invested in an XTCERA milling system and carefully evaluated multiple CAM software solutions before choosing hyperDENT. The decision came down to exceptional milling quality, minimal hand finishing, and impressive production efficiency. But what truly set hyperDENT apart was the implementation process. From the very beginning, the team provided more than software training—they shared the knowledge and experience needed to build an optimized workflow for complex full-arch cases. With proven expertise in advanced milling strategies and laboratory production, hyperDENT helped ensure SimplyARCH Studio was designed for long-term success from day one.Matt Everatt joins Elvis and Barb for a fascinating conversation that takes a deep dive into his journey through the dental laboratory industry and the story behind his book, The Invisible Profession. From discovering dental technology at 16 and specializing in maxillofacial prosthetics and orthodontics to working in hospitals, developing early sleep-apnea appliances, and nearly leaving the profession altogether, Matt's career has taken some seriously interesting turns. Eventually, he helped co-found S4S, building a successful business around sleep-apnea appliances, occlusal splints, orthodontics, and more before eventually stepping away from ownership. From polishing hearing-aid earpieces to becoming the first female clinical dental technician to qualify in the UK, Caroline Kirkpatrick has taken a pretty incredible—and definitely unconventional—path through dental technology. Caroline joins Barb and Elvis to talk about how a broken denture repair sign outside a dental laboratory sparked her interest in the industry, her early years learning crown and bridge, orthodontics, and working in a dental hospital, and how her curiosity pushed her to learn every side of the profession. Eventually, that curiosity led Caroline to become one of the first four technicians accepted into the UK's pioneering clinical dental technology program in 2010. But Caroline's story doesn't stop at the bench. She built her own laboratory, taught dental technology, treated patients clinically, raised a family, and continued pushing herself into digital dentistry. She shares how she experimented with early digital workflows, 3D printing, digital dentures, and eventually exocad—and why she believes the best digital workflow isn't necessarily the fanciest one, but the one that actually works in the real world. Caroline also talks about working with her sister and daughter in the family lab, the importance of exposing young technicians to different laboratories and workflows, and why sharing the mistakes you've made can sometimes be one of the best ways to help someone else learn. From Scotland to the world of digital dentures, this is a great conversation about curiosity, adaptability, education, and never being afraid to learn something new. You know what's expensive in a dental lab? Most people would say the mill, but the real cost is downtime. When production stops, everything backs up—cases get delayed, technicians get frustrated, and customers start asking questions. That's why reliable equipment matters. Roland DGA's DGSHAPE DWX milling solutions are built for dependable production, helping labs stay on schedule and keep work moving day after day. Less downtime means fewer surprises and more time doing what your lab does best. And when your equipment is reliable, your customers notice the difference. Reliability isn't just a feature—it's the foundation of a successful lab. Visit rolanddental.com to learn more about Roland's DGSHAPE DWX milling solutions.Special Guest: Caroline Kirkpatrick.

“It just comes down to trusting each other.” Connect With Our SponsorsSolventum - https://go.solventum.com/clarityGreyFinch - https://greyfinch.com/jillallen/A-Dec - https://www.a-dec.com/orthodonticsSmileSuite - https://getsmilesuite.com/ Summary On this episode of the Hey Docs! Podcast, Jill sits down Drs. Tanner and Sarah Clark of Clark Orthodontics about building two practices as a husband-wife team. They share their path from dental school and military service in Germany to orthodontic residencies, a failed practice purchase in Wisconsin, and launching a North Liberty, Iowa startup in 2012 as well as later acquiring a Muscatine practice in 2014. They discuss working together through trust, dividing roles, staggering schedules, and keeping consistent systems across locations and treatment philosophies to support the team. Tanner and Sarah reflect on their hard seasons, including startup stress, modernizing an acquired paper-chart practice, COVID-era turnover, and learning to let employees go when needed. They advise delegating, involving team members in decisions, and not sacrificing family and health, and note a trend toward fully digital workflows and AI. Connect With Our Guest Clark Orthodontics - https://www.stclarkortho.com/sarah@stclarkortho.com tanner@stclarkortho.com Takeaways Complete trust in each other's decisions is the biggest advantage of a husband-wife partnership.Splitting roles (clinical vs. admin) and working different days avoids confusion and conflict.There's no straight line to success.Making slow changes in acquisitions rather than overhauling everything at once helps prevent team burnout and confusion.Using the same systems across locations make multi-location practices seamless for doctors and staff.Letting people go can be hard, but keeping the wrong person too long drags down the whole team.Get the right people on the bus, then in the right seat.Involving your team in decisions helps build ownership and trust.Don't sacrifice what matters most: family, health and work-life balance are essential in the hard seasons.Chapters 00:00 Introduction04:33 Military to Ortho Path06:53 Startup and Second Office09:51 Partners at Work13:37 Divide and Conquer16:01 Standardizing Two Locations23:29 Hard Seasons and Obstacles26:47 Systematic Practice Upgrades28:38 Post Covid Team Turnover31:15 The Shock of Firing33:50 Team Seasons and Fit36:13 Right People Right Seats38:16 Advice for New Owners44:30 Contact Info Episode Credits:  Hosted by Jill AllenProduced by Jordann KillionAudio Engineering by Garrett LuceroAre you ready to start a practice of your own? Do you need a fresh set of eyes or some advice in your existing practice?Reach out to me- www.practiceresults.com.    If you like what we are doing here on Hey Docs! and want to hear more of this awesome content, give us a 5-star Rating on your preferred listening platform and subscribe to our show so you never miss an episode.    New episodes drop every Thursday!   

From the archive: This episode was originally recorded and published in 2022. Our interviews on Entrepreneurs On Fire are meant to be evergreen, and we do our best to confirm that all offers and URL's in these archive episodes are still relevant. Khamzat is the founder and CEO of SoftSmile. Top 3 Value Bombs 1. No one becomes successful alone. 2. Start by finding a problem to solve, customers will come if you solve it better than others. 3. Don't give up, obstacles and opportunities will come, and people will help you along the way. Software you can smile about - SoftSmile Website Sponsors HighLevel - The ultimate all-in-one platform for entrepreneurs, marketers, coaches, and agencies. Learn more at HighLevelFire.com. Nexus Install - Have a high-ticket offer? Nexus Install builds you a custom LinkedIn prospect booking system designed to generate more quality sales calls. Email JLD at John@EOFire.com to learn more.

Why do some orthodontic practices continue to grow while others plateau?In this episode of The Golden Age of Orthodontics, Dr. Leon Klempner and Amy Epstein welcome back orthodontic consultant Jill Allen, founder of Jill Allen & Associates, for a practical conversation about what separates growing practices from those struggling to gain momentum.Jill breaks down the four key sources of practice growth: dental referrals, community relationships, online visibility, and internal patient referrals, and explains how the balance between them changes as a practice matures. The discussion also explores why data, office culture, patient experience, and consistent communication all play a role in generating more starts.They also dig into one of the most common mistakes practices make: investing more money in marketing before fixing the systems responsible for converting inquiries into consultations and consultations into starts. From unanswered leads to weak follow-up and overlooked observation patients, small breakdowns inside the practice can quietly limit growth even when marketing is working.Whether you are building a startup, managing an established orthodontic practice, or trying to break through a plateau, this episode offers a clear framework for identifying where growth is coming from and where opportunities may be slipping away.Key takeawaysThe four primary sources of orthodontic practice growth and how their importance changes as a practice maturesWhy data, patient experience, and office culture are critical to generating referrals and converting more startsHow stronger relationships with referring dentists and patients can create more sustainable growthWhy practices should fix conversion and follow-up “leaks” before increasing their marketing spend

“It's not always about how are we going to do it, but who.” Connect With Our SponsorsSolventum - https://go.solventum.com/clarityGreyFinch - https://greyfinch.com/jillallen/A-Dec - https://www.a-dec.com/orthodonticsSmileSuite - https://getsmilesuite.com/ Summary In this episode of Hey Docs!, Jill Allen presents on the “Who Not How” mindset, urging orthodontic practice owners and managers to stop centering themselves in goal achievement and instead identify the right “whos” (team members, third-party partners, coaches, and tools) to execute. She critiques arbitrary, repetitive goal-setting without plans or resources, and warns against Superman/Superwoman syndrome driven by ego, control, or reluctance to spend. Jill explains the multiplier effect of working with capable people and outlines a hierarchy of business needs—from solid daily operations and systems, to financial stability, market presence and patient experience, innovation and growth, and ultimately freedom. She highlights practical AI “whos,” demonstrating how ChatGPT can rapidly create social media strategy, messaging, and calendars, and how Canva can produce branded templates, bulk posts, and AI avatar videos for tasks like patient instructions. Connect With Our Guest Jill Allen & Associates - https://www.practiceresults.com/ Takeaways Stop asking how and start asking who. The right people get you to your goals faster than any plan.Every successful person has a coach or a "who" helping them level up.Make sure your goals are achievable and backed by a real plan.Superman/Superwoman syndrome is real. Ego and control can keep you stuck.Delegation isn't a weakness. Trust your team to help you get things done.Building your practice on a solid foundation is essential: daily operations, systems, and the right team members.Give your team members a career path.Your market presence matters. Patients are researching you before they ever walk in the door.ChatGPT can handle social media strategy, SOPs, job ads, blogs, and more in minutes.Canva makes professional, on-brand content creation fast and affordable for any team member.Chapters 00:00 Introduction05:18 Goal Setting Fallacy08:07 Superhero Syndrome Mindset15:44 Multiplier Effect and Picking Whos20:59 Business Needs Pyramid26:49 Whos for Ops Finance and Marketing31:31 Freedom Through Growth34:55 AI as Your Who36:45 ChatGPT for Social Media46:08 Canva Templates and Avatars52:29 Final Takeaways and Next Steps Episode Credits:  Hosted by Jill AllenProduced by Jordann KillionAudio Engineering by Garrett LuceroAre you ready to start a practice of your own? Do you need a fresh set of eyes or some advice in your existing practice?Reach out to me- www.practiceresults.com.    If you like what we are doing here on Hey Docs! and want to hear more of this awesome content, give us a 5-star Rating on your preferred listening platform and subscribe to our show so you never miss an episode.    New episodes drop every Thursday!   

Are you a mom wondering why orthodontic treatment looks so different today than it did when you were a teenager? Are you being told your 7-year-old needs a palate expander and you're not sure why? In this episode, we sit down with Dr. Amanda Wilson, a mom, orthodontist, and dental consultant, to demystify the world of "airway health" and explain why it's the new frontier in children's dentistry.Dr. Wilson, joining us all the way from Hawaii, shares her unique perspective on how orthodontics has evolved from simply straightening teeth to focusing on the overall growth and health of a child's face. We break down the "ABCs" of airway, breathing, and circulation, and discuss why early intervention matters.About Dr. Amanda Wilson:Website: https://www.straightsmilesolutions.com/YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@StraightsmilesolutionsInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/straightsmilesolutions/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/StraightSmileSolutions/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dramandawilsonAbout the Host:Real Life Momz on Instagram:⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/reallifemomz⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Real Life Momz on Facebook:⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ https://www.facebook.com/reallifemomzpodcast⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Follow on YouTube: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://youtube.com/@reallifemomzpodcast4048?si=jj5bQ_Afhyl0ZNi7⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠We're excited to share that Real Life Momz now has an ⁠Amazon storefront⁠! Every product featured here has been carefully selected based on recommendations from our expert podcast guests, focusing on development, self-care, and personal growth. Shop with confidence, knowing that each item comes with a genuine endorsement. It's your time to prioritize yourself. Check out our storefront and discover the perfect products to support your journey! ⁠https://www.amazon.com/shop/reallifemomz

"You have to have a vision, a strategy, and a story." Connect With Our SponsorsSolventum - https://go.solventum.com/clarityGreyFinch - https://greyfinch.com/jillallen/A-Dec - https://www.a-dec.com/orthodonticsSmileSuite - https://getsmilesuite.com/ Summary In this episode of Hey Docs!, host Jill Allen talks with Malcom C. Riley, Director of Orthodontic Clinical Education and Early Career at Align Technology, about the evolving landscape for new orthodontic practice owners. Malcom shares his career path into supporting orthodontists and outlines how rising student debt, increased competition, and today's “Amazon mindset” consumer behavior are changing practice building. They discuss opportunities for startups to differentiate through digital workflows, virtual consults and care, visualization tools like iTero and Outcome Simulator Pro, and social media storytelling, as well as the growing importance of adult orthodontics amid declining birth rates. Malcom explains what makes an aligner-focused model profitable: intentional operations, ongoing education, and community/mentorship. He also highlights Align's new practice owner program, including courses, team training, and marketing support. Connect With Our Guest Align Technology - https://www.aligntech.com/mriley@aligntech.com Takeaways New practice owners face higher costs but also unmatched opportunity to stand out with digital-first workflows.Adults are a huge, underserved growth market for orthodontics.Visualization tools turn treatment into an emotional, easy "yes."Consumers today have an “Amazon mindset” when it comes to choosing a practice.Building a practice that's aligner-focused from day one can improve efficiency and easier than trying to introduce new technology into an established practice.Virtual care builds convenience and loyalty without extra office visits.Orthodontic treatment is shifting from "one and done" to lifelong, repeat relationships with patients.Different generations need different communication styles and approaches.Success comes down to vision, ongoing education, and community/mentorship.Entrepreneurship can feel lonely — leaning on peers and mentors makes a big difference.Align's New Practice Owner Program offers education, marketing, and clinical support to help new doctors grow.Chapters 00:00 Introduction03:40 Career Journey to Align08:07 Align Education Programs10:11 New Owners and Tech Shift11:57 Costs Competition and Digital15:06 Startup Advantage with Digital18:52 Adult Market Opportunity22:22 Communicating Across Generations25:00 Lifelong Ortho Relationships28:32 Aligner Profitability34:03 Community Mentorship Mindset37:44 Digital Workflow Tools41:06 Virtual Care Connectivity44:42 Generational Patient Communication46:44 New Practice Program Pillars52:10 Contact InfoEpisode Credits:  Hosted by Jill AllenProduced by Jordann KillionAudio Engineering by Garrett LuceroAre you ready to start a practice of your own? Do you need a fresh set of eyes or some advice in your existing practice?Reach out to me- www.practiceresults.com.    If you like what we are doing here on Hey Docs! and want to hear more of this awesome content, give us a 5-star Rating on your preferred listening platform and subscribe to our show so you never miss an episode.    New episodes drop every Thursday!   

How To Reduce Aligner Refinements | Orthodontics In Interview | Enzo Pasciuti."If you don't understand fixed appliance mechanics, you won't truly understand aligner mechanics.""Don't judge your aligner cases on the computer. Judge them clinically.""Predictability isn't about using fewer aligners, it's about respecting biomechanics and biology.".Why do some orthodontists achieve consistently lower refinement rates with aligners. Joining me is Enzo Pasciuti, shedding light on key mechanics, planning  philosophies and clinical pearls that have helped him achieve predictability and  reducing refinements, whilst acknowledging challenging aligner mechanics, increasing the number of aligners, and rigidly adhering to biomechanical principles of all tooth movement..We discuss the importance of clinically assessing every refinement, and why orthodontists should never rely solely on virtual treatment planning. Enzo also explains how attachments, passive aligners, staged treatment planning, and Dental Monitoring can significantly improve clinical outcomes..We also explore instability with aligners, a frequently overlooked outcome when unplanned, common mistakes clinicians make with aligners, and why every orthodontist should first master fixed appliance mechanics before expecting excellence with clear aligners..

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.

“The real ROI is what you do with the time back.”Connect With Our SponsorsSolventum - https://go.solventum.com/clarityGreyFinch - https://greyfinch.com/jillallen/A-Dec - https://www.a-dec.com/orthodonticsSmileSuite - https://getsmilesuite.com/ Summary In this episode of Hey Docs!, Jill talks with Matt Miller from DentalMonitoring about how AI-powered remote monitoring is reshaping orthodontic patient communication, workflow, and scalability for both startups and established practices. Matt shares his 11-year orthodontic industry background and explains how DentalMonitoring improves the patient experience by increasing weekly communication while reducing unnecessary in-office “check” visits, giving time back to patients, teams, and doctors. They discuss why implementing remote monitoring early can help startups build better systems, reduce space and staffing needs, and maintain lower overhead while growing revenue. For established practices, they address common fears around adopting new technology, emphasizing phased rollout, actionable AI-driven alerts, and reallocating recovered chair time toward clinically necessary visits and practice growth. Matt highlights DentalMonitoring's AI capabilities, FDA validation, Smart STL, and future workflow-streamlining possibilities. Connect With Our Guest DentalMonitoring - https://dentalmonitoring.com/ Takeaways Remote monitoring boosts engagement with more frequent check-ins and fewer in-office visits.Practices are shrinking space while increasing revenue with the same staff/chairs.Remote monitoring frees up chair time for other tasks like marketing and new patients.Startups should adopt remote monitoring from day one.Established practices should expect ~3-6 months of transition when adopting remote monitoring.DentalMonitoring's AI handles diagnostics, letting practices still control patient messaging.AI won't replace orthodontists, but those who use well will outcompete those who don't.Reallocating chair time reduces after-hours “homework” and improves work-life balance.AI-driven workflow will continue to expand.Chapters 00:00 Introduction04:35 Why Remote Monitoring Matters11:01 Building Startups with DM14:11 Scaling Lean Practices17:24 Time Back and Burnout19:40 Adopting Tech in Big Practices21:37 Reallocating Time and ROI23:09 Virtual Patient Touchpoints27:15 AI Myths And Reality31:34 Lifestyle And Future Teams33:15 AI Predictions Ahead36:03 How To Contact Matt & DentalMonitoring Episode Credits:  Hosted by Jill AllenProduced by Jordann KillionAudio Engineering by Garrett LuceroAre you ready to start a practice of your own? Do you need a fresh set of eyes or some advice in your existing practice?Reach out to me- www.practiceresults.com.    If you like what we are doing here on Hey Docs! and want to hear more of this awesome content, give us a 5-star Rating on your preferred listening platform and subscribe to our show so you never miss an episode.    New episodes drop every Thursday!   

In this episode of The Golden Age of Orthodontics, Dr. Leon Klempner and Amy Epstein sit down with board-certified orthodontist, inventor and entrepreneur Dr. Marc Lemchen to explore how robotics can improve efficiency, support orthodontic teams and create a more memorable patient experience. Drawing on more than five decades in orthodontics, Dr. Lemchen shares the thinking behind innovations such as Dolphin Imaging, EasyRx and Zeno Robotics, along with the lessons he has learned about introducing new technology into a practice.The conversation also examines the role robotics can play in addressing staffing challenges, reducing repetitive work and giving team members more time to focus on patients. Dr. Lemchen discusses Zeno Steril, the robotic sterilization system recognized with the 2026 AAO Ortho Innovator Award, and explains why the most valuable technology is not simply impressive to look at, but meaningfully improves consistency, workflow and the overall patient experience.Five takeawaysTechnology can help an orthodontic practice stand out by giving patients a memorable experience they are more likely to discuss and share.Robotics can reduce the time team members spend walking, retrieving items and completing repetitive tasks, allowing them to stay focused on patient care.Automated sterilization may improve workflow consistency, documentation and reliability while reducing dependence on manual processes.Practices are more likely to see meaningful efficiency gains when they fully adopt a technology rather than using it selectively.The strongest return on technology comes from combining measurable workflow improvements with a better, more personal patient experience.Supercharge your orthodontic marketing: www.pplpractice.com

Hey there Voices of the Bench community, this is Trish Jones with Ivoclar. If you've been curious about fast-firing zirconia to improve efficiency but aren't convinced it can deliver predictable, high-quality results, I'd encourage you to connect with us. Our new IPS Emax Zirconia offers multiple fast-fire protocols designed to help save you valuable production time while maintaining consistent results. Time is money in every lab. Don't wait. Reach out to your local Ivoclar rep today and discover how IPS Emax Zirconia can help streamline your workflow. As full-arch dentistry continues to grow, so do the demands on today's dental laboratories. That's why Knight Dental recently launched SimplyARCH Studio, a dedicated production environment built exclusively for full-arch restorations. To support this specialized workflow, Knight invested in an XTCERA milling system and carefully evaluated multiple CAM software solutions before choosing hyperDENT. The decision came down to exceptional milling quality, minimal hand finishing, and impressive production efficiency. But what truly set hyperDENT apart was the implementation process. From the very beginning, the team provided more than software training—they shared the knowledge and experience needed to build an optimized workflow for complex full-arch cases. With proven expertise in advanced milling strategies and laboratory production, hyperDENT helped ensure SimplyARCH Studio was designed for long-term success from day one.Matt Everatt joins Elvis and Barb for a fascinating conversation that takes a deep dive into his journey through the dental laboratory industry and the story behind his book, The Invisible Profession. From discovering dental technology at 16 and specializing in maxillofacial prosthetics and orthodontics to working in hospitals, developing early sleep-apnea appliances, and nearly leaving the profession altogether, Matt's career has taken some seriously interesting turns. Eventually, he helped co-found S4S, building a successful business around sleep-apnea appliances, occlusal splints, orthodontics, and more before eventually stepping away from ownership. Matt Everatt joins Elvis and Barb for a fascinating conversation that takes a deep dive into his journey through the dental laboratory industry and the story behind his book, The Invisible Profession. From discovering dental technology at 16 and specializing in maxillofacial prosthetics and orthodontics to working in hospitals, developing early sleep-apnea appliances, and nearly leaving the profession altogether, Matt's career has taken some seriously interesting turns. Eventually, he helped co-found S4S, building a successful business around sleep-apnea appliances, occlusal splints, orthodontics, and more before eventually stepping away from ownership. But this conversation goes far beyond Matt's career. His book, The Invisible Profession, explores how the dental laboratory industry arrived at a place where technicians and laboratories are often undervalued, pushed into price competition, and expected to simply keep their heads down and produce. Matt shares his thoughts on the "million little things" that shaped the industry, the danger of becoming a "busy fool," and why laboratories need to stop competing solely on price and start becoming known for the value, expertise, and partnership they bring to the dental team. Elvis, Barb, and Matt also talk about the changing landscape of digital dentistry, AI, 3D printing, speed, service, and why the labs that embrace change and remain agile will be the ones positioned for the future. It's an honest, thought-provoking, and ultimately optimistic conversation about where the dental laboratory profession has been, where it is today, and where it can go next.Special Guest: Matt Everatt.

“Money alone doesn't work.” Connect With Our SponsorsSolventum - https://go.solventum.com/clarityGreyFinch - https://greyfinch.com/jillallen/A-Dec - https://www.a-dec.com/orthodonticsSmileSuite - https://getsmilesuite.com/ Summary In this episode of Hey Docs!, Jill Allen does something a little different and challenges orthodontists and office managers to consider whether their practices are building careers or just providing jobs, noting widespread retention issues and shifting employee expectations across multiple generations. She explains why salary and annual raises alone no longer drive commitment and outlines the need to balance hard motivators like clear, consistent pay structures with soft motivators like recognition, purpose, autonomy, and development. Jill emphasizes creating career ladders for every core role, linking advancement to skills rather than tenure, and proactively having career conversations to help team members visualize a future in orthodontics. She also stresses that culture and psychological safety are critical to performance and retention, citing Google's Project Aristotle findings on team effectiveness. Connect With Our Guest Jill Allen & Associates - https://www.practiceresults.com/ Takeaways Money alone doesn't retain employees.Salary and annual raise is an outdated retention model.Growth is the currency of retention.Hard motivators (pay, bonuses) matter, but soft motivators (recognition, autonomy) create emotional buy-in.Pay structures must be consistent and transparent.Bonuses only work fi they're clear and achievable.Building a visible career ladder for every core role is essential. Ask your team members where they want to grow.Not everyone wants to lead, and that's okay.Culture is behavior, not policy. Cultivating a supportive culture is essential.Psychological safety drive performance.Chapters 00:00 Introduction02:37 Why Teams Leave07:08 What Employees Want Now12:35 Money Alone Fails15:21 Hard Motivators20:20 Soft Motivators24:59 Build Career Paths31:22 Career Ladders and Pay Levels42:02 Culture and Psychological Safety48:21 Action Steps and Wrap Up Episode Credits:  Hosted by Jill AllenProduced by Jordann KillionAudio Engineering by Garrett LuceroAre you ready to start a practice of your own? Do you need a fresh set of eyes or some advice in your existing practice?Reach out to me- www.practiceresults.com.    If you like what we are doing here on Hey Docs! and want to hear more of this awesome content, give us a 5-star Rating on your preferred listening platform and subscribe to our show so you never miss an episode.    New episodes drop every Thursday!   

Effective orthodontic collaboration depends on giving specialists a precise restorative endpoint before treatment begins. In this episode, Kirk Behrendt speaks with Dr. Bill Robbins, a general dentist, educator, and co-author of Global Diagnosis, about why conventional orthodontic referrals often produce teeth that are improved but not positioned correctly for definitive restorative treatment. You will learn how pre-orthodontic and intermediate bonding create a three-dimensional blueprint, why the restorative dentist must be involved before appliances are placed, and how composite and printed restorations can make interdisciplinary treatment more efficient. To improve communication with your orthodontic team, listen to Episode 1076 of The Best Practices Show!Main Takeaways:Traditional two-dimensional orthodontic prescriptions do not provide a precise restorative endpoint.Pre-orthodontic bonding makes worn teeth anatomically correct before the orthodontist moves them into position.Intermediate bonding may be necessary when a patient is already in appliances or when early bonding would create an unaesthetic appearance.The practitioner completing the final restorative treatment should be involved in treatment planning before orthodontic appliances are placed.Anatomically correct teeth improve communication with orthodontists, periodontists, and oral surgeons.General dentists who want to provide higher-level restorative dentistry need strong composite skills.Printed restorations may make pre-orthodontic bonding more efficient than direct composite placement.Episode Chapters:00:00 Intro01:05 Dr. Bill Robbins introduces the evolution of interdisciplinary communication.03:00 Why communication with orthodontists is more complex than communication with periodontists.04:06 The limitations of two-dimensional orthodontic prescriptions.05:53 How pre-orthodontic bonding creates an anatomical blueprint.07:40 Using three-dimensional communication to simplify orthodontic treatment.09:16 When intermediate orthodontic bonding is necessary.11:31 How anatomical correction affects implant placement and crown lengthening.13:26 What general dentists commonly get wrong when referring adult orthodontic cases.14:33 Why composite is an essential skill for restorative dentists.17:54 Digital wax-ups and printed pre-orthodontic restorations.19:21 The future of pre-orthodontic bonding.20:00 Dr. Robbins previews his presentation at The Exchange.20:24 The second edition of Global Diagnosis and its expanded airway component.22:00 How to access Dr. Robbins's pre-orthodontic bonding article.25:15 Final Thanks and Wrap UpGuest Bio:Dr Bill Robbins is an acclaimed educator and author with decades of experience in restorative and interdisciplinary dentistry. His book Global Diagnosis: A New Vision of Dental Diagnosis and Treatment Planning has become a cornerstone reference for clinicians worldwide.J. William Robbins, D.D.S., M.A., maintains a private practice and is Adjunct Clinical Professor in the Department of Comprehensive Dentistry at the U. T. Health San Antonio Dental School. Dr. Robbins has published over 80 articles, abstracts, and chapters on a wide range of dental subjects and has lectured in the United States, Canada, Mexico, South America, Europe, Middle East, China, and Africa.Resources mentioned in the episode:Dr. Bill Robbins's website: https://www.robbinsdds.com/Pre-Orthodontic Bonding article: https://www.robbinsdds.com/#articlesGlobal Diagnosis: https://www.quintessence-publishing.com/usa/en/product/global-diagnosisThe Exchange: https://smilesource.com/exchangeMore Helpful Links for a Better Practice & a Better Life:The Best Practices Show: https://www.actdental.com/podcast/Smile Source Community Hub: https://www.actdental.com/community-hubUpcoming Events & Workshops: https://www.actdental.com/events/Smile Source: https://www.smilesource.com/Subscribe on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.comSubscribe on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com

Guest: Jason Bourne DDS MS https://www.bourneorthodontics.com/   Host: Serv Wahan MD DMD https://www.drwahan.com/    content  type Interview  primary  goal Educational  summary In this engaging interview, Dr. Serv Wahan MD, DMD, chats with orthodontist Dr. Jason Bourne about orthodontics, sleep medicine, impacted teeth, and the latest in dental technology. Discover expert insights, practical tips, and the evolving landscape of orthodontic care.  keywords orthodontics, sleep apnea, impacted teeth, cone beam CT, adult orthodontics, wisdom teeth, clear aligners, dental technology, oral surgery, treatment timing, Jason Bourne orthodontist, Bourne orthodontics  key  topics Sleep apnea treatment with orthodontics Impacted teeth management and timing Age considerations in orthodontics Advances in dental imaging technology Challenges in impacted molar and canine cases Titles The Truth About Sleep Apnea and Orthodontics Impacted Teeth: When to Act and When to Wait  sound bites "Impacted canines are best treated early" "Teeth shift just like everything else with age" "Orthodontists should refer wisdom teeth early" Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Dr. Jason Bourne 02:03 Journey into Orthodontics 04:01 The Role of Orthodontics in Sleep Medicine 10:09 Challenges of Treating Adults vs. Children 16:09 Managing Impacted Canines 20:37 Understanding Tooth Impaction in Adults vs. Children 23:06 Challenges of Tooth Extraction and Bone Healing 25:38 The Importance of Timing in Orthodontic Treatment 28:00 Brackets Placement and Its Impact on Treatment 29:57 The Role of Technology in Orthodontics 31:59 Navigating Complex Cases: Second Molars and Wisdom Teeth 34:58 The Impact of General Dentists on Orthodontic Outcomes 37:48 Innovative Techniques in Treating Impacted Canines 41:44 Navigating Pediatric Oral Surgery 46:13 Challenges in Orthodontics 51:44 Understanding Wisdom Teeth and Their Impact 56:33 Collaboration Between Orthodontists and Oral Surgeons    

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.

"You can never have enough cash.” Connect With Our SponsorsSolventum - https://go.solventum.com/clarityGreyFinch - https://greyfinch.com/jillallen/A-Dec - https://www.a-dec.com/orthodonticsSmileSuite - https://getsmilesuite.com/ Summary In this episode of Hey Docs!, Jill chats with Chandler Wrightenberry from Live Oak Bank to discuss the intricacies of healthcare lending, particularly focusing on practice purchases and real estate investments. Chandler shares insights from his extensive experience at Live Oak Bank, emphasizing the importance of understanding costs, building a supportive team, and maintaining transparency in banking conversations. They explore the current market conditions, project timelines, and the significance of long-term investments in healthcare real estate. Jill and Chandler also touch on the complexities of construction timelines, the importance of zoning, and the necessity of having the right team when expanding an orthodontic practice. They emphasize the need for realistic expectations regarding project durations and financial preparedness, including cash management strategies. Connect With Our Guest Live Oak Bank - https://www.liveoak.bank/Chandler's Phone Number: (828) 337-1374 Takeaways Chandler Wrightenberry has over 12 years of experience in healthcare lending.Live Oak Bank is the largest SBA lender in the country by volume.Building a supportive team is crucial for successful real estate projects.Transparency in financial discussions leads to better outcomes.Interest rates are currently stable and reasonable for borrowing.It's important to have early conversations with lenders about financing.Investing in real estate is a long-term commitment that can yield significant returns.Doctors often experience growth after relocating to new facilities. You should have an expectation of working with a city to get everything finalized in about six months.Ground-up construction typically takes nine to twelve months for planning and an additional 18 to 24 months for completion.Zoning issues can significantly delay project timelines, so it's crucial to ensure proper zoning before purchasing a property.Having a specialized commercial real estate agent is essential for navigating zoning and permits.Expect projects to take longer and be more expensive than initially anticipated.Financial preparedness is key; saving cash and having a safety net is crucial for large projects.A good rule of thumb is to have at least 10% of the project cost in cash reserves.Investing in liquid assets can provide quick access to cash when needed for projects.Chapters 00:00 Introduction04:35 Market Reality Check07:16 Costs and Rates Today11:25 Build Your Project Team15:04 Be Candid With Lenders19:21 Realistic Project Timelines22:23 Remodel vs Ground Up Schedule23:29 Zoning Pitfalls and Team26:08 Lease Timing and Overlap28:03 Cash Reserves and Liquidity32:00 How to Contact Chandler Episode Credits:  Hosted by Jill AllenProduced by Jordann KillionAudio Engineering by Garrett LuceroAre you ready to start a practice of your own? Do you need a fresh set of eyes or some advice in your existing practice?Reach out to me- www.practiceresults.com.    If you like what we are doing here on Hey Docs! and want to hear more of this awesome content, give us a 5-star Rating on your preferred listening platform and subscribe to our show so you never miss an episode.    New episodes drop every Thursday!   

General Dentists & Orthodontics: Where Is The Line? | Orthodontics In Interview | Tif Qureshi"Without orthodontics, dentists are working in a compromised environment."."Minor objective orthodontics can be valuable, but the key is knowing what you should and should not treat."."A two-day course is only an introduction. The real learning comes through mentoring, case assessment, and guided experience."."Remote treatment planning is very different from mentoring.” .The  general dentists performing orthodontics remains a  debated topic in modern dentistry. Should general dentists provide orthodontic treatment? What level of orthodontics is appropriate? How can general dentists achieve safe and predictable outcomes for their patients?.Joining me is Tif Qureshi, international speaker and educator  a general dentist and founder  of the Intelligent Alignment Systems Academy (IAS) , and advocate of general dentists performing orthodontics and minimally invasive dentistry  We have an in-depth discussion on orthodontic education of general dentists, why general dentists can have greater litigation rates than specialists, the quality of orthodontic planning and  treatment, and the issue with education for general dentists in orthodontics..We explore minimally invasive restorative dentistry and Tif explains the merits of orthodontics from the restorative lens. .We also discuss  the limitations of short orthodontic courses, as well as  anterior guidance, envelope of function, and tooth movement over time, and how dentists can offer something specialists can't, longer term monitoring and patient education..

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)*

In this episode of Ortho Marketing Podcast, host Dean Steinman is joined by Dr. Adam Goodman, a legend in the orthodontic world practicing in New York City. Together they dive into the truth about orthodontic pricing: why fees in orthodontics have stayed flat while every other industry raises prices, the problem with the old-school "one fee fits all" mentality, and why individualizing fees based on case complexity is fairer to patients and better for your practice. Dr. Goodman also shares how he handles price objections without discounting, why lowering your fee can actually destroy patient trust, and his refreshingly honest take on retainers, relapse, and retreatment: orthodontics is a treatment, not a cure, and retention is about maintenance, not perfection.What You'll Learn:Why orthodontic pricing has stagnated for decades and the flaw in the "easy cases make up for the hard cases" one-fee mentalityHow to individualize your fees based on case complexity — charging appropriately for a complex impacted canine case versus a minor aligner caseHow to position a new practice: why going highest or lowest gives you a fee identity, and why a high fee only works if you can prove the value behind itHow to handle the "the doctor down the street is cheaper" objection — what's really hiding in the fine print (refinements, retainers, what's included), why holding firm on your fee builds trust while discounting erodes it, and how a pay-as-you-go model protects you on lower-fee minor casesWhy teeth shift without retainers, how to handle relapse and retreatment conversations, and why retention is about maintenance, not perfectionWhy aligners are the "tortoise that beats the hare" — how a well-programmed plan outpaces the human factor of braces, and why embracing change (longer appointment intervals, automatic payments) keeps your practice aheadAbout Adam Goodman D.M.D.Dr. Adam Goodman has been practicing orthodontics in both Riverdale and Midtown Manhattan since 1994. He attended the Bronx High School of Science and earned his B.A. from SUNY Albany, followed by his dental degree from the University of Pennsylvania and a postgraduate orthodontic certificate from Montefiore Medical Center. Dr. Goodman is known for his fully digital orthodontic practice and is widely recognized for his expertise with Invisalign. Since 2004, he has served as a speaker and mentor for Align Technology, training and certifying nearly 1,000 dentists and orthodontists. He has lectured at the American Association of Orthodontists, the Invisalign Summit, and multiple Greater New York Dental Meetings.Ready to price your treatment with confidence? Connect with Dr. Adam Goodman of Goodman Orthodontics: https://goodortho.com/Be our next guest or elevate your practice: https://orthomarketing.com/contact-us/

In this episode of Ortho Marketing Podcast, host Dean Steinman is joined by Dr. Adam Goodman, a legend in the orthodontic world practicing in New York City. Together they dive into the truth about orthodontic pricing: why fees in orthodontics have stayed flat while every other industry raises prices, the problem with the old-school "one fee fits all" mentality, and why individualizing fees based on case complexity is fairer to patients and better for your practice. Dr. Goodman also shares how he handles price objections without discounting, why lowering your fee can actually destroy patient trust, and his refreshingly honest take on retainers, relapse, and retreatment: orthodontics is a treatment, not a cure, and retention is about maintenance, not perfection.What You'll Learn:Why orthodontic pricing has stagnated for decades and the flaw in the "easy cases make up for the hard cases" one-fee mentalityHow to individualize your fees based on case complexity — charging appropriately for a complex impacted canine case versus a minor aligner caseHow to position a new practice: why going highest or lowest gives you a fee identity, and why a high fee only works if you can prove the value behind itHow to handle the "the doctor down the street is cheaper" objection — what's really hiding in the fine print (refinements, retainers, what's included), why holding firm on your fee builds trust while discounting erodes it, and how a pay-as-you-go model protects you on lower-fee minor casesWhy teeth shift without retainers, how to handle relapse and retreatment conversations, and why retention is about maintenance, not perfectionWhy aligners are the "tortoise that beats the hare" — how a well-programmed plan outpaces the human factor of braces, and why embracing change (longer appointment intervals, automatic payments) keeps your practice aheadAbout Adam Goodman D.M.D.Dr. Adam Goodman has been practicing orthodontics in both Riverdale and Midtown Manhattan since 1994. He attended the Bronx High School of Science and earned his B.A. from SUNY Albany, followed by his dental degree from the University of Pennsylvania and a postgraduate orthodontic certificate from Montefiore Medical Center. Dr. Goodman is known for his fully digital orthodontic practice and is widely recognized for his expertise with Invisalign. Since 2004, he has served as a speaker and mentor for Align Technology, training and certifying nearly 1,000 dentists and orthodontists. He has lectured at the American Association of Orthodontists, the Invisalign Summit, and multiple Greater New York Dental Meetings.Ready to price your treatment with confidence? Connect with Dr. Adam Goodman of Goodman Orthodontics: https://goodortho.com/Be our next guest or elevate your practice: https://orthomarketing.com/contact-us/

A-Dec Specialty Chair**: https://bit.ly/4eZbT4ZDr. Sable has become one of the most recognizable orthodontists on TikTok, but her journey started in a small town in Indiana with a dream of becoming an orthodontist and eventually moving to New York City.In this episode of The Dental Download Podcast, Dr. Haley sits down with Dr. Sable to discuss her path from college volleyball player to orthodontic residency, building a career in New York City, growing a massive social media audience, and navigating student loans, finances, and life after residency.We also dive into:• How Dr. Sable grew her TikTok and social media presence• Finding your first orthodontic job after residency• Working as an orthodontist in New York City• Student loans, financial planning, and paying off dental school debt• Advice for dental students interested in orthodontics• Residency applications and standing out as an applicant• Building confidence during the first five years of practice• The realities of early career dentistry and orthodontics• Why authenticity matters on social mediaWhether you're a pre-dental student, dental student, orthodontic resident, new dentist, or simply curious about the career behind one of dentistry's biggest social media creators, this conversation is packed with practical advice and relatable stories.Follow Dr. Sable:Instagram, TikTok & YouTube: @BracesBySablePodcast TikTok: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.tiktok.com/@dentaldownloadpodcast⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Haley's Instagram: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/dr.haley.dds⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Haley's TikTok: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.tiktok.com/@dr.haley.dds?lang=en⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Subscribe to The Dental Download Podcast for weekly conversations about dentistry, career growth, practice ownership, personal finance, and life as a young dentist.

“We can track everything.” Connect With Our SponsorsSolventum - https://go.solventum.com/clarityGreyFinch - https://greyfinch.com/jillallen/A-Dec - https://www.a-dec.com/orthodonticsSmileSuite - https://getsmilesuite.com/ Summary In this episode of Hey Docs!, Jill sits down with Scott Hansen to discuss his journey in the orthodontic field and the creation of LeadSigma, a company focused on improving patient engagement and practice growth through innovative solutions. The discussion highlights the critical importance of managing new patient calls, leveraging AI technology for better patient interaction, and understanding patient attribution to make informed marketing decisions. The conversation emphasizes the need for collaboration between orthodontic practices and marketing agencies to achieve optimal results. Jill and Scott discuss the integration of marketing and operational systems in healthcare practices, emphasizing the importance of a feedback loop to measure marketing investments. They explore the role of AI in enhancing business efficiency, sharing insights on practical applications and the need for cohesive team collaboration. The discussion highlights the potential of technology to transform practices and improve patient engagement, while also addressing the challenges of implementation and the importance of providing value in networking. Connect With Our Guest LeadSigma - https://www.leadsigma.com/ AI Model Training Spreadsheet: https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1Pb6FFSHbguxIQwCxbC_lSYDUeKYoQhuNi3IU8u-iAjk/edit?usp=sharingTakeaways Scott Hansen went from managing an orthodontic practice to founding LeadSigma.Missed new patient calls represent a significant revenue loss for practices.LeadSigma's AI technology helps practices manage patient calls effectively.Understanding patient attribution is crucial for marketing success.Data-driven decisions empower practices to optimize their marketing strategies.Collaboration between doctors and marketing agencies enhances practice growth.Practices often overlook the importance of follow-up on missed calls.Tracking leads and conversions provides valuable insights for practices.Effective communication is key to converting leads into patients. The integration of marketing and operational systems is crucial for practice success.A feedback loop is essential for measuring marketing investments.Practical tools and systems must be in place for effective AI implementation.Team collaboration is key to leveraging AI effectively.Networking should focus on providing value to be effective.Chapters 00:00 Introduction04:38 Missed Calls and Lost Revenue10:14 CoPilot AI Receptionist13:39 Marketing Attribution and ROI21:38 Feedback Loop and Accountability24:55 Using AI Inside LeadSigma28:54 AI Call Coaching and HIPAA34:00 Context Engineering Tips34:29 How to Contact Scott and LeadSigma Episode Credits:  Hosted by Jill AllenProduced by Jordann KillionAudio Engineering by Garrett LuceroAre you ready to start a practice of your own? Do you need a fresh set of eyes or some advice in your existing practice?Reach out to me- www.practiceresults.com.    If you like what we are doing here on Hey Docs! and want to hear more of this awesome content, give us a 5-star Rating on your preferred listening platform and subscribe to our show so you never miss an episode.    New episodes drop every Thursday!   

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.

How good is your consent for orthodontics — really? More adults are having ortho, and more GDPs are providing it. So which risks should you be discussing with every single patient — and which ones depend on the person in the chair? When a case is heading for a big overjet or a tricky rotation, is that a conversation you have at the start, or one you scramble to explain halfway through? And what actually makes a consent form legally valid — the signature, or everything around it? This episode brings together two perspectives you don't often hear in the same room. Dr Zaid Esmail is a specialist orthodontist and founder of the Online Orthodontic Academy, who mentors GDPs through fixed and aligner cases. Dr Neel Jaiswal  returns for the dento-legal view — he's a dentist and the founder of Professional Dental Indemnity (PDI). Together with Jaz, they get very specific about what individualised consent looks like in practice, and how to build a process your patients remember and a court respects. https://youtu.be/YvsiIiX1Q1w Watch PDP273 on YouTube Protrusive Dental Pearl: Make Your Patient Feel Unique It might be your 100th, 500th or 1,000th case — but for the patient in the chair, this is a significant event. Never forget that. A routine extraction is routine for you; for them it's a big deal, and remembering that makes you a better communicator. To make a specific risk stick, make the patient feel unique. Point to their OPG: “Your sinus here is actually really interesting,” or “Did you know your roots are unusually long?” Patients remember a risk framed as if they're a special case far better than a generic warning. Make it personal, and the consent becomes memorable. What You'll Take From This Episode The whole episode turns on one idea: generic, templated consent is no longer defensible — the skill is individualising the form to the patient in front of you. Premium members get the full breakdown; here's the shape: The layers of valid consent — consent is like an onion; a signed form and a documented conversation each cover a gap the other leaves open. Individualising risk from the records — how the OPG and photos turn a generic warning (resorption, devitalisation, recession, relapse) into a patient-specific one. The two-appointment consent flow — records, individualised risks, thinking time, and why you sign or initial every line. The Class II Div 2 overjet trap — the case that looks like simple crowding and ends in a big overjet, and how to consent for it before you start. When to treat, add an option, or refer — the GDC line on offering all options, and building alternatives into the form. Highlights of This Episode: 00:00  Teaser 01:01  Consent in Orthodontics: Why It Has to Be Individualised 02:59  Protrusive Dental Pearl: Make Your Patient Feel Unique 07:58  What Makes Orthodontic Consent Different 10:08  How Much Ortho Litigation Comes From Consent? 11:53  What Makes Consent Valid and Patient-Specific 12:26  Individualising Ortho Risk from the OPG 13:11  Using the ClinCheck as a Consent Tool 14:40  How to Structure the Consent Appointment 15:30  Root Resorption, Devitalisation, Recession and Relapse 19:37  Should You Initial Every Line of a Consent Form? 21:50  Midroll 27:11  Building a Multi-Layered Consent Process 29:31  Consenting for Fees, Relapse and Retainers 34:41  The Class II Div 2 Overjet Trap 37:51  When Should a GDP Refer an Ortho Case? 40:31  How to Learn Orthodontics with Mentorship 47:01  Outro Dr Zaid Esmail is a specialist orthodontist. He founded the Online Orthodontic Academy to teach GDPs orthodontics — assessment, diagnosis and treatment planning across fixed appliances and aligners — with one-to-one case mentorship. He's extended a 10% discount to the community with the code PROTRUSIVE.

How good is your consent for orthodontics — really? More adults are having ortho, and more GDPs are providing it. So which risks should you be discussing with every single patient — and which ones depend on the person in the chair? When a case is heading for a big overjet or a tricky rotation, is that a conversation you have at the start, or one you scramble to explain halfway through? And what actually makes a consent form legally valid — the signature, or everything around it? This episode brings together two perspectives you don't often hear in the same room. Dr Zaid Esmail is a specialist orthodontist and founder of the Online Orthodontic Academy, who mentors GDPs through fixed and aligner cases. Dr Neel Jaiswal  returns for the dento-legal view — he's a dentist and the founder of Professional Dental Indemnity (PDI). Together with Jaz, they get very specific about what individualised consent looks like in practice, and how to build a process your patients remember and a court respects. https://youtu.be/YvsiIiX1Q1w Watch PDP273 on YouTube Protrusive Dental Pearl: Make Your Patient Feel Unique It might be your 100th, 500th or 1,000th case — but for the patient in the chair, this is a significant event. Never forget that. A routine extraction is routine for you; for them it's a big deal, and remembering that makes you a better communicator. To make a specific risk stick, make the patient feel unique. Point to their OPG: “Your sinus here is actually really interesting,” or “Did you know your roots are unusually long?” Patients remember a risk framed as if they're a special case far better than a generic warning. Make it personal, and the consent becomes memorable. What You'll Take From This Episode The whole episode turns on one idea: generic, templated consent is no longer defensible — the skill is individualising the form to the patient in front of you. Premium members get the full breakdown; here's the shape: The layers of valid consent — consent is like an onion; a signed form and a documented conversation each cover a gap the other leaves open. Individualising risk from the records — how the OPG and photos turn a generic warning (resorption, devitalisation, recession, relapse) into a patient-specific one. The two-appointment consent flow — records, individualised risks, thinking time, and why you sign or initial every line. The Class II Div 2 overjet trap — the case that looks like simple crowding and ends in a big overjet, and how to consent for it before you start. When to treat, add an option, or refer — the GDC line on offering all options, and building alternatives into the form. Highlights of This Episode: 00:00  Teaser 01:01  Consent in Orthodontics: Why It Has to Be Individualised 02:59  Protrusive Dental Pearl: Make Your Patient Feel Unique 07:58  What Makes Orthodontic Consent Different 10:08  How Much Ortho Litigation Comes From Consent? 11:53  What Makes Consent Valid and Patient-Specific 12:26  Individualising Ortho Risk from the OPG 13:11  Using the ClinCheck as a Consent Tool 14:40  How to Structure the Consent Appointment 15:30  Root Resorption, Devitalisation, Recession and Relapse 19:37  Should You Initial Every Line of a Consent Form? 21:50  Midroll 27:11  Building a Multi-Layered Consent Process 29:31  Consenting for Fees, Relapse and Retainers 34:41  The Class II Div 2 Overjet Trap 37:51  When Should a GDP Refer an Ortho Case? 40:31  How to Learn Orthodontics with Mentorship 47:01  Outro Dr Zaid Esmail is a specialist orthodontist. He founded the Online Orthodontic Academy to teach GDPs orthodontics — assessment, diagnosis and treatment planning across fixed appliances and aligners — with one-to-one case mentorship. He's extended a 10% discount to the community with the code PROTRUSIVE.

"Don't wait for IT issues to arise." Connect With Our SponsorsSolventum - https://go.solventum.com/clarityGreyFinch - https://greyfinch.com/jillallen/A-Dec - https://www.a-dec.com/orthodonticsSmileSuite - https://getsmilesuite.com/ Summary In this episode of Hey Docs!, Jill interviews Jack Wiley from Legend Networking about the critical role of IT in orthodontic and dental practices. They discuss the importance of maintaining updated technology, especially for established practices, and the risks associated with outdated systems. Jack emphasizes the need for younger doctors to consider technology when acquiring practices and provides insights on building a strong technology foundation for startups. The conversation also touches on the challenges of HIPAA compliance and the necessity of ongoing employee training in cybersecurity. Jill and Jack also discuss the critical aspects of cybersecurity, backup strategies, and the differences between Mac and PC usage in healthcare settings. The discussion also touches on the distinctions between managed services and static IT, highlighting the benefits of a proactive IT strategy.  Connect With Our Guest Legend Networking - https://www.legendnt.com/https://www.cyber.mil/cyber-awareness-challenge Takeaways Jack Wiley works at Legend Networking, a dental-specific IT provider.IT infrastructure is crucial for the growth of practices.Many established practices operate on outdated technology, risking patient data.Younger doctors often overlook technology when acquiring practices.Evaluating the age of computers and network equipment is essential during acquisitions.Startups should prioritize hardwired connections over wireless for reliability.Planning for future growth in technology is vital for new practices.HIPAA compliance is an ongoing challenge for orthodontic practices.Regular technology evaluations can prevent costly upgrades later. Employee training is often the cause of network vulnerabilities.Backups should be incremental and frequent for quick recovery.Macs can be secure but require specific considerations.Proactive IT management prevents costly downtime.Regular checkups on IT systems can reveal vulnerabilities.Chapters 00:00 Introduction04:55 Aging Hardware Risks08:31 Acquisition IT Checklist14:45 Startup Tech Foundation23:30 Security and HIPAA Basics26:32 Backups and Access Control28:15 Mac vs PC in Ortho31:43 WiFi Segmentation Story33:35 Managed IT Explained36:23 How to Contact Legend Networking Episode Credits:  Hosted by Jill AllenProduced by Jordann KillionAudio Engineering by Garrett LuceroAre you ready to start a practice of your own? Do you need a fresh set of eyes or some advice in your existing practice?Reach out to me- www.practiceresults.com.    If you like what we are doing here on Hey Docs! and want to hear more of this awesome content, give us a 5-star Rating on your preferred listening platform and subscribe to our show so you never miss an episode.    New episodes drop every Thursday!   

Airway Orthodontics Under the Microscope | Orthodontics In Interview | Dr. Claudia Pinter"The goal of orthodontics is not occlusion, but jaw development.""It's our job to develop the jaws, and if we don't do our job, other people need to do it-but they can't do it as well.”"I believe that nasal breathing is the foundation of healthy breathing."Airway management in orthodontics remains one of the most debated topics in modern orthodontics. Can orthodontics improve breathing? What does the current evidence say? Why do practitioners carry out orthodontics to improve the airway? Joining me is Dr. Claudia Pinter from Austria for a discussion on airway management, sleep-disordered breathing, and the potential role orthodontist's may have in improving the disorder.We explore research surrounding pediatric airway management, obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), mouth breathing, maxillary expansion, CBCT imaging, skeletal expansion, bed wetting and the ongoing controversies that continue to divide opinion within the profession. The podcast was recorded in Dusseldorf Germany..

The cliffhanger is paid off in this highly anticipated follow-up episode! Alan welcomes back Dr. Matt Standridge to finish their deep dive into the American Association of Orthodontists (AAO) controversial white paper on Sleep Disordered Breathing (SDB). Matt pulls back the curtain on the paper's actual citation list, exposing questionable sample sizes, misplaced reference numbers, and instances where the AAO's conclusions directly contradict the very research they cited. From the true diagnostic value of CBCT scans to the data surrounding tongue ties, premolar extractions, and palatal expansion, this episode explores the standard of evidence-based medicine in modern orthodontics and highlights the massive opportunity ahead for practitioners willing to follow the science. Some links from the show: Sleep-disordered Breathing and Orthodontics: An American Association of Orthodontists white paper update Matt Standridge's VERY thorough rebuttal Matt would like to thank some mentors/friends for the inspiration: Drs Mark Deluke, Audrey Yoon, Tracey Nguyen, Jeff Rouse, and Marianna Evans Join the Very Dental Facebook Group using one of these passwords: Timmerman, Paul, Bioclear, Hornbrook, Gary, McWethy, Papa Randy, Frank or Lipscomb!  The Very Dental Podcast network is and will remain free to download. If you'd like to support the shows you love at Very Dental then show a little love to the people that support us! We're proud to be supported by the folks at Net32! I'm a big fan of the Bioclear Method! I think you should give it a try and I've got a great offer to help you get on board! Use the exclusive Very Dental Podcast code VERYDENTAL8TON for 15% OFF your total Bioclear purchase, including Core Anterior and Posterior Four day courses, Black Triangle Certification, and all Bioclear products. Crazy Dental has everything you need from cotton rolls to equipment and everything in between and the best prices you'll find anywhere! If you head over to verydentalpodcast.com/crazy and use coupon code "VERYSHIP" you'll get free shipping on your order! Go save yourself some money and support the show all at the same time! The Wonderist Agency is basically a one stop shop for marketing your practice and your brand. From logo redesign to a full service marketing plan, the folks at Wonderist have you covered! Go check them out at verydentalpodcast.com/wonderist! Enova Illumination makes the very best in loupes and headlights, including their new ergonomic angled prism loupes! They also distribute loupe mounted cameras and even the amazing line of Zumax microscopes! If you want to help out the podcast while upping your magnification and headlight game, you need to head over to verydentalpodcast.com/enova to see their whole line of products! CAD-Ray offers the best service on a wide variety of digital scanners, printers, mills and even  their very own browser based design software, Clinux! CAD-Ray has been a huge supporter of the Very Dental Podcast Network and I can tell you that you'll get no better service on everything digital dentistry than the folks from CAD-Ray. Go check them out at verydentalpodcast.com/CADRay!

Alan is once again joined by podcast veteran Dr. Matt Standridge to dissect the American Association of Orthodontists' (AAO) controversial 2026 white paper on sleep-disordered breathing (SDB) and orthodontics. Together, they pull back the curtain on the document's surprising omissions—including a shrinking author panel that entirely removed sleep physicians—and critique its heavy, restrictive reliance on full polysomnography (PSG) as a gatekeeper for early pediatric intervention. Dr. Standridge highlights how the paper's narrow scope and questionable citations conflict with both well-established historical data and contemporary European medical guidelines, framing the white paper more as a defensive "CYA" document than a progressive guide for patient care. Some links from the show: Sleep-disordered Breathing and Orthodontics: An American Association of Orthodontists white paper update Matt Standridge's VERY thorough rebuttal Matt would like to thank some mentors/friends for the inspiration: Drs Mark Deluke, Audrey Yoon, Tracey Nguyen, Jeff Rouse, and Marianna Evans Join the Very Dental Facebook Group using one of these passwords: Timmerman, Paul, Bioclear, Hornbrook, Gary, McWethy, Papa Randy, Frank or Lipscomb!  The Very Dental Podcast network is and will remain free to download. If you'd like to support the shows you love at Very Dental then show a little love to the people that support us! We're proud to be supported by the folks at Net32! I'm a big fan of the Bioclear Method! I think you should give it a try and I've got a great offer to help you get on board! Use the exclusive Very Dental Podcast code VERYDENTAL8TON for 15% OFF your total Bioclear purchase, including Core Anterior and Posterior Four day courses, Black Triangle Certification, and all Bioclear products. Crazy Dental has everything you need from cotton rolls to equipment and everything in between and the best prices you'll find anywhere! If you head over to verydentalpodcast.com/crazy and use coupon code "VERYSHIP" you'll get free shipping on your order! Go save yourself some money and support the show all at the same time! The Wonderist Agency is basically a one stop shop for marketing your practice and your brand. From logo redesign to a full service marketing plan, the folks at Wonderist have you covered! Go check them out at verydentalpodcast.com/wonderist! Enova Illumination makes the very best in loupes and headlights, including their new ergonomic angled prism loupes! They also distribute loupe mounted cameras and even the amazing line of Zumax microscopes! If you want to help out the podcast while upping your magnification and headlight game, you need to head over to verydentalpodcast.com/enova to see their whole line of products! CAD-Ray offers the best service on a wide variety of digital scanners, printers, mills and even  their very own browser based design software, Clinux! CAD-Ray has been a huge supporter of the Very Dental Podcast Network and I can tell you that you'll get no better service on everything digital dentistry than the folks from CAD-Ray. Go check them out at verydentalpodcast.com/CADRay!

"Being engaged is the best thing you can do." Connect With Our SponsorsSolventum - https://go.solventum.com/clarityGreyFinch - https://greyfinch.com/jillallen/A-Dec - https://www.a-dec.com/orthodonticsSmileSuite - https://getsmilesuite.com/ Summary In this episode of Hey Docs!, Adam Braundmeier, the General Counsel of the AAO, discusses his journey into the orthodontic field and the vital role of advocacy in supporting orthodontists. He explains the dual role he plays in managing legal compliance and engaging with members to address regulatory issues. The conversation covers current challenges such as specialty advertising regulations, direct-to-consumer models, and student loan burdens for new orthodontists. Adam emphasizes the importance of member involvement in advocacy efforts and highlights the resources available through the AAO, including legal guidance and support for navigating the complexities of the orthodontic profession. Jill and Adam also explore future trends in technology and patient care, emphasizing the need for orthodontists to maintain clinical discretion amidst rapid advancements. Connect With Our Guest American Association of Orthodontists - https://www2.aaoinfo.org advocacy@aaortho.org Takeaways Adam Braundmeier joined the AAO as General Counsel in 2023.The AAO's advocacy team works closely with orthodontists to address regulatory issues.Member engagement is crucial for effective advocacy efforts.Specialty advertising regulations are a current focus for the AAO.Direct-to-consumer models pose challenges for patient safety in orthodontics.The AAO supports innovation while ensuring quality care remains a priority.Legal guidance is available through the AAO's Legal Resource Center.Staying informed about advocacy efforts is essential for orthodontists. Insurance coding and billing changes are on the horizon.Doctors should stay informed through newsletters and resources.Maintaining clinical discretion is essential in patient care.Legal accuracy must be communicated effectively to be useful.Members should report trends affecting patient safety.Chapters 00:00 Introduction02:53 Meet Adam Braundmeier05:04 AAO Advocacy Explained07:28 Specialty Advertising Fight09:59 Teledentistry and DTC Risks13:19 Model Laws and Patient Safety15:43 Student Loans and Policy19:16 Member Resources and Legal Center22:04 New Forms HIPAA and Coding Updates25:02 Staying Informed and Getting Involved28:37 Future Focus Tech and AI29:25 How to Contact AAO Episode Credits:  Hosted by Jill AllenProduced by Jordann KillionAudio Engineering by Garrett LuceroAre you ready to start a practice of your own? Do you need a fresh set of eyes or some advice in your existing practice?Reach out to me- www.practiceresults.com.    If you like what we are doing here on Hey Docs! and want to hear more of this awesome content, give us a 5-star Rating on your preferred listening platform and subscribe to our show so you never miss an episode.    New episodes drop every Thursday!   

Orthodontics is entering a new era of personalization, precision, and digital efficiency. In this episode of the Golden Age of Orthodontics, Dr. Leon Klempner and Amy Epstein sit down with 2026 AAO Innovator Award winner Dr. Mehdi Peikar, founder of CeleBrace, to explore how artificial intelligence and fully customized braces are changing the future of treatment.Drawing on his unique background in orthodontics, biomechanics, engineering, and physics, Dr. Peikar shares the clinical challenges that inspired the development of CeleBrace and explains how digital workflows can bring the same level of planning and personalization to fixed appliances that orthodontists have come to expect from aligner therapy. The conversation covers everything from AI-assisted treatment planning and bracket positioning to the advantages of fully customized prescriptions, indirect bonding, and digital case presentation.The discussion also explores the business side of innovation, including how digital treatment systems can improve efficiency, reduce appointments, shorten treatment times, and create a more compelling patient experience. Dr. Peikar shares what he has learned from treating thousands of cases with CeleBrace and why he believes customization will play a central role in the next phase of orthodontic care.In this episode, you'll learn:Why Dr. Peikar believes orthodontics is rapidly moving toward fully digital workflowsHow AI supports treatment planning, bracket positioning, and appliance designWhat makes a fully customized bracket system different from traditional prescriptionsHow digital indirect bonding can improve efficiency and reduce treatment visitsWays technology can enhance patient education and case acceptanceWhat orthodontists are reporting after implementing custom digital bracesHow personalized treatment systems may help practices differentiate themselves in a competitive marketWhy Dr. Peikar sees customization as the future of fixed appliance therapy

"Listen to your gut instinct.” Connect With Our SponsorsSolventum - https://go.solventum.com/clarityGreyFinch - https://greyfinch.com/jillallen/A-Dec - https://www.a-dec.com/orthodonticsSmileSuite - https://getsmilesuite.com/ Summary In this episode of Hey Docs!, Dr. Richard Clabaugh shares his journey from being a general dentist to acquiring and running his own orthodontic practice. He discusses the challenges he faced during the transition, including team dynamics, employee turnover, and the importance of leadership. Richard reflects on his growth as a leader and the lessons learned over the past ten years, emphasizing the significance of building a strong team culture and the need for adaptability in the face of change. Dr. Clabaugh also reflects on the significance of purpose beyond profit, encouraging aspiring practice owners to prioritize their values and family time while navigating the complexities of ownership. Connect With Our Guest Dr. Richard Clabaugh - https://clabaughorthodontics.com/richard@clabaughorthodontics.com Takeaways Richard's journey from general dentistry to orthodontics was driven by a desire for ownership.Acquiring a practice involves navigating complex challenges, including team dynamics.Leadership requires a balance of authority and responsibility.Employee turnover is a common challenge during ownership transitions.Building a strong team culture is essential for practice success.It's important to prioritize team health alongside patient care.Leadership can be lonely, and support from peers is invaluable.Recognizing the value of team members is key to retention.Open communication with staff can help navigate changes effectively.Building genuine relationships within the team enhances collaboration.Core values should be recited regularly to maintain focus.Team members should be involved in the hiring process for better fit.Prioritize family and personal time amidst the demands of practice ownership.Chapters 00:00 Introduction06:32 Why Choose Acquisition08:58 Due Diligence Mindset13:37 Lessons After Purchase17:30 Leadership Energy On Stage19:18 Early Ownership Challenges21:38 Team Turnover Reality30:52 Hiring the Right Team35:02 Leading With Humility39:35 Team Recognition Culture41:49 Hiring and Letting Go46:54 Faith and Leadership Reality48:43 Acquisition Advice50:26 Meaning Beyond Money55:40 Contact Info Episode Credits:  Hosted by Jill AllenProduced by Jordann KillionAudio Engineering by Garrett LuceroAre you ready to start a practice of your own? Do you need a fresh set of eyes or some advice in your existing practice?Reach out to me- www.practiceresults.com.    If you like what we are doing here on Hey Docs! and want to hear more of this awesome content, give us a 5-star Rating on your preferred listening platform and subscribe to our show so you never miss an episode.    New episodes drop every Thursday!   

What separates great orthodontic assistants from the rest? In this conversation, Anthony Herrera shares how patient trust, communication, and comfort can directly impact treatment success. Drawing from 14 years of chairside orthodontic experience, he explains why treating every patient as if they are the only one that matters leads to better compliance, stronger relationships, and a more positive orthodontic experience. Anthony discusses the importance of understanding orthodontic treatment protocols, educating patients before the doctor steps in, and helping patients feel confident throughout their treatment journey. He also shares practical chairside techniques that can make appointments more comfortable while improving efficiency for the clinical team. The conversation explores how proper isolation, visibility, and patient comfort contribute to successful bracket placement and overall treatment outcomes. Anthony also highlights innovations in orthodontic retraction systems and explains how modern tools can help clinicians work more effectively while creating a better experience for patients. Whether you are a new assistant or a seasoned orthodontic professional, this episode offers valuable insights into delivering exceptional patient care and elevating your role within the practice. Connect with Anthony ISORETRACT Website: https://isoretract.com/ ------------------- Dental assistants play a powerful role in whether patients move forward with treatment. You are a key part of the patient journey, and having the right financial options can make all the difference. CareCredit is a health and wellness credit card that offers flexible financing options, so patients can pay over time for the care they want or need, subject to credit approval. When money isn't the obstacle, patients say yes. Want to make CareCredit part of your practice's offerings and strengthen case acceptance? Email me at kevin@kevinspeaksdental.com and let's make it happen for your team.

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.

Hello voices from the bench community, John Wilson here and I wanted to share some news about the evolution of the Programill lineup. Most importantly, Ivoclar's new PrograMill 7. What stands out right away is the reduced air consumption this mill requires, but what you'll notice first is that impressive new touchscreen. For us, the biggest advantage has been increased spindle power. My laboratory's known for these larger cases with complex geometries, and I can tell you that extra power really makes a difference. Next time you see your Ivoclar representative, be sure to ask about the PrograMill 7 and tell them John Wilson sent you. Thank you. At exocad Insights in beautiful Mallorca, we finally caught up with Felix from Imagine USA—and the timing couldn't have been better. As an exocad dealer on the front lines of digital dentistry, Felix shared his excitement about the strong turnout, the familiar faces, and most importantly, the innovation coming from exocad. What stood out most? The new exocad Hub and its cloud-based capabilities, along with powerful AI-driven tools inside DentalDB designed for efficient batch processing. For Felix and the Imagine team, it's not just about seeing what's new—it's about putting it to the test. By running new features through their own production facility first, they ensure real-world performance before bringing solutions to their customers. Beyond the technology, Felix emphasized the value of being there in person—connecting face-to-face with partners, having meaningful conversations, and stepping back to see where the industry is headed. And of course, doing it all in Mallorca doesn't hurt either. "LIVE" again at the 2026 DLAT meeting, two very different conversations came together around one common theme: the future of dental technology is still being shaped by passionate people willing to learn, teach, and adapt. First, the podcast catches up with returning guest Tiffany Prater from Destination Orthodontic Lab, who shares how her lab journey has evolved from running a large commercial space with employees to building a smaller, more personal business focused on private practices and hands-on craftsmanship. Alongside her is Sydney Ribera, a young technician discovering orthodontics through mentorship, creativity, and a fascination with bending wire and pouring colorful acrylic retainers. The conversation dives into the realities of learning ortho in today's digital world, the importance of organizations like the Orthodontic Resource Group, and why mentorship still matters more than ever in a profession where most of the training happens shoulder-to-shoulder. Then the crew sits down with Marlin Gohn from Argen to talk about everything from next-generation zirconia to massive dental labs in China and the surprisingly common mistakes labs make when choosing disc sizes for milling. Marlin breaks down Argen's new gradient translucency zirconia, explains why nesting strategy matters more than most labs realize, and shares real-world troubleshooting tips that can save labs time, money, and remakes. The conversation also wanders through SLM frameworks, milled gold crowns, PFMs, translating lectures in China, and why some old-school techniques still outperform the newest trends. Special Guests: Marlin Gohn CDT, Sydney Ribera, and Tiffany Prater CDT.