In this episode of the Orthodontic Products Podcast, Roger Levin, DDS, of Levin Group, discusses the "Seven Reasons Your Staff Meetings Will Fail and What You Can Do About It." Levin provides valuable insights into why staff meetings often underperform and offers strategies to improve their effectiveness, especially in orthodontic practices.

In this episode of the Orthodontic Products podcast, OrthoFX co-founder and president Ren Menon, talks about the company's new NiTime clear aligners and how they achieve similar treatment times with less wear time for patients.

This episode of the Orthodontic Products Podcast, hosted by Alison Werner, focuses on the support services offered by the College of Diplomates of the American Board of Orthodontics (CDABO) to help orthodontists during the board certification process and throughout their careers. Featuring Jane Wright, DDS, MS, a board-certified orthodontist and CDABO Council member, the episode delves into various aspects of board certification and professional support. Listeners will learn about:🔹Wright's journey to board certification and her experiences with initial certification and recertification.🔹The differences between the American Board of Orthodontics (ABO) and the College of Diplomates of the American Board of Orthodontics (CDABO).🔹The resources and support provided by CDABO, including annual meetings with high-caliber lectures and family-friendly activities.🔹The importance of board certification for enhancing professional credibility and confidence.🔹How to join or reinstate CDABO membership and the value of maintaining membership for continuous professional development.Wright emphasizes the benefits of CDABO's support services, including comprehensive preparation courses and an intimate, collegial atmosphere at annual meetings, which provide valuable opportunities for professional growth and networking. ------------------------------------------VISIT ORTHODONTIC PRODUCTS: https://orthodonticproductsonline.com/SUBSCRIBE to THE OP NEWSLETTER: https://info.medqor.com/opsubformINSTAGRAM: https://www.instagram.com/orthoproductsmag/FACEBOOK: https://www.facebook.com/OrthoProducts/TWITTER: https://twitter.com/OrthoProductsLINKEDIN: https://www.linkedin.com/company/ortho-products/YOUTUBE: https://www.youtube.com/@OrthodonticProducts

In this episode, Brady Petersen, DMD, MS and Kory Grahl, DMD, FAGD, co-owners of the Las Vegas practice Orthobar, talk about the key role the Damon Ultima system played in launching their new practice.

In this episode of the Orthodontic Products podcast, Eric Cohen, CEO of Merchant Advocate explains how hidden credit card payment processing fees can affect a practice’s bottom line and what you can do to fix it.

In this episode of the Orthodontic Products podcast, Tony Peniche of the consultant firm Peniche & Associates talks about the process of branding an orthodontic practice, delving into the do’s and don’ts when it comes to creating a unique and consistent brand.

On this episode of the Orthodontic Products podcast, Mark Ross and Michael Ventriello, co-founders of PitchIt DDS, talk about their new investor presentation creation service for dental startups and offer their advice for creating a compelling pitch for investors.

On this episode of the Orthodontic Products podcast, we take a deep dive into the Dolphin practice management platform with longtime user Rebecca Pickett, treatment coordinator for Pickett Orthodontics in Mobile, Alabama.

In this podcast episode, sponsored by DentalMonitoring, host Alison Werner is joined by Alyssa Emory-Carter, DDS, MS, an orthodontist with a multi-location practice in Texas. The two delve into how DentalMonitoring allows for dynamic scheduling in the orthodontic practice and how this can revolutionize patient management and destress the day for both doctor and staff. Carter provides practical insights for implementing the remote monitoring platform with both aligner and braces patients. Key takeaways:Dr. Carter began using DentalMonitoring in 2018 to improve the management of aligner patients, reducing unnecessary visits by addressing issues remotely.The success with aligners led to the adoption of the technology for braces patients, enhancing treatment management through real-time data.Dynamic scheduling has overhauled traditional appointment setting, basing patient visits on actual treatment needs rather than predetermined intervals.The new system significantly reduces practice stress by improving preparedness for visits, thus enhancing both patient and staff satisfaction.------VISIT ORTHODONTIC PRODUCTS: https://orthodonticproductsonline.com/SUBSCRIBE to THE OP NEWSLETTER: https://info.medqor.com/opsubformINSTAGRAM: https://www.instagram.com/orthoproductsmag/FACEBOOK: https://www.facebook.com/OrthoProducts/TWITTER: https://twitter.com/OrthoProductsLINKEDIN: https://www.linkedin.com/company/ortho-products/

In this podcast episode, Stuart Frost, DDS, an orthodontist in private practice at Frost Orthodontics in Mesa, Ariz, joins host Alison Werner to discuss Ormco's Damon Ultima bracket system in an interview sponsored by Ormco. He highlights the benefits and evolution of the Ultima system, emphasizing its 3D control for better finishing and faster treatment times. Frost suggests that transitioning practitioners should prioritize continuing education to adapt to the new system effectively.Key takeaways:Frost explains the benefits of passive self-ligation brackets, particularly the Ultima system's 3D control, which enhances finishing and treatment efficiency.The Ultima system, developed by Dr Damon, addresses challenges of passive self-ligation, offering improved rotation and torque control for better results.Frost recommends continuing education, such as Ormco's online courses and the upcoming Ormco Forum, for practitioners transitioning to the Ultima system to optimize their proficiency and patient outcomes. OP

Sherif Kandil, DDS, MSc Ortho, CEO and founder of K Line Europe, joins Alison Werner on the Orthodontic Products podcast to discuss ClearX aligners, integrating 4D technology, debuting at AAO Annual Session.Key takeaways: ClearX aligners utilize 4D technology to pre-program temporary and permanent shapes, reducing plastic waste by up to 50%.Patients receive a booster with their aligners, allowing easy transition between forms at home, minimizing plastic usage.With refinement rates as low as 0.2% to 0.5%, ClearX aligners offer predictable outcomes, comparable to leading brands.K Line Europe’s OEM services, launching at AAO, aim to expand ClearX aligner's reach and promote eco-friendly solutions in orthodontics.-------------------VISIT ORTHODONTIC PRODUCTS: https://orthodonticproductsonline.com/SUBSCRIBE to THE OP NEWSLETTER: https://info.medqor.com/opsubformINSTAGRAM: https://www.instagram.com/orthoproductsmag/FACEBOOK: https://www.facebook.com/OrthoProducts/TWITTER: https://twitter.com/OrthoProductsLINKEDIN: https://www.linkedin.com/company/ortho-products/

Dr Roger P. Levin, founder and CEO of the practice management consulting firm Levin Group, joins the podcast to discuss the findings of the Third Annual Orthodontic Practice Survey. The joint project between Orthodontic Products and Levin Group looks at how practices fared in the last year—surveying everything from production, practice overhead, patient volume, referral sources, starts and orthodontic fees, appointment intervals, remote monitoring, and the challenges facing orthodontic practices. Five key takeaways from this discussion: 1. Orthodontic production dropped slightly in 2023 but the industry remains relatively stable.2. Rising overhead costs, especially related to staffing, need to be offset by increasing production through better systems and strategies.3. Staffing challenges are a major issue for orthodontic practices and retaining existing staff is important.4. Referral sources are diversifying and practices need varied marketing approaches targeting different referral channels.  5. Remote monitoring will likely play a larger role in orthodontics going forward, changing patient visit intervals and practice management.Orthodontists will walk away from this conversation with insight into the issues and trends facing their industry and Levin’s advice on how to proactively organize the orthodontic practice for future economic growth. As he puts it, take advantage of today’s relative stability to set your practice up to thrive amidst any future instability.

Orthodontic Products podcast host Alison Werner spoke with Oliver Gelles, chief marketing officer at OrthoFi, to explore shifts in orthodontic patient demographics and financial strategies. The focus was particularly on the rise in adult orthodontic patients and the economic factors influencing patient decisions.Gelles highlighted the volatile orthodontic market dynamics, notably the surge in adult patient starts in 2021—spurred by temporary economic stimuli—which sharply contrasted with a downturn in 2022. Despite a general decline in patient starts by 3.5%, Gelles pointed out that the decrease was not solely due to economic reasons but also to changes in consumer behavior and practice management strategies.One significant trend discussed was the increase in adult patients, from 25% to almost 35% within their tracked groups, particularly influenced by the economic landscape and orthodontists' financial demands. Gelles criticized some orthodontists' approach of requiring substantial upfront lab fees for treatments like aligners during economic downturns, which he believes disproportionately impacts case starts.Additionally, Gelles and Werner discussed the demographic and behavioral aspects of adult patients, notably Millennials and Gen Z. Unlike children, whose orthodontic needs are often anticipated by parents, adult orthodontic decisions are usually more spontaneous and influenced by personal life events. Gelles emphasized the importance of immediate engagement and flexible financial options to convert these patients at the point of decision.The podcast also covered the recent partnership between OrthoFi and Align Technology, which facilitates spreading lab fees over several months, easing financial pressures on patients and practices alike. This adjustment aims to boost patient intake by mitigating upfront costs.

In the latest episode of the Orthodontic Products podcast, Tony Peniche, director of innovation at Peniche and Associates, talks about the ways that practices can get the most out of their marketing and branding budgets.Peniche talks about how his firm succeeds in achieving an 85% case acceptance rate and how orthodontists can stop wasting money on purchases that are either overpriced or unproven to work.Peniche addressed critical issues surrounding expenditure oversight and effective resource allocation. He emphasized the importance of the establishment of dedicated credit lines for marketing expenditures to uphold transparency and fiscal accountability. Additionally, Peniche underscored the necessity of scrutinizing expenditures on branded promotional items, urging practices to explore cost-efficient procurement channels directly from manufacturers.Later he spoke about the pivotal role of harmonizing contemporary digital marketing methodologies with time-honored interpersonal approaches. By harnessing modern online approaches like social media and leveraging traditional relationship building methods, practices can strike a balance between modernization and personalized engagement.Peniche also advocated for trusting in the process when working with a consultant and coming up with innovative methods to improve patient engagement and efficiency within a practice. He also encouraged practice owners to really consider who they were putting in crucial patient-focused positions where a positive interaction could be key to achieving more starts.

In a recent episode of the Orthodontic Products podcast, Chuck Stapleton, the vice president and general manager for dental at 3D Systems, offered compelling insights into the future trajectory of 3D printing within orthodontics.Stapleton, an authority in the field, underscored the pivotal role of 3D printing technology in dental applications, citing its steady growth and continuous innovation as drivers for both the company and the broader industry.During the podcast, Stapleton explained the recent advancements in 3D printing technology, emphasizing the synergistic progress in hardware and materials. These advancements have resulted in faster, more accurate, and efficient printing processes, poised to revolutionize orthodontic practices.The conversation also turned toward a discussion on in-office 3D printing and its impact on orthodontic workflows. Stapleton outlined the benefits, including reduced turnaround times for orthodontic appliances, improved patient comfort, and overall enhanced treatment outcomes.Moreover, the conversation delved into specific orthodontic applications of 3D printing, ranging from large-scale manufacturing for aligners to emerging uses of metal printing for specialized items. Stapleton highlighted the potential of in-house 3D printing labs to produce a variety of orthodontic devices, such as aligners, retainers, and indirect bonding trays, streamlining the treatment process for practitioners and patients alike.Looking ahead, he said he expected significant developments in materials and automation within the next decade, anticipating faster, stronger, and more efficient printing processes. While acknowledging the potential for in-office 3D printing to become more widespread, he emphasized the continued relevance of large-scale manufacturing for efficiency and scale.Stapleton's insights shed light on the transformative potential of 3D printing in orthodontics and offered practitioners guidance as they navigate the integration of this cutting-edge technology into their practices.

Measles is in this news. With the recent outbreak reported in Florida and new cases in Michigan, Orthodontic Products podcast host Alison Werner spoke to infection prevention expert Jackie Dorst, RDH, BS, about what you need to know to keep the staff and patients safe. In this episode, Jackie provides: a backgrounder on measles,a list of symptoms, including the one orthodontic staff are uniquely positioned to spot, a breakdown of who is at risk,a reminder of the steps you can take to protect staff and patients from airborne diseases, guidance on what to do if you have an exposure in your office, and information on where to learn more. Resources mentioned in this episode: CDC Measles Main Page: https://www.cdc.gov/measles/index.htmlCDC Measles Healthcare Providers page: https://www.cdc.gov/measles/hcp/index.htmlCDC COCA Call - We Must Maintain Measles Elimination in the United States: Measles Clinical Presentation, Diagnosis, and Prevention: https://emergency.cdc.gov/coca/calls/2023/callinfo_081723.aspCDC COCA Call PowerPoint Slide Presentation: https://emergency.cdc.gov/coca/ppt/2023/081723_slides.pdf

Trey Lawrence will take up the reins as CEO of the American Association of Orthodontists (AAO) on March 1. Ahead of that, he joined the Orthodontic Podcasts podcast to talk to host Alison Werner about the role he’s stepping into and the work of advancing the association’s strategic plan. Lawrence covers the AAO’s advocacy and legal efforts, continued implementation of the Strategic Plan, and what members can expect from the upcoming Annual Session in New Orleans. He also talks about the relationship he wants with members—from residents in their first year to senior doctors approaching retirement.

In this Orthodontic Products podcast episode, Chief Editor Alison Werner interviews Greg White, DMD, MSD, president and CEO of PepperPointe Partnerships, about a recent white paper he authored. “The State of the Dental Industry” looks at the rapid consolidation in the field, led by private equity, and offers predictions for the future. In addition to his role at PepperPointe Partnerships, White is an orthodontist in private practice for more than 25 years and a founding partner of White Greer and Maggard, a pediatric and orthodontic group practice located in Lexington, Ky. Through these two lenses, he explains the nuances associated with private equity backed DSOs, what that model looks like, and what the end result can mean for both dental professionals and the communities they serve. White explains how consolidation in the dental industry isn’t a recent phenomenon. There was movement in the 1990s, but it wasn’t until the 2008 recession that the trajectory of consolidation ramped up—with its biggest jump coming with the pandemic. In the 1990s, only 2% of practices were owned by DSOs. By 2013, it was 13%. And by 2023, it was 34%, according to White. Given this, White talks about the need for dental professionals, especially orthodontists, to understand what it means to sell your practice to a DSO that is backed by private equity. He talks about who owns what; what a doctor is really earning; and what role stock plays into a potential payout. In this episode, White also talks about how this consolidation affects associates today and future generations of dental professionals. Younger doctors are struggling to buy or start a practice due to high student loan debt. Many are unable to afford the upfront costs of a practice, which leads them to DSOs to start their careers. But what happens when they want to start their own practices? White argues that their options are limited. To round out the conversation, White talks about the importance of knowing your exit plan whether you’re 5 years or 30 years into your career. There are options, but you need to do the work to understand all of them.

In a recent Orthodontic Products podcast episode, Chief Editor Alison Werner interviewed Josh DeVries, the founder and CEO of Intiveo, a cloud-based patient communication software tailored for dental and specialty practices. Intiveo offers features like automated appointment confirmations, recall reminders, booking requests, and reputation management. The discussion delved into trends shaping the orthodontic industry in 2024 such as personalized treatment plans, the growth of adult orthodontics, diverse patient engagement strategies, and advancements in technology that promise to enhance care options for patients and streamline practice workflows.  DeVries emphasized the significance of personalized treatment plans, considering factors such as age, genetics, and lifestyle for more effective outcomes. The growth of adult orthodontics, driven by aesthetic brackets and clear aligners, was identified as another prominent trend. Adult patients, comprising one-third of orthodontic patients in the U.S., are seeking cosmetic improvements at a higher rate, contributing to a 40% increase over the past decade. “[There is] a trend towards people putting more value in cosmetic care. This is driven by aesthetics,” says DeVries. “People want to have a healthy looking smile more so than an actually healthy smile, which I think is really beneficial to the orthodontic industry.” Regarding patient engagement, DeVries highlighted the need for varied communication methods to cater to different patient preferences, combining email, text, and phone calls.  The podcast also touched upon advancements in orthodontic technologies. DeVries highlighted the rise of in-house solutions, 3D printing, computer-aided fabrication, teledentistry, and emerging robotic dentistry. These technologies offer both precision and efficiency, impacting urban and remote areas alike, providing advanced care. “People just want solutions to their problems,” says DeVries. “And the quicker and better the solution is, the more appealing it is for us to consider.”

Host Alison Werner kicks off the 2024 season of the Orthodontic Products Podcast with Dr Robert “Tito” Norris. Known for his innovative contributions to the orthodontic industry, including the Norris 20/26 Passive Self-Ligating Bracket and Wire System which he developed with DynaFlex, he shares insights on creating clinical efficiencies and achieving better work-life balance. In the episode, Norris talks about his journey into orthodontics and the intersection of engineering principles and orthodontics, before the conversation shifts to talk about the importance of systems in every aspect of his practice—from the moment a patient calls the office to placing brackets. In a practice that treats over 900 cases annually, Norris explains how he and his team rely on a systematic approach that starts with a meticulous patient examination. This exam allows the team to thoroughly collect the data they need to progress the case efficiently and successfully. From there, everything from bracket placement to appointment staggering is systemized. These checklists are vital to keep patient outcomes consistent among all three doctors in the practice. Norris goes on to explain the significance this systematic approach has on the interdisciplinary cases he treats. He shares the systems he has in place to efficiently treat cuspid substitution and airway cases. In recent years, Norris’ practice, Stone Oak Orthodontics, has become known for treating patients with airway issues. In fact, Norris shares his journey to treat his own airway issues with a MARPE. In this conversation, Norris breaks down with it takes to incorporate airway treatment into the orthodontic practice and how treating these cases can have a profound impact on a patient’s life, including his own. Throughout, Norris reminds the audience how important systems are regardless of the type of case to achieve efficiencies in the practice and practice profitability. And when it comes to profitability, Norris is quick to explain that profitability is about more than increased revenue; it’s also about time gained. A frequent lecturer, Norris explains how systems and the efficiencies they create allow him to have the work-life balance he wants, which includes about 15 weeks off a year. He not only spends that time with family and engaging with the actives he loves—like competitive swimming and surfing—but he also uses that time to spend on professional development and lecturing and offering in-office courses. Norris has two courses upcoming: a 2-day course (February 23-24, 2024) with Dr Chad Foster offered by DynaFlex on Exceptional Esthetics and Predictable Systems in Scottsdale, Ariz; and an in-office course offered twice a year (in May and October), also in conjunction with DynaFlex, at his San Antonio, Tex-based practice.