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.

As Dr Marie Fluent puts it, “We’re only granted one set of eyeballs in our life, and we must do everything we can do to protect them.” In this episode, we revisit our interview with Fluent and infection prevention consultant Jackie Dorst. They talk about eye safety in the orthodontic practice and how to keep staff and patients safe.

Dr Roger Levin on SmileDirectClub's bankruptcy, their role as a disruptor, and how orthodontists can adapt to changing consumer preferences and emerging technologies.

In this episode, Dr Mayhew breaks down how the new Ormco Digital Bonding workflow translates into increased treatment and practice efficiencies, and how it resonates with tech-savvy patients and parents.

In this episode, Dr John Callahan breaks down the AAO Innovation & Transformation Fund and its latest investments in two orthodontist-led startups.

In this podcast episode, sponsored by DentalMonitoring, Dr Andrew Grillo talks about how to transition your practice to use DentalMonitoring for both your aligner and braces cases and the insights the platform's data can provide to create efficiencies for you and the patient.

In this podcast, practice consultant Dr Roger P. Levin, of Levin Group, is back to talk about why orthodontic treatment coordinators need to reinvent their scripting to increase new patient starts.

In this episode, Dr Matthew Ng talks about getting involved in leadership at the state, regional, and national level—from the benefits to the time commitment—and how to get started.

Join us as Biolase’s Chief Dental Officer, Dr. Russell Morrow, discusses the growing relevance of dental lasers in orthodontic care. As these tools become more affordable, Morrow highlights their potential in treatments such as addressing impacted canines directly within an orthodontist's office.Morrow also touches on the role of soft tissue lasers in clear aligner therapy and their ability to enhance procedures for better patient outcomes. From accelerated tooth movement using lower wavelength lasers to reducing healing times for oral ailments, laser technology promises improved efficiency and results. Emphasizing the significance of before-and-after photography, Morrow underscores its utility as a tangible record of patient progress. And for practitioners considering this tech? Comprehensive training sessions, like those from Biolase, ensure a smooth transition.Tune in to learn how lasers are gradually transforming modern dentistry with Dr. Morrow.

What kind of leader are you? Self-motivated? Growth-orientated? Highly successful? Overwhelmed? As Roger P. Levin, DDS, of the orthodontic practice consulting firm Levin Group, puts it, most orthodontists and office managers identify as the latter: overwhelmed.In this episode, Levin joins host Alison Werner to talk about leadership in the orthodontic practice and how overwhelmed orthodontists and office managers can move from that frustrating stage to that of the highly-successful leader—where the practice is fun, the days are easier, and the practice is at its most lucrative and employees are most satisfied.As Levin puts it, an orthodontist’s #1 job after clinical orthodontics is being a great leader.” If you do that, he adds, “everything else will fall into place.” So how do you become a great leader and create an environment where everyone wants to work? Levin breaks it down in this episode:Levin explains his Four Levels of Leadership—the self-motivated leader, the growth-orientated leader, the overwhelmed leader, and highly-successful leader—and helps orthodontists and their staff identify which type of leader they are. He also explains how you can transition through each of those levels to get to the highly successful leader stage.A key aspect of growing as a leader is delegation, and by extension trust. Levin explains why you need to trust your staff and stop micromanaging. But that doesn’t mean you are turning a blind eye. Instead, de explains why you need to shift from managing your staff to measuring results. And if staff miss a measurement, it doesn’t mean they violated your trust. “It means they need mentoring and training—which is what great leaders are happy to do,” says Levin.To move through the Four Levels of Leadership, Levin shares his 10 Principles of Leadership and explains how to implement each one. OP

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

Innovation is rampant in orthodontics—to the point that we’re seeing innovation within innovation. Take 3D printing, for example. The 3D printer alone—just the printer itself—has been revolutionary. It has allowed the orthodontic practice to take control and fabricate aligners in-office, on their own schedule. But it wasn’t the 3D printer alone that facilitated this. Along the way, additional innovations were needed—chief among them the thermoforming plastic material. And now, these materials are further evolving with a new material that allows for direct 3D-printed aligners. Orthodontic Products Chief Editor Alison Werner spoke to Ki Beom Kim, DDS, PhD, the Dr Lysle Johnston Endowed Chair in Orthodontics, and the program director in the orthodontic department at the Center for Advanced Dental Education at Saint Louis University, on a recent podcast episode about a new material that allows for direct 3D-printed aligners.Kim and his colleagues have spent the last 3 years testing the Direct Aligner photopolymer material from the South Korean 3D printing material company Graphy. Their findings were recently published in Progress in Orthodontics. The team found that controlling material dimensions, structure, and properties of aligners directly—compared to thermoforming plastic sheets—has the potential to make the process of tooth movement faster, less wasteful, and more precise.“If you have a 3D printer, you can now directly print this aligner without having [a] model, without going through the thermoforming process,” said Kim, adding that, with this new FDA approved material, the in-office lab can skip several steps in the current manufacturing workflow, including cutting out the aligners and polishing before delivery to the patient.What’s more, according to Kim, with a direct printed aligner, the clinician can more precisely control the thickness and insert bumps as needed. Kim shared that he and his team found that when the orthodontist can control the thickness they can “control the geometric inside of the aligner.” That, and the ability to add bumps, creates a huge opportunity for the orthodontist because it helps reduce the need for attachments, he said.For Kim, the shape memory polymer used to make the material is very interesting.He says it somewhat mimics the behavior of NiTi wire. The difference being that a NiTi wire can be exposed to cold temperature to become more flexible, while this Direct Aligner material becomes totally flexible when placed in warm/hot water. The advantage of this shape memory, according to Kim, is that the patient can maintain the shape—and thus the forces—of the aligner at home. Kim points out that patients remove their aligner up to 10 to 20 times a day to eat. “So think about the plastic deformation” every time they remove the aligner, said Kim. But with this material and some warm water, the shape can be restored. Kim uses the analogy of a deformed plastic Coke bottle. Once it’s deformed, it’s not going back to its original shape. But with this material, he can advise patients to put their aligner in warm water at the end of the day if they notice it’s not tight enough. “It will go back to the original shape so they can maintain [a better fit] every day,” he added.Now when it comes to forces, Kim shares he has been able to apply bigger activations per aligner, thus saving time in treatment and decreasing the number of aligners over the course of treatment. With traditional thermoforming plastics, Kim points out, something like a .5 mm activation per aligner can create a force level that causes the patient too much discomfort and even pain. But with this material, Kim can do that.“I’m constantly putting .5 mm activations and even 5° rotation per aligner, and then have patients wear [the aligner] just a little bit longer—maybe 2 weeks. Sometimes we go longer,” said Kim, adding that with a standard activation of .25 mm per aligner, to move 1 mm you need four aligners. “But if I can put .5 mm activation per aligner [and] have them wear [it] for 2 weeks, then I need only two aligners.”In this episode, Kim also talks about the hardware requirements, including 3D printer compatibility with the material needed, and the need for a specific type of curing machine. He also talks about the staging software needed to plan cases using direct 3D-printed aligners. What’s more, he talks about retention and his plans to test an on-site retainer-bending machine from YOAT, a medical technology manufacturer based in Seattle. OP