The Orthopreneurs Podcast with Dr. Glenn Krieger

If you don’t have a structured retainer program, you could be leaving significant money on the table while missing an opportunity to make long-term retention easier for the people you treat. In this Five Minute Friday , I’m talking about something every orthodontic practice should have: a retainer program. Clear retainers don’t last forever, and whether they last six months or five years, your patients are eventually going to need replacements. The question is whether you’ve built a system that makes getting those replacements simple, predictable, and beneficial for everyone involved. 💬Quotes “If you don't have a retainer program for your patients, number one, you're letting yourself down. You're leaving money on the table because there's a lot of money to be made there. And best of all, you're helping your patients.” — Dr. Glenn Krieger “You need to have a retainer program for your patients, and if you don't have one, I need to know why.” — Dr. Glenn Krieger 🎯 Key Takeaways Intro: Why every orthodontic practice needs a retainer program (00:00) Creating a program that serves patients AND generates revenue (00:39) Why patients will inevitably need replacement retainers (01:10) The different retainer program models I’ve tried over the years (01:39) How retainer programs can create meaningful additional revenue (02:00) Where to start if you don't currently have a program (02:47) How Orthopreneurs RD practices share strategies like these (02:55) The surprisingly large financial opportunity behind retainers (03:08) Final takeaway: If you don't have a retainer program, get one (03:27) 🟦 Additional Resources I’ve seen firsthand how something as simple as a well-designed retainer program can simultaneously improve the patient experience and create meaningful additional revenue for an orthodontic practice. If you don’t currently have one, start doing your homework. Look at the different programs available, ask other orthodontists what’s working for them, and find a model that makes sense for your practice and your patients. And if you want to have deeper conversations about strategies like this with other practice owners, reach out to me about Orthopreneurs RD. Geographic exclusivity means not everyone can join, but you won’t know until you apply. Whatever model you choose, the important thing is simple: have a retainer program. 👉 Airway Meeting: https://web.orthopreneurs.com/arizonasleepandairway2026 👉 For more information about Orthopreneurs, visit: https://orthopreneurs.com/ 👉 Become an OrthoPreneur and join the free Facebook group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/

In this first installment of my Live Your Best Life series, I break down the mindset shift that helped me approach business, stress, money, and time differently after more than three decades in practice. I’ll show you how to stop operating in constant “whack-a-mole” mode, define exactly where you want your practice and life to be five years from now, and work backward into measurable goals and priorities. The goal isn’t simply to produce more. It’s to build a practice that gives you more control, more time off, lower stress, and a life that actually feels successful. We’ll talk about creating your “rocks,” separating signal from noise, and using the Eisenhower framework to decide what deserves your attention—and what should be delegated or deleted. 💬Quotes “If things are not the way you want them in your life, there’s one person who it falls on—and it’s you.” — Dr. Glenn Krieger “You’re going to have your dream life or you’re not going to have your dream life.” — Dr. Glenn Krieger 🎯 Key Takeaways Intro: The Live Your Best Life series (00:32) The three pillars: mindset, hiring, and case acceptance (01:00) Why waiting until you make money to invest in growth makes no sense (03:21) Are you running a calm practice—or constantly playing whack-a-mole? (03:53) Why taking ownership is the first step toward changing your practice (04:51) Stop reacting: why you need a plan before life makes one for you (05:54) The Alice in Wonderland lesson: if you don’t know where you’re going, any road will get you there (07:16) Signal vs. noise: protecting your time for what matters most (08:20) Build your five-year vision and work backward (09:33) How to identify your rocks and attack the biggest priorities first (10:15) Success isn’t just production—it’s happiness, time, health, and lower stress (11:45) The Eisenhower Box: urgent vs. important tasks (12:22) Your homework: write down your rocks and start executing (12:42) 🟦 Additional Resources I’ve seen firsthand how much easier practice ownership becomes when you stop reacting to everything around you and start operating from a clear plan. Your homework is simple: define where you want to be five years from now, identify the rocks that will get you there, write them down somewhere you’ll see them every day, and start protecting your time from everything that doesn’t matter. If this episode helped you, DM me on Facebook or text me and tell me what your rock is. I want to know what you’re working toward. And stay tuned for Part 2, where I’ll break down how to build and retain the team you need to actually execute that vision. - Airway Meeting: https://web.orthopreneurs.com/arizonasleepandairway2026 - For more information, visit: https://orthopreneurs.com/ - Join our FREE Facebook group here: https://www.facebook.com/groups/

In this Five Minute Friday , I’m having a little fun with the frustrations almost every orthodontist knows too well. From referring dentists taking on cases they probably shouldn’t, to patients armed with questionable Google advice, to parents insisting their child wears elastics when the evidence says otherwise, I’m counting down a few of the things that make practicing orthodontics uniquely entertaining — and occasionally maddening. This isn’t a deep clinical lecture or a practice-management masterclass. It’s a reminder that sometimes the best thing we can do is laugh at the situations we all experience. I share a few stories from my own career, including one unforgettable headgear compliance story, and talk about why boundaries, patient cooperation, and realistic expectations matter. If you’ve ever stared at a patient and thought, “There is absolutely no way you’re wearing those elastics,” this episode is for you. 💬Quotes “If someone needs a mirror to put headgear in or to put rubber bands in, you know they’re not wearing them.” — Dr. Glenn Krieger “You don’t refer nearly enough patients to me for me to help you through this anymore.” — Dr. Glenn Krieger 🎯 Key Takeaways Intro: The things that drive orthodontists crazy (00:36) Referring dentists treating cases beyond their limits (01:04) Knowing when to stop bailing someone out (01:48) When patients bring Google advice into the operatory (02:37) A surprising adult maxillary protraction case (03:18) Parents who only want after-school appointments (04:59) The biggest frustration: kids who don’t wear elastics or aligners (05:53) The legendary headgear compliance story (06:30) Honorable mentions: plaque and patients who “don’t look” at their smiles (07:44) 🟦 Additional Resources I’ve seen firsthand how much easier orthodontics feels when you realize you’re not the only one dealing with these frustrations. So now I want to hear yours. What patient habit, parent interaction, referral situation, or everyday orthodontic annoyance drives you absolutely crazy? Share it in the Orthopreneurs community and let’s compare notes. Sometimes the best medicine is realizing we’re all dealing with the same stuff — and being able to laugh about it together. 👉 Airway Meeting : https://web.orthopreneurs.com/arizonasleepandairway2026 👉 For more information about Orthopreneurs, visit: https://orthopreneurs.com/ 👉 Become an OrthoPreneur and join the free Facebook group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/

In this episode of The Orthopreneurs Podcast, I sit down with Dave Ternan , co-founder and CEO of Orthofy, to look beyond opinions and dig into the actual numbers shaping orthodontics today. With data spanning nearly 1,400 locations and roughly $10 billion in production, we talk about what’s really happening with starts, case fees, patient affordability, adult demand, and the changing demographics of the orthodontic market. The numbers tell an important story. Starts have been largely flat over the longer term, adult demand has softened, and the core 11–16-year-old patient population is shrinking. That doesn’t mean orthodontics is doomed — far from it. But it does mean the old model of simply opening your doors and expecting year-over-year growth may no longer be enough. Dave and I discuss why differentiation, better systems, smarter pricing, and a tightly managed new-patient funnel are becoming essential for practices that want to grow. 💬Quotes “This fourth or fifth year in a row of down or flat could be the new norm, folks, if you're an average practice… what got you here won’t get you there.” — Dr. Glenn Krieger “I think the most important thing for a leader is to have the right people in the right seats at the right time.” — Dave Ternan 🎯 Key Takeaways Intro: Why data matters more than opinions right now (00:01) Orthofy’s footprint: 1,400 locations and nearly $10B in production data (05:40) Average case fees are rising — but still trailing inflation (07:27) Why affordability matters more than shortening payment plans (10:09) The historical trend: starts from 2019 through 2026 (13:24) Why 2026 demand has begun to soften (18:22) Adult starts as a signal of consumer confidence (21:17) The shrinking 11–16-year-old patient population (22:28) Why the old orthodontic practice model may no longer be enough (23:24) Differentiate your practice before the market forces you to (24:20) Why every orthodontist needs to understand their sales funnel (27:02) How to reduce leakage from new patient exam to start (28:36) AI’s next phase: moving from isolated tools to intelligent systems (35:16) Using AI to predict patient behavior and personalize at scale (39:18) Why patient affordability is becoming increasingly important (44:37) The leadership lesson: right people, right seats, right time (46:53) 🟦 Additional Resources If your practice has been flat or down, don’t beat yourself up. The data shows you’re not alone. But once you know the environment has changed, doing nothing is a choice. Look at your differentiation. Study your new-patient funnel. Make treatment affordable without destroying your economics. Build better systems. Put the right people in the right seats. And start using the technology and data available to you. If you’d like to learn how Orthofy could help your practice improve starts, collections, patient affordability, and revenue-cycle management, visit: 🌐 Orthofi.com And have them assess your historical performance and opportunities for growth 👉 Airway Meeting: https://web.orthopreneurs.com/arizonasleepandairway2026 👉 For more information about Orthopreneurs, visit: https://orthopreneurs.com/ 👉 Become an OrthoPreneur and join the free Facebook group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/

What if I told you the biggest thing holding your orthodontic practice back isn’t your team, your market, or your overhead—it’s you waiting until you feel “ready”? In this episode of Five Minute Friday , I’m challenging one of the most common patterns I see in orthodontists: delaying the very tools, technology, mentorship, and support that could make practice easier, more profitable, and less stressful. Whether it’s remote monitoring, aligners, consulting, masterminds, or better systems, too many doctors wait for the practice to improve before investing in the things that could actually create that improvement. 💬Quotes “You are your own worst enemy. Get out of your own way.” — Dr. Glenn Krieger “The most incredible achievers in our industry are the ones who said, ‘Help me.’” — Dr. Glenn Krieger 🎯 Key Takeaways Intro: Are you waiting until you’re “ready”? (00:00) Why orthodontists delay tools that could make practice easier (01:13) Why figuring everything out yourself makes no sense (02:07) What high-performing orthodontists do differently (02:27) Why investing in yourself can produce enormous long-term ROI (03:34) Technology, aligners, and remote monitoring: stop making excuses (04:03) Why high-performing peer groups accelerate growth (04:59) The real cost of waiting for “one day” (05:55) Why spending strategically can improve profitability (08:14) Final challenge: Are you your own worst enemy? (09:10) 🟦 Additional Resources I’ve seen firsthand how much faster a practice can grow when you stop trying to figure everything out alone and start using the resources already available to you. Look honestly at your practice this week. What technology, consultant, system, mastermind, or investment have you been putting off because you keep telling yourself you’re “not ready yet”? Pick one opportunity that could realistically lower your stress, increase your profitability, or shorten your learning curve—and take the next step. If you’re stuck and want to talk through what that next move should be, reach out to me directly. Sometimes the biggest breakthrough comes from simply getting out of your own way. - Airway Meeting: https://web.orthopreneurs.com/arizonasleepandairway2026 - For more information, visit: https://orthopreneurs.com/ - Join our FREE Facebook group here: https://www.facebook.com/groups/

We explore the latest tip on closing open bites more predictably using dental TADS. 👉 Become an OrthoPreneur today: https://www.facebook.com/groups/OrthoPreneurs In this episode, I am joined by Dr. Nicole Scheffler. She is one of the amazing speakers lined up for the Orthopreneur Summit in September. Dr. Nicole Scheffler received her dental and orthodontic training from the University of North Carolina – Chapel Hill. She practices full-time in Boone, North Carolina. She lectures a lot on closing anterior open bites all over the country and the world. Back in the year 2000, when nobody was doing TADS in the US, Dr. Nicole went to Belgium to learn how they were placing TADS and how the patient experience was. She came back and approached ORMCO, and that’s how VectorTAS came about. Nicole recommends closing open bites with dental TADS in conjunction with an open bite splint to intrude the posterior because it’s just as stable as jaw surgery. We also talk about creating a vibrant office culture where staff want to come to work. This is important as we all know getting and keeping dental assistants who are the right fit is key to the success of your practice. 💬Quotes “Back in 2000, nobody was really doing TADs in the U.S., so I went to Belgium to learn how they were placing them and what the patient experience was like.” — Dr. Nicole Scheffler “Closing open bites with dental TADs in conjunction with an open bite splint can give us stability comparable to jaw surgery.” — Dr. Nicole Scheffler 🎯 Key Takeaways Intro (00:00) Dr. Nicole Scheffler’s background and journey in orthodontics (01:38) The importance of the pedo-ortho relationship (06:48) How Nicole became focused on anterior open bites (10:30) When orthognathic surgery enters the conversation (14:31) Understanding the etiologies behind anterior open bite (16:14) Aligners vs. TADs for closing open bites (20:27) How to find and retain great assistants (22:53) Advanced Dental Assisting Academy (24:33) 🟦 Additional Resources If open bite cases are still among the cases that make you stop and think twice, this conversation is worth your time. Nicole brings years of clinical experience to a problem that can easily become unpredictable when the underlying etiology and mechanics aren’t fully understood. And if staffing is one of the bigger challenges in your practice right now, pay attention to the second half of this episode too. Better clinical systems matter, but so does building a team of people who actually want to stay, grow, and contribute. 👉 Airway Meeting: https://web.orthopreneurs.com/arizonasleepandairway2026 👉 For more information about Orthopreneurs, visit: https://orthopreneurs.com/ 👉 Become an OrthoPreneur and join the free Facebook group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/

What if I told you there’s a guaranteed way to make your orthodontic practice more profitable—and it starts with identifying just ONE number? Most practice owners know they want more production, better profitability, or higher case acceptance. The problem is that knowing you want growth isn’t the same as knowing exactly where to focus. In this Five Minute Friday , I’m challenging you to stop trying to fix everything and identify the one KPI that could make the biggest difference in your practice right now. 💬Quotes “What is that one KPI you need to work on, and what are you going to do right now to solve it?” — Dr. Glenn Krieger “You’ve got the power. You’re smart enough. You were driven enough. Are you still driven enough to get it done?” — Dr. Glenn Krieger 🎯 Key Takeaways The challenge: Find the one KPI that matters (00:00) There’s a way to make your practice more profitable right now (00:49) Why you can’t simply cut your way to profitability (01:13) Use AI to identify growth opportunities (01:31) Case acceptance, overhead, new patients—or something else? (01:56) Find the one KPI you need to fix (02:02) Why knowing the answer means nothing without execution (02:17) Stop waiting and start working on it now (02:31) The final challenge: Are you still driven enough? (03:04) 🟦 Additional Resources I’ve seen firsthand how focusing on the right number can change the trajectory of a practice—but only if you actually do something with it. So here’s your assignment: identify the one KPI that needs your attention most. Then sit down, use AI, talk with your team, and figure out what you can do to move that number. Don’t put it off until next week or when things “slow down.” You’ve already proven you’re smart enough and driven enough to get where you are. Now ask yourself: Are you still driven enough to get to the next level? Go get it. - Airway Meeting: https://web.orthopreneurs.com/arizonasleepandairway2026 - For more information, visit: https://orthopreneurs.com/ - Join our FREE Facebook group here: https://www.facebook.com/groups/

What if I told you the difference between a stressful orthodontic practice and an efficient one could come down to eliminating just a handful of recurring problems? The episode is about orthodontic efficiency with Dr. Ron Roncone, exploring decades of strategies to optimize orthodontic practices, reduce appointments, and improve patient care while discussing broader business and treatment philosophies in orthodontics. 💬Quotes “You can greatly reduce your stress by tackling the two or three issues causing most problems in your practice.” — Dr. Ron Roncone “It’s always been about what we need to do to reduce the number of appointments each patient has.” — Dr. Ron Roncone 🎯 Key Takeaways Introduction (00:00) The drive for efficiency in orthodontics (01:28) Reducing appointments and eliminating emergencies (07:34) How to reach $600,000 in production per team member (11:08) Smarter scheduling strategies (21:56) Occlusion and treatment philosophy (37:28) The cost of ignoring basic occlusal principles (45:16) Why continuing education still matters after decades in orthodontics (49:14) 🟦 Additional Resources If your practice feels busier than it should, don’t automatically assume you need more people, more chairs, or more days in the office. Start by asking where unnecessary appointments, emergencies, scheduling problems, and clinical inefficiencies are stealing your time. Listen to the full episode and identify the two or three recurring problems creating the most friction in your practice. Fixing those first could dramatically change your stress level, productivity, and patient experience. - Dr. Ron Roncone Course: The Just Short Of Perfect (JSOP) - Airway Meeting: https://web.orthopreneurs.com/arizonasleepandairway2026 - For more information, visit: https://orthopreneurs.com/ - Join our FREE Facebook group here: https://www.facebook.com/groups/

What if doubling your take-home next year has less to do with working harder—and more to do with removing the limits you’ve placed on your own practice? Too many orthodontists set goals based on what feels comfortable instead of what might actually be possible. In this episode, I want to challenge you to stop asking, “What do I think I can grow by next year?” and start asking a much bigger question: What would have to change for me to double my take-home, take more time off, and enjoy my practice more? 💬Quotes “It was a self-imposed limitation that you put on yourself.” — Dr. Glenn Krieger “I want you to come up with a way that next year you’re going to take off more time, you’re going to double your take-home, and you’re going to be happier.” — Dr. Glenn Krieger 🎯 Key Takeaways Intro: Double your take-home and take more time off (00:00) The rope maker story: How self-imposed limits hold us back (00:38) Why a $3M practice may be capable of much more than $3.4M (01:49) Your inability to imagine growth may be the real constraint (03:13) Growth vs. scale: Why they’re not the same thing (03:43) How technology and remote monitoring can create leverage (04:16) Real orthodontists who dramatically changed their practices (05:11) The challenge: Envision doubling your take-home (05:36) Why the goal is more income with less stress and more time off (08:14) How badly do you actually want the result? (08:42) Building a practice that gives you the freedom to walk away younger (09:14) Your homework: Build the plan instead of dismissing the possibility (10:04) 🟦 Additional Resources I don’t want you working until you’re 85 because you have to. I want you practicing because you love it—or having the financial freedom to walk away when you choose. So here’s your homework: sit down and figure out what would need to happen for you to double your take-home next year while taking more time off and lowering your stress. Think about your marketing, your technology, your systems, your training, and every assumption you’ve made about what your practice can handle. Don’t start with why it’s impossible. Start with: What would have to be true for this to work? You’ve already proven you’re capable of doing difficult things. Now it’s time to stop measuring against the same nine-foot wall. - Airway Meeting: https://web.orthopreneurs.com/arizonasleepandairway2026 - For more information, visit: https://orthopreneurs.com/ - Join our FREE Facebook group here: https://www.facebook.com/groups/

For years, I’ve talked about working on your practice instead of getting buried in it. But the truth is, even the most successful orthodontists waste hours every week on tasks that someone else could do better, faster, and with less stress. In this episode, I sit down with someone who has completely transformed the way I work: Falyn Golub, founder of The Invisible Assistant. Falyn isn’t your typical virtual assistant. She’s an executive assistant, project manager, strategist, and problem solver who helps entrepreneurs reclaim their time by taking ownership of the countless details that steal their focus. We dive into what an executive virtual assistant actually does, why delegation is one of the most valuable skills you can develop, and how protecting your time allows you to become a better leader, doctor, and business owner. If you've ever felt overwhelmed by the never-ending to-do list that comes with running a practice, this conversation will completely change the way you think about productivity. 💬 Quotes “I help many entrepreneurs execute. Whether it’s a personal task or corporate operations, I help organize my clients, give them peace of mind, and free up their mental load so they can focus on what they do best.” — Falyn Golub “The most exciting part of my job is preventing problems my clients never even know were going to happen.” — Falyn Golub 🎯 Key Takeaways Intro (00:00) Meet Falyn Golub and The Invisible Assistant (00:30) What an executive virtual assistant actually does (01:26) Why delegation creates more time—not more hours (03:20) Trading money for time as your practice grows (05:12) Real-life examples of how executive assistants remove stress (07:56) Managing personal and business projects seamlessly (09:38) How hiring support protects your time and energy (15:28) Why entrepreneurs struggle to delegate—and how to change it (20:06) How executive assistants use AI without losing the human touch (21:36) Pricing, onboarding, and what to expect (24:17) Why the best assistants become long-term strategic partners (31:02) 🟦 Additional Resources If you're spending valuable clinical or leadership time managing travel, scheduling, hiring, research, projects, or countless other administrative tasks, it may be time to rethink how you're using your most valuable asset: your time. To learn more about The Invisible Assistant, visit: 🌐 https://www.theinvisibleassistant.com 📧 Falyn@TheInvisibleAssistant.com Whether you're looking for executive-level support or simply wondering if a virtual assistant could help your practice run more efficiently, Falyn and her team are a great place to start. - Airway Meeting: https://web.orthopreneurs.com/arizonasleepandairway2026 - For more information, visit: https://orthopreneurs.com/ - Join our FREE Facebook group here: https://www.facebook.com/groups/

In this episode of Five Minute Friday, I’m challenging one of the most common tendencies I see among orthodontists: taking a proven system or technology and immediately trying to “make it our own.” We’re highly educated, driven, and clinically capable—but those strengths can become weaknesses when we assume we can redesign every workflow better than the people who built and refined it. As staffing becomes more difficult, the practices that thrive will be the ones that implement technology before they are forced to. My goal is to help you build a more efficient, resilient practice—one that allows you to spend less time working inside the business and more time leading, growing, and enjoying it. 💬Quotes “Don’t be too smart for your own good. Be intellectually humble and recognize that there are better solutions out there than you can come up with—and maybe you should embrace them.” — Dr. Glenn Krieger “Will you begin working on your practice instead of in your practice? Absolutely.” — Dr. Glenn Krieger 🎯 Key Takeaways Why orthodontists try to outsmart proven systems (00:00) The importance of having a written practice plan (00:41) When intelligence becomes a business weakness (00:52) Why you should not immediately customize established technology (01:16) The Michelin-star lesson: trust the expert process (01:43) Clinical expertise does not automatically equal business expertise (02:10) Homework: identify the systems and policies that are not working (03:42) Why the staffing crisis makes automation more urgent (04:07) The wrong way to implement remote monitoring (05:17) Follow the recommended workflow before making changes (06:17) How inefficient customization increases doctor and team workload (07:03) Preparing your practice to operate with fewer team members (07:15) Using digital concierge and AI-powered solutions (08:28) When a virtual assistant is—and is not—the right solution (09:17) Why outsourcing can increase freedom, productivity, and profitability (10:08) The financial case for outsourcing repetitive clinical tasks (10:29) Final challenge: practice intellectual humility (11:21) 🟦 Additional Resources I’ve seen firsthand how the right technology can reduce stress, protect your team’s time, and help you build a more profitable orthodontic practice—but only when you stop trying to reinvent it. Review the systems and policies in your practice that are creating frustration, delays, or unnecessary doctor involvement. Then ask whether a proven solution already exists—and whether you are willing to implement it the way it was designed before attempting to customize it. Reach out to me anytime if you’d like to continue the conversation. - Airway Meeting: https://web.orthopreneurs.com/arizonasleepandairway2026 - For more information, visit: https://orthopreneurs.com/ - Join our FREE Facebook group here: https://www.facebook.com/groups/

In this episode, I sit down with Lindsay Quinn, founder of Heartwise Collective, to explore how orthodontists can move beyond basic ChatGPT prompts and begin using AI as a true operational partner. Lindsay has spent 20 years in orthodontics and the last decade helping practices improve their systems and efficiency. In her own business, she used AI to double growth for two consecutive years without adding team members—and now she’s teaching orthodontic practices how to create that same leverage. We discuss how AI can support every department of your practice, from marketing and financial analysis to treatment coordinator training, lead nurturing, and policy development. Lindsay also explains the difference between simply asking Claude or ChatGPT a question and building an AI system that understands your practice, brand, patients, and goals. You’ll walk away with practical ways to reduce stress, improve predictability, strengthen accountability, and spend less time rebuilding the same systems from scratch. 💬Quotes “Don’t be in search of a problem because there’s an answer for it. Always start with: Do I have a problem, and how can I partner with AI to help solve it?” — Lindsay Quinn “The biggest advantage with AI is not us just building the thing, but you learning the skill set.” — Lindsay Quinn 🎯 Key Takeaways - Intro: Using AI to fill operational gaps in your practice (00:00) - How Lindsay doubled her business without adding team members (01:38) - Building AI systems instead of relying on isolated prompts (03:01) - Creating an AI-powered marketing department (04:13) - Using AI as a financial and overhead analysis tool (05:05) - Avoiding AI overwhelm and shiny-object syndrome (06:11) - Building an AI conversion coach for treatment coordinators (07:36) - Why many orthodontic practices are leaving revenue on the table (08:36) - The difference between a generic Claude prompt and a trained AI system (13:28) - How AI projects, instructions, and knowledge bases work together (13:58) - Understanding agentic AI and automated workflows (16:51) - A real example of AI researching every meeting automatically (19:06) - Why foundational systems still matter before adding AI (21:13) - Warning signs that your practice systems are not working (22:13) - The KPIs every orthodontic practice should begin tracking (23:33) - The ACRE framework for writing better AI prompts (23:46) - Using AI to reduce no-shows and improve lead follow-up (25:06) - How AI can help practices build their own internal tools and apps (27:19) - Why learni n g AI now may put your practice years ahead (29:02) 🟦 Additional Resources If your practice could run more efficiently, predictably, and profitably—but you feel overwhelmed by where to begin—this episode will show you how AI can help close those gaps. Lindsay’s AI group coaching program teaches orthodontic practices how to build their own systems, automate repetitive work, and develop the skills to keep improving long after the program ends. To learn more about Heartwise Collective, email: hello@heartwisecollective.com - Airway Meeting: https://web.orthopreneurs.com/arizonasleepandairway2026 - For more information, visit: https://orthopreneurs.com/ - Join our FREE Facebook group here: https://www.facebook.com/groups/

In this episode of Five Minute Friday, I’m breaking down the different financial stages most orthodontists move through, from struggling with student debt and survival mode to having enough capital to access investments that may not have been visible earlier in your career. I share my own experience of rebuilding financially during orthodontic residency, the investing mistakes I made, and the lessons that changed how I think about preserving and growing money. This is not individualized financial advice, but it is a challenge to become more educated, ask better questions, and surround yourself with experienced professionals and peers. The goal isn’t simply to earn more—it’s to use the income orthodontics provides to create greater freedom, security, and opportunity for yourself and your family. 💬Quotes “Poor people see money as a means of survival. Middle-class people see money as a means of getting credit to buy things they can’t afford outright. And rich people see money as a way of making more money.” — Dr. Glenn Krieger “Until the amount you’re putting in is earning at least one-to-one interest, capital preservation matters. Rate of return doesn’t matter at all.” — Dr. Glenn Krieger 🎯 Key Takeaways Intro (00:00) Why traditional retirement projections may deserve closer scrutiny (00:22) The three financial stages orthodontists commonly experience (01:46) Dr. Krieger’s personal experience with survival mode (02:43) How joining an OSO introduced new investment opportunities (03:31) Commercial real estate, private equity, and access to capital (05:00) Why new investors should prioritize capital preservation (06:46) Understanding the one-to-one investment ratio (07:22) Why orthodontists have a strong opportunity to build long-term wealth (08:58) The financial argument behind earlier OSO affiliation (09:18) Understanding the three-to-one investment ratio (10:01) When it may be time to enjoy more of what you’ve built (10:40) Learning from experienced investors and trusted peers (11:05) Balancing stronger returns with responsible risk management (12:12) 🟦 Additional Resources I’ve seen firsthand how dramatically your financial opportunities can change when you preserve your capital, educate yourself, and connect with people who have already traveled the path ahead of you. Take an honest look at your current stage. Are you still building your foundation? Have your investments reached the one-to-one threshold? Or have you reached the point where your money is producing significantly more than you’re contributing? Reach out to me anytime if you’d like to continue the conversation. - Airway Meeting: https://web.orthopreneurs.com/arizonasleepandairway2026 - For more information, visit: https://orthopreneurs.com/ - Join our FREE Facebook group here: https://www.facebook.com/groups/

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. 💬Quotes "Innovation is the key for any practice, for any company in today's society. We cannot be standing still—I want to know where we're going to be in one year." — Djamil Abiyev "I always say, I'll take care of all the challenging cases. Don't worry about the rest. I'm going to guide you, and I'm going to take care of your difficult cases myself." — Djamil Abiyev 🎯 Key Takeaways Intro (00:00) Meet Djamil Abiyev (02:01) Why innovation matters (03:21) Custom digital airway workflows (06:45) Tiger Screws & modern skeletal expansion (09:33) The future of titanium appliances (15:50) Charging what advanced treatment is worth (24:24) Expansion, airway & patient outcomes (29:14) Guided Bollard Plates (35:25) Building an innovation-first practice (43:03) What's coming next? (46:36) 🟦 Additional Resources If you've been looking for ways to improve your clinical outcomes, embrace digital innovation, and confidently tackle more complex orthodontic cases, this episode is packed with ideas you can put into practice. Contact Djamil Abiyev 📧 Email: Djamil@partnersdentalstudio.com 📱Text: 612-345-0165 💻 Website: https://partnersdentalstudio.com/ 💻Website: https://www.gotbraces.com/about-us/ 🔹 Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/PartnersDentalStudio Whether you're interested in custom MARPEs, airway-focused workflows, titanium appliances, or simply want to see what's possible with modern digital orthodontics, Djamil and his team are an incredible resource. - Airway Meeting: https://web.orthopreneurs.com/arizonasleepandairway2026 - For more information, visit : https://orthopreneurs.com/ - Join our FREE Facebook group here: https://www.facebook.com/groups/

What if I told you that much of what you’re hearing about OSOs, DSOs, private equity, and debt is missing the context you need to make an informed decision about your practice? In this episode of Five Minute Friday, I break down some of the fear, misinformation, and clickbait surrounding private equity-backed orthodontic organizations. After receiving dozens of questions about the financial health of OSOs—particularly following a recent article—I want to explain how debt, refinancing, equity, and partnership structures actually work in the private equity world. This episode is not an argument that every orthodontist should join an OSO or DSO. It is a call to educate yourself, understand the structure of the deal, and stop allowing fear or industry rhetoric to make major financial decisions for you. My goal is to give you context so you can evaluate whether affiliation is right for your practice, your family, and your long-term goals. 💬Quotes “You can disagree with the way things are headed, but to root for people in your industry to fail—good people, people who have families—I mean, that’s just disgusting.” — Dr. Glenn Krieger “Nobody knows where the future of any private equity-backed company is headed. All signs may point toward good things happening, but bad things can happen. That’s the nature of business.” — Dr. Glenn Krieger 🎯 Key Takeaways The danger of rooting for your peers to fail (00:00) Why Dr. Krieger’s OSO and private equity education is different (00:50) Why smaller OSOs may carry significantly greater risk (01:44) Capital preservation and evaluating the risk of a partnership (02:05) Understanding cash, retained ownership, and parent-company equity (02:49) Why parent-company equity can be an important part of the deal (05:01) How leverage and debt are used in private equity transactions (06:55) Why refinancing debt does not automatically signal financial trouble (07:39) The difference between restructuring, failure, and ordinary refinancing (08:17) Smile Doctors’ history of equity turns and what that means (09:21) Why no one can guarantee the future of an OSO or DSO (10:24) How to decide whether an affiliation is right for your practice (11:30) 🟦 Additional Resources Before you make a decision involving your practice, your equity, and your family’s financial future, take the time to understand the actual structure, risk, and potential reward. Affiliation is not right for every doctor, every practice, or every stage of a career. Reach out and DM me if you want to have an honest conversation about private equity, OSOs, DSOs, associates, satellite offices, or the future of your practice. I will never try to pressure you into a deal. My goal is simply to help you ask better questions and make a more informed decision. - Airway Meeting: https://web.orthopreneurs.com/arizonasleepandairway2026 - For more information, visit: https://orthopreneurs.com/ - Join our FREE Facebook group here: https://www.facebook.com/groups/

There's a lot of noise surrounding OSOs, DSOs, and private equity. In this episode, I sit down with Jay Hedrick, CEO of Smile Doctors, to cut through the myths and have an honest conversation about how these organizations really operate. Whether you're completely independent, already affiliated with an OSO, or simply curious about what these partnerships look like behind the scenes, this episode will give you the perspective most orthodontists never get: direct access to the CEO of a multi-billion-dollar orthodontic organization. We dive into leadership, business strategy, private equity, equity opportunities, culture, joint ventures, de novos, and what it actually takes to build a sustainable organization that benefits doctors, teams, patients, and investors alike. This isn't a sales pitch—it's an inside look at how high-level business decisions are made and what every orthodontist should understand before making one of the biggest decisions of their career. 💬Quotes "We like for the doctors to focus on giving a great patient experience and making an exceptional environment in their clinic... we'll work on driving more patients in and optimizing the business." — Jay Hedrick "Don't chase the money exclusively. Figure out where you'll be happiest, where you're culturally aligned, and where you have the highest probability of long-term success." — Jay Hedrick 🎯 Key Takeaways Intro (00:00) Meet Jay Hedrick, CEO of Smile Doctors (00:37) Jay's journey from engineer to leading a multi-billion-dollar company (03:41) Are great CEOs born or developed? (07:03) Why experience can be worth more than money early in your career (09:29) What a CEO actually does every day (12:03) Private equity explained in plain English (15:09) Common myths about private equity and why growth—not cost cutting—is the real goal (16:55) How equity events work and why they matter to orthodontists (20:37) Why Smile Doctors adopted the Joint Venture (JV) model (27:02) De novos, bolt-ons, and creating growth opportunities for doctors (30:46) Patient-first culture inside an OSO (33:14) Advice for orthodontists evaluating OSO opportunities (36:13) How to evaluate risk, culture, and long-term opportunity—not just the highest multiple (37:36) 🟦 Additional Resources If you've ever wondered whether joining an OSO is right for you—or you've heard conflicting opinions about private equity—I encourage you to listen with an open mind and focus on the facts. As I mention in the episode, I've had hundreds of confidential conversations with orthodontists about OSOs, DSOs, practice transitions, and private equity. If you're considering your options now or years down the road, I'm always happy to share my perspective honestly and without pressure. 💬 Have questions about OSOs, DSOs, or private equity? Reach out to me directly—I'm always happy to have a confidential conversation. - Airway Meeting: https://web.orthopreneurs.com/arizonasleepandairway2026 - For more information, visit: https://orthopreneurs.com/ - Join our FREE Facebook group here: https://www.facebook.com/groups/

In this episode of Five Minute Friday, I’m challenging you to think beyond the traditional model of marketing to every parent in your community for routine pediatric orthodontic cases. When every practice is chasing the same audience with the same message, it becomes increasingly difficult to stand out—especially as the orthodontic market experiences slower or declining case starts. You do not need to copy my niche. The goal is to identify the cases you truly enjoy, develop the expertise to treat them exceptionally well, and make sure your community knows you offer that service. When you become known for something specific, you can reduce competition, build a stronger referral network, charge appropriately for your expertise, and create a practice that is both more profitable and personally fulfilling. 💬Quotes “What is it you can do that you love doing that is more than just treating the Phase I or the Class I crowded? Dive into that. Enjoy it. Become an expert on it. Become the best in your city at it, and then go get it.” — Dr. Glenn Krieger “When another orthodontist says, ‘I hate doing X, Y, and Z, but I know that Glenn does it,’ they’re happy because they have a referral, you’re happy because you got the new patient, and if you love doing it, you’re even happier.” — Dr. Glenn Krieger 🎯 Key Takeaways Why competing for the same pediatric patients limits growth (00:30) Finding fulfillment through specialization (01:45) Why adult orthodontics can create more meaningful outcomes (02:02) Building an interdisciplinary practice with trusted specialists (02:22) How complex cases can generate peer referrals (03:48) Charging appropriately for advanced treatment (04:36) Choosing a niche that separates you from local competitors (04:50) Why practices may need to diversify in a changing orthodontic market (07:04) Turning your favorite treatments into a referral-driven specialty (07:52) 🟦 Additional Resources Take an honest look at the cases that give you the greatest sense of purpose. Maybe it is adult treatment, surgical orthodontics, airway, aligners, impacted teeth, interdisciplinary care, or something completely different. Whatever it is, develop your expertise, communicate it clearly, and become the orthodontist your community thinks of when that specific case walks through the door. Your niche should not only help your practice grow—it should make you more excited to come to work. Reach out to me if I can help you identify where your greatest opportunities may be. - Airway Meeting: https://web.orthopreneurs.com/arizonasleepandairway2026 - For more information, visit: https://orthopreneurs.com/ - Join our FREE Facebook group here: https://www.facebook.com/groups/

What if I told you one of the biggest wealth-building opportunities in oral health may have nothing to do with owning more practices? Most orthodontists have heard plenty about private equity, OSOs, and DSOs—but venture capital is an entirely different conversation. In this episode, I sit down with Dr. Jeremy Krell, co-founder and managing partner of Revere Partners, to explain how venture capital works, how it differs from private equity, and why innovation across the oral health industry may create compelling opportunities for doctors who want to invest beyond their own practices. Jeremy brings a rare combination of clinical knowledge and entrepreneurial experience. He shares how Revere Partners identifies promising oral health startups, provides the capital and guidance they need to grow, and creates opportunities for investors to participate before those companies reach acquisition or larger-scale expansion. You’ll walk away with a clearer understanding of the risks, potential rewards, and practical steps involved in exploring venture capital as part of a broader investment strategy. 💬Quotes “Revere Partners was created by doctors for doctors.” — Dr. Jeremy Krell “The model is designed to help dentists, orthodontists, and others in the oral health space access investment opportunities more easily.” — Dr. Jeremy Krell 🎯 Key Takeaways Intro (00:00) Meet Dr. Jeremy Krell, Managing Partner at Revere Partners (01:51) Understanding venture capital in oral health (04:47) Venture capital vs. private equity (11:23) How orthodontists can begin investing in venture capital (14:51) How the venture capital model works (17:56) Why oral health presents unique investment opportunities (24:27) How to learn more about Revere Partners (30:13) 🟦 Additional Resources I’ve seen firsthand how learning to think beyond clinical production can completely change the way orthodontists approach wealth, risk, and long-term opportunity. This episode is not about chasing the latest investment trend—it’s about understanding a model that is already helping fund the next generation of oral health companies. Listen to the full conversation, evaluate the opportunities carefully, and decide whether venture capital deserves a place in your broader financial strategy. Learn more about Revere Partners: https://www.reverepartnersvc.com/ Contact Dr. Jeremy Krell: jeremy@reverepartnersvc.com - Airway Meeting: https://web.orthopreneurs.com/arizonasleepandairway2026 - For more information, visit: https://orthopreneurs.com/ - Join our FREE Facebook group here: https://www.facebook.com/groups/

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. 💬Quotes "Once anything can happen. Twice is a coincidence. Three times is a pattern. We're working on four." — Dr. Glenn Krieger "The whole point of this Five Minute Friday isn't to give you all the answers—it's to make you aware of something and get you to start thinking about it." — Dr. Glenn Krieger 🎯 Key Takeaways Intro: Are four flat years changing orthodontics forever? (00:00) Industry trends and what the data is telling us (00:45) Why startups are different from mature practices (02:00) Is this the new normal for orthodontics? (03:10) Making smarter expansion and hiring decisions (04:45) Why every orthodontist needs a trusted mastermind or peer group (06:00) Preparing your practice instead of waiting for the market to change (07:15) 🟦 Additional Resources I've seen firsthand how quickly orthodontics can change—and the practices that adapt first are almost always the ones that continue to grow. If this episode got you thinking differently about your practice, don't navigate these changes alone. Find a trusted group of orthodontists who challenge your thinking, share ideas openly, and help you make better decisions. If you'd like my perspective on your practice or want to learn more about the Orthopreneurs RD community, send me a message. I'm always happy to help however I can. - Airway Meeting: https://web.orthopreneurs.com/arizonasleepandairway2026 - For more information, visit: https://orthopreneurs.com/ - Join our FREE Facebook group here: https://www.facebook.com/groups/

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) *🟦 Additional Resources* If you've ever wondered whether myofunctional therapy belongs in your practice—or how it fits into airway treatment—this episode is the perfect place to start. The more I learn about airway and sleep-disordered breathing, the more convinced I become that great outcomes come from great teams, not individual providers. If you want to dive deeper, join us at the Orthopreneurs Airway Symposium in Scottsdale, where Autumn will be one of our featured speakers alongside orthodontists, ENTs, oral surgeons, sleep physicians, and other experts focused on interdisciplinary care. - Airway Meeting: https://opairway.com - For more information, visit: https://orthopreneurs.com/ - Join our FREE Facebook group here: https://www.facebook.com/groups/ *To connect with Autumn directly:* 📧 autumn@chrysalisorofacial.com 📸 Instagram: @chrysalisorofacial1