Starting or expanding a dental or orthodontic practice is a monumental step in every orthodontist’s career. But let’s face it—navigating the financial side of things can feel overwhelming.

From buying real estate to financing expensive equipment, the complexities of securing a loan can leave even the most ambitious practitioners scratching their heads.

In this episode, I chat with Bert Smith, Senior Vice President of Healthcare Financing at Live Oak Bank, to demystify orthodontic practice financing.

Bert’s expertise in SBA loans and his deep understanding of the dental industry offer a roadmap for practitioners looking to own or grow their practice. He shares a lot of insider knowledge that will definitely transform how you approach financing.

You will understand why conventional banks might struggle with your loan requests and how smaller banks' personalized approach works best for dental/orthodontic practices.

Tune in to learn more about the world of financing and how you can make your vision a reality.

Key Takeaways

Introduction (00:00)
Bert’s journey - career path to Live Oak Bank (01:57)
Banks’ view on orthodontic practices (03:01)
Traditional loan models - Financing land and buildings (10:35)
How SBA loans benefit orthodontic practices (14:58)
Flexibility of SBA loans (19:33)
SBA vs. conventional loans interest rates (25:45)

Additional Resources

- Live Oak Bank Website: https://www.liveoakbank.com/

- Bert Smith's Email: [email protected]

- Register for the OrthoPreneurs Summit 2025: http://opsummit2025.com/

- For more information, visit: https://orthopreneurs.com/

- Join our FREE Facebook group here: https://www.facebook.com/groups/OrthoPreneurs