👤 Guest: Stephanie Gans, DDS, Senior Scientist & Professional and Scientific Relations Manager, Crest + Oral-B

📌 Episode Overview:
Orthodontic treatment success depends on more than biomechanics—it hinges on patients maintaining strong oral health throughout treatment. In this episode, sponsored by Proctor & Gamble Crest + Oral-B, explore the oral health challenges common to both bracket and aligner patients, the science behind today’s most effective preventive tools, and how orthodontic teams can drive better patient habits. Dr Stephanie Gans breaks down the evidence behind oscillating-rotating toothbrush technology, the advantages of advanced stannous fluoride formulations, and how integrated solutions like the Ortho Essentials program support cleaner, healthier, and more predictable orthodontic outcomes.

⏱️ Chapters
01:05 Common Oral Health Challenges in Orthodontic Treatment
01:42 Hygiene Risks for Bracket Patients
02:32 Unique Oral Health Issues for Aligner Patients
04:53 How Poor Hygiene Impacts Treatment Outcomes & Costs
06:42 Why Oscillating-Rotating Brushes Outperform Manual & Sonic
10:38 Inside the Oral-B iO: Features That Improve Brushing Habits
13:43 Stannous vs. Sodium Fluoride: Key Differences and Benefits
18:16 How Ortho Essentials Supports Better Home Care
20:25 Communication Strategies That Strengthen Patient Habits

✅ Key Takeaways
🔹 Hygiene challenges remain one of the biggest threats to orthodontic outcomes—regardless of appliance type.
🔹 Oscillating-rotating power brushes outperform manual and sonic brushes in plaque removal, especially around brackets.
🔹 Advanced stannous fluoride provides benefits beyond cavity protection, including enamel strengthening and gum health support.
🔹 Synergy matters: combining paste, power brush, rinse, and floss leads to more consistent patient results.
🔹 Communication is key—clear, repeated coaching drives better compliance and long-term habit formation.
🔹 Integrating structured oral care programs like Ortho Essentials can reduce risk, improve predictability, and support practice efficiency.

👤 Guest Bio:
Stephanie Gans, DDS, is a practicing dentist turned senior scientist and professional and scientific relations manager at Crest + Oral-B. With more than 10 years of clinical experience and over 7 years in oral care innovation, she focuses on educating dental professionals about the latest science behind paste and power brushing technologies. Dr Gans regularly collaborates with key opinion leaders and national associations to support evidence-based patient care and improved oral health outcomes.

🔗 Links
💠 Ortho Essentials Program: https://oralb.com/en-us/oral-health/orthoessentials-program/

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#Orthodontics #OrthodonticProductsPodcast #OralHealth #OrthodonticPatients #CrestOralB #StannousFluoride #OrthodonticHygiene #OrthoEssentials

👤 Guest: Amy Epstein, MBA, People + Practice

📌 Episode Overview:
Branding isn’t just a logo—it’s the promise your practice makes and consistently delivers. In this episode, we dig into how orthodontic practices can evolve their brand without losing the trust and recognition they’ve built. Amy Epstein explains when to consider a refresh vs a full rebrand, how to communicate change to protect equity, and the metrics that show your brand work is paying off. This conversation extends Amy’s article, “How to Evolve Your Practice Brand While Protecting Its Legacy,” featured in the November issue of Orthodontic Products.

⏱️ Chapters

00:00 Evolving Your Orthodontic Practice Brand
03:04 Understanding Brand Refresh vs. Rebrand
08:19 Connecting Brand Perception to Business Results
11:49 Utilizing Patient Feedback for Brand Development
14:38 The Role of Team Members in Brand Identity
16:20 Strategic Steps for Brand Evolution
18:20 Honoring Legacy in Brand Evolution

✅ Key Takeaways

🔹 Patients experience your brand before they meet you—make that first touch count.
🔹 Consider an update when your practice’s progress outpaces how you’re presented (new doctors, modalities, markets).
🔹 A refresh modernizes visuals/message; a rebrand responds to larger strategic shifts.
🔹 Protect equity with clear, early, and frequent communication tailored to each audience.
🔹 Measure impact via conversion rates, time-to-start, web engagement, reviews, and word-of-mouth.
🔹 Your team is central to defining and delivering the brand promise—bring them in early.
🔹 Start with discovery: what patients value, what you do best, and how competitors position themselves.
🔹 Evolving your brand ≠ abandoning your legacy—carry forward the elements that still hold equity.

👤 Guest Bio:
Amy Epstein, MBA, is the co-founder of People + Practice, an orthodontic marketing agency on a mission to unveil opportunities for orthodontic practices to thrive by implementing digital marketing strategies, technology, and services that fuel practice growth. She is also the co-host of The Golden Age of Orthodontics podcast, dedicated to highlighting the most innovative technologies and approaches in the orthodontic industry. 

🔗 Links
People + Practice Website: PPLpractice.com
Email: Amy: [email protected]

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LINKEDIN: https://www.linkedin.com/company/ortho-products/

Have a question for a future episode? Drop it in the comments or email [email protected].

#Orthodontics #OrthodonticPractice #PracticeGrowth #BrandingForOrthodontists #OrthodonticMarketing

👤 Guest: Ricky Caples, DDS, MS

Sponsored by: Ormco

📌 Episode Overview:
In this episode of the Orthodontic Products Podcast, sponsored by Ormco, host Alison Werner talks with Dr Ricky Caples of Caples and Robinson Orthodontics in Monroe, La, about his transition to Ormco’s Spark Aligners and how clear aligners have reshaped his approach to treatment. He shares insights on patient comfort, workflow efficiency, and the benefits of using both Spark Aligners and the Damon Ultima System under the Ormco umbrella.

⏱️ Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Dr. Ricky Caples and His Practice
02:57 Evolution of Orthodontics: Clear Aligners and Digital Tools
06:00 The Spark Aligner Experience: Workflow and Patient Comfort
09:02 Complex Cases and Versatility of Spark Aligners
11:58 Comparing Spark Aligners with Competitors
15:11 The Ultima Bracket System: A Game Changer
17:54 Embracing Change in Orthodontics

✅ Key Takeaways:

▪️ Spark Aligners have improved treatment predictability and reduced refinements in his practice.
▪️ Patient comfort and support from Ormco were key factors in making the switch.
▪️ Having both Spark Aligners and the Ultima bracket system under one company has streamlined workflows and support.
▪️ Staying open to change allows orthodontists to evolve with technology while maintaining quality patient care.

👤 Guest Bio: 
Dr Ricky Caples has been a practicing orthodontist in Monroe, La, since 1993. He received his DDS degree and his MS in orthodontics from Louisiana State University. He is a Diplomate of the American Board of Orthodontics and an active member of the American Association of Orthodontics, the Southwestern Association of Orthodontics, and the past president of the Louisiana Association of Orthodontics. He is also a member of the American Dental Association and received the Distinguished Service Award from the Louisiana Dental Association. He is also a member of the Cleft Palate Team of Northeast Louisiana. Caples is a collector of vintage convertible cars and rare watches. He spends his spare time with his wife Lynna, traveling or enjoying his family of two children and 4 grandsons. He is an avid turkey hunter.

🔗 Links: 
▪️ https://caplesrobinsonortho.com/
▪️ https://ormco.com/

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LINKEDIN: https://www.linkedin.com/company/ortho-products/

Have a question for a future episode? Drop it in the comments or email [email protected].

#OrthodonticProducts #SparkAligners #Ormco #Orthodontics #AlignerTreatment #ClearAligners #Orthodontist #DentalPodcast #DamonUltima #OrthodonticPractice

Guest: Jeremy Manuele, DMD, orthodontist, Hamilton & Manuele Orthodontics (Las Vegas)

📌 Episode Overview:
In this episode of the Orthodontic Products Podcast, host Alison Werner talks with Dr Jeremy Manuele about the move from thermoformed aligners to direct-print aligners and how this shift is changing in-office workflows. He shares how his team integrated direct printing into their daily operations, what design features improve fit and tracking, and how force reactivation can enhance treatment consistency. Manuele also discusses practical challenges—like staining, surface texture, and occasional breakage—and the steps his team takes to address them.

For orthodontists exploring whether direct-print aligners make sense for their practice, this conversation offers a clear, experience-based look at both the opportunities and the realities of this new approach.

⏱️ Chapters
00:30 Manuele’s early 3D printing journey
07:25 Direct-print vs thermoformed: what actually changes
10:55 Variable thickness, built-in features, engaging undercuts
17:22 Force reactivation and material behavior
24:00 Managing force decay and overcorrections
29:31 Pros/cons: fewer attachments, staining, surface feel, breakage
46:17 Workflow & team roles in design and post-processing
54:28 Costs and decision-making for adoption
56:25 What’s next for direct-print aligner technology

✅ Key Takeaways:

• Direct-print aligners represent the next step in 3D printing for orthodontics—offering greater design control and a more customized fit.
• Understanding how these aligners engage undercuts and maintain consistent force helps clinicians evaluate their clinical potential.
• Adoption requires a mindset shift: more time spent on digital design and less on physical model production.
• Listeners will learn how to prepare their team and workflow for direct printing, from software setup to post-processing and patient communication.
• Manuele shares what to realistically expect in the first months of adoption—common challenges, learning curves, and how to determine when your practice is ready to make the transition.

🔗 Links:
👉 Direct-Print Aligner Reactivation Demo — Link to see the short clip showing how heating the aligner in hot water returns it to its original form and active force that Manuele mentions in the podcast.

👤 Guest Bio:
Jeremy Manuele, DMD, practices at Hamilton & Manuele Orthodontics, located in Las Vegas. A board-certified orthodontist, he is an early adopter of in-office 3D printing and direct-print aligner technology. Author of The MARPE Advantage, he serves as a part-time instructor at UNLV School of Dental Medicine. 

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LINKEDIN: https://www.linkedin.com/company/ortho-products/

Have a question for a future episode? Drop it in the comments or email [email protected].

#orthodontics  #OrthodonticProducts #3DPrinting #DirectPrintAligners #ClearAligners #InOfficeAligners #DentalPodcast #OrthodonticsPodcast

Guests: 
🔹 Allison Hale, Practice Consultant and COO, Parks Orthodontics
🔹 Ty Ramsey, Mergers & Acquisitions Advisor, Professional Transition Strategies

📌 Episode Overview:
In this episode of the Orthodontic Products Podcast, host Alison Werner talks with two guests who bring different but complementary perspectives on OSO and DSO partnerships. Allison Hale offers the practice owner’s inside view, sharing how she and her sister navigated the process of affiliating Parks Orthodontics with an OSO—what drove the decision, how they evaluated options, and what changed once the deal was finalized. Ty Ramsey provides the advisor’s perspective, drawing on his experience guiding doctors through valuations, due diligence, and competitive bidding to maximize outcomes.

Together, Hale and Ramsey explain what orthodontists need to know before exploring OSO or DSO partnerships, from protecting culture and preserving legacy to understanding growth levers, timelines, and financial impact.

⏱️ Chapters
01:22 Why Parks Orthodontics pursued an OSO partnership
02:37 What PTS does and how the process works
03:35 OSO vs DSO definitions, models, and misconceptions
07:48 Market landscape, private equity, and valuations
13:33 Preserving legacy and culture in partnerships
18:14 Preparing for a transition KPIs, advisors, and due diligence
24:39 Evaluating offers and choosing the right fit
29:03 Day-one changes HR and accounts payable
33:18 Exploring DSO options and practice growth
37:30 Timing the market and trailing 12 months
41:57 Post-affiliation growth levers and planning ahead
48:25 Why mid-career orthodontists may benefit most
51:36 Final advice from Hale and Ramsey
55:02 Typical timelines from valuation to close

✅ Key Takeaways:
🔹 Hear directly from a practice owner who completed an OSO partnership and an advisor who helps doctors evaluate and close deals.
🔹 OSOs and DSOs differ widely—understanding activist vs aggregationist models is essential.
🔹 Planning early, tracking KPIs, and setting non-negotiables protects both culture and value.
🔹 Post-affiliation, practices often see growth through improved pricing, overhead reduction, and new operational support.
🔹 Mid-career orthodontists may be in the strongest position to benefit, with legacy and long-term upside both in play.

👤 Guest Bios:
Allison Hale is COO at Parks Orthodontics in Yorktown, Va, where she helped lead the practice’s OSO partnership. She also consults with orthodontic practices to streamline operations and prepare for growth or transition.

Ty Ramsey is a mergers and acquisitions advisor with Professional Transition Strategies, where he helps orthodontists and other dental specialists evaluate OSO and DSO partnerships and navigate the transition process.

🔗 Links: 
🔹 Parks Orthodontics: https://www.parksorthodontics.com/
🔹 Professional Transition Strategies: https://professionaltransition.com/

------------------

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Have a question for a future episode? Drop it in the comments or email [email protected].

Guest: Dr Robert “Tito” Norris, Orthodontist, Stone Oak Orthodontics

📌 Episode Overview:

In this episode of the Orthodontic Products Podcast, sponsored by OrthoFX, host Alison Werner talks with Dr Robert “Tito” Norris about why he made the decision to switch from a major aligner system to OrthoFX. Drawing from more than 30 years in practice—and his own experience as a patient—Norris explains the clinical and material science differences he discovered when comparing aligner systems side by side. He shares how super-elastic materials, reduced force levels, and streamlined workflows have changed outcomes for his patients and his practice.

For orthodontists questioning whether it’s time to reevaluate their aligner system, Norris offers candid insight into what to consider, what’s at stake, and why patient comfort and clinical predictability should drive decision-making.

⏱️ Chapters

00:03 Introduction to Dr. Tito Norris

01:12 Early experiences with aligners and attachment design

04:26 Why challenging cases led him to explore alternatives

06:26 Comparing three aligner systems side by side

09:06 The patient perspective: treating himself with OrthoFX

09:44 The role of material science in aligner performance

13:39 Super-elastic plastics vs multi-layer materials

16:23 Impact on refinements, attachments, and appointments

17:34 Practice workflow and staff integration

19:53 Why now is the time for orthodontists to reassess aligner systems

✅ Key Takeaways:

🔹 Traditional multi-layer plastics can deliver heavy forces, while OrthoFX’s material mimics nickel-titanium for gentler, more predictable movement.

🔹 In treating himself, Norris achieved his expansion goals with fewer aligners, fewer attachments, and no refinements—an outcome that also benefits patient comfort.

🔹 For practices, fewer refinements and appointments translate into efficiency gains, while studies showing higher effectiveness raise important questions about when to consider switching systems.

🔹 The patient experience improves with lighter forces and less chair time, underscoring how material advances can reshape both outcomes and satisfaction.

🔹 Norris frames the decision as more than a clinical choice—it’s about ethical responsibility to use materials that move teeth effectively while minimizing unnecessary force.

👤 Guest Bio:

Robert “Tito” Norris, DDS, is a board-certified orthodontist in private practice at Stone Oak Orthodontics in San Antonio, Tex. A graduate of the University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio Dental School, he completed a general practice residency at the VA hospital in Washington, DC, and his orthodontic specialty training at Howard University. After serving as a U.S. Air Force orthodontist, he returned to San Antonio to open his practice. Norris, who lectures both nationally and internationally, holds several patents and trademarks, and is the inventor of the Norris 20/26 Passive Self-Ligating Bracket System.

Sponsor: OrthoFX

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#Orthodontics #OrthodonticProducts #ClearAligners #AlignerTreatment #OrthoFX #DrTitoNorris #Orthodontist #DentalPodcast #AlignerSystems #PatientCare

Guest: Dr Steven Siegel, AAO President

📌 Episode Overview: 

In this episode of the Orthodontic Products Podcast, host Alison Werner sits down with Dr. Steven Siegel, president of the American Association of Orthodontists (AAO), to discuss the newly released 2025 Economics of Orthodontics Survey.

This in-depth survey takes a closer look at the state of orthodontic practice across the U.S. and Canada, covering patient volumes, treatment trends, practice finances, staffing, and shifting business models. Dr. Siegel shares insights into what the data reveals about opportunities and challenges facing orthodontists today—and how the AAO is working to support its members.

Chapters:

00:00 Introduction to the Economics of Orthodontics Survey

02:07 Understanding Patient Volume Trends

05:32 Financial Disparities in Orthodontics

07:16 Addressing Gender and Ethnic Disparities

10:30 Future Investments in Orthodontic Practices

13:45 Consumer Awareness and Patient Acquisition

15:39 Advocacy and Future Directions for Orthodontics

Key Takeaways:

🔹 Patient volumes hit record highs in 2024, but many orthodontists still reported not feeling busy enough, reflecting uneven growth across regions.

🔹 Nearly half of orthodontists expect to shift practice modalities within five years, highlighting generational change and evolving career paths.

🔹 Income disparities by gender and ethnicity persist, even after adjusting for variables, prompting new AAO initiatives to address equity.

🔹 Braces are seeing a resurgence over aligners, influenced by social media trends, compliance challenges, and case complexity.

🔹 Younger orthodontists are investing in new offices and digital workflows, signaling optimism and commitment to the profession’s future.

Resources Mentioned: 

🔗 2025 AAO Economics of Orthodontics Analysis Reporting on 2024 Practice & Patient Statistics 

👤  Guest Bio: 

Steven M. Siegel, DMD, is the 2025–2026 president of the American Association of Orthodontists. With over 35 years in practice in Glen Burnie, Md, he has also served as longtime faculty at the University of Maryland and worked with the Johns Hopkins Cleft Palate and Craniofacial Team. An AAO trustee since 2016, Siegel has led initiatives in inclusion and engagement. He trained at Tufts and the University of Medicine and Dentistry of New Jersey and began his career in public health and general dentistry.

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#Orthodontics #AAO #OrthodonticProducts #Orthodontist #DentalPodcast #OrthodonticPractice

Guest: Jeff Slater, Vice President of Operations, Kaleidoscope

📌 Episode Overview:
Search is changing—and fast. In this episode, Orthodontic Products editor Alison Werner sits down with Jeff Slater of Kaleidoscope to explore how orthodontic practices can stay visible as patients turn to AI tools like ChatGPT, Siri, and Google’s AI Overviews for answers. Building on his recent article for Orthodontic Products, Jeff breaks down the differences between SEO (Search Engine Optimization), AEO (Answer Engine Optimization), and GEO (Generative Engine Optimization) and explains what your website must do to remain competitive in today’s search environment.

Chapters:
00:00 Introduction to Answer Engine Optimization (AEO)
02:34 Understanding the Shift in Search Behavior
05:33 Optimizing Content for Patient Queries
08:32 The Importance of Content Structure and Authority
11:29 Technical Foundations for AEO and GEO
14:32 Common Mistakes in AEO Implementation
17:35 Future-Proofing Your Digital Presence
20:43 Conclusion and Contact Information

Key Takeaways:

• What Answer Engine Optimization (AEO) is and how it works
• How AEO and GEO differ from traditional SEO strategies
• The importance of Q&A-based content in AI-powered search
• Why mobile performance and site speed now impact search rankings
• How to use subheadings, attribution, and schema markup effectively
• Why stale content and outdated websites are hurting your visibility
• Actionable tips to future-proof your orthodontic website

Resources Mentioned:
🔗Jeff Slater’s article from the July/August issue of Orthodontic Products: From SEO to AEO: The New Rules of Online Visibility for Orthodontists

👤 Guest Bio & Contact Info:
Jeff Slater is the vice president of operations at Kaleidoscope with nearly 15 years of experience in digital marketing for the orthodontic and dental industries. His areas of expertise include SEO, social media, paid search & Internet advertising, Google Business Profiles, location-based marketing, WordPress websites, and online branding.

📧 Email: [email protected]
🌐 Website: https://thekaleidoscope.com

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Guest:
Cassie Kellner, Founder and Owner of Everbloom

Episode Overview:
In this episode of the Orthodontic Products Podcast, host Alison Werner is joined by consultant Cassie Kellner to explore how the DISC behavioral assessment can be used to build more cohesive orthodontic teams. Cassie breaks down the four DISC personality types—Dominance, Influence, Steadiness, and Conscientiousness—and shares how these insights can help teams understand one another, reduce conflict, and collaborate more effectively. Whether you're launching a startup or managing a long-established practice, DISC offers actionable strategies to strengthen culture and communication.

Chapters:
00:00 Introduction to DISC and Team Dynamics
04:09 Understanding DISC Assessment and Its Categories
09:11 The Benefits of DISC for Teams
13:24 Applying DISC in Startups vs Established Practices
16:36 Building a Thriving Team Culture with DISC

Key Takeaways:
🔹 DISC is a behavior assessment tool that categorizes individuals into four types: Dominance, Influence, Steadiness, and Conscientiousness.
🔹 Understanding DISC can help teams connect on a deeper level and improve workplace dynamics.
🔹 The assessment provides a fun and engaging way for teams to learn about each other.
🔹 Teams of all sizes can benefit from DISC, whether they are new or established.
🔹 DISC helps identify individual motivators and stressors, enhancing communication.
🔹 The tool fosters a safe space for team members to express their needs and preferences.
🔹 Using DISC can lead to a more well-rounded team with diverse strengths.
🔹 Strategies provided by DISC help individuals work effectively with different personality types.
🔹 Building a thriving team culture starts with understanding and valuing each team member.

Resources Mentioned:
📌 Everbloom Culture Building Workshops: https://www.discovereverbloom.com/discworkshop

Guest Bio and Contact Info:
Cassie Kellner is the founder of Everbloom, an orthodontic consulting firm focused on team culture, leadership development, and emotional intelligence. With over two decades of experience in orthodontics—from front-line team member to consultant and coach—Cassie helps practices unlock their people potential. Learn more at https://www.discovereverbloom.com

-----------------------------------
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Guests: Andrea Cook and Jackie Dorst

Episode Overview:
Orthodontic consultants Andrea Cook and Jackie Dorst, RDH, BS, join host Alison Werner to explain how misinformation—and simple habit—can derail OSHA and infection-control compliance in an orthodontic practice. They outline the real-world risks (from six-figure fines to failure to attract great new hires), identify reliable sources for up-to-date guidance, and spell out who should own compliance in the office.

Chapters:
00:03 Why “hand-me-down” protocols put practices at risk
04:40 Common misinformation hot spots (Facebook groups, vendor advice)
10:50 Summer hires & the dangers of “just doing sterilization” without training
12:30 Credible resources: AAO Staff Club & Ask ADS AI tool
16:55 What the CDC Oral Health Division closure doesn’t change
22:35 Top three compliance questions Andrea & Jackie hear most
24:00 Dental unit water-line shocks & testing—new state rules in Florida and Georgia
30:15 Financial penalties: $16,000 per OSHA infraction; up to $165k/day for willful violations
38:20 Who should manage OSHA & infection prevention—and how to empower them
42:00 How strong protocols help attract (and keep) quality team members

Key Takeaways:

• Misinformation is common—practices must rely on verified, non-commercial sources for OSHA and infection control guidance.
• Compliance impacts perception—patients and prospective staff notice when safety standards fall short.
• Outdated habits aren’t enough—what worked in a previous office may no longer meet today’s regulatory requirements.
• Leadership matters: The doctor sets the tone; a dedicated, well-trained coordinator enforces it.

Resources Mentioned:
💠 AAO Staff Club (annual OSHA & infection-control CE): https://www2.aaoinfo.org/aao-for/staff/
💠 Association for Dental Safety's Ask ADS site (a free AI beta for evidence-based answers): https://www.myads.org/ask-ads
💠 CDC Guidelines for Infection Control in Dental Settings: https://www.cdc.gov/oralhealth/infectioncontrol
💠 Andrea Cook’s OSHA Inspection & CDC Infection Prevention Compliance Checklists: https://www.andreacookconsulting.com/forms-downloads

Guest Bios and Contact Info:
Andrea Cook is a clinical consultant specializing in OSHA compliance, infection-control protocols, and sterilization-room design. Also guides practices on clinical efficiency, workflow development, and technology adoption.
🔗 Website & free checklists: andreacookconsulting.com

Jackie Dorst, RDH, BS, is a microbiologist and dental hygienist with 30+ years of lecturing and consulting on instrument sterilization, infection prevention, and OSHA safety. Frequent AAO speaker and contributor to Orthodontic Products.
📧 [email protected] | 📱 +1 949-842-1747 | 🔗 https://jackiedorst.com/

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