Host: Alison Werner
Guest: David Cohen, Attorney and Chairman, Cohen Property Law Group

Topic: Protecting Your Practice from Hidden Lease Clauses

In this episode, attorney David Cohen joins host Alison Werner to shed light on the hidden lease provisions that can undermine the profitability, flexibility, and future sale of your orthodontic practice. Cohen, who specializes in dental practice transactions and real estate law, walks through real-world examples and outlines how orthodontists can avoid costly lease mistakes that often go unnoticed until it’s too late.

Drawing on his firm’s experience with over 300 practice transactions annually, Cohen emphasizes why legal review of commercial leases is not optional—it’s a critical strategy for practice stability and growth.

Key Provisions to Watch For:
🔹 Profit-Sharing Clauses: Language that requires you to share a portion of the proceeds from the sale of your practice with the landlord.
🔹 White Box/Restoration Clauses: Requirements to return the premises to its original condition upon leaving, potentially costing tens of thousands of dollars.
🔹 Assignment Restrictions: Terms that make it difficult to assign the lease to a buyer, limiting your ability to sell the practice.
🔹 Relocation Clauses: Provisions that allow landlords to move your practice to another unit, often with insufficient compensation and significant production loss.
🔹 Repair and Replacement Costs: Especially for HVAC systems and other infrastructure; these clauses can leave tenants responsible for expensive replacements.

Practical Advice Covered:
💠 How to negotiate key lease terms in a letter of intent (LOI)
💠 What to do if you’re already locked into an unfavorable lease
💠 How to use lease renewal as leverage for renegotiation
💠 Why attorneys—not brokers—should review legal documents
💠 When to involve a lawyer during the lease process

Timestamps:
00:00 Understanding Hidden Lease Provisions
04:42 Common Hidden Clauses in Dental Leases
09:32 Impact of Hidden Clauses on Practice Sales
13:36 Negotiating Lease Terms Effectively
17:04 Mitigating Risks in Existing Leases
22:08 Best Practices for Lease Negotiation

Contact Information for David Cohen:
📧 Lease-related inquiries: [email protected]
📧 Practice sale inquiries: [email protected]

✅ Don’t forget to like and subscribe.

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📌 Available on all major podcast platforms!

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VISIT ORTHODONTIC PRODUCTS: https://orthodonticproductsonline.com/

SUBSCRIBE to THE OP NEWSLETTER: https://info.medqor.com/opsubform

INSTAGRAM: https://www.instagram.com/orthoproductsmag/
FACEBOOK: https://www.facebook.com/OrthoProducts/
LINKEDIN: https://www.linkedin.com/company/ortho-products/

In this episode of the Orthodontic Products Podcast, sponsored by OrthoFX, host Alison Werner talks with the company's President and Co-Founder Ren Menon about how the company’s full-service platform helps orthodontic practices reduce friction and improve outcomes. Menon highlights OrthoFX’s growing aligner portfolio, including the FDA-cleared AirFlex, designed for shorter daily wear with fewer refinements.

They also discuss OrthoFX’s integrated services—remote monitoring with FXOnTrack, patient financing with FXPay, and marketing support—all designed to simplify practice management. Menon explains how AI powers treatment planning, progress tracking, and retention strategies to keep patients on track and improve long-term results. He also shares OrthoFX’s vision for expanding care access through collaboration with general dentists.

Key Takeaways:
🔹 OrthoFX’s aligners offer faster, more predictable treatment with fewer refinements.
🔹 The full-service platform reduces operational friction with integrated tools.
🔹 AI enhances treatment planning, monitoring, and retention management.

Timestamps:
00:00 – Introduction
00:53 – How OrthoFX’s aligner portfolio has expanded with clinical consistency
02:15 – FDA-cleared AirFlex aligner designed for reduced daily wear
04:35 – Why OrthoFX built a full-service practice support model
07:16 – Meeting evolving patient expectations with flexible treatment options
09:20 – Remote monitoring with FXOnTrack and rescue aligner solution
10:41 – How FXPay improves patient affordability and practice efficiency
11:47 – AI-powered treatment planning and progress tracking
14:19 – AI’s role in post-treatment retention and relapse prevention
15:24 – OrthoFX’s vision for reshaping the orthodontic care model
17:15 – How OrthoFX helps practices expand access through collaboration with GPs
20:58 – How to learn more about OrthoFX’s platform
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📌 Available on all major podcast platforms!

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VISIT ORTHODONTIC PRODUCTS: https://orthodonticproductsonline.com/

SUBSCRIBE to THE OP NEWSLETTER: https://info.medqor.com/opsubform

INSTAGRAM: https://www.instagram.com/orthoproductsmag/
FACEBOOK: https://www.facebook.com/OrthoProducts/
LINKEDIN: https://www.linkedin.com/company/ortho-products/

In this episode of the Orthodontic Products Podcast, we discuss the growing role of airway-friendly orthodontics in treating upper airway obstruction and sleep-disordered breathing. Dr Robert "Tito" Norris, an orthodontist with a focus on airway management, explains how orthodontists can go beyond aesthetic treatment and have a significant impact on their patients' overall health and well-being.

Norris shares insights into the clinical signs of airway issues, how to assess patients using tools like CBCT imaging and sleep questionnaires, and the benefits of collaborating with ENT and sleep specialists. He also discusses the treatment modalities available, including the role of MARPE (Mini-Implant Assisted Rapid Palatal Expansion) and how orthodontists can successfully integrate these practices into their existing workflows.

Key topics include:
🔹 The importance of airway assessments in orthodontics
🔹 Identifying signs of upper airway obstruction in adolescent and adult patients
🔹 The role of CBCT and sleep questionnaires in diagnosing airway issues
🔹 Treatment approaches for patients with sleep-disordered breathing
🔹 The impact of early intervention on long-term health outcomes

Norris also highlights valuable resources and training opportunities for orthodontists looking to expand their practice to include airway management as part of their treatment offerings.

Listen to the full episode to learn how integrating airway treatments into your orthodontic practice can improve patient care and health outcomes.

Timestamps:
00:00 – Introduction
01:08 – Dr. Tito Norris’ journey into airway-friendly orthodontics
03:06 – Key signs and symptoms to look for in patients
06:37 – The role of sleep questionnaires in identifying airway issues
08:04 – How CBCT imaging improves airway assessments
10:03 – Identifying anatomical structures related to airway obstruction
12:15 – Using home sleep studies in the diagnostic process
14:02 – Treatment options for patients with sleep apnea
17:17 – Advantages of early treatment in adolescents
19:28 – The decision-making process for adult patients
20:39 – Implementing airway treatment into practice management
23:44 – Building relationships with ENTs and sleep specialists
25:22 – Recommended resources and training for orthodontists
27:17 – Final advice for orthodontists on integrating airway treatments

RESOURCES:

Dr Norris’ three-part article series in Orthodontic Products:
✔️ Airway Friendly Orthodontics Part 1: Diagnosis
✔️ Airway Friendly Orthodontics Part 2: Transverse Treatment
✔️ Airway Friendly Orthodontics Part 3: Anterior-Posterior Solutions

Recommended Airway Management Courses:
🔹 Dr Ilya Lipkin Course
🔹 Dr Marianna Evans Course
🔹 Dr Jeff Rouse Course
🔹 Dr Rebecca Bockow
🔹 Dr Tito Norris Course

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📌 Available on all major podcast platforms!

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VISIT ORTHODONTIC PRODUCTS: https://orthodonticproductsonline.com/

SUBSCRIBE to THE OP NEWSLETTER: https://info.medqor.com/opsubform

INSTAGRAM: https://www.instagram.com/orthoproductsmag/
FACEBOOK: https://www.facebook.com/OrthoProducts/
LINKEDIN: https://www.linkedin.com/company/ortho-products/

In this episode of the Orthodontic Products Podcast, host Alison Werner is joined by Dr Roger Levin, CEO of the Levin Group, to break down the findings of the fourth annual Orthodontic Products–Levin Group Practice Performance Survey.

Recorded after recent economic shifts, the conversation places the 2024 data in the broader context of uncertainty and change. Levin discusses how orthodontists can increase production, manage overhead, and prepare their practices for an unpredictable future.

Topics covered include:

• 2024 trends in production, overhead, and profitability
• Strategies to access unused practice potential
• Remote monitoring and its effect on appointment intervals
• Staffing challenges and solutions for retention
• Adapting aligner fees and increasing adult patient engagement
• Career-stage specific advice for orthodontists

📌 Key Takeaway: Whether you're just starting out or planning retirement, this episode offers practical, data-driven guidance to help you adapt and plan ahead.

🔗 Resources & Links
Read the full survey article: https://orthodonticproductsonline.com/practice-management/business-development/findings-from-the-2024-orthodontic-practice-survey/
Learn more about Levin Group: https://levingroup.com

✅ Don’t forget to like, subscribe, and click the bell icon for updates on future episodes.

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📌 Available on all major podcast platforms!

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VISIT ORTHODONTIC PRODUCTS: https://orthodonticproductsonline.com/

SUBSCRIBE to THE OP NEWSLETTER: https://info.medqor.com/opsubform

INSTAGRAM: https://www.instagram.com/orthoproductsmag/

FACEBOOK: https://www.facebook.com/OrthoProducts/

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

🎙 Host: Alison Werner
🎧 Guest: Dr. Nadia Nizam, orthodontist and private practice owner in Calgary, Alberta

In this episode of the Orthodontic Products Podcast, sponsored by Ormco, host Alison Werner talks with Dr. Nadia Nizam about building a scalable, efficient orthodontic practice while balancing clinical innovation and leadership as a woman in a changing industry. The conversation covers her transition to Spark Aligners, the integration of Ormco’s digital bonding technology, and how she’s streamlined operations to meet today’s staffing and economic challenges.

🔑 3 Key Takeaways:
• Transitioning to Spark Aligners improved treatment efficiency and patient outcomes.
• Ormco’s digital bonding technology helped support a high-volume workflow with a smaller team.
• Economic and staffing pressures are driving practices to prioritize cross-training and scalable systems.

📌 Topics Covered: 00:00 – Introduction
01:12 – Starting a practice while pregnant
02:12 – Creating a niche with aligners
03:09 – Long-standing relationship with Ormco
06:40 – Why she switched to Spark Aligners
09:03 – Integrating Ormco’s digital bonding tech
11:04 – Female leadership in orthodontics
14:31 – Connecting workflow to work-life balance
15:31 – Efficiency and staffing in today’s market

🔗 Learn more at: https://ormco.com/en-us

👍 Don’t forget to like, comment, and subscribe for more episodes focused on helping you build a healthier, more successful orthodontic practice.

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📌 Available on all major podcast platforms!

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VISIT ORTHODONTIC PRODUCTS: https://orthodonticproductsonline.com/

SUBSCRIBE to THE OP NEWSLETTER: https://info.medqor.com/opsubform

INSTAGRAM: https://www.instagram.com/orthoproductsmag/
FACEBOOK: https://www.facebook.com/OrthoProducts/
LINKEDIN: https://www.linkedin.com/company/ortho-products/

#Orthodontics #PrivatePractice #SparkAligners #Ormco #WomenInDentistry #OrthodonticWorkflow #DigitalBonding #PracticeOwnership #OrthodonticProductsPodcast

In this episode, sponsored by A-dec, we’re diving into a topic that directly impacts your daily comfort and long-term health: ergonomics in the orthodontic practice. From stools to patient chairs and delivery units, the design of your clinical space can either support your health or contribute to chronic pain and fatigue. If you’ve ever ended the day with neck, shoulder, or back pain—or want to avoid that entirely—this episode is for you.

Joining us is Jeromy Moss, territory manager at A-dec and a certified ergonomics assessment specialist. With nearly two decades of experience helping orthodontists design and optimize their clinical spaces, Moss brings deep expertise in how ergonomics can extend career longevity and improve practice efficiency—for both doctors and their teams.

🔑 3 Key Takeaways:

• Ergonomics Starts with the Right Seating – Why a one-size-fits-all stool won’t cut it, and how proper adjustments can prevent daily strain.
• Bring the Patient to You – Learn how to position patients correctly to reduce trunk rotation, shoulder shrugging, and forward head posture.
• Practice Design Impacts Career Longevity – How A-dec’s equipment and Smart Start Program are designed with the health and growth of your practice in mind.

📍 Visit A-dec at the AAO Annual Session – Booth #3202 to see their ergonomic operatory setup in person.

📺  Additional content: Check out the Orthodontic Products website to see Jeromy Moss demonstrate an ideal stool and operatory setup.

🔗 Learn more at https://www.a-dec.com

👍 Don’t forget to like, comment, and subscribe for more episodes focused on helping you build a healthier, more successful orthodontic practice.

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📌 Available on all major podcast platforms!

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VISIT ORTHODONTIC PRODUCTS: https://orthodonticproductsonline.com/

SUBSCRIBE to THE OP NEWSLETTER: https://info.medqor.com/opsubform

INSTAGRAM: https://www.instagram.com/orthoproductsmag/
FACEBOOK: https://www.facebook.com/OrthoProducts/
LINKEDIN: https://www.linkedin.com/company/ortho-products/

👤 Guest: Mary Kay Miller, CEO and Owner of Kaleidoscope

In this episode of the Orthodontic Products Podcast, host Alison Werner talks with Mary Kay Miller about the growing impact of Google’s AI on local business search—and what that means for orthodontic practices.

Miller, a long-time expert in orthodontic marketing, explains how recent changes to Google’s algorithms, security protocols, and business verification systems are affecting how and where practices appear in search results. She breaks down real-world cases where practices lost their Google Business Profile (and hundreds of reviews) due to overlooked verification emails or mismatched information.

Whether you're running a startup or an established office, this episode outlines what you need to know to protect your digital presence.

🔍 What You’ll Learn:

📌 How Google’s AI-driven verification system works—and why it’s catching practices off guard
📌 Why inconsistent business names, addresses, or documentation can lead to dropped listings
📌 What to do (and what to avoid) to keep your Google Business Profile secure and visible

📩 Resources Mentioned:

Kaleidoscope Marketing: https://thekaleidoscope.com
Contact Mary Kay: [email protected]

📢 Don’t forget to like, comment, and subscribe for more insights into orthodontic practice growth and digital strategy.

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📌 Available on all major podcast platforms!

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VISIT ORTHODONTIC PRODUCTS: https://orthodonticproductsonline.com/

SUBSCRIBE to THE OP NEWSLETTER: https://info.medqor.com/opsubform

INSTAGRAM: https://www.instagram.com/orthoproductsmag/
FACEBOOK: https://www.facebook.com/OrthoProducts/
LINKEDIN: https://www.linkedin.com/company/ortho-products/

As orthodontists move through 2025, revenue growth remains a top priority, but outdated and fragmented technology systems continue to hold many large practices and orthodontic support organizations (OSOs) back. In this episode of The Orthodontic Products Podcast, host Alison Werner speaks with Eric Giesecke, CEO of Planet DDS, about how modern, cloud-based practice management systems can help orthodontic practices overcome these challenges.

Together, they discuss:

📌 The major ways legacy systems are limiting operational efficiency and adaptability.

📌 How open-platform technology can drive profitability, improve patient experiences, and streamline workflows.

📌 The critical role of data-driven insights in scaling OSOs.

📌 Why AI will revolutionize practice management, from patient interactions to financial operations.

📌 Key factors to consider when evaluating new technology solutions for long-term success.

If you’re part of a large practice or OSO, this conversation will provide actionable strategies to modernize your technology and future-proof your business in the evolving orthodontic landscape.

Key Takeaways:

🔹 Outdated technology hurts growth – Siloed systems reduce efficiency, complicate patient management, and limit scalability.

🔹 Flexibility is key – Open-platform software allows seamless integration with new AI-driven tools and data analytics.

🔹 Patient experience matters – Modern tools improve engagement, increase case acceptance, and drive revenue.

🔹 AI is changing the game – From ceph tracing to automated financial management, AI is making software more intuitive and efficient.

🔹 Choose the right tech partner – Practices should seek scalable, open, and data-centric platforms to stay competitive.

📌 Available on all major podcast platforms!

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VISIT ORTHODONTIC PRODUCTS: https://orthodonticproductsonline.com/

SUBSCRIBE to THE OP NEWSLETTER: https://info.medqor.com/opsubform

INSTAGRAM: https://www.instagram.com/orthoproductsmag/
FACEBOOK: https://www.facebook.com/OrthoProducts/
LINKEDIN: https://www.linkedin.com/company/ortho-products/

In this episode of the Orthodontic Products Podcast, host Alison Werner speaks with Cassie Kellner, founder of Everbloom, an orthodontic consulting firm. With over 20 years of experience in the orthodontic field, Cassie discusses why private practices should rethink their onboarding approach. She highlights the differences between training employees with and without orthodontic experience, the pitfalls of outdated onboarding documents, and how video and digital tools can streamline training.

Key Topics Covered:

• The differences in onboarding new hires with no orthodontic experience vs. seasoned professionals
• How to streamline and modernize onboarding documents and SOPs
• The role of video training and digital tools in building a resource library for your team

Key Takeaways:

• Onboarding should focus on employee retention by eliminating gray areas and ensuring clarity in training.
• Written SOPs should be concise, bullet-pointed, and regularly updated—long, outdated manuals are ineffective.
• Digital platforms like Trainual can help practices track training progress, notify teams of updates, and improve onboarding consistency.

🔗 Learn more about Cassie Kellner and her consulting work at https://www.discovereverbloom.com/

📌 Available on all major podcast platforms!

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VISIT ORTHODONTIC PRODUCTS: https://orthodonticproductsonline.com/

SUBSCRIBE to THE OP NEWSLETTER: https://info.medqor.com/opsubform

INSTAGRAM: https://www.instagram.com/orthoproductsmag/
FACEBOOK: https://www.facebook.com/OrthoProducts/
LINKEDIN: https://www.linkedin.com/company/ortho-products/

Join host Alison Werner as she speaks with Dr Colby Gage, a board-certified orthodontist and founder of LevelUp Orthodontics in Parker, Colo. In this episode, sponsored by Ormco, Gage shares his insights on how digital workflows and data-driven strategies are transforming orthodontic practices. He discusses the impact of Ormco’s product innovations, including the Damon Ultima bracket, Spark aligners, and digital bonding systems, and how these tools help improve efficiency, patient outcomes, and overall practice management.

Key Topics Covered:

• The shift toward digital workflows in orthodontics
• How tracking key metrics can optimize practice efficiency and profitability
• The benefits of an integrated product portfolio for streamlining treatment
• Trends shaping the future of orthodontics and practice management strategies

Key Takeaways:

• Digital workflows reduce chair time and enhance treatment planning.
• Tracking metrics like conversion rates and value per visit improves profitability.
• Partnering with companies offering a full suite of products simplifies practice management.

More About Our Guest: Dr Colby Gage is an orthodontic faculty member at Western University of Health Sciences and an Ormco insider. He lectures on digital orthodontic systems and practice management, helping orthodontists integrate innovative solutions into their workflows.

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VISIT ORTHODONTIC PRODUCTS: https://orthodonticproductsonline.com/

SUBSCRIBE to THE OP NEWSLETTER: https://info.medqor.com/opsubform

INSTAGRAM: https://www.instagram.com/orthoproductsmag/
FACEBOOK: https://www.facebook.com/OrthoProducts/
LINKEDIN: https://www.linkedin.com/company/ortho-products/