As a child who was bullied for her smile, Dr. Colby Cajero is a first-generation college student turned doctor who has dedicated her life to helping others find the healthiest, most confident versions of themselves. Although no one can anticipate life’s many curveballs, she is the picture of perseverance through them. 

If it feels like it’s you against the world — or you want to be fired up enough to run through a wall — you’ll love this episode.

Smile Doctors partnership opportunities: https://smiledoctorspartners.com/ 

Find, follow, and message Dr. Colby Cajero on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dr_colburt/

Get inspired by Dr. Cajero's YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCvfxPja50OtEKNit5ib8U-w

Email Dr. Scott Law: [email protected]

That’s a wrap on 2024! On this special episode, we revisit interviews that shaped the first 9 months of Smile Doctors Off Mute, hosted by Dr. Scott Law.

From clinical advancements and improving patient care to navigating practice management and professional growth, these highlights capture the heart of our podcast’s mission: creating a space for open, unscripted conversations that inspire and inform orthodontists at every stage of their careers.

Over the past 9 months, Dr. Scott Law has hosted an all-star lineup of guests, sparking candid discussions about the future of orthodontics, the power of innovation, and the lessons learned along the way. Dr. Zach Casagrande set the record straight on common misconceptions about OSOs, while Dr. John Lippincott shared the highs and lows of affiliating with one — and why it ultimately transformed his practice. Dr. Shad Hanis revealed how prioritizing authentic relationships over quick wins drives sustainable growth, and Dr. Ben Fishbein offered proven strategies for scaling practices in today’s competitive landscape. Listeners also heard from Dr. Jack Devereux and Dr. Phuong Nguyen about their inspiring evolution from mentorship to partnership, and Dr. Jessica Itani shared her journey from residency to thriving with the world’s top Invisalign® provider. These episodes are just a few that showcase the diverse career paths and shared challenges that define modern orthodontics.

We’ll also take a look ahead to 2025, with a glimpse of the upcoming topics and guests as we continue to explore what’s possible in our field. Whether you’re catching up or tuning in for the first time, this episode is the perfect way to celebrate the year’s best moments and gear up for what’s next. 

Smile Doctors partnership opportunities: https://smiledoctorspartners.com/ 

Dr. Jessica Itani is bringing big sister energy to orthodontics. A powerhouse associate with the world's leading Invisalign® provider, Dr. Itani was the youngest doctor to lecture at the 2024 Invisalign® Ortho Summit in Las Vegas — just 3.5 years after graduation.  

Now, she joins Dr. Law on the Smile Doctors Off Mute podcast to discuss lessons learned since jumping into her career. Through their engaging conversation, discover how Dr. Itani transitioned from a small-town upbringing to Georgetown University and eventually became a dynamic presence in orthodontics. Learn about her professional evolution from graduating residency in 2021, adjusting to intense patient volumes, and her growth at Northern Virginia Orthodontics (NVO), the top Invisalign® provider since 2019. 

Dr. Itani is no stranger to saying yes to things that stretch her, and our time with her is proof that hard work, mentorship, and the continuous pursuit of improving patient care have all played critical roles in her professional development. Tune in for an inspiring discussion that offers valuable lessons for practitioners at any stage of their careers! 

Smile Doctors partnership opportunities: https://smiledoctorspartners.com/ 

Northern Virginia Orthodontics: https://nvorthodontics.com/

Email Dr. Jessica Itani: [email protected]

Find, follow, and message Dr. Jessica Itani on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dr.shoesnsmiles/

On this episode of Smile Doctors Off Mute, Dr. Scott Law chats with Dr. Jack Devereux and Dr. Phuong Nguyen — two orthodontists whose professional journeys collided, shaping their practice and paving the way for the next generation of doctors. From general dentistry and starting his own practice to taking over a partner’s practice during a health crisis, Jack faced a tidal wave of challenges early in his orthodontic career that pushed him to adopt innovative systems and partner with an OSO to sustainably grow his practice.

Then, Hurricane Katrina swept through, bringing devastation — and opportunity. As one of very few offices whose operations weren’t halted by Katrina, Dr. Devereux’s busy practice needed help. Enter Dr. Nguyen, a young orthodontist looking for stability in a storm-tossed world. Dr. Devereux took a chance, offering Dr. Nguyen partnership after just six months of working together, betting on his promise: "I’ll make us stronger together than you ever were alone." And he delivered.

Together, they built a practice where efficiency met excellence. Their “faster, better, cheaper” mantra wasn’t about cutting corners but crafting systems so seamless, even their front desk ran like clockwork. The duo later joined Smile Doctors not just for growth but to extend their impact as Divisional Support Doctors, mentoring young orthodontists to push the limits of what’s possible in patient care and practice operations.

Dr. Devereux and Dr. Nguyen’s story is one of two paths crossing at just the right time, proving that the perfect partnership doesn’t just change their course; it has the power to inspire and guide others on their own journeys, too. 

Smile Doctors partnership opportunities: https://smiledoctorspartners.com/ 

Smile Doctors by DN Orthodontics: https://smiledoctorsbydnortho.com/

Email Dr. Jack Devereux: [email protected]

Email Dr. Phuong Ngyuen: [email protected]

As the moat around the one-size-fits-all treatment approach evaporates, it’s more important than ever to be an expert in many treatment modalities to serve just one patient. At the same time, perpetual innovation can sometimes feel like chaos. But when executed with precision and confidence, it can usher a practice into the future of our specialty. 

Smile Doctors partnership opportunities: https://smiledoctorspartners.com/ 

Paschal Orthodontics in Georgia: https://paschalorthodontics.com/

Email Dr. Jep Paschal [email protected]

When Dr. Farah Kar transitioned from a background in art, architecture, and project management to orthodontics, she brought a unique vision that informed her approach to patient care and practice culture. For Dr. Kar, building an empowering, welcoming environment for both her patients and team isn’t just about aesthetics — it’s about intentionality, authenticity, and a commitment to human connection. 

On this episode of Smile Doctors Off Mute with Dr. Scott Law, Dr. Kar discusses how she stays true to herself in an industry full of trends. She shares the importance of crafting a space that reflects who she is, explaining that the most meaningful patient experiences start with a genuine reflection of the doctor’s own personality and values. 

But Dr. Kar’s insights go beyond office design; she speaks openly about how a personal loss taught her there’s no real divide between her personal and professional life. The compassion her team and patients showed during difficult times transformed her leadership style and deepened her belief that investing in her team is also an investment in her patients. 

Dr. Kar’s journey serves as a reminder that true success doesn’t come from jumping on the latest trend but from staying grounded in your own vision and purpose. Join us for an inspiring conversation about authenticity, intentional design, and the power of bringing more humanity into orthodontic care.  

1. Dr. Kar's Background and Journey into Ortho (00:00:53)

Smile Doctors partnership opportunities: https://smiledoctorspartners.com/ 

Dr. Kar on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/the.ortho.queen/

On this inspiring episode, we delve into the world of orthodontics with Dr. Amanda Gallagher, a trailblazing orthodontist in Baltimore, Maryland. Discover her incredible journey from her early aspirations in medicine to becoming a leader in her field, known for her unique practice that blends aesthetics, orthodontics, and exceptional patient care. 

Join us as Dr. Gallagher shares her insights on the importance of balancing routine practices with constant innovation to enhance patient experiences. Learn about her deliberate approach to practice management, her marketing strategies, and her philosophy on leadership and team collaboration. 

Dr. Gallagher also opens up about her personal growth, the challenges she faced, and how she maintains a competitive edge by embracing discomfort and seeking continuous improvement. This episode is packed with valuable lessons for anyone looking to excel in the field of orthodontics or any other profession. 

Don't miss this opportunity to learn from one of the best in the industry. Tune in now! 

1. Embracing Change (00:00:10)

Smile Doctors partnership opportunities: https://smiledoctorspartners.com/ 

Amanda Gallagher Orthodontics: https://www.agortho.com/

Find, Follow, and Message Amanda Gallagher on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/agortho/

In 2018, Prairie View Orthodontics hit a plateau. Despite a thriving practice with a decades-long legacy in the community, they struggled to reach the next level of growth. When Dr. John Lippincott decided to affiliate with Smile Doctors, it seemed like the perfect solution — but the journey was anything but smooth. 

On this episode of Smile Doctors Off Mute, Dr. Lippincott reflects on the tough decisions, early challenges, and moments of doubt that came with transitioning from an independent practice to partnering with an OSO.  

Like many practice owners, he grappled with the unknown: Would Prairie View Orthodontics lose its identity? Would affiliating with an OSO damage the relationships with patients and reputation within the community that took years to build? Would they be forced into a one-size-fits-all model that clashed with their values?

But alongside these common concerns came unexpected growing pains, too. In the end, Dr. Lippincott’s experience didn’t just transform his own practice; it helped reshape how Smile Doctors approaches partnerships today. 

His journey shows why it’s important to stay true to your core values while embracing change, and that with the right partnership, it’s possible to scale without losing what makes a practice special. 

Join Dr. Scott Law and Dr. Lippincott for a no-holds-barred conversation about how Prairie View Orthdontics overcame setbacks and achieved 5x annual production growth — without sacrificing patient care or losing the personal touch that built their practice. 

1. Making Mistakes is Part of the Journey (00:00:09)

Smile Doctors partnership opportunities: https://smiledoctorspartners.com/ 

Prairie View Orthodontics: https://prairieviewortho.com/

Tune in for an inspirational episode in which special guest Dr. Shad Hanis explores the vital role of cultivating personal and professional relationships within your local dental community.  Learn his secrets to handling what can be a highly competitive area for orthodontic practices and discover how he prioritizes personal connections over commercial transactions.

This episode uncovers the significance of patient referral trends, building meaningful relationships with colleagues in the industry, and implementing novel strategies for a flourishing orthodontic practice. Hear from a seasoned professional on improving productivity and maximizing patient referrals by adapting to changes and stepping outside of your comfort zone.

Dr. Hanis will share lessons he’s learned from generating $3.5 million worth of annual dental referrals, emphasizing holistic strategies in a team-focused environment. Gain knowledge on how every interaction could potentially turn employees, patients, and visitors into brand ambassadors, hence driving constant referrals.

Dr. Hanis expounds on his simple yet effective techniques of cultivating relationships through lunch outings, tracking referrals, acknowledging birthdays, and more. He also reveals how simple gestures like sending "thank you" messages can help keep dental relationships strong.

In conclusion, this episode teaches the importance of genuine friendships within your local community — focusing not only on expanding your practice but also on fundamentally developing strong and lasting relationships.

1. Why Good Relationships Matter (00:00:10)

Smile Doctors partnership opportunities: https://smiledoctorspartners.com/ 

Hanis & Proft Orthodontics: https://everysmilecounts.com/

One of the most exciting times in the life of an orthodontist is graduating and finding your next opportunity. Will you start your career with a private practice, a big partnership, or potentially an OSO? For many residents, there's no one-size-fits-all approach. Each journey is unique — shaped by long-term and short-term goals.

In this episode, we hear from Dr. Matt Roche, who joins us with a unique background, having transitioned from a career in customer service to the world of orthodontics. He shares his inspiring journey and how he landed in the best field in the world, where he gets to love patients, serve them, and watch them grow.

Dr. Roche joined Smile Doctors in 2022 in Columbus, Georgia, bringing his unique leadership skills to a team with years of experience. He discusses how he decided to come in, bring a culture of his own, and grow the location alongside his team and patients.

We delve into Dr. Roche's initial career in customer service, where he learned invaluable skills in conflict resolution and handling difficult conversations. These experiences shaped his approach to orthodontics, allowing him to excel in patient care and team leadership.

Dr. Roche also shares his advice for new associates, emphasizing the importance of owning your role, caring for patients, and avoiding the trap of just punching in and out. He highlights the significance of finding your "why" and being prepared for the challenges and growth that come with the first year of practice.

Join us as we welcome Dr. Matt Roche to the Smile Doctors Off-Mute podcast and learn from his journey.

1. Dr. Roche's Journey Begins (00:00:10)

https://smiledoctorspartners.com/