Smile Doctors Off Mute

Mentorship has the power to shape not just careers, but entire lives. Few people understand that better than Dr. Jackie Zimmer.

Inspired by the intentional mentorship of the late Dr. Tom Sperry, Dr. Zimmer of Prairie View Orthodontics in Illinois has built a career rooted in paying that guidance forward. Today, she’s one of the experienced mentors behind the Smile Doctors Doctor Fellowship, where she helps rising orthodontists grow as both doctors and leaders.

On this episode, Dr. Zimmer joins Dr. Scott Law to explore the impact of generous leadership — what unlocks when practice ownership evolves into delegation, how experienced doctors can make the path easier for the next generation, and why passing wisdom forward is one of the most rewarding parts of the profession.

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At 13 years old, Dr. George Bork told his local newspaper that he was going to become a Harvard-trained orthodontist.

After seeing a friend suffer from harsh bullying about her smile, he examined his mediocre grades and decided to make a change that would set him on a lifesaving journey.

As he puts it, orthodontics became his North Star.

What began as a middle school dream eventually brought him to the Harvard School of Dental Medicine, where a standard residency project led to a critical discovery that quite literally saved his life.

Today, he joins Dr. Scott Law on the Smile Doctors Off Mute Podcast to discuss some of the highest and lowest points of his life — and how his orthodontic dream and a heart fixed on faith is the wire running through it all.

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Let’s take a step back to revisit the conversations that meant the most to our listeners.

This special “Best of 2025” episode features five standout moments — from honest reflections on perfectionism and leadership growth, to stories of partnership, mentorship, and building practices that are both efficient and deeply patient-centered.

These aren’t highlight reels for the sake of nostalgia. They’re conversations that sparked reflection, challenged assumptions, and reminded us that the most meaningful progress often comes from clarity, trust, and intention.

Whether you’re revisiting these ideas or hearing them for the first time, this episode offers perspective worth carrying into the year ahead:

1. Letting Go of Perfection Without Lowering the Bar

A candid conversation with Dr. Jacquee Schieck about how perfectionism shows up in orthodontics and how learning to prioritize progress over flawlessness can improve leadership, well-being, and results.

2. Rethinking Adult Aligner Treatment in Modern Orthodontics

Dr. Law leads a candid conversation with four Smile Express® leaders — Dr. Zach Casagrande, Dr. Amanda Gallagher, Dr. David Jones, and Dr. Jessica Itani — on the real impact of adult aligner care on modern orthodontics.

3. Efficiency That Puts Patients First

Dr. Damon DeArment and Dr. Dan Lill are redefining efficiency using technology and systems thoughtfully to improve outcomes for patients, teams, and practices alike.

4. Partnership Built on Trust, Not Convenience

A powerful story featuring Dr. Glenn Krieger, exploring what makes a true partnership work: mutual respect, shared sacrifice, and a belief that the other person is the better half of the relationship.

5. Mentorship That Changes the Course of a Life

Dr. Dan Keith on an unforgettable moment that illustrates how a single conversation — and a mentor willing to invest five minutes — can completely redirect a career and a future.

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How Many Orthodontists Can Say They've Been in Every Seat in a Practice?

On this episode of Smile Doctors Off Mute, Dr. Scott Law interviews Dr. Kathleen Pale (Orthodontics Limited in Pennsylvania), whose journey through orthodontics began long before dental school.

At eight years old, Dr. Pale was a phase-one patient to treat her high, narrow palate. By sixteen, she started working as a sterile tech in the very practice that treated her. Over the years, she sterilized instruments, assisted chairside, worked at the front desk, managed records, jumped into lab work, and even spent time in general dentistry. Those experiences have shaped the kind of orthodontist, community advocate, and parent she is today.

Having come full circle, now Dr. Pale reassures nervous kids who are in the same chair she sat in, receiving the same treatment she did as a young girl.

Dr. Pale opens up about when she first fell in love with orthodontics, how mentorship played a significant role in her early career, and why parenthood has added a new dimension to her work.

Tune in for a heartfelt conversation about leadership grounded in lived experiences — the kind earned by rolling up your sleeves and doing the hard work. Here’s what you’ll take from this jam-packed episode:

💪 How working every role in a practice shaped Dr. Pale’s leadership style

🎓 Dr. Pale’s unique educational and professional path, from her first job in high school through dental school and orthodontic residency

⛰️ The mentors who opened doors along the way, and how she pays their guidance and generosity forward today

❤️ Why becoming a parent changed the way she relates to patients and their families

MORE INFO

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

Orthodontics Limited in Pennsylvania: https://www.orthodonticslimited.com/

Email Dr. Kathleen Pale: [email protected]

Find and follow Orthodontics Limited on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ortholimited/

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This was the question Dr. Tonya Volk found herself pondering throughout years of conversations with her peers.

Was the answer a playbook? A blog post? A podcast?

No. It was a community.

This year, Smile Doctors launched our inaugural fellowship program — a cohort of 51 doctors who are within 5 years of joining our organization — with Dr. Volk and several other leading orthodontists at the helm.

On this episode, she joins Dr. Scott Law to share the vision and heart behind the Smile Doctors Fellowship, as well as how developing the younger generation has ultimate payoffs for legacy doctors and the organization as a whole.

MORE INFO:

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

Email Dr. Scott Law: [email protected]

Hurley and Volk Orthodontics in Illinois: https://hurleyvolkortho.com/

Email Dr. Tonya Volk: [email protected]

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How Does Seeing the Person Before Seeing the Problem Change the Outcome?

When his dental hygienist told him he had a crossbite, John Hite called his local orthodontist. His rare genetic neuromuscular disorder means that surgeries are no small thing, and he was desperately seeking a doctor to correct his bite through traditional treatment. When Dr. Chris Mattingly’s office got John’s call, life change was set in motion. 

During his initial consultation with John, Dr. Mattingly of Mattingly & Howell Orthodontics saw the person before the problem. Together, they hatched a plan that, with John’s diligent compliance, would get them as close as possible to a functional smile without surgery.  

Now, they're taking the Smile Doctors Off Mute Mic together to talk about their experience and ultimately, their rapport. Hosted by Dr. Scott Law, their inspiring story is as heartwarming as it is relevant.  

MORE INFO:

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

Email Dr. Scott Law: [email protected]

Mattingly Howell Orthodontics in Kentucky: https://www.mandhortho.com/

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Most orthodontists have an entrepreneurial spirit — our industry is full of titans who love to grow, build, and expand (no pun intended, of course).

Helping doctors capitalize on this natural impulse is the heartbeat of the Smile Doctors Joint Venture Model. And no one knows the program quite like Dr. Ben Fishbein, Clinical Director of De Novo, and Dr. Zach Casagrande, Clinical Director of Aligners.

Opening their own de novos in 2023, both doctors saw their joint venture practices do staggering numbers in their first year — $3 million each, to be exact. Now, they’re hopping on the Smile Doctors Off Mute mic to chat scalable success and what it looks like to have an OSO as your business partner. Tune in to get their insight on:

🤝 What happens when good ortho meets great strategy

💸 How to avoid a practice money pit

😬 When going with your gut isn’t good enough

This episode is can’t-miss for any doctor who wants to keep growing!

HIGHLIGHTS:

MORE INFO:

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

Email Dr. Scott Law: [email protected]

Fishbein Orthodontics in Florida: https://fishortho.com/

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

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As part of our mission to support doctors in all aspects of their business, we’re thrilled to pass the Smile Doctors Off Mute Mic to non-clinical professionals who are creating serious awesomeness in their corners of the orthodontic industry.

On this episode, Dr. Law welcomes Justin Chalender, Senior Manager of Social Media at Smile Doctors, for a candid conversation about connection, authenticity, and scalability in the social space.

While serving at a restaurant, Justin found himself accepting a job interview from a patron who turned out to be a pediatric dentist. A chance encounter became a career path when his love of dental led him to a clinician role at one of our partnered practices.

Justin proves daily that doctors don’t have to spend their lives online to get a million views — sometimes all they need to do is turn their heads.

Whether you’re chomping at the bit to create the next viral video, or just trying to grow your social reach, this episode is full of wisdom to help make your social presence feel more like YOU.

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Dr. Dan Keith's life changed in 5 minutes.

A hard-working collegiate athlete, every moment of Dan's life was spent working toward law school. It wasn't until a routine ortho visit on mom and dad's dime that he considered a career outside of a legal office.

Enter: his local orthodontist.

What started as a quick conversation with a man who barely knew him became a banner moment that defined the rest of his life and career.

Now, he's on the Smile Doctors Off Mute mic with Dr. Scott Law to discuss:

💪 What it looks like to outwork yourself — not just your competitors

From meeting his wife in the orthodontic chair to returning home to North Dakota to serve the community he loves, every part of Dr. Keith's inspirational story is a can't-miss. 

HIGHLIGHTS:

MORE INFO:

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

Email Dr. Scott Law: [email protected]

DK Orthodontics in Bismark & Dickinson, ND: https://dkortho.com/

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Glenn Krieger’s career has been defined by relationships. 

His wife, whose unflinching support and partnership encouraged him to return to orthodontic school at age 44. 

His cousin, whose background in private equity offered him confidence in the financial strength and bright future of the Smile Doctors organization prior to affiliation.  

His partner, Dr. Doug Shaw, with whom he shared finances for many years as they built something spectacular together. 

On this episode, take a peek into the professional relationship of two orthodontic giants, Dr. Scott Law and Dr. Glenn Krieger, as they discuss growth mentalities and excitement for the future.

You may know Glenn from hosting The Orthopreneurs Podcast, but now he’s on the Smile Doctors Off Mute mic and trust us — you don’t wanna miss it.  

HIGHLIGHTS:

MORE INFO:

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

Email Dr. Scott Law: [email protected]

Call Dr. Glenn Krieger: 469-610-9920

Krieger Orthodontics: https://kriegerorthodontics.com/

Shaw Orthodontics: https://shawsmiles.com/

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