As the very first orthodontist to join Smile Doctors, Dr. Dal Margeson went all-in on an unknown venture. Through years of sweat equity in Smalltown, USA, he earned the trust of his community and dental partners, and the distinction of being a forerunner in our industry-leading OSO.

On this episode of the Smile Doctors Off Mute Podcast, Dr. Margeson joins Dr. Scott Law to chronicle the growth he’s seen in our organization since its inception and discuss the career-changing effects of being part of the nation’s leading network of orthodontists. 

From uncertain beginnings to a practice that has doubled in size in just 8.5 years, Dr. Margeson’s story of trust and hard work is a can’t-miss. 

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

Email Dr. Dal Margeson: [email protected]

Email Dr. Scott Law: [email protected]

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On this episode of Smile Doctors: Off Mute, Dr. Scott Law sits down with Shelli McNabb, VP of Operations Excellence for Smile Doctors. Shelli’s journey into orthodontics wasn’t just unexpected — it was a complete pivot.

She once dreamed of being a second-grade teacher, but life had other plans. As a single mom of four starting over in a new city, she needed a career fast. With no experience in the field, she took a chance on orthodontics and never looked back. From learning the ropes on day one to helping build a startup practice from scratch, Shelli’s path has been shaped by resilience, adaptability, and the mentors who pushed her to grow.

Now, her mission is to make life easier for clinical teams by eliminating inefficiencies and streamlining processes — because great patient care starts with great systems. In this episode, she shares how asking the right questions leads to smarter, more effective workflows, and why she believes true leadership is all about service.

Whether you’re early on in your career or also find yourself at a crossroads, you’ll take away impactful lessons from their conversation, like:

Tune in to this inspiring episode with Shelli for a story of hard-earned wisdom and the power of saying yes to new opportunities.

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

Email Shelli McNabb: [email protected]

Email Dr. Scott Law: [email protected]

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Adopting Invisalign® in 1999 and growing to be two of the top providers in the world, Dr. Damon DeArment and Dr. Dan Lill are no strangers to new technologies. But it was when they coupled their passion for early-adoption with dynamic scheduling, two-phase treatment, and team-member buy-in that their clinical efficiency truly began to soar.

On this episode of the Smile Doctors Off Mute podcast, Dr. DeArment and Dr. Lill join Dr. Scott Law to share their blueprint for patient-centric systems that make doctors' lives easier. Listen in as they discuss:  

This episode is for you!

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

Shenandoah Valley Orthodontics: https://www.shenandoahortho.com/

Email Dr. DeArment: [email protected]

Email Dr. Dan Lill: [email protected]

Email Dr. Scott Law: [email protected]

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For Dr. Jacquee Schieck of Schieck Orthodontics in Northfield, Minnesota, living with purpose is not about doing everything; it’s about focusing on the right things. As an orthodontist, a leader, a mother, and even a bassist and vocalist for the all-orthodontist band Relapse, Dr. Schieck knows firsthand how challenging it can be to juggle the demands of work, family, and personal passions. But over the years, she’s discovered that true balance doesn’t come from squeezing more onto the to-do list, but from setting clear priorities and leading with intention.

On this episode of Smile Doctors Off Mute, Dr. Schieck sits down with Dr. Scott Law to share what she’s learned about creating a meaningful, fulfilling life. As a lifelong perfectionist, Dr. Schieck has worked to overcome the pressure to do everything flawlessly — learning instead that growth and rest go hand in hand. She also opens up about how trusting others has helped her grow as a leader and create an environment where patients don’t just receive treatment but feel genuinely valued and empowered.

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

Schieck Orthodontics: https://www.schieckortho.com/

Email Dr. Schieck: [email protected]

Find, follow, and message Dr. Schieck on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dr.schieck/

Email Dr. Law: [email protected]

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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]

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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/ 

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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/

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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]

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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]

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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.  

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

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

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