What’s the fastest way to ruin your professional reputation before you even get going?

It’s not bad clinical work.
It’s not weak marketing.
It’s how you treat the orthodontist down the street.

In this 5 Minute Friday episode, I’m tackling a topic that makes or breaks your name in a new town—and it’s not what most people focus on. Whether you're setting up shop in a saturated market or welcoming a new doc into yours, how you show up matters. I’ve seen new orthodontists torpedo their reputations before they’ve even opened their doors—and I’ve seen seasoned docs handle it with grace and generosity.

This isn’t about playing nice for appearances. It’s about protecting your name, your referrals, and your peace of mind. I’ll share a cautionary tale, break down the right way to launch in a new market, and issue a challenge to every orthodontist: Let’s build a profession that values reputation, kindness, and community over ego and competition.

Key Takeaways

Intro (00:00)
Why new orthodontists should make the first move (00:20)
The wrong mindset when entering a saturated market (01:10)
How to be gracious as the established doc (01:45)
A cautionary tale of disrespect (03:00)
Why badmouthing a colleague only hurts you (03:50)

My call for a more collaborative ortho community (04:50)

Additional Resources

Want to connect with orthodontists who believe in lifting each other up?

Come to the final Orthopreneurs Summit in Las Vegas this September. Trust me—it’ll be the most impactful event you’ve ever attended.
Go to opSummit2025.com and grab your spot today.

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