The Illuminate Orthodontic Podcast: Shining a Light on Orthodontist Innovators

Dr. Sean Holliday is an innovative orthodontist based in Honolulu, Hawaii, known for advancing digital orthodontics and scalable systems-driven care at Holliday Orthodontics.  Through his clinical leadership and educational platform OrthoMasterClass, Sean helps orthodontists refine digital workflows, improve treatment outcomes, and elevate team culture through authentic leadership with Aloha.

On this episode, you will discover:

• How embracing change and adaptability can unlock new opportunities in orthodontic practice—especially in competitive markets
• Sean’s “ClinCheck Ninja” approach to clear aligner efficiency and digital treatment planning
• Leadership strategies for multi-doctor orthodontic practices that maintain culture, collaboration, and calibration
• How Ortho Masterclass is supporting orthodontists in strengthening digital skills, improving systems, and sustaining work-life balance
• How participation in professional communities like The Schulman Group can shape growth, mentorship, and long-term success

Recorded April 26, 2025 at the AAO Annual Session in Philadelphia, PA. Outtakes from Coastal Creative Studios in St. Petersburg, FL on March 1, 2025.

Generous support for this podcast comes from The Aligner Intensive Fellowship and Grin.

Illuminate Spotlight:  Tiny Changes Recycling Program by MASO

Musical Tributes:

• ‘Feels So Good’ by Chuck Mangione
• ‘Hawaii Five-O Theme’ by Morton Stevens
• ‘Somewhere Over The Rainbow’ by Israel Kamakawiwoʻole

Join the community of forward-thinking orthodontists and catch up on every episode at illuminateorthopodcast.com — where innovation meets inspiration.

The Illuminate Orthodontic Podcast explores cutting-edge orthodontics and dentistry, offering orthodontists insights on innovation, patient care, custom braces, Invisalign & aligners, and 3D printing — while spotlighting leadership, practice growth, work-life balance, and the business of running a thriving orthodontic practice with creativity and entrepreneurship.

Dr. Christian Groth is a Detroit-area orthodontist and innovator helping lead the charge in digital orthodontics. As co-founder of Motor City Lab Works, he’s made waves in 3D printing, aligner therapy, and lab–practice integration — all while maintaining an independent approach to innovation.

On this episode, you will discover:

• How a forward-thinking group practice model shaped Christian’s approach to “high tech, high touch” care
• The origin story and scaling of Motor City Lab Works — from one printer to an advanced digital orthodontic lab
• Why breaking free from aligner brand dependency gives orthodontists more flexibility in patient treatment
• A proven protocol for treating deep-bite cases with aligners using Solventum's Force vs. Flex plastics
• The promise and limitations of direct 3D printed aligners — plus what the AAO’s C-TECH Committee is watching next

Recorded April 26, 2025 at the AAO Annual Session in Philadelphia, PA.

Generous support for this podcast comes from Grin and KLOwen Ortho.

Illuminate Spotlight: THE Aligner Intensive Fellowship

Musical Tributes:

• ‘I Can’t Help It’ by Michael Jackson
• ‘Double Vision’ by Foreigner
• ‘Ghostbusters’ by Ray Parker Jr.

Join the community of forward-thinking orthodontists and catch up on every episode at illuminateorthopodcast.com — where innovation meets inspiration.

The Illuminate Orthodontic Podcast explores cutting-edge orthodontics and dentistry, offering orthodontists insights on innovation, patient care, custom braces, Invisalign & aligners, and 3D printing — while spotlighting leadership, practice growth, work-life balance, and the business of running a thriving orthodontic practice with creativity and entrepreneurship.

Dr. Geoff Sudit is an orthodontist and true innovator practicing in Minneapolis, MN. Alongside his wife Liz, Geoff co-founded Bright Referral and Retain, two orthodontic platforms that are transforming how practices approach referrals and post-treatment care. At Mint Orthodontics, Geoff has embraced custom braces, remote monitoring, and a patient-first design philosophy — reimagining the orthodontic experience from the ground up.

On this episode, you will discover:

• How to design an orthodontic practice around the patient experience by eliminating common pain points
• Strategies for integrating LightForce and DentalMonitoring to streamline visits and reduce in-office chairtime
• How Bright Referral can help orthodontists capture lost referrals and grow during challenging market conditions
• Ways to turn post-treatment retention into a predictable revenue stream through Retain
• Lessons from Geoff’s entrepreneurial journey that can inspire your own orthodontic innovations

Recorded April 25, 2025 at the AAO Annual Session in Philadelphia, PA.

Generous support for this podcast comes from KLOwen Ortho and Orthodontic Pearls.

Illuminate Spotlight: OrthoMasterClass

Musical Tributes:

• 'The Good, the Bad and the Ugly' by Ennio Morricone
• 'Temptation Sensation' (It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia theme) by Heinz Kiessling

Join the community of forward-thinking orthodontists and catch up on every episode at illuminateorthopodcast.com — where innovation meets inspiration.

The Illuminate Orthodontic Podcast explores cutting-edge orthodontics and dentistry, offering orthodontists insights on innovation, patient care, custom braces, Invisalign & aligners, and 3D printing — while spotlighting leadership, practice growth, work-life balance, and the business of running a thriving orthodontic practice with creativity and entrepreneurship.

Dr. Cosmo Haralambidis is a Rhode Island-based orthodontist, educator, and the creator of the Synapse Dental Pain Eraser — a non-pharmacologic innovation helping orthodontists manage patient discomfort more effectively. Guided by his Greek heritage and the Hellenistic values of compassion and service, Cosmo was honored with the 2023 AAO Innovator Award for his contributions to advancing orthodontic care.

On this episode, you will discover:

• How his experience in treating orofacial pain led to the development of a breakthrough orthodontic product
• How mentorship and product testing can sharpen your skills as an orthodontic innovator
• Practical tips for orthodontists interested in launching their own product or invention
• Ways to enhance the patient experience through non-pharmacologic pain management
• How compassionate, mission-driven care can shape both your clinical approach and brand identity

Recorded January 24, 2025 at the AAO | AAPD Winter Conference in Marco Island, FL.

Generous support for this podcast comes from KLOwen Ortho and The Journal of Clinical Orthodontics (JCO).

Illuminate Spotlight - CORE from the AAOF

Illuminate Exclusives: Journal of Clinical Orthodontics (JCO)

• 10% off a new subscription to the JCO
• Promo code: POD

Musical Tribute: ‘Black Coffee’ by Sonny Burke

Join the community of forward-thinking orthodontists and catch up on every episode at illuminateorthopodcast.com — where innovation meets inspiration.

The Illuminate Orthodontic Podcast explores cutting-edge orthodontics and dentistry, offering orthodontists insights on innovation, patient care, custom braces, Invisalign & aligners, and 3D printing — while spotlighting leadership, practice growth, work-life balance, and the business of running a thriving orthodontic practice with creativity and entrepreneurship.

Dr. Clarke Stevens is an innovative orthodontist from Omaha, Nebraska, and the creator of WildSmiles Braces.  Clarke turned a creative spark into a patented bracket system that blends treatment with self-expression—and most recently collaborated with Disney. His career reflects a unique intersection of clinical excellence, entrepreneurial spirit, and imaginative leadership.

On this episode, you will discover:

• How Clarke built a fun, patient-centered orthodontic practice from the ground up
• The origin story behind WildSmiles Braces and how a young patient’s necklace sparked the idea
• Clarke’s advice for aspiring orthodontist inventors navigating patents, prototypes, and product development
• The unexpected chain of events that helped secure a Disney licensing deal
• How OrthoVoice laid the groundwork for many of today’s orthodontic meetings

Recorded January 24, 2025 at the AAO | AAPD Winter Conference in Marco Island, FL.

Generous support for this podcast comes from Solventum and LightForce Orthodontics.

Illuminate Spotlight – Synapse Dental Pain Eraser

Musical Tribute:  ‘Tea for Two' by Vincent Youmans

Join the community of forward-thinking orthodontists and catch up on every episode at illuminateorthopodcast.com — where innovation meets inspiration.

The Illuminate Orthodontic Podcast explores cutting-edge orthodontics and dentistry, offering orthodontists insights on innovation, patient care, custom braces, Invisalign & aligners, and 3D printing — while spotlighting leadership, practice growth, work-life balance, and the business of running a thriving orthodontic practice with creativity and entrepreneurship.

Orthodontist Dr. Amy Jackson is an innovator from San Antonio, TX who scaled a multi-location practice, navigated an OSO transition, and went on to launch Retainers For Life — a platform that’s transforming the way orthodontists handle retention while creating long-term connections with their patients.

On this episode, you will discover:

• Amy’s journey from growing up in Texas to building five ortho locations prior to affiliating with Smile Doctors
• How one awkward moment at a birthday party inspired a national retainer program
• The benefits of outsourcing retention, including freeing up chair time and increasing practice revenue
• Data-backed insights from Gaidge on how much practices can save—and earn—through the program
• Amy’s strategy for increasing adult starts using internal marketing and patient education

Recorded January 24, 2025 at the AAO | AAPD Winter Conference in Marco Island, FL.

Generous support for this podcast comes from LightForce Orthodontics & Solventum.

Illuminate Spotlight - MyOrthoVA

Musical Tribute: ‘Tequila’ by Dan + Shay

Join the community of forward-thinking orthodontists and catch up on every episode at illuminateorthopodcast.com — where innovation meets inspiration.

The Illuminate Orthodontic Podcast explores cutting-edge orthodontics and dentistry, offering orthodontists insights on innovation, patient care, custom braces, Invisalign & aligners, and 3D printing — while spotlighting leadership, practice growth, work-life balance, and the business of running a thriving orthodontic practice with creativity and entrepreneurship.

Orthodontist Dr. Paul Trotter is an innovator who has built his practice around efficiency, helping elevate his father’s well-established office in Augusta, Georgia. By integrating custom braces and digital workflows, Paul has streamlined patient care while optimizing clinical outcomes — all while maintaining an exceptional patient experience.

On this episode, you will discover:

• How Paul optimized efficiency after his father’s retirement by implementing KLOwen custom braces and Grin Remote Monitoring
• His revenue data comparing direct bonding vs. indirect bonding of traditional and custom brackets
• The impact of Gaidge 360 Consulting on his scheduling efficiency
• How Paul leveraged Grin Remote Monitoring for his backlog of new patient exams
• A deep dive into the software and digital tools driving his streamlined workflow

Recorded January 10, 2025 at Coastal Creative Studios in St. Petersburg, FL.

Generous support for this podcast comes from Solventum & Revere Partners.

Illuminate Spotlight - Smiles Change Lives

Musical Tribute: ‘One Margarita’ by Luke Bryan

Join the community of forward-thinking orthodontists and catch up on every episode at illuminateorthopodcast.com — where innovation meets inspiration.

The Illuminate Orthodontic Podcast explores cutting-edge orthodontics and dentistry, offering orthodontists insights on innovation, patient care, custom braces, Invisalign & aligners, and 3D printing — while spotlighting leadership, practice growth, work-life balance, and the business of running a thriving orthodontic practice with creativity and entrepreneurship.

Revere Partners Investment Disclaimer:

This information is intended for qualified or accredited investors only. Participation in the company or fund may be subject to specific eligibility criteria. Potential investors should independently verify their qualifications and conduct due diligence before making any investment decisions. Investments involve risk, and past performance does not guarantee future results.

Orthodontist Dr. Barry Glaser has been practicing for over 30 years, treating patients at his practice in Westchester County, NY just outside of New York City. A student of the late, great Dr. Tony Gianelly, Barry transitioned to aligner therapy in the late 2000s and has since become a globally recognized Invisalign® Faculty Member and a trusted educator in the field.

On this episode, you will discover:

• Barry’s evolution from brackets & wires to a leading expert in aligner therapy
• The genesis of his influential 10 Commandments of Attachment Design article
• The inspiration behind his The Insider’s Guide to Invisalign Treatment book
• His Aligner Insider podcast co-hosted with Dean Steinman and its role in orthodontic education
• How his passion for teaching extends beyond orthodontics—through cycling, Harley-Davidson motorcycles, and even bourbon tasting on YouTube

Recorded December 22, 2024 in Bourbon Barry's Basement in Westchester County, NY.

Generous support for this podcast comes from LightForce Orthodontics & Retainers For Life.

Illuminate Spotlight - MARPE 360

• Illuminate Exclusive - $200 off course
• Promo code: ILLUMINATE

Musical Tribute: 'Too Sweet' by Hozier

Join the community of forward-thinking orthodontists and catch up on every episode at illuminateorthopodcast.com — where innovation meets inspiration.

The Illuminate Orthodontic Podcast explores cutting-edge orthodontics and dentistry, offering orthodontists insights on innovation, patient care, custom braces, Invisalign & aligners, and 3D printing — while spotlighting leadership, practice growth, work-life balance, and the business of running a thriving orthodontic practice with creativity and entrepreneurship.

Orthodontist Dr. Rooz Khosravi practices in Sammamish and Bellevue, WA where he leads two fully digital clinics called PORTH, Personalized Orthodontics.  Rooz is widely recognized for embracing cutting-edge aligner technologies and innovative digital workflows to advance patient-centered care.

On this episode, you will discover:

• Rooz’s global journey from his early days in his mother’s dental practice to becoming an Associate Professor at the University of Washington.
• The creation of the Digital Orthodontics Hub platform and his Digital Orthodontics Mindset newsletter.
• Rooz’s thoughts on in-house vs. outsourced aligners, dental-specific vs. generic 3D printers, and direct printing aligners vs. traditional vacuum forming.
• How 3D printing can revolutionize the customization of both brackets and archwires.
• His commitment to interdisciplinary care and fostering global connections through the European Aligner Society.

Recorded November 1, 2024 at the Lotte Hotel in Seattle, WA.

Generous support for this podcast comes from The Aligner Intensive Fellowship & Shimmin Consulting.

Illuminate Spotlight - Retainers For Life

Musical Tributes:

• 'The Christmas Song' by Nat King Cole
• 'Give Love on Christmas Day' by the Jackson 5
• 'Tossed Salads & Scrambled Eggs' - Theme to 'Frasier'
• 'It's Christmas in New York' by John Wesley Shipp
• 'Winter Wonderland' by Felix Bernard
• 'I Saw Mommy Kissing Santa Claus' by the Jackson 5

Join the community of forward-thinking orthodontists and catch up on every episode at illuminateorthopodcast.com — where innovation meets inspiration.

The Illuminate Orthodontic Podcast explores cutting-edge orthodontics and dentistry, offering orthodontists insights on innovation, patient care, custom braces, Invisalign & aligners, and 3D printing — while spotlighting leadership, practice growth, work-life balance, and the business of running a thriving orthodontic practice with creativity and entrepreneurship.

Orthodontist Dr. Jeremy Manuele practices in Las Vegas, NV and is known for his commitment to educating colleagues on innovative treatment modalities.  With his MARPE 360 course, Jeremy has developed a comprehensive learning platform for orthodontists interested in advanced miniscrew-assisted rapid palatal expansion.

On this episode, you will discover:

• Jeremy’s journey from military service to becoming an orthodontist and joining a successful private practice
• How he integrates uLab Aligners and DIBS AI to enhance orthodontic efficiency and treatment outcomes
• His chairside refinement technique with uLab that saves time and minimizes back-and-forth refinements
• The role of Grin Remote Monitoring in building patient engagement and streamlining orthodontic care
• Why Jeremy created the MARPE 360 course and how it helps orthodontists master TAD-borne expansion techniques

Recorded September 17, 2024 at Coastal Creative Studios in St. Petersburg, FL.

Generous support for this podcast comes from Shimmin Consulting & The Aligner Intensive Fellowship.

Illuminate Spotlight - Braces Academy & OrthoScreening

Illuminate Exclusives: MARPE 360 & AIRWAY 360

• $200 off either course
• Promo code: ILLUMINATE

Musical Tribute: '‘O Sole Mio' by Eduardo di Capua & Alfredo Mazzucchi

Join the community of forward-thinking orthodontists and catch up on every episode at illuminateorthopodcast.com — where innovation meets inspiration.

The Illuminate Orthodontic Podcast explores cutting-edge orthodontics and dentistry, offering orthodontists insights on innovation, patient care, custom braces, Invisalign & aligners, and 3D printing — while spotlighting leadership, practice growth, work-life balance, and the business of running a thriving orthodontic practice with creativity and entrepreneurship.