The Illuminate Orthodontic Podcast: Shining a Light on Orthodontist Innovators

By Dr. Chris CettaBusiness Entrepreneurship Science Medicine Health & Fitness

The Illuminate Orthodontic Podcast: Shining a Light on Orthodontist Innovators episodes

May 16, 2022Ep. 18: Dr. Blair Feldman – Orthodontic Retention, Retainer Club, Mouthguards & Patient Lifetime Value
Dr. Blair Feldman is a board-certified orthodontist, innovator, and co-founder of Retainer Club, a subscription-based service helping orthodontists simplify post-treatment care. After two decades operating successful orthodontic practices in Arizona, Blair transitioned into the world of entrepreneurship, bringing fresh innovation to the often-overlooked space of orthodontic retention.
On this episode, you will discover:
How Blair turned a common orthodontic challenge—retainers—into a scalable business opportunity
Strategies for orthodontists to extend patient lifetime value and reduce chair time
Insights on outsourcing orthodontic lab work to improve efficiency and profitability
How sports mouthguards became a surprising new patient marketing tool
The value of partnerships and podcasting in orthodontic innovation and business growth

Recorded January 29, 2022 at the AAO Winter Meeting in Orlando, FL.
Generous support for this podcast comes from Solventum and KLOwen Custom Braces.
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.
52 min
April 20, 2022Ep. 17: Dr. Adam Schulhof – From Lingual to Grin, Orthodontic Innovation, Startups & Disruption
Orthodontist and tech innovator Dr. Adam Schulhof has built a career at the intersection of patient experience and clinical excellence. Known for his early leadership in lingual orthodontics, Adam is also the founder of Grin, a remote monitoring platform designed to modernize the orthodontic journey through convenience and digital care. In this episode, Adam shares how his passion for innovation continues to reshape the future of orthodontics.
On this episode, you will discover:
How lingual orthodontics and early aligner limitations inspired Adam’s niche-based practice growth
What sparked the creation of Grin and how it redefines convenience in orthodontic care
Strategies for orthodontists looking to commercialize their own innovative product ideas
Key differences between Grin and other remote monitoring platforms in the orthodontic space
Why patient-centered innovation is essential for the future of orthodontics

Recorded January 29, 2022 at the AAO Winter Meeting in Orlando, FL.
Generous support for this podcast comes from KLOwen Custom Braces and LightForce Orthodontics.
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.
1 hr 6 min
March 29, 2022Ep. 16: Dr. Chris Feldman – Orthodontic Culture, Analog vs. Digital Debate, Mullet Mindset & Profitability
Dr. Chris Feldman is a passionate Louisiana-based orthodontist known for his charismatic personality, mullet haircut, and unwavering authenticity. While he may be considered an “analog” orthodontist who prefers traditional twin brackets over the latest tech, Chris brings powerful insights on leadership, profitability, and culture-building that every orthodontic innovator can learn from.
On this episode, you will discover:
How Chris grew a successful orthodontic practice by building a strong team culture rooted in loyalty and trust
A candid debate on analog versus digital orthodontic workflows, including clear aligners and custom braces
Why profitability and overhead should be at the forefront of every orthodontist’s decision-making
The value of authenticity, self-confidence, and personal branding
Real-world strategies for delivering exceptional care without over-relying on technology

Recorded November 12, 2021 at the Entrepreneurial Orthodontist Summit in Denver, CO.
Generous support for this podcast comes from Fishbein Fundamentals and Dentaurum.
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.
44 min
February 21, 2022Ep. 15: Dr. Jamie Reynolds - OrthoFi, Orthodontic Partners, Team Culture & Practice Growth
Dr. Jamie Reynolds is an orthodontist, innovator, and entrepreneur who has made a lasting impact on the orthodontic profession. From co-founding the patient financing platform OrthoFi to launching the private equity-backed group Orthodontic Partners, Jamie has helped shape how orthodontic practices grow, scale, and innovate. He is also a respected speaker and thought leader who continues to influence orthodontists across the country.
On this episode, you will discover:
Jamie’s early orthodontic journey and how he quickly scaled to multiple practice locations
The origin story of OrthoFi and how it transformed patient financing and insurance billing for orthodontists
How Jamie assembled a “supergroup” of top orthodontic specialists to form Orthodontic Partners
Strategies for building strong team culture and scalable systems across multi-location orthodontic practices
What makes a successful OSO model—and how orthodontist-led innovation can shape the future of group practice

Recorded October 9, 2021 at the Orthopreneurs Summit in Denver, CO.
Generous support for this podcast comes from Digital Orthodontics Hub and Ortho-Buddy.
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.
53 min
January 24, 2022 Ep. 14: Dr. Tom Shannon
Dr. Tom Shannon is the co-creator of Braces on Demand, a platform for orthodontists to manufacture their own orthodontic brackets & appliances.
On this episode, you will learn about:
*Tom’s educational journey which took him from Michigan through the South
*How Tom & his partners took Braces on Demand from concept to reality
*What types of orthodontic products can be 3D printed with Braces on Demand
*How Braces on Demand compares to other 3D printed bracket systems such as LightForce Ortho
*A sneak peak of future products on the Braces on Demand platform
Recorded October 9, 2021 at the Orthopreneurs Summit in Denver, CO.
Generous support for the podcast comes from The Aligner Intensive Fellowship & Retainer Club.
38 min
December 20, 2021Ep. 13: Dr. Chris Teeters & Dr. Brian Anderson – Orthodontic Pearls, MOPC, Clinical Tips & Relapse
Dr. Chris Teeters and Dr. Brian Anderson are two orthodontists known not only for their clinical expertise and leadership, but also for co-founding the popular online community Orthodontic Pearls. Together, they helped launch the Mother of Pearls Conference (MOPC), now one of the most well-attended meetings for orthodontic innovation. They’re also members of the orthodontist rock band Relapse, creating connection through both education and entertainment.
On this episode, you will discover:
How Orthodontic Pearls became one of the largest Facebook groups for orthodontists
The origin story behind the Mother of Pearls Conference and tips for organizing a successful meeting
Clinical insights including the Hyrax-Halterman appliance and functional bite turbos
Lessons in leadership, collaboration, and maintaining a safe, inclusive orthodontic community
Reflections on mindset, happiness, and how orthodontic innovators build connection through music and mentorship

Recorded September 11, 2021 at the Mother of Pearls Conference in Minneapolis, MN.
Generous support for this podcast comes from KLOwen Custom Braces and InBrace.
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.
53 min
November 22, 2021Ep. 12: Dr. Lisa Alvetro – Class II Correction, 3D Printing, Aligner Innovation & Giving Back as an Orthodontist
Dr. Lisa Alvetro is a respected orthodontist, educator, and philanthropist known for her clinical expertise with the Forsus™ Appliance and her forward-thinking approach to digital orthodontics. A longtime innovator in the specialty, Dr. Alvetro has helped integrate 3D printing and in-house aligners into everyday practice. She also founded Smiles of Hope, a charitable organization supporting children and families in Tanzania.
On this episode, you will discover:
How to master Class II correction with the Forsus™ Appliance and why long-term follow-up records matter
Strategies for integrating 3D printing and building a digital orthodontic workflow that your entire team can manage
The pros and cons of various 3D printers and resins for in-house aligner fabrication
How to create a digital integration team and recruit non-traditional staff for tech-based orthodontic roles
Why giving back can renew your perspective—and how Lisa’s work in Tanzania is transforming lives

Recorded September 11, 2021 at the Mother of Pearls Conference in Minneapolis, MN.
Generous support for this podcast comes from KLOwen Custom Braces and Braces Academy & OrthoScreening.
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.
59 min
October 25, 2021Ep. 11: Dr. Grant Collins – The Braces Guy on Orthodontic Culture, Leadership & Social Media Tips
Dr. Grant Collins, perhaps better known as The Braces Guy®, is a Minnesota-based orthodontist and one of the most recognized social media innovators in the orthodontic profession. As the founder of Collins Orthodontics, Grant has built a mission-driven practice rooted in customer service excellence, positive office culture, and creative outreach beyond traditional orthodontic boundaries.
On this episode, you will discover:
How this orthodontist turned an empty schedule into a thriving practice through vision, values, and hard work
Why focusing on mission over self transformed his team and patient experience
Creative strategies for delivering Ritz-Carlton and Disney-level customer service in your orthodontic office
Tips on building a healthy relationship with social media while growing a recognizable personal brand
How The Braces Guy uses short-form content, team empowerment, and community engagement to drive orthodontic innovation

Recorded September 16, 2021 at the Mother of Pearls Conference in Minneapolis, MN.
Generous support for this podcast comes from LightForce Orthodontics and KLOwen Custom Braces.
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.
54 min
September 29, 2021Ep. 10: Dr. Sebastian Baumgaertel – Orthodontic TADs, Mini Screws, Skeletal Anchorage & Biomechanics
Dr. Sebastian Baumgaertel is an internationally recognized orthodontist, innovator, and educator with deep expertise in temporary anchorage devices (TADs) and skeletal anchorage systems. With a background in both private practice and academics at Case Western Reserve University, Dr. Baumgaertel brings a wealth of clinical insight to the profession.
On this episode, you will discover:
Why TADs often fail—and how to dramatically improve their success rate in orthodontic treatment
The top anatomical sites for mini-screw placement and how they enhance biomechanical control
How orthodontists can use skeletal anchorage to achieve outcomes previously only possible with surgery
Dr. Baumgaertel’s approach to patient selection, clinical workflows, and TAD-based biomechanics
How continued learning and mentorship in orthodontics can elevate your mastery of TADs and biomechanics

Recorded August 27, 2021 in Cleveland, OH.
Generous support for this podcast comes from LightForce Orthodontics and Fishbein Fundamentals.
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.
55 min
August 11, 2021Ep. 9: Dr. Patrice Smith – Orthodontist Branding, Social Media Marketing & Starting an Orthodontic Practice
Dr. Patrice Smith is an orthodontist, entrepreneur, and the innovative voice behind The Unorthodoc blog and brand. As the founder of Infinity Orthodontics in Washington, DC, Dr. Smith uses her platform to empower fellow orthodontists—especially women and Black professionals—with practical advice and personal storytelling. Her career blends clinical excellence with authentic social media branding and mission-driven practice ownership.
On this episode, you will discover:
How Dr. Smith built a personal brand as an orthodontist through blogging and social media
The impact of relatability and visibility on patient trust and new patient conversions
Key lessons from launching a private orthodontic practice during the COVID-19 pandemic
Creative insights into building a side hustle as an orthodontist, including her boutique candle company
Why giving back through mission trips and mentoring is central to her philosophy

Recorded July 9th, 2021 in Downtown Washington, DC.
Generous support for this podcast comes from LightForce Orthodontics and Fishbein Fundamentals.
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.
49 min