The Illuminate Orthodontic Podcast: Shining a Light on Orthodontist Innovators

Dr. John Pham is a trailblazing orthodontist, tech entrepreneur, and co-founder of InBrace. With a background in aerospace engineering and a deep commitment to innovation, Dr. Pham shares how he’s reshaping orthodontics by challenging outdated methods and expanding access to care. His story is a powerful example of how orthodontic innovation can transform not just treatment modalities—but the profession itself.

On this episode, you will discover:

• How Dr. John Pham’s immigrant journey and engineering background fueled his path as an orthodontic innovator.
• What makes InBrace fundamentally different from traditional lingual braces—and why it’s not just about location.
• How Blue Ocean Strategy thinking is helping orthodontists attract untapped patients and grow the overall market.
• Why 'smart wire' technology is redefining force application and orthodontic treatment efficiency.
• The importance of embracing change and avoiding commoditization in today’s orthodontic landscape.

Recorded May 27, 2021 at the Glenn Hotel Autograph Collection in Atlanta, GA.

Generous support for this podcast comes from Fishbein Fundamentals and ODL.

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. Alfred Griffin III is a Harvard-trained orthodontist and the founder of LightForce Orthodontics — the first company to introduce a fully customized, 3D-printed bracket system. As a respected innovator in orthodontic technology, Dr. Griffin blends his academic background with entrepreneurial vision to shape the future of the orthodontic profession.

On this episode, you will discover:

• How Dr. Griffin’s upbringing in a dental family inspired his journey as an orthodontic innovator
• The origin story of LightForce and the challenges of launching an orthodontic startup during residency
• Why 3D printing is redefining efficiency, customization, and biomechanics in orthodontic treatment
• The unique advantages of patient-specific brackets and digital workflows for modern orthodontists
• What it means to build a company by orthodontists, for orthodontists, and how LightForce is scaling innovation

Recorded March 12, 2021 at the new LightForce Headquarters in Boston, MA.

Generous support for this podcast comes from HIP Creative and Dentagrafix.

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. David Sarver is an world-renowned orthodontist, author, and educator best known for his pioneering work on smile arc, dentofacial esthetics, and the soft tissue paradigm. A true orthodontic innovator, Dr. Sarver has spent decades shaping the future of the profession through clinical excellence, academic mentorship, and esthetic-driven treatment planning.

On this episode, you will discover:

• How Dr. Sarver helped elevate smile arc and facial esthetics from theory to a global orthodontic standard
• The philosophy behind “lifetime transformation” and why long-term relationships matter in orthodontics
• Financial and career wisdom for young orthodontists navigating debt, private practice, and long-term success
• Lessons in leadership, innovation, and mentorship from legends like Dr. William Proffit
• A behind-the-scenes look at writing Dentofacial Esthetics: From Macro to Micro and its real-world impact

Recorded October 24, 2020 at the Grand Bohemian Hotel Mountain Brook, Birmingham, AL.

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.

Dr. Brandon Owen is an orthodontist, innovator, and the founder of KLOwen Braces, a custom digital bracket system that is redefining the future of orthodontics. He is the recipient of the first-ever AAO Innovator Award and a passionate advocate for innovation within the orthodontic profession.

On this episode, you will discover:

• How Dr. Owen created an orthodontic bracket system that improves efficiency, outcomes, and doctor time
• Why innovation is essential to the future of orthodontics—and how the profession can take the lead
• Practical advice on bringing your own orthodontic product or idea to market, from IP to licensing
• A unique look into the creation of a 3D-printed TMJ splint and its benefits for treating TMD patients
• The emotional story behind the name KLOwen and how personal purpose can fuel professional innovation

Recorded October 23, 2020 in Fort Yargo State Park, GA.

Generous support for this podcast comes from Digital Orthodontics Hub and Hip Creative.

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. Tito Norris is a leading orthodontist, innovator, and entrepreneur based in San Antonio, Texas. He is the founder of Stone Oak Orthodontics and the creator of the Norris 20/26 System, a passive self-ligating bracket system designed to enhance treatment efficiency and clinical outcomes. Known for his inventive thinking and commitment to work-life balance, Dr. Norris brings a fresh perspective to modern orthodontic practice.

On this episode, you will discover:

• How this orthodontist structured his practice to take a full week off every month—without sacrificing growth
• The clinical advantages of the Norris 20/26 System and the rationale behind reducing bracket slot size
• How orthodontic creativity is sparked by slowing down and disconnecting from the daily grind
• What orthodontists can learn from personal loss, purposeful mentorship, and engineering-driven innovation
• Unique business ventures outside the operatory—from fog-free dental mirrors to flatulence-filtering underwear

Recorded August 28, 2020 in downtown St. Petersburg, FL.⁣

Generous support for this podcast comes from LightForce Orthodontics and HIP Creative.

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. Bryan Lockhart is an orthodontist, innovator, and co-founder of Dual Image Orthodontics in Charlotte, North Carolina. Together with his wife, Dr. Lauren Rennick Lockhart, he’s developed a fully digital orthodontic workflow, launched an in-house aligner brand, and created a patent-pending surgical appliance designed for clear aligner orthognathic cases. As a Morehouse graduate and UNC dental alum, Dr. Lockhart brings a powerful perspective on innovation, inclusivity, and leadership in the orthodontic profession.

On this episode, you will discover:

• How one orthodontist built a scalable in-house aligner system and branded it as a practice differentiator
• What Lock-On is—and how it simplifies surgical orthodontic cases using clear aligners
• Why diversity and representation matter in orthodontics, and how bias can shape professional experiences
• Lessons from balancing innovation, digital tools, and entrepreneurship in a growing orthodontic practice
• How Dr. Lockhart’s “what if” mindset led to a game-changing patent and fresh outlook on orthodontic innovation

Recorded June 13, 2020 at the Aloft Charlotte Ballantyne in Charlotte, NC.

Generous support for this podcast comes from LightForce Orthodontics and HIP Creative.

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.

Renowned orthodontist and innovator Dr. Dave Paquette is widely recognized for his expertise in orthodontic clinical efficiency and forward-thinking treatment philosophies. With an influential career spanning involvement with Invisalign, the Damon System, and now Henry Schein Orthodontics, Dr. Paquette has helped shape the future of orthodontics through innovation, leadership, and education.

On this episode, you will discover:

• How Dave's unique journey as a dual-trained orthodontic and pediatric dental specialist shaped his career
• The groundbreaking orthodontic research that earned him top honors from both the AAO and AAPD
• Behind-the-scenes insight into his early roles with Align Technology’s Clinical Advisory Board and Ormco’s Insiders Group
• The origin story of Henry Schein Orthodontics and how the Sagittal First philosophy and airway awareness came to the forefront
• Dr. Paquette’s perspective on where orthodontic innovation is heading — and how orthodontists can prepare for the future

Recorded June 13, 2020 on Lake Norman outside of Charlotte, NC.

Generous support for this podcast comes from Retainer Club 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.

Dr. Ben Fishbein is the founder of Fishbein Orthodontics, a multi-location practice on the Gulf Coast of Florida known for its bold branding, strong community involvement, and innovative approach to marketing. A nationally recognized speaker and practice growth strategist, Dr. Fishbein shares real-world insights that challenge conventional thinking in the orthodontic profession.

On this episode, you will discover:

• Why many orthodontists unintentionally limit their growth—and how to break through with mindset shifts
• How Fishbein Orthodontics uses marketing, branding, and price transparency to attract new orthodontic patients
• What orthodontic delegation really looks like in a large, multi-office team—and how it drives efficiency
• How community impact, including giving back through donated orthodontic treatment, can become your practice’s superpower
• A behind-the-scenes look at the Fishbein Fundamentals course and what makes it a must-visit for orthodontic innovators

Recorded March 14, 2020 in Pensacola, FL at Fishbein Fundamentals.

Generous support for this podcast comes from HIP Creative & The Aligner Intensive Fellowship.

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.

A podcast to shine a light on the innovators of the orthodontic profession.  This track is an introduction to the show and host Dr. Chris Cetta.

For more information about the podcast, head over to www.illuminateorthopodcast.com.