On this episode, I chat with Dr. Maggie Barnard, an ortho from Nova Scotia who went from managing two large practices to creating a side business that solves one of the biggest pain points in modern orthodontics: Invisalign clinchecks. After spending years doing dozens of setups every night—not just for herself, but for her associates too—Maggie realized something: she was really good at it, and even better, she actually enjoyed it.

So she launched MGC Align, a boutique clincheck service where she handles each case herself—no AI, no assistants, just another orthodontist with experience, precision, and obsessive attention to detail. In this episode, we explore her startup journey, the origin of the hilariously named “MGC Align,” her post-practice career, and what it takes to stay sharp—on and off the court (yep, she's also a competitive tennis player).

Whether you're burned out by clinchecks or curious how another doctor is creating value with a side hustle, this one’s a gem.

QUOTES

“I literally spent two hours every night doing clinchecks—for myself and all the associates. That’s when I realized… this is what I want to offer others.”
— Dr. Maggie Barnard

“I think orthodontists forget—we’re problem solvers at heart. Clinchecks are just puzzles. And I happen to love solving them.”
— Dr. Maggie Barnard

Key Takeaways

Intro (00:00)
Maggie’s origin story: from GP to ortho practice owner (02:44)
Growing two big offices through mentorship and opportunity (04:19)
Selling to an OSO and transitioning out (06:30)
The clincheck problem: why she launched MGC Align (07:00)
What makes her service unique (17:41)
How she tailors setups to each doctor’s preferences (18:49)
Why she never uses AI or techs—just her own hands and brain (19:20)
The training and CE behind her protocols (20:00)
How to get started and turnaround time (22:32)
Clincheck setups in 2–3 days—including revisions (23:13)

Additional Resources

If clinchecks are eating up your nights—or causing friction in your practice—stop doing them yourself. Maggie’s service, mgcalign.com, lets you hand off your setups to someone who actually enjoys the work and knows what excellent outcomes look like.

👉 Reach out to her directly at [email protected] or message Maggie B.A. on Facebook.

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