As the year comes to an end, I wanted to talk about something that holds many people back.

Let's talk about fear. It's not the most exciting topic, but seriously, how often does fear hold you back?

Fear often manifests in those everyday decisions we make, and sadly, it prevents us from reaching our full potential.

For most people, once they overcome fear, they can invest in themselves. Whether through online courses, attending conferences, or simply stepping out of your comfort zone, these early investments can pay off hugely in the long run.

This episode will help you identify your fears and overcome them. You'll learn how to turn those "what ifs" into "I did it!" and finally start living the life you truly deserve.

So, are you ready to make 2025 the year you bet on yourself? Tune in now, and let's conquer fear together!

Key Takeaways

Introduction (00:00)
Fearlessness and taking the first step (00:37)
Investing in oneself despite fear (00:49)
The cost of inaction and the benefits of personal investment (02:25)
The value of investing in personal development (03:12)

Additional Resources

- Register for the OrthoPreneurs Summit 2025: http://opsummit2025.com/

- For more information, visit: https://orthopreneurs.com/

- Join our FREE Facebook group here: https://www.facebook.com/groups/OrthoPreneurs

Starting or expanding a dental or orthodontic practice is a monumental step in every orthodontist’s career. But let’s face it—navigating the financial side of things can feel overwhelming.

From buying real estate to financing expensive equipment, the complexities of securing a loan can leave even the most ambitious practitioners scratching their heads.

In this episode, I chat with Bert Smith, Senior Vice President of Healthcare Financing at Live Oak Bank, to demystify orthodontic practice financing.

Bert’s expertise in SBA loans and his deep understanding of the dental industry offer a roadmap for practitioners looking to own or grow their practice. He shares a lot of insider knowledge that will definitely transform how you approach financing.

You will understand why conventional banks might struggle with your loan requests and how smaller banks' personalized approach works best for dental/orthodontic practices.

Tune in to learn more about the world of financing and how you can make your vision a reality.

Key Takeaways

Introduction (00:00)
Bert’s journey - career path to Live Oak Bank (01:57)
Banks’ view on orthodontic practices (03:01)
Traditional loan models - Financing land and buildings (10:35)
How SBA loans benefit orthodontic practices (14:58)
Flexibility of SBA loans (19:33)
SBA vs. conventional loans interest rates (25:45)

Additional Resources

- Live Oak Bank Website: https://www.liveoakbank.com/

- Bert Smith's Email: [email protected]

- Register for the OrthoPreneurs Summit 2025: http://opsummit2025.com/

- For more information, visit: https://orthopreneurs.com/

- Join our FREE Facebook group here: https://www.facebook.com/groups/OrthoPreneurs

This week’s 5-minute episode is all about tackling something we’ve all struggled with—team turnover.

I know how exhausting it can be when you’re stuck in the cycle of hiring, training, losing people, and doing it all over again.

So, what’s the solution?

Building bulletproof processes and outsourcing where it makes sense. It’s not glamorous, but it works—and it’ll save your sanity.

I’ll talk about breaking the destructive feedback loop that happens when turnover drains your energy, why outsourcing is worth every penny, and how staying hopeful can help you build a stronger, more resilient practice.

If you’re tired of feeling stuck, hit play. Let’s turn the page on burnout and start building a future that works for you.

 Key Takeaways

Introduction (00:00)
Leadership and management challenges in a changing work environment (00:41)
Impact of team turnover on leadership and management (01:31)
Strategies to break the negative feedback loop (03:16)
Outsourcing and system improvement (04:48)

Additional Resources

- Register for the OrthoPreneurs Summit 2025: http://opsummit2025.com/

- For more information, visit: https://orthopreneurs.com/

- Join our FREE Facebook group here: https://www.facebook.com/groups/OrthoPreneurs

As orthodontists, we often find ourselves caught up in the day-to-day grind—managing patient care, running the practice, and constantly juggling tasks to keep things running smoothly.

We are always on the lookout for ways to streamline our practices, reduce burnout, and provide an even better patient experience—all without adding more work to your plate.

I recently had the pleasure of chatting with my good friend and partner, Dr. Joshua Adcox. He is a clinical director at Smile Doctors and founder of "The Remote Orthodontist," and shares his journey from general dentistry to becoming a trailblazer in orthodontic innovation.

Mentored by industry leaders, Dr. Adcox has helped shape modern orthodontic care with remote monitoring solutions and digital workflows. By focusing on his principle of “doing more with less but better,” Dr. Adcox describes how orthodontic practices can achieve efficiency, reduce costs, and enhance patient outcomes.

If you’re like most orthodontists, you may already be using these technologies, but you aren’t probably making the most of them. There is no better person to learn from than Dr. Adcox.

Tune in to hear how embracing remote care could revolutionize your practice and your work-life balance.

Key Takeaways

Introduction and background of Dr. Joshua Adcox (00:00)
Mentorship and Influence of Dr. Pascal Magne (01:40)
Transition to orthodontics and joining Smile Doctors (07:52)
Differences between DSOs and OSOS (11:35)
Remote Monitoring and The Remote Orthodontist (17:28)
Challenges and opportunities in Remote Monitoring (25:39)
Conclusion and final thoughts (30:11)

Additional Resources

-  Learn about Dr. Adcox’s course and resources: The Remote Orthodontist 

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- Register for the OrthoPreneurs Summit 2025: http://opsummit2025.com/

- For more information, visit: https://orthopreneurs.com/

- Join our FREE Facebook group here: https://www.facebook.com/groups/OrthoPreneurs

I’ve been thinking about a common mistake I see in referral marketing, and I’m sure you’ll relate.

Most people focus all their energy on impressing the doctor—offering gifts, pitching their services, and waiting for the referrals to pour in. But here’s the thing: if you’re not engaging the whole team, you're missing out.

In my latest episode of 5 Minute Friday, I explain why marketing to doctors requires more than just focusing on the doctor. You need to include the team, from the receptionist to the assistants. These team members are key to referrals, and without them, your marketing efforts can fall flat.

But that’s not even the biggest mistake you might be making. Listen to the full episode now to learn how to improve your referral marketing strategy and start seeing real results.

Key Takeaways

Introduction (00:00)

Marketing mistakes in orthodontic referrals (00:33)

Effective referral drop strategies (01:01)

Building a long-term referral network (03:20)

The importance of continuous engagement (04:13)
 
Additional Resources

- Register for the OrthoPreneurs Summit 2025: http://opsummit2025.com/

- For more information, visit: https://orthopreneurs.com/

- Join our FREE Facebook group here: https://www.facebook.com/groups/OrthoPreneurs

Think about how people find services today. They search online, read reviews, and often make decisions before they even call your office. In fact, 93% of consumers say online reviews impact their purchasing decisions. Having a solid digital marketing strategy isn’t optional for an orthodontic practice—it’s essential.

Whether you’re a new orthodontist or an experienced practitioner looking to stay ahead, being visible online and building trust through digital marketing can make or break your growth.

In this episode, Dr. Kyle Fagala joins me to talk about the different ways we can leverage digital marketing to attract more patients and strengthen our practice.

Dr. Fagala, founder of Neon Canvas, walks us through how to build a standout online presence, leverage Google reviews, and create a sustainable growth system with SEO and Google Ads.

He also sheds light on his unique concept, "Doctor Time Marketing," and explains why your time is your most valuable resource. You don’t have to dance on TikTok or blow your budget on ineffective campaigns. Instead, focus on strategies that align with your strengths and provide measurable results.

This episode covers everything you need to know to market in the digital age. Tune in now!

Key Takeaways

Introduction (00:00)
Dr. Fagala's background and entry into orthodontics (00:49)
Importance of SEO and Google Ads in Practice Marketing (06:32)
Why social media trends aren’t a universal solution (09:04)
Leveraging various Google channels for visibility (14:55)
Long-term strategies for SEO success (20:21)
Consistency and systematic approach to marketing (31:40)
Google reviews and reputation management (38:02)
How to handle negative reviews with grace and professionalism (45:49)
Final advice: consistency and adaptability in marketing (49:36)

Additional Resources

- Neon Canvas: https://neoncanvas.com/

- Neon Canvas Free Audit – https://neoncanvas.com/audit/

- Register for the OrthoPreneurs Summit 2025: http://opsummit2025.com/

- For more information, visit: https://orthopreneurs.com/

- Join our FREE Facebook group here: https://www.facebook.com/groups/OrthoPreneurs

Do you feel stuck at a certain level in your practice and wonder if growth is even possible? In this Five Minute Friday, I will break down the myths around building a thriving orthodontic practice.

Drawing from my own experience, I will outline how focusing on self-improvement and business skills can unlock higher income, lower stress, and more personal time.

From blending clinical and business mastery to overcoming stagnation, this episode is packed with actionable tips. Whether it’s achieving higher income, enjoying more free time, or just feeling inspired again, the possibilities are endless.

Tune in and discover the strategies that can transform your practice—and your life.

Key Takeaways

Introduction (00:00)
Why many orthodontists settle for less out of fear (00:54)
Achieving a $3 million practice doesn’t mean more stress (02:04)
Clinical focus alone won’t guarantee practice success (03:43)
The risks of complacency in a successful practice (05:55)
Investing in continuous improvement and innovation (07:45)

Additional Resources

- Register for the OrthoPreneurs Summit 2025: http://opsummit2025.com/

- For more information, visit: https://orthopreneurs.com/

- Join our FREE Facebook group here: https://www.facebook.com/groups/OrthoPreneurs

Did you know that less than 10% of orthodontists actively consider themselves entrepreneurs?

Many orthodontists struggle with the dual role of clinician and business owner, often feeling unprepared to run and scale a profitable, low-stress practice.

In this episode, I am joined by Dr. Geoff Sudit to discuss the critical role of entrepreneurship in orthodontics, emphasizing how an entrepreneurial approach can significantly impact practice growth and patient experience.

Dr. Sudit, an orthodontist turned businessman, shares his journey from managing a single practice to innovating industry-standard solutions like Bright Referral and Retain, tools that support both patient convenience and practice profitability.

Bright Referral enhances patient acquisition by allowing orthodontists to track referral data in real-time and address gaps in conversion. Meanwhile, Retain simplifies the retainer replacement process by offering a subscription model.

Dr. Sudit and I encourage orthodontists to explore digital innovations to build sustainable practices that prioritize quality care without compromising profitability through automation and outsourcing.

Tune in to learn more!

Key Takeaways

Introduction (00:00)
Entrepreneurial mindset in orthodontics (03:27)
Dr. Sudit’s experience in a digital-focused practice (05:49)
Importance of patient experience and reducing wait times (07:31)
Bright Referral and its patient referral tracking benefits (12:41)
Remote response technology and benefits of outsourcing (29:31)
Overview of Retain, a retainer subscription service (38:09)
Contact details for more information on Bright Referral and Retain (50:53)

Additional Resources

Bright Referral: https://www.brightreferral.co/

Bright Referral:https://www.iloveretain.com/

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- Register for the OrthoPreneurs Summit 2025: http://opsummit2025.com/

- For more information, visit: https://orthopreneurs.com/

- Join our FREE Facebook group here: https://www.facebook.com/groups/OrthoPreneurs

I've been thinking a lot about something that keeps coming up in our orthodontic community - the whole "free consultation" debate. That constant back-and-forth about whether we should charge for consults or offer them for free.

Look, I get it. As orthodontists, we've invested years in our education and expertise, and our time is valuable.

But here's what's really been bothering me: while we're all debating whether to charge $200 for a consultation, many of us are still charging the same fees for treatment that we did a decade ago. Does that make sense to you? Because it doesn't to me.

In this episode, I'm breaking down both sides of the consultation fee debate (and yes, there are valid arguments on both sides). But more importantly, I'm challenging you to think bigger.

Whether you're Team Free Consult or Team Charge for Your Time, we need to have a serious conversation about our overall treatment fees.

Want to hear my full take on this and learn why some of our industry's pricing models might be holding us back? Give this episode a listen!

Key Takeaways

Introduction (00:00)
Free Consultations: Pros and Cons (00:42)
Marketing perspectives on free consultations (01:44)
Economic considerations and fee adjustments in ortho (03:40)
Charging appropriately for orthodontic services (05:30)

Additional Resources

- Register for the OrthoPreneurs Summit 2025: http://opsummit2025.com/

- For more information, visit: https://orthopreneurs.com/

- Join our FREE Facebook group here: https://www.facebook.com/groups/OrthoPreneurs

Staying relevant and competitive in our profession means keeping up with the latest trends and tools in marketing.

With over 25 years of experience in orthodontic marketing, Jeff Behan has a front-row seat to the industry's changes. He is a highly respected marketing consultant in the orthodontic field and founder of Vision Trust International.

He has helped over 800 practices and 100 orthodontic companies with their branding and marketing.

In this episode, Jeff shares his thoughts on what it takes to build an orthodontic brand that genuinely connects with patients.

The best way to stand out? Showcase your unique voice and values. Jeff believes that patients connect more with practices that reveal their authentic “why.” Whether you become an orthodontist to make people smile or to build confidence in others, your own story can make a meaningful difference.

Jeff and I also discuss the generational shifts in career focus and the importance of finding purpose in work. We also touch on the joy of giving back beyond our communities to people who have much less.  

Key Takeaways

Introduction (00:00)
Jeff Behan’s background and early career (00:35)
Jeff’s transition to orthodontic marketing (04:04)
Current work and approach to marketing (08:16)
Changing trends in orthodontic marketing (10:44)
The role of authenticity in marketing (21:07)
The impact of generational shifts on orthodontics (29:25)
Vision trust international and global philanthropy (35:03)
Details of Vision Trust International's work (37:16)

Additional Resources

Get in touch with Jeff Behan

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/jeffbehan/

Marketing: https://visiontrust.com/

Philanthropy: https://visiontrust.org/

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- Register for the OrthoPreneurs Summit 2025: http://opsummit2025.com/

- For more information, visit: https://orthopreneurs.com/

- Join our FREE Facebook group here: https://www.facebook.com/groups/OrthoPreneurs