If there’s a topic that you are not likely to find any consensus about in the orthodontic world, it’s which clear aligner to use in your practice.
Perhaps the reason for this is because, as clinicians, we want to be the best at what we do and what we use, and in the process, we get very attached to one aligner over the other. 

In this episode, I am joined by Dr. Bill Dischinger and Dr. Trevor Nichols to talk everything about clear aligners. 
They are key opinion leaders for Spark, but if you know anything about these two gentlemen, you know that this won’t make a difference in their opinion about this topic. 

But one point we all emphasize in this episode that should guide all orthodontists is that we are not in the teeth business but in the people business.
We must be ready to embrace whatever technology or product that will help deliver excellent clinical outcomes to our patients with fewer visits and lesser time. 

Tune In!

Key Takeaways
Intro to Dr. Bill Dischinger and Dr. Trevor Nichols (00:32)
Spark vs Invisalign aligners (09:53)
Aligners and brackets (16:24)
Treating severe cases with aligners (19:54)
Where Spark excels (21:54)
Finishing cases with Spark (28:44)
Having aligner days in your practice (37:11)
How aligners and DentalMonitoring saves time for doctors and patients (41:42)
The fallacy that exists among orthodontists (44:32)
The why of orthodontics (48:36)

“With Dental Monitoring, we're delivering better care than we ever have. We see these patients on a weekly basis. And if you don't know how Dental Monitoring works, I would really encourage you to find out. It has changed my life.” Dr. Bill Dischinger 

“There's this fallacy among orthodontists, and I don't know why, that we need to see patients more rather than less.” Dr. Glenn Krieger 

“We're not in the teeth business, we're in the people business.” Dr. Trevor Nichols

Additional Resources

Want to connect with orthodontists who believe in lifting each other up?
Come to the final Orthopreneurs Summit in Las Vegas this September. Trust me—it’ll be the most impactful event you’ve ever attended.

Go to opSummit2025.com and grab your spot today.

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

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

Feeling like corporate ortho is closing in? Think again.

In this brutally honest and motivational 5-Minute Friday episode, I get real about the fear-mongering flooding our industry—especially when it comes to OSOs and DSOs. If you’ve been told that you have to hire a consultant, or that you can’t compete with corporate money, this episode is your wake-up call. The truth? You’re not under attack. You’re just distracted.

Knowing where you're headed is the best and only strategy to get ahead. You need a plan; OSOs, DSOs, and Corporate Dentistry are not coming for you; in fact, they have nothing to do with your journey. Once you have a plan, you can get expert help to support you and teach what you need, and your practice will be more solid.

Key Takeaways

00:00 — Economic pressures and industry fear-mongering
01:30 — The real impact of OSOs/DSOs (and why it’s overblown)
03:00 — How to filter the noise and make decisions for you
04:00 — Consultants vs. coaches: understanding what you actually need
05:30 — My story: investing $57k I didn’t have (and why it was worth it)
07:30 — Time is your most valuable currency—use it with intention
08:50 — Practical advice: write your 6-month plan, then find the right help
09:45 — Why you’re not being “attacked”—and how to stay focused on your goals
11:30 — The upcoming Orthopreneurs coaching program teaser


Additional Resources

Want to connect with orthodontists who believe in lifting each other up?
Come to the final Orthopreneurs Summit in Las Vegas this September. Trust me—it’ll be the most impactful event you’ve ever attended.

Go to opSummit2025.com and grab your spot today.

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

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

In this episode, I sit down with the vibrant and no-nonsense Dr. Megan Lecornu, who shares her incredible journey from corporate dentistry burnout to building a thriving multi-location private practice—all while prioritizing low stress, high culture, and unshakable quality of life. This isn't just theory. It's the real-world blueprint of how one millennial orthodontist flipped the script and turned her practice (and her life) into something truly exceptional.

We dive deep into how Megan transformed a struggling satellite office—against all expert advice—into a booming practice using bold systems changes, smart technology, and unapologetic leadership. We also talk about how she created a rock-solid team culture that lets her hike Machu Picchu without worrying about texts from the office. If you’ve ever felt overwhelmed or boxed in, this episode might just give you the roadmap—and the courage—you’ve been waiting for.

Key Takeaways

• Intro (00:00)
• From Colorado roots to Harvard to corporate burnout (01:00)
• What corporate orthodontics taught her the hard way (05:30)
• How she tripled her practice in 3 years—and broke every rule doing it (13:00)
• Digital bonding & test pilot mindset: make tech work for you (20:15)
• Why hiring a digital workflow lead changed everything (27:40)
• The ROI of culture: how happiness scales a practice (35:05)
• Delegation, leadership, and building the team you want (44:00)
• Machu Picchu, puppies, and the Orthopreneur's dream life (52:00)

Dr. Megan Lecornu:
https://www.instagram.com/smiley_doc/?hl=en
https://embraceyoursmile.com

If this episode fired you up, make sure to register now for the final Orthopreneurs Summit at opsummit2025.com Join me, Dr. Megan Lacorneu, and an all-star lineup in Las Vegas—because your best practice (and your best life) starts with one decision. 🎙️

And don’t forget—share this episode with a colleague who needs to hear that success doesn’t have to mean stress.

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

- Join our FREE Facebook group here: 

https://www.facebook.com/groups/OrthoPreneurs

In this 5 Minute Friday episode, I’m bringing some tough love. If you’ve caught yourself saying, “I just don’t have time to work on the business,” it’s time for a wake-up call. Because in today’s ultra-competitive market—fueled by economic pressure, fewer referrals, and more ortho grads—you can’t afford to drift. And no, it’s not the OSOs or DSOs taking you down… it’s the lack of a clear, intentional plan.

I get it—you’re driving kids to soccer, juggling home life, and trying to breathe. But I promise you: if you’re not investing real time into writing and executing a growth plan for your practice, you’re falling behind. This episode is about calling that out—and helping you change it. Because burnout doesn’t come from overwork... it comes from working hard with no direction. Let’s fix that.

Key Takeaways
Intro & mindset shift (00:00)

Why “I don’t have time” is a dangerous lie (01:10)

The leadership gap hurting modern practices (02:30)

What past generations did better—and why it matters now (03:45)

The truth about today’s competitive environment (05:30)

How to get ahead: planning, training, and implementation (06:40)

My final challenge to you (07:30)

 Join me at the final Orthopreneurs Summit in Las Vegas this September. We’ll map out the tools, mindset, and strategy to take your practice—and your leadership—to the next level. 

Go to opsummit2025.com now to secure your seat. Payment plans are still available... but not for long. Let’s go.

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

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

Today on the Orthopreneurs show, we have one of the most inspirational and positive Orthodontists ever.

We have Dr. Jeff Heinz of Heinz Orthodontists Rockford and Grand Rapids, Michigan.

He is well known in the Ortho community for his positivity and for being a great human being. Today, we get to know him better.

Dr. Heinz went to the University of Detroit Mercy School of Dentistry for his undergraduate studies.

In his second year in dental school, he was involved in a motocross accident that left him paralyzed. This was a devastating accident that could have made him give up on his dreams, but he was very determined to rebuild his life.

He caught up with his classmates and got extra motivation to work hard to finish top of his class. He practiced General Dentistry for a while before going for residency at Indiana University.

Jeff's story of overcoming tragedy to live a fulfilling and successful life is so incredible and a true testament to his resilience.

Tune in to hear it in his own words and hopefully be inspired.

Key Takeaways

- Dr. Heinz's journey into becoming an orthodontist (01:42)

- Being involved in a motocross accident (05:06)

- Getting back to dental school after the accident (08:55)

- Overcoming tragedy and living a full life (12:19)

- You've got one life; be intentional with it (16:54)

- Just Plus one it (19:47)

- Launching a start-up practice in the middle of a pandemic (25:24)

Additional Resources

🔹 Dr. Jeff Heinz Practice Website: https://heinzorthodontics.com/

🔹  Register for OP Summit 2025  here: https://opsummit2025.com/

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

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

Episode Notes

I just got back from a weekend in Wimberley, Texas, and what I witnessed at a little breakfast joint might change how you think about leadership, team training, and systems. In this 5 Minute Friday, I break down how a tiny café—with no consultants, no fancy software, and no orthodontic experience—ran circles around what I’ve seen in some of our most beautiful, expensive offices.

This episode isn’t about fancy technology or elaborate org charts. It’s about the basics: communication, training, and leadership. I share a personal story that made me stop and reflect on where most practices—including mine—drop the ball, and what you can do this week to start fixing it. If you think your systems are “dialed in,” this episode will challenge that belief—in the best way.

Key Takeaways

Intro & story setup (00:00)

The blind spots in your office systems (00:45)

What a small café taught me about elite communication (01:40)

Core values and how they drive everything (03:30)

The power of practice vs. performance zones (04:20)

Are you leading, or are you just delegating? (05:15)

Your office systems reflect your leadership—period (06:00)

Additional Resources

Want to connect with orthodontists who believe in lifting each other up?

Come to the final Orthopreneurs Summit in Las Vegas this September. Trust me—it’ll be the most impactful event you’ve ever attended.

Go to opSummit2025.com and grab your spot today.

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

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

Imagine a world where your orthodontic practice operates seamlessly, effortlessly catering to the needs of your patients while maximizing your team's productivity.

Sounds like a dream, right?

Well, brace yourself for a technological marvel that can turn this dream into a reality.

Chatbots, the AI-powered wizards of customer engagement, are revolutionizing the orthodontic industry. These intelligent assistants are more than just lines of code – they are the key to unlocking a whole new level of personalized interactions, streamlined processes, and skyrocketing growth for your practice.

If you're ready to discover the game-changing potential of integrating chatbots into your ortho practice, get ready to embark on an extraordinary journey that will reshape the way you connect with your patients, supercharge your marketing strategies, and propel your practice to the forefront of innovation.

In this episode, we explore the benefits of integrating chatbots into your ortho practice with insights from Matt Leitz, a seasoned entrepreneur specializing in marketing automation. Matt will speak at the upcoming Orthopreneur Summit about AI and Chatbots and unveil something special for our industry.

Remember, when it comes to integrating chatbots into your Ortho practice, the possibilities are limitless, and the rewards can be truly transformative.

Tune in to learn more!

Key Takeaways

- Meet Matt Leitz (00:28)

- Interactive customer experiences with chatbots (06:03)

- How AI bots save money (09:16)

- Solving the pain of generating leads in Ortho (14:55)

- Should AI bots pass the Turing test (17:43)

- The chatbot process flow in Ortho (21:05)

- Orthodontic digital co-diagnosis with AI (24:07)

- How we drop the ball with leads (31:52)

Additional Resources

🔹  Learn more about Chatbots: https://www.botbuilders.com/

🔹 Do You Want More Profits and Lower Stress? ... Register for the OrthoPreneurs Summit  2025: https://opsummit2025.com/

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

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

What’s the fastest way to ruin your professional reputation before you even get going?

It’s not bad clinical work.
It’s not weak marketing.
It’s how you treat the orthodontist down the street.

In this 5 Minute Friday episode, I’m tackling a topic that makes or breaks your name in a new town—and it’s not what most people focus on. Whether you're setting up shop in a saturated market or welcoming a new doc into yours, how you show up matters. I’ve seen new orthodontists torpedo their reputations before they’ve even opened their doors—and I’ve seen seasoned docs handle it with grace and generosity.

This isn’t about playing nice for appearances. It’s about protecting your name, your referrals, and your peace of mind. I’ll share a cautionary tale, break down the right way to launch in a new market, and issue a challenge to every orthodontist: Let’s build a profession that values reputation, kindness, and community over ego and competition.

Key Takeaways

Intro (00:00)
Why new orthodontists should make the first move (00:20)
The wrong mindset when entering a saturated market (01:10)
How to be gracious as the established doc (01:45)
A cautionary tale of disrespect (03:00)
Why badmouthing a colleague only hurts you (03:50)

My call for a more collaborative ortho community (04:50)

Additional Resources

Want to connect with orthodontists who believe in lifting each other up?

Come to the final Orthopreneurs Summit in Las Vegas this September. Trust me—it’ll be the most impactful event you’ve ever attended.
Go to opSummit2025.com and grab your spot today.

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

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

The world of orthodontics is rapidly evolving, with new technologies emerging all the time. While many doctors claim to have "digital practices," simply having the latest equipment doesn't automatically translate to a digital practice.

A truly digital orthodontic practice requires a fundamental shift in mindset and approach. It's about embracing a new way of thinking and leveraging technology to improve efficiency, customize treatment, and enhance the patient experience.

It's crucial to understand that digital workflows are a means to an end, not the end itself. The true power lies in transforming how you practice and the care you deliver.

In this episode, I am joined by Dr. Alexander Waldman, an esteemed clinician and educator in orthodontics, recognized for his expertise and contributions to integrating digital solutions into orthodontic practices.

Dr. Waldman shares his journey to becoming an advocate for digital orthodontics and his thoughts on how technology can enhance patient outcomes, improve practice efficiency, and redefine what's possible in orthodontic care.

Dr. Waldman and I also talk about:

- Virtual assistants and the outsourcing of certain practice tasks

- Financial aspects of integrating new technologies

- Remote monitoring and virtual assistants

- Surgical orthodontics

Don't miss this episode for Dr. Waldman's insights on how a truly digital mindset can revolutionize the way we approach orthodontics.

Key Takeaways

Intro (00:00)
Dr. Waldman’s background and journey into ortho (00:44)
The role of digital technology in orthodontics (04:52)
Improving treatment efficiency and outcomes with digital ortho (08:59)
Virtual assistants and the outsourcing of certain practice tasks (21:35)
Why you need to raise your fees (29:22)
Surgical orthodontics as a differentiator (31:03)

Additional Resources

Books mentioned

- The Nightingale: https://www.amazon.com/Nightingale-Novel-Kristin-Hannah/dp/1250080401

- A Woman of No Importance: https://www.amazon.com/Woman-No-Importance-Untold-American/dp/0735225311

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- Elevate Your Orthodontic Practice with Remote Staffing: https://www.myorthova.com/

- Overcome Remote Monitoring Hurdles: https://remoteresponse.com/

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- Register for the Orthopreneurs Summit 2025: https://opsummit2025.com/

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

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

Struggling to keep up with the latest technology in your ortho practice? I get it—it can feel overwhelming. But today, I want to challenge you to think differently.

I recently had an interesting conversation with Philippe Salah, the CEO of Dental Monitoring, and let me tell you, these CEOs see the world in a way that many of us don't.

That episode is dropping soon but for now, I want to touch on the concept of scaling your practice with technology. Partial adoption of technology can actually hurt more than help, and going all-in with the right tools is the game-changer you need.

I'll break down how adopting various tech tools streamline your operations, save costs, and make your life easier.

Plus, I discuss the economic trends that are going to make hiring even more challenging in the coming years as the economy recovers.

If you're ready to scale your practice efficiently and prepare for what's coming, you won't want to miss this episode. Click to listen and learn how full tech integration can transform your practice.

Key Takeaways

Introduction (00:00)

Technology adoption in dental practices (00:59)

Strategic decisions in technology adoption (01:47)

The importance of full technology adoption (04:33)

Future of hiring and technology adoption (06:59)

OrthoPreneurs Summit 2025 (09:12)

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