In this episode, I sit down with Dr. Elena Black, a Romanian-born orthodontist practicing in Virginia, who shares one of the most unexpectedly moving conversations we’ve had on the podcast. From her journey through dental school in Romania, to training under the legendary Dr. Gianelly at Boston University, to becoming a small-town practice owner and passionate beekeeper—Elena’s story is equal parts inspiring, honest, and deeply human.

We talk about the challenges of starting over in a new country, the cultural dynamics of being a female orthodontist in a Southern town, and what it's like to manage 11 bee colonies just for the love of it. You'll hear about her humble beginnings, her reverence for education, and how watching bees helped her reconnect with mental peace after the stress of COVID. If you're looking for a reminder that you are more than your practice, this episode is it.

Quotes

“Dr. Gianelly was the kind of teacher who’d say: ‘You’ll find your answer on page 3, upper left corner of that AJODO issue.’ He wanted us to think, not just follow.”

— Dr. Elena Black

“Beekeeping is my way to serve the world without needing anything back. I just go out at night and say hello to my bees.”

— Dr. Elena Black

Key Takeaways

• Intro (00:00)
• Training under Dr. Gianelly & what made him special (02:16)
• From Romania to Boston: the winding road through Japan (07:33)
• Practicing in the South as a female orthodontist with an accent (11:12)
• Building a practice from scratch—literally waiting on her husband’s location (06:23)
• Introducing digital scanners and aligners in her market (12:37)
  Why dental school in Romania starts at age 18—and how it compares to the U.S. (14:57)
• Beekeeping 101: 11 hives, 11 queens, zero stress (20:45)
• What bees can teach us about leadership, resilience, and peace (22:51)
• How she makes honey, keeps it separate, and shares it with friends (25:32)
• Why beekeeping saved her sanity after COVID (30:12)

Additional Resources

If you’ve ever felt like your identity is just your practice, Elena’s story is your wake-up call. Whether it's beekeeping, jiu-jitsu, or just watching cows graze—you need something that's just for you.

Want to get in contact with Dr. Elena Black? Visit Lynchburg Orthodontics:
https://lynchburgorthodontics.com 

Register for Ortho Vanguard: https://www.opvanguard.com 

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

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

What if I told you that transforming your entire life doesn’t require a massive overhaul—but just a simple +1 each day?

In this powerfully personal episode, Dr. Glenn Krieger draws from his life, his global speaking experiences, and decades of wisdom to teach a practical, honest, and transformational framework for building a meaningful life—one tiny improvement at a time. Whether you're running a thriving ortho practice or juggling family, fitness, and focus, this is a grounded guide to recalibrating your mental, emotional, and professional state.

Through stories, mindset frameworks, and practical tools, Dr. Krieger outlines how self-awareness, intentional imbalance (at the right times), and consistent micro-improvements can lead to exponential personal and professional growth.

QUOTES

“Life doesn't change in ginormous leaps. It's little steps. A plus one. That's it.”
— Dr. Glenn Krieger
“If you're struggling, if you need help, just reach out to me. Helping orthodontists achieve their best lives—that's my A+.”
— Dr. Glenn Krieger

Key Takeaways

Intro
Why life balance matters—but isn’t always possible
How to assess your life using 6–10 categories
The +1 Mindset: one tiny shift daily
Why your “10” will change as you grow
Mental health, therapy, and proactive well-being
Why this matters for your dream practice and life

Additional Resources

If you're feeling stuck, scattered, or simply want to start living more intentionally—this episode is your playbook. Try the “+1” method for one week and watch the compound impact unfold.

🔹 Interested in Dr. Krieger’s upcoming coaching program designed to create life-changing results in both your practice and personal life?
 DM him directly to get on the early interest list.

Register for Ortho Vanguard: https://www.opvanguard.com 
- For more information, visit: https://orthopreneurs.com/

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

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.

Register for Ortho Vanguard: https://www.opvanguard.com
- For more information, visit: https://orthopreneurs.com/

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

In this Five Minute Friday, I challenge orthodontists to rethink their mindset around fees, value, and confidence. Are you charging based on time, or on the value you deliver? Do you feel hesitant to raise fees because you fear what patients might say—or worse, because your treatment coordinator feels uncomfortable presenting them?

I share two legendary pricing stories—one involving Picasso, the other Henry Ford—and what they teach us about expertise, perception, and worth. I also tell the story of how a respected peer pushed me to rethink what I charge for surgical ortho cases—and why you should, too. If you want to be seen as the clinical expert you are, it starts with owning the value you bring to the table and making sure your team believes in it too.

QUOTES

“You’re not doing braces in 18 months—you’re doing it in the 11 years of training and the decade or two of experience that followed.”
– Dr. Glenn Krieger

“If your TC sees $6,000 as more money than they’ve ever had in the bank, that fee will feel uncomfortable—and your case acceptance will suffer.”
– Dr. Glenn Krieger

Key Takeaways

Intro: Time-based vs. value-based fees (00:00)
Why orthodontists struggle with charging what they’re worth (01:10)
The Picasso and Henry Ford pricing stories (02:00)
Understanding the return on your educational investment (03:25)
Why surgical cases deserve a five-figure fee (04:20)
How your TC’s money mindset affects case acceptance (05:35)
Action step: Align confidence between doctor and TC (06:40)

Additional Resources

I’ve seen firsthand how undercharging can undermine your brand, your confidence, and your case acceptance.

If you're ready to present your fees with clarity, alignment, and conviction—start by having an honest conversation with your TC. And if you're ready to scale your mindset and practice with less stress and more impact, stay tuned for the 2026 Ortho Vanguard. Want in? DM me for details.

Register for Ortho Vanguard: https://www.opvanguard.com

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

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

In this episode, Dr. Glenn Krieger, Doug Shaw, and Jenna Glass discuss the evolution and implementation of remote monitoring in orthodontic practices. They explore the benefits, challenges, and common mistakes associated with remote monitoring, emphasizing the importance of communication and patient engagement. The conversation highlights the efficiency gained through outsourcing dashboard management and the cost-effectiveness of remote monitoring systems. The episode concludes with insights on maximizing practice efficiency and the future of remote monitoring in orthodontics.

QUOTES
"The whole purpose of remote monitoring is to make your schedule lighter, but allow you closer oversight of your patient care."
— Dr. Doug Shaw

"Your patients don’t want more appointments—they want better communication and fewer interruptions to their lives."
— Dr. Glenn Krieger

Chapters:
00:00 Introduction to Remote Monitoring
02:55 The Evolution of Dental Monitoring
05:54 Implementing Remote Monitoring in Practice
09:06 Challenges and Solutions in Remote Monitoring
11:50 Insights from Managing a Large Patient Base
14:55 Common Mistakes in Remote Monitoring
17:48 Improving Patient Communication
20:57 The Role of Team Dynamics in Monitoring
23:34 Best Practices for Effective Monitoring
28:16 Enhancing Patient Care Through Efficient Systems
28:47 The Role of Remote Monitoring in Orthodontics
31:11 Addressing Cost Concerns in Remote Monitoring
32:47 Maximizing Team Efficiency and Capacity
34:30 Managing Patient Communication Effectively
38:52 The Importance of Acknowledgment in Patient Interactions
39:40 Understanding Remote Response Services
44:45 Reallocating Resources for Better Patient Care
50:06 The Future of Remote Monitoring in Dentistry

Additional Resources
I’ve seen firsthand how outsourcing dashboard management with Remote Response not only reduced our team's stress, but gave me more time back—and made our patients happier. If you're using remote monitoring but don’t know what’s really going on under the hood, let us do a free dashboard audit. No pressure, just clarity.

Reach out to [email protected]
Visit Remote Response: https://www.remoteresponse.com

Register for Ortho Vanguard: https://www.opvanguard.com
- For more information, visit: https://orthopreneurs.com/

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

In this episode of Five Minute Friday, I get fired up about something that far too many orthodontists overlook: occlusion fundamentals. Not just cuspid rise vs. group function, but how to recognize when a case needs to be treated in CR, how to make a full-coverage splint, and why even a simple occlusal equilibration can radically improve a patient’s quality of life. I share what I learned from my three-year gnathological residency at the University of Washington, and why I believe every orthodontist should have this level of working knowledge — especially if you’re restoring full arch cases with aligners or fixed appliances.

I also float an idea I’ve been on the fence about: a day-and-a-half live course on occlusion — practical, clinical, and built for orthodontists who want to elevate their diagnosis, treatment planning, and outcomes. If you’ve ever seen a post on group function and wondered, “Is this OK?” — this episode is your wake-up call. It’s time we stop treating occlusion as an afterthought and start embracing it as foundational to our profession.


QUOTES

"For many of you out there, you're burning the candle on both ends… That's not a consulting problem. That's a coaching problem."
– Dr. Glenn Krieger

"Will it be cheap? Absolutely not. Will I guarantee you'll make 5x what you spend in your first year? Absolutely."
– Dr. Glenn Krieger

Key Takeaways
Intro & coaching vs. consulting preview (00:00)
The 4 types of growth support: peer groups, mentors, consultants, coaches (01:30)
Why peer support (like Orthopreneurs RD) matters — but isn’t enough (02:50)
The limits of consultants: they fix problems, not whole practices (04:10)
Coaching = curriculum + accountability + transformation (05:30)
The Schuster Center story & how it changed Dr. Krieger’s life (07:15)
What the 2026 Orthopreneurs Coaching Program will include (09:30)
Call to action: Reach out if you're ready to scale with less stress (11:30)

Additional Resources

That’s why I’m launching a brand-new, one-on-one Orthopreneurs Coaching Program in 2026. It’s not group theory — it’s a curriculum that brings you and your team through vision, systems, communication, production, profitability, and purpose. If you’re stuck, if you’re burning out, or if you’re ready to scale from $1.5M to $4M+ while working less — DM me. I’ll guarantee 5x your ROI or your money back. Let’s build something great.

Register for Ortho Vanguard: https://www.opvanguard.com

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

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

In this episode of the Orthopreneur Podcast, Dr. Jon Lambert shares his journey as an orthodontist who opened his practice during the COVID-19 pandemic. He discusses the challenges he faced, including financial struggles and the need to adapt quickly. Jon also talks about expanding his practice to multiple locations and his unique venture into cattle farming, highlighting the importance of side hustles for personal fulfillment and growth. His story is one of resilience, gratitude, and the pursuit of passion beyond traditional career paths.

QUOTES

“No one’s coming to save you. So you gotta go make it happen.”
 — Dr. Jon Lambert

“I go out in silence and listen to nature. It rebalances me and reminds me what’s important.”
 — Dr. Jon Lambert

Key Takeaways

• 00:00 Introduction to Dr. Jon Lambert
• 02:44 Starting an Orthodontic Practice During COVID
• 07:42 Expanding to Multiple Practices
• 12:08 Managing a Growing Team
• 13:55 The Journey into Cattle Farming
• 25:28 The Importance of Side Hustles

Additional Resources

If you’ve ever felt like the odds are stacked against you—or wondered whether it’s possible to build something great your way—this episode is your reminder that tough times can fuel extraordinary growth.

 Listen now, and be inspired by a guy who wears a cowboy hat, manages three practices, and still finds joy in feeding cows in silence.
-Lambert Orthodontics: https://lambertortho.com 

Register for Ortho Vanguard: https://www.opvanguard.com 

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

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

In this episode of Five Minute Friday, I get fired up about something that far too many orthodontists overlook: occlusion fundamentals. Not just cuspid rise vs. group function, but how to recognize when a case needs to be treated in CR, how to make a full-coverage splint, and why even a simple occlusal equilibration can radically improve a patient’s quality of life. I share what I learned from my three-year gnathological residency at the University of Washington, and why I believe every orthodontist should have this level of working knowledge — especially if you’re restoring full arch cases with aligners or fixed appliances.

I also float an idea I’ve been on the fence about: a day-and-a-half live course on occlusion — practical, clinical, and built for orthodontists who want to elevate their diagnosis, treatment planning, and outcomes. If you’ve ever seen a post on group function and wondered, “Is this OK?” — this episode is your wake-up call. It’s time we stop treating occlusion as an afterthought and start embracing it as foundational to our profession.

QUOTES
"For many of you out there, you're burning the candle on both ends… That's not a consulting problem. That's a coaching problem."
– Dr. Glenn Krieger

"Will it be cheap? Absolutely not. Will I guarantee you'll make 5x what you spend in your first year? Absolutely."
– Dr. Glenn Krieger

Key Takeaways
Intro & coaching vs. consulting preview (00:00)
The 4 types of growth support: peer groups, mentors, consultants, coaches (01:30)
Why peer support (like Orthopreneurs RD) matters — but isn’t enough (02:50)
The limits of consultants: they fix problems, not whole practices (04:10)
Coaching = curriculum + accountability + transformation (05:30)
The Schuster Center story & how it changed Dr. Krieger’s life (07:15)
What the 2026 Orthopreneurs Coaching Program will include (09:30)
Call to action: Reach out if you're ready to scale with less stress (11:30)

Additional Resources

If you’re tired of feeling unsure about what to do when a patient’s bite “just doesn’t feel right,” I’m putting together a potential one-day or day-and-a-half Occlusion Fundamentals for Orthodontists course. We’ll cover CR manipulation, splint design, equilibration, and more. DM me if you’re interested — if there’s enough demand, we’ll make it happen. It’ll be practical, hands-on, and something you’ll use every week in practice.


Register for Ortho Vanguard: https://www.opvanguard.com

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

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

In this episode of the Orthopreneurs Podcast, Dr. Jordan Lamberton shares his journey into orthodontics, influenced by his family's legacy in dentistry. He discusses the transition from traditional brackets to aligners, the challenges of adopting new technologies, and the importance of digital workflows in modern practices. Jordan also explores his entrepreneurial ventures, including car flipping and real estate investments, and his involvement with OrthoBerry, a tech startup aimed at enhancing practice management. Additionally, he shares insights on owning a pediatric dental practice and the value of consulting in navigating this field. The conversation emphasizes the need for unity and open dialogue within the orthodontic community.

QUOTES
"My practice went from 10% to 80% aligners in six months. Once I committed, I went all in."
 — Dr. Jordan Lamberton
"I bought a house for $700K and sold it for $1.6M in three years. But it wasn’t about the money—it was about giving my wife a project she loved."
 — Dr. Jordan Lamberton

Key Takeaways
00:00 Introduction to Jordan Lamberton
02:56 Jordan's Journey into Orthodontics
06:03 Transitioning from Brackets to Aligners
08:43 Challenges in Technology Adoption
12:02 The Importance of Digital Workflow
15:08 Exploring Side Hustles: Car Flipping and Real Estate
17:59 Investing in OrthoBerry
20:44 Owning a Pediatric Practice
24:04 Consulting and Support in Pediatric Dentistry
26:56 The Future of Orthodontics and Professional Unity

Additional Resources

If you’ve ever felt like you're stuck in a cycle of burnout, indecision, or just too many “what ifs,” this episode is for you. Jordan shows that with clarity, guts, and a few side projects, you can shape a practice—and a life—that works on your terms.

👉 Hit play now, and then send Jordan a message asking about his Broncos, his AI company, or just to grab a glass of wine in Napa. He’s game for all three.
https://helloortho.com 

Register for Ortho Vanguard: https://www.opvanguard.com 
- For more information, visit: https://orthopreneurs.com/

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

👉 Join https://www.facebook.com/groups/OrthoPreneurs to exchange ideas with your peers

How are you doing your office meetings?

You might be doing them wrong and missing out on great opportunities. If you aren’t doing them at all, then you should consider introducing them ASAP.

Meetings are a great way to drive office culture, strategize what every team member should be doing, and review what went right and what might have gone wrong.

All this helps you deliver exceptional service to your patients and WIN as an office.

In this episode, I talk about the 4 types of meetings you MUST be having in your office, how to run them and what to get out of them.

Tune in and enjoy!

🔻SUBSCRIBE TO RECEIVE NOTIFICATIONS ON NEW VIDEOS🔻
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC28KeEgGiSBaSRyM0lwq5rw?sub_confirmation=1

⏱️ Key Takeaways ⏱️
- Intro (00:00)
- The goal of your morning meeting (01:06)
- The role of the hour-long meeting (04:46)
- The longer deep-dive meeting (05:17)
- The once a year/retreat (05:54)
- The end-of-day debrief meeting (08:05)

Additional Resources✅

Register for Ortho Vanguard: https://www.opvanguard.com 

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

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

#OrthoPreneurs #DrGlennKrieger #5MinuteFriday