The Orthopreneurs Podcast with Dr. Glenn Krieger

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

When was the last time you did something that scared the living daylights out of you? 

If you haven't done anything like that, you need to, and I will explain why on this 5-minute Friday. 

A "Misogi" is a daunting, self-imposed challenge meant to help you break out of your comfort zone and confront your fears. It should be something with only a 50% chance of success. 

This is something so daunting it leaves you questioning if you'll make it. That's the magic of a Misogi. It's not about a quick achievement but about breaking through mental barriers. 

Listen to my own story of facing my Misogi and how it reshaped my perspective as you plan your own. 

Key Takeaways

Introduction (00:00)

The concept of misogi (00:32)

Personal experience with misogi (02:01)

Addressing common excuses (03:08)

Encouragement to find and pursue misogi (04:34)

Examples of potential misogi (05:13)

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

When most people hear about health and wellness, they instantly think not again. We’re constantly bombarded with information about health and wellness to the point where it can be overwhelming to know what really matters.

But imagine living a longer life but not just adding years—adding years full of energy, wellness, and vitality?

Tell me one thing in your life that is more important than longevity and wellness.

This week’s episode is all about increasing your lifespan and making those extra years full of vigor and joy.

I’ve brought back Rhya Pachin, a top-notch dietitian specializing in functional nutrition, gut health, and hormone balance.

Rhya’s tips are key for anyone in midlife, especially women facing the challenges of menopause or just looking for ways to live their best, healthiest life. She shares some fantastic advice on supplements you may already know, like turmeric and others you’ll want to get into right away, like DIM and creatine.

She will be on stage at OP Summit 2025 to talk more about longevity but in the meantime, tune in to this episode to learn of some health tips you’ll never hear from your doctor.

Key Takeaways

Introduction (00:00)
Explanation of "health span" and importance of quality of life (02:18)
Rhya’s background in functional nutrition and gut health (05:58)
Three levels of healthcare: survival, basic, and concierge (07:57)
Benefits and details on turmeric and curcumin supplements (15:14)
Zinc and quercetin for immune support (18:57)
Discussion on DIM and hormone balance (21:10)
Importance of testosterone and hormone health for women (29:31)
Muscle mass as a predictor of longevity (35:40)
Supplements for midlife women, like magnesium, vitamin D, and creatine (42:38)

Additional Resources

Contact Rhya Pachin

-  Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/CarolinaFunctionalNutrition

-  Website: https://www.carolinafunctionalnutrition.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

What good is helping people get better smiles? What good is making more money if you cannot live a better, longer life to enjoy it?

We all want to live longer, healthier lives. But are we focusing on the right things? If you're logging miles on the treadmill and running marathons thinking it's the ticket to longevity, this 5-minute episode might surprise you.

I will explain why numerous studies show that muscle mass is one of the strongest indicators of a long, healthy life and why cardio might be doing you more harm than good from a longevity standpoint.

Catch this episode to learn what it takes to age better and feel great in the process. Don’t miss it—your future self will thank you.

Key Takeaways

Introduction (00:00)
Importance of muscle mass for longevity (00:47)
Practical tips for gaining muscle mass (02:28)
Longevity and wellness tracks in OP Summit 2025 (04:24)

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’re trained to think meticulously, manage patients, and master the art of creating beautiful smiles. But when it comes to financial management, the traditional methods we’re exposed to are not fully serving our needs.

It’s time to look beyond traditional retirement accounts and take charge of our financial futures with a diversified, active approach. Alternative investments such as cryptocurrency and private equity are becoming more accessible and mainstream.

In this episode, I am joined by Dr. Mart McClellan to discuss innovative wealth management/retirement strategies. Dr. McClellan, an orthodontist and founder of Macro Wealth Management, offers wealth management expertise tailored specifically for orthodontists and dentists.

Imagine building a financial portfolio that works as hard as you do – one that doesn’t just sit in a retirement account but grows dynamically, adapting to the changing world.

From cryptocurrency’s future in mainstream investment to economic cycles that could mean explosive growth, he covers it all. Learn why “keeping money in motion” might be the key to unlocking wealth you didn’t even know was possible.

Plus, you’ll get insider tips on how orthodontic OSOs can open doors to private equity and other investment opportunities.

If you’re ready to think differently about your financial future and tap into new wealth-building tactics, this episode is for you.

Listen now to start investing like a pro!

Key Takeaways

Introduction (00:00)
Blockchain’s security potential in finance (02:53)
Evolution of cryptocurrency and Bitcoin ETF acceptance (05:24)
Storing cryptocurrency: hot vs. cold wallets (07:15)
The “orthodontic recession” and economic cycles (16:10)
Global economic impact on the U.S. dollar and inflation (19:31)
Real estate trends and the Fed’s impact on interest rates (23:36)
Differentiating Macro Wealth from traditional financial advisors (27:19)
Avoiding pitfalls of average market return investments (31:18)
Advantages of private equity for OSO members (37:58)
Final thoughts on avoiding “static” investments (48:28)

Additional Resources

-  Macro Wealth Website: https://macro-wealth.com/

-  Get Dr. McClellan's book: https://www.amazon.com/Your-Retirement-Smile-Treatment-Prevention/dp/1599329565/

-  Email Dr. McClellan at: [email protected]

-  Retirement Planning episode: https://youtu.be/MeuAKRBMT8M

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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

The difference between a smooth treatment experience and a stressful one for adult orthodontic patients often comes down to one thing - proactive communication.

Many orthodontists find adult patients demanding, and some even avoid them due to communication challenges.

But there's a simple communication strategy that can turn these challenging moments into opportunities for building trust.

In this 5-minute Friday episode, I will share my proven approach to patient communication that has helped me maintain excellent relationships with even the most demanding patients.

Learn the art of proactive communication, "spotting the question before it's asked" – a technique I learned from Dr. Michael Schuster that has served me well for over 25 years. I will explain how anticipating and addressing potential concerns before they become issues can completely change your practice and patient relationships.

If you've ever struggled with patient communications or want to learn how to handle difficult conversations gracefully and professionally, this episode is a must-listen. Tune in!

Key Takeaways

Introduction (00:00)
Experience working with high-maintenance patients (00:34)
Generational differences in communication styles (01:36)
Strategy: Spot problems before patients ask (02:20)
Three possible patient responses to concerns (04:11)
Examples of specific difficult conversations (06:10)

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

Imagine treating complex cases faster and more accurately - without the guesswork. That's exactly what Dr. Jean Marc Retrouvey is doing by merging digital orthodontics with groundbreaking research.

In this episode, Dr. Retrouvey shares how he's using AI and digital tools to treat rare bone diseases like osteogenesis imperfecta. His career journey spans teaching across continents and working on research that’s changing lives.

Dr. Retrouvey believes these tools should be fundamental knowledge, and he's here to share how they are already transforming the way orthodontists plan and treat cases.

AI-powered systems are helping predict treatment outcomes and assist in complex case planning. This doesn’t just save time—it improves the precision of treatments.

But AI isn’t without its limitations. While AI can align teeth based on thousands of past cases, it still struggles with personalized elements like facial aesthetics.

Beyond the academic world, Dr. Retrouvey opens up about his love for fast cars and motorcycles, sharing stories of racing and adventure that balance his professional life.

Don't miss this opportunity to hear from a leader in the field. Tune in now!

Key Takeaways

Introduction (00:00)
Dr. Jean Marc Retrouvey’s background and career journey (00:49)
Researching osteogenesis imperfecta with Baylor College of Medicine (02:39)
Invisalign's role in treating complex orthodontic cases (06:34)
Digital orthodontics in modern residency programs (10:28)
AI in orthodontics and its current applications (19:32)
Dr. Retrouvey’s passion for fast cars and racing (24:44)

Additional Resources

Connect with Dr. Jean Marc Retrouvey

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/retrouvey/

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

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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

Why do some orthodontists avoid adult patients?

In this episode, I address a common question I receive: why do I prefer treating adults when many orthodontists shy away from them?

The truth is that adults bring a level of appreciation and responsibility that transforms the treatment experience.

My background as a restorative dentist shaped my approach to adult orthodontics. Unlike children, adults value their treatment because they are the ones paying for it.

This appreciation often leads to more straightforward communication and a fulfilling relationship between patient and provider.

I also discuss the profitability of adult cases compared to pediatric ones and how good verbal skills can improve patient interactions.

If you're considering expanding your practice to include more adult patients, this episode could change your perspective. Tune in!

Key Takeaways

Introduction (00:00)
Why treating adults is more fulfilling than kids (00:46)
Adults value treatment because they pay the bill (03:32)
Adults are easier to communicate with (04:48)
Adult treatments are more profitable than pediatric ones (06:34)
Verbal skills are essential in managing adult patients (07:09)

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

In this episode, I chat with Philippe Salah, CEO of Dental Monitoring, a company that's transforming orthodontics. Philippe brings his expertise from biophysics and shares how he fell in love with the orthodontic field, leading to innovations that help practitioners monitor patients remotely.

Philippe is one of the smartest people in orthodontics and brings a unique perspective to patient care.

In our conversation, Philippe stresses the importance of remote monitoring in orthodontics. Gone are the days when patients had to make frequent office visits for check-ups. We can now monitor our patient's progress from afar and catch potential issues before they escalate.

This shift improves patient satisfaction and clinic efficiency by allowing doctors to focus on patients who need their attention.

We also talk about exciting new features that take remote monitoring to the next level. Tools such as 3D digital models allow orthodontists to evaluate treatment progress dynamically and communicate effectively with patients about their care.

If you're ready to take your practice to the next level, click to listen to this episode!

Key Takeaways

Introduction (00:00)
Philippe Salah's background and journey (03:22)
Remote monitoring and its impact (07:34)
Dental Monitoring new features (12:55)
DM insights and data-driven decisions (20:01)
Digital technology adoption and its benefits (31:23)
Future of orthodontics and embracing change (35:50)
Closing remarks and final thoughts (38:54)

Additional Resources

- The Solution to Dashboard Monitoring - Remote Response

- Dental Monitoring: https://dentalmonitoring.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