I’m done chasing after orthodontists. That might sound a bit harsh, but if you’ve ever tried organizing a big event, you’ll get it.

In this 5-Minute Friday, I’m pulling back the curtain on why the OP Summit is officially done.

I will explain how attendance trends are shifting across the board, and why now is the perfect time to step away while we’re still at the top.

I get real about the frustrating reality of planning for a crowd that signs up but often doesn’t follow through.

But this episode isn’t a goodbye. I’ve got six pages of ideas for a totally different kind of event starting in 2026.

I also preview a new coaching program that’s coming, built to help you develop the kind of business foundation that lets you grow confidently and lead your practice like a pro.

🎧 Give it a listen. Let’s build the dream together.

 Key Takeaways

Intro (00:00)

Reasons for ending the OP summit (00:35)

Challenges with orthodontists' commitment (01:32)

Future plans for innovation (02:33)

Introduction of a coaching program (06:56)

Conclusion and future vision (08:19)

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 sit down with Dan Davis, Managing Partner at the Thurston Group—a boutique private equity firm specializing in healthcare. Dan shares his interesting journey from Marine Corps infantry officer to finance leader and reveals how private equity can work for healthcare providers like us.

We get into the nuts and bolts of private equity - how it works, why it often beats traditional investing, and what makes healthcare such a resilient and lucrative sector.

Dan also addresses common myths about private equity and how his firm focuses on maintaining strong culture and clinical autonomy in its investments.

If you’ve ever felt overwhelmed by misinformation about private equity, this is your episode. Dan explains clearly how it works and why it should be the next step in your financial journey.

🎧 Ready to understand private equity like never before? Listen in. 

Key Takeaways

Intro (00:00)

Introduction to Dan Davis and the topic of private equity (00:34)

Simple explanation of what private equity is (05:47)

Importance of preserving culture in private equity partnerships (07:54)

Private equity vs. traditional investing returns (12:05)

Internal rate of return and liquidity limitations (14:01)

Transparency through quarterly investor calls (16:42)

How Thurston scales companies from $1M to $30M EBITDA (20:05)

Mechanics of an exit and investor profit realization (27:55)

Current state of the private equity market (31:59)

Additional Resources

- Thurston Group – https://www.thurstongroup.com/

- 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 got some big news.

After eight amazing years of creating an event that, without a doubt, changed the orthodontic meeting space, I’ve made the decision to call it a wrap.

The 2025 Orthopreneurs Summit will be the final one.

When I started the OP Summit, I wanted to create an experience that was different from all the other meetings. A place where innovation thrived, and a place where people connected and left with an edge. A place where no one felt all alone.

And now, as we approach the last Summit, I’m proud to say we’ve done just that.

In this episode, I reflect on the OP Summit’s journey, why it’s time to end it while it’s still at its peak, and how the lessons learned will lead to something new in the future.

But before we wrap things up, we’ve got one last epic gathering in Vegas, with amazing speakers, four tracks for clinical and management insights, and everything you need to thrive both professionally and personally.

This is your final opportunity to be a part of what I truly believe is the best orthodontic event. Trust me, you won’t want to miss this one! 

Key Takeaways

Intro (00:00)

How the idea for the Summit started at MKS (00:36)

Goal: no one should feel alone at a meeting (01:06)

Innovations introduced at the Summit (02:05)

Why it's better to end on a high note (02:45)

Plans for something new in 2026 (03:47)

Sign up for the last Summit (04:43)

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

Scaling your orthodontic practice doesn't have to mean scaling your stress. Discover how a Stanley Cup champion turned business strategist helps orthodontists grow their practices in a sustainable, low-stress way.

In this episode, Joe DiPenta, former NHL champion and EOS implementer, joins me to explain the power of the Entrepreneurial Operating System (EOS).

Joe shares his journey from aspiring orthodontist to Stanley Cup champion and now business coach, helping organizations scale with simplicity and structure.

You'll learn how EOS empowers leadership teams, builds accountability, and creates a clear path toward growth without the founder having to micromanage every detail.

We also discuss how EOS transforms practices into well-oiled machines, whether you're aiming for a $5 million practice or seeking more time off.

Joe also reveals leadership tips from the NHL, the importance of culture and team alignment, and why hiring for core values is non-negotiable.

Tune in now and learn how EOS can be the game-changer you’ve been searching for.

Key Takeaways

Intro (00:00)

Meet Joe DiPenta (00:49)

Joe’s journey from NHL champion to EOS implementer (02:27)

How EOS helps practices grow without added stress (06:31)

Defining “rocks” for 90-day business goals (10:37)

Setting a clear vision for scaling practices (13:02)

Empowering leadership teams, not micromanaging (16:09)

NHL leadership lessons applied to business (21:55)

Right person, right seat: hiring for culture and role fit (29:33)

Why self-implementing EOS often fails (36:43)

Personal story: Joe’s first hockey fight and leadership (44:01)

Additional Resources

-  Certified EOS Implementer® at EOS Worldwide STANLEY CUP CHAMPION 2007 https://www.eosworldwide.com/joe-dipenta ­

- Traction by Gino Wickman – https://www.eosworldwide.com/traction

- Joe DiPenta’s LinkedIn – https://www.linkedin.com/in/joe-dipenta/

- Joe DiPenta’s email - [email protected]

- EOS Worldwide – https://www.eosworldwide.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

Fresh off the Smile Doctors Annual Doctor Meeting, I had to share what I’ve been hearing and what the facts actually say.

There’s a lot of noise out there about OSOs being unsustainable. You've probably heard it too: “It’s all going to collapse once the equity turns happen and the doctors retire.”

Well, that’s just not true, and in this 5-minute Friday, I’m telling you why.

7 out of the 10 top-performing practices in the Smile Doctors network are associate-run. Not only are these organizations more stable than critics claim, but many of us, including myself, have no plans to retire anytime soon. Why? Because we still love what we do.

I also talk about the emotional versus factual divide in these conversations and share why so many people are misled by loud voices with hidden agendas. If you want to better understand the landscape, you need to hear this.

🎧 Give it a listen and get the truth about OSOs minus the fear, plus the facts.

Key Takeaways

Intro (00:00)

OSO misinformation and myths (00:36)

Debunking the “house of cards” narrative (02:14)

7 out of 10 top practices in Smile Doctors are associate-run (03:52)

Explaining realistic equity returns (06:22)

Rule of 72 and private equity returns (07:44)

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

What do luxury hotels and orthodontic practices have in common? Turns out that we share a lot.

I’m joined by Zachary Lapidus, Vice President of Luxury Hotel Operations at Caesars Palace in Las Vegas. This is the venue of the last ever OP Summit later this year.

Zach and his team know a thing or two about delivering unforgettable experiences, and he’s here to share some incredible lessons from the hospitality world that we can all apply to our orthodontic practice.

We chat about the staffing challenges that are affecting both our industries and how Caesars Palace has overcome these hurdles by focusing on hiring the right people.

They also create a positive team culture and appreciate each employee as they’d like to be appreciated.

Creating memorable experiences isn’t just for high-end hotels. It’s something we can all incorporate into our practices. There’s so much to learn here.

And of course, we take a sneak peek into the upcoming OP Summit at Caesars Palace this September. If you’re attending, you’re in for an unforgettable time! Listen in!

Key Takeaways

Intro (00:00)

Meet Zachary Lapidus, VP of Luxury Hotel Operations at Caesars Palace (00:41)

Caesars Palace’s 60-year history (02:08)

Room options at Caesars Palace for Summit attendees (03:52)

Staffing challenges and solutions in the hospitality industry (07:01)

Making employees feel appreciated and part of a family (10:02)

Tips on handling emotional clients (11:21)

Turning conflicts into opportunities for exceptional customer service (12:34)

Additional Resources

-  New and Noteworthy Caesars Palace Offers https://docs.google.com/document/d/1uhyudpNaMGKKk7OxG-opDfQMPtdibN2Z/edit?usp=sharing&ouid=107188788794295231890&rtpof=true&sd=true

- 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 5-Minute Friday episode, I’m going to challenge the way you think about retirement. I’ve read hundreds of books, spoken with countless professionals, and I’ve come to one clear conclusion: too many of us are aiming way too low when it comes to building wealth for the future.

I’ll walk you through how I’ve structured my own financial world, not just with stocks and bonds but with commercial real estate, private equity, and one of my favorite vehicles: equity inside private equity-backed OSOs like Smile Doctors.

I’m not a financial advisor, but I am someone who’s done the math and seen real returns. I’m talking 20%, 30%, even 40% annual returns.

We’ll also talk about why many orthodontists leave millions on the table by not exploring these paths. If you want to know how to make your money work harder without waiting 40 years to get there, this episode is for you.

Click play, and let’s get real about what it takes to retire wealthy. 

Key Takeaways

Intro (00:00)

Retirement planning has three outcomes (00:44)

Shockingly low return expectations (02:02)

Power of compounding at different return rates (03:34)

Commercial real estate returns example (06:27)

OSO equity growth potential (07:27)

Other routes toward retirement (09:14)

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

This rerun episode from our Greatest Hits series is all about the exciting field of longevity and biohacking. These areas are often beyond the scope of standard modern medicine for the general population but hold immense potential for those who can access them.

Dr. Jeffrey Galvin from the Vitality Medical Wellness Institute joined us to share some health information you’ve probably never heard of before. With board certifications in Emergency Medicine and Obesity Medicine, and experience as a former Emergency Physician in the United States Air Force, Dr. Galvin founded his institute out of a desire to move beyond symptom management and address the root causes of illness, focusing on proactive prevention.

He unveils the innovative work being done at the Vitality Wellness Institute and shares practical lifestyle adjustments that can significantly impact your longevity. He astutely points out that while conventional medicine aims to bring you to the average, true health optimization involves pushing beyond that.

Don't miss this rerun episode to get a sneak peek into the fascinating world of longevity and how you can take proactive steps toward a healthier future!

Key Takeaways

Intro (00:00)

Meet Dr. Jeffrey Galvin (02:46)

The dirty little secret in modern medicine (06:37)

How simple lifestyle changes make all the difference (16:45)

The markers of metabolic syndrome (29:02)

Tools at our disposal to help with metabolic syndrome (35:45)

The 5 pillars of health (39:55)

The difference between normal and optimal hormone levels (41:43)

Testosterone effects on both men and women (49:55)

Rapamycin for longevity enhancement (1:00:51)

The burgeoning world of longevity health and biohacking (1:09:07)

Additional Resources

- Dr. Galvin's email: [email protected]

-  Vitality Medical Wellness Institute: https://www.vitalitymwi.com/

-  A Longevity Masterclass: Emerging Science & Timeless Wisdom of Healthy Aging | Rich Roll Podcast: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pxEnH00YcGY

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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

You think your practice is crushing it? Cool. But you might be slowly coasting into extinction without even realizing it.

I've seen too many orthodontists who built successful practices only to let them slide into irrelevance because they stopped pushing. They stopped learning. They got comfortable. And now they’re watching what they worked so hard for slowly lose value.

If you're riding high on a killer practice but haven't attended a meeting, read a book, or implemented a new idea in months - this message is for you.

I’m here to remind you that you have to keep showing up, keep learning, and keep pushing.

So, are you riding your stallion into extinction, or are you building the life and practice you actually want? Tune in to find out!

Key Takeaways

Intro (00:00)

You’re riding your stallion into extinction (00:47)

Don’t take your foot off the gas (02:39)

Your practice is your child. Raise it right (04:32)

Rick Pitino's 10 steps – do it all again (05:30)

Reignite your drive (06:20)

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 starting a private orthodontic practice during a global pandemic, most people would play it safe. But not Dr. Ashley Kisling. In this Greatest Hits Series episode, she shares how she launched her San Clemente-based startup during COVID-19 without a clear marketing strategy.

The thought of spending hours on social media to grow her patient base felt overwhelming. She nonetheless opened social media accounts, as businesses usually do.

It didn’t take long for her to start seeing the power of TikTok for orthodontic marketing.

In just one year, Ashley took her practice from zero to 7 figures in revenue using TikTok. But she wasn’t just posting dance moves or trending videos. She focused on one thing: education.

Ashley’s TikTok isn’t filled with gimmicks or viral challenges. It’s packed with bite-sized, informative content that educates parents and kids about orthodontic treatments. And it worked big time for her.

She breaks it all down and explains how she used TikTok to attract new patients and build a loyal community.

Listen now and learn how you can leverage the same strategy to grow your practice. 

Key Takeaways

Introduction (00:00)

How Dr. Ashley Kisling got into Ortho (00:38)

Launching an Ortho startup at the height of COVID-19 (04:57)

Growing a brand-new practice to 7 figures in one year (11:27)

How to use TikTok in your Ortho Practice (16:06)

Working with influencers in your local community (23:20)

Social media best practices (27:46)

Getting your patients to sign a photo release for social media (32:56)

Creating good hooks for TikTok (34:21)

Why it pays to be authentic in social media (40:17)

Additional Resources

- Dr. Ashley's TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@socopdo

- 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