On this episode of The DOC Podcast, I host visionary orthodontist Dr. Ilya Lipkin. Dr. Lipkin discusses his groundbreaking work with Mini Screw Assisted Rapid Maxillary Expansion (MARPE) and shares his journey, from overcoming academic challenges in the Soviet Union to becoming a pioneer in airway-focused orthodontics.

Learn about the clinical and academic divide in the field, the importance of comprehensive patient care that goes beyond aligning teeth, and practical advice for implementing MARPE in a busy practice. Dr. Lipkin also touches on the vital role of diagnostic processes and offers insights into the future of orthodontic treatment.

Whether you're an orthodontist, dental professional, or just curious about the advancements in orthodontics, this episode is packed with invaluable information. Enjoy the show!

00:27 Meet Dr. Ilya Lipkin: A Visionary in Orthodontics

02:36 Dr. Lipkin's Journey: From the Soviet Union to Orthodontics

05:26 The Impact of Sleep and Airway on Orthodontics

09:38 Clinical vs. Academic Perspectives in Orthodontics

14:16 Challenges and Changes in Orthodontic Practices

35:12 The Role of Dentists in Airway Screening & Health

35:34 Orthodontic Residency and Airway Issues

35:43 TMJ and Orthodontics: A Controversial Topic

36:36 The Importance of Comprehensive Diagnosis

38:02 Challenges in Orthodontic Practices

41:55 Diagnostic Ability and Patient Health

42:32 The Evolution of Orthodontic Technology

43:56 Determining the Right Treatment Approach

53:59 Implementing MARPE in Practice

01:00:17 The Need for Change in Orthodontic Education

01:10:48 Final Thoughts and Future Directions

Special Offer:
Listeners of The DOC Podcast can receive a $500 discount on registration for Airway Palooza 2025 in Fort Lauderdale by using code DOCPALOOZA at checkout. https://airwayhealthsolutions.com/palooza

SHOW NOTES
-Contact Dr. Lipkin: https://www.gotbraces.com/

Episode Summary:
In this episode of The DOC Podcast, I welcome Mr. Erik Brenner, a private wealth advisor with over 30 years of experience and the President and CEO of Hilltop Wealth and Tax Solutions. Erik is also the author of the Amazon bestseller, "The Personal CFO Revolution: A Comprehensive Guide to Navigating Your Retirement." Together, we break down the often overwhelming world of personal finance, offering practical advice for every stage of your career and life.

What You’ll Learn in This Episode:

• The Importance of Having a Financial Plan: Why everyone, regardless of career stage, needs a plan—and how to revisit and update it as your life evolves.
• Understanding the Role of a Fiduciary Advisor:
  What it means to work with a fiduciary, and why it matters for your financial security.
• Breaking Down Financial Planning by Life Stage:
  Dr. Mike and Erik discuss four key periods:

Early Career (School to 5 Years Out):

• Building an emergency fund
• Managing and understanding debt
• The value of starting to save and invest early (time value of money)
• Basics of insurance and budgeting

Mid-Career (5–20 Years):

• Growing wealth and managing taxes
• Maximizing retirement plans (401k, HSA, backdoor Roth strategies)
• Asset protection, estate planning, and insurance updates
• The importance of accurate bookkeeping and proactive tax planning

Late Career (20 Years to Retirement):

• Increasing complexity: business ownership, real estate, and advanced tax mitigation
• Planning for college expenses and balancing support for children with retirement goals
• Regular estate plan checkups and preparing for the “walkaway” number

Retirement:

• Transitioning from accumulation to distribution
• Managing multiple income streams and ongoing tax mitigation
• Emotional and lifestyle considerations for a fulfilling retirement
• Insurance needs, self-insuring, and long-term care planning

Actionable Advice for Every Listener:

• The value of assembling a trusted advisory team
• Why intentional planning and flexibility are the true keys to building wealth
• How to ask the right questions and be proactive with your advisors

Resources & Links:

• Get Erik’s Book:
  The Personal CFO Revolution: A Comprehensive Guide to Navigating Your Retirement
  Visit the link for a free copy and to schedule a no-obligation introductory call with Erik’s team.
• Connect with Dr. Mike DeLuke:
  • Email: drmike@theorthocoach.com
  • The Ortho Coach – CE Courses & Coaching
  • Join the DOC Community on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/share/g/1Cb9rkQVde/

Special Offer:
Listeners of The DOC Podcast can receive a $500 discount on registration for Airway Palooza 2025 in Fort Lauderdale by using code DOCPALOOZA at checkout. https://airwayhealthsolutions.com/palooza

Thank You for Listening!
If you enjoyed this episode, please share it with colleagues, friends, or family who could benefit from these insights. Don’t forget to subscribe, leave a review, and join us next time for more conversations to help you lead a happier, healthier, and more prosperous life.

In this episode, I welcome Dr. Becca Bockow, a renowned orthodontist, periodontist, and educator, for a deep dive into the evolving world of interceptive (Phase I) orthodontic treatment. Dr. Bockow shares her unique journey from restorative dentistry to dual specialty training and how her interdisciplinary background shapes her approach to pediatric airway health and early intervention.

Key Topics Covered:

• The science and evidence behind early orthodontic expansion and its impact on long-term health
• The relationship between airway, sleep-disordered breathing, and craniofacial development
• Why traditional orthodontic training often overlooks early intervention—and how to bridge the gap
• The importance of interdisciplinary collaboration with ENTs, pediatricians, sleep specialists, and therapists
• Practical screening tools and questionnaires for identifying pediatric sleep issues
• The role of 3D imaging (CBCT) in modern orthodontic diagnosis and treatment planning
• Addressing common misconceptions and stigma around Phase I treatment
• How early intervention can help prevent surgery and improve quality of life for children

Actionable Takeaways:

• Early orthodontic evaluation is about more than just teeth—it's about whole-body health.
• Orthodontists can play a pivotal role in identifying and addressing pediatric airway issues.
• Collaboration and ongoing education are key to advancing patient care and professional growth.

Resources & Links:

• Airway Palooza 2025: An upcoming conference focused on airway health, with a special $500 discount code for listeners (DOCPALOOZA) - https://airwayhealthsolutions.com/palooza
• Pediatric Sleep Questionnaire: https://www.researchgate.net/figure/Pediatric-Sleep-Questionnaire_fig1_347054293
• Ferris 6 Sleep Study: https://www.fairest.org/tools/
• Rethinking Rhinoplasty – Howard Stupak: https://www.amazon.com/Rethinking-Rhinoplasty-Facial-Surgery-Re-Analysis/dp/3030446751
• DeLuke Orthodontic Coaching Website: www.theorthocoach.com

Tune in for an inspiring and practical conversation that challenges the status quo and empowers clinicians to make a lasting impact on their patients’ lives.