We always look forward to conversations with Chris Bentson, Partner of Bentson Copple & Associates and President of the American Association of Orthodontists Foundation. In this episode, Chris delves into his past predictions while casting a visionary gaze into the future of the field. Throughout the episode, he illuminates the transformative impact of technology on orthodontic practices, stressing the paramount importance of embracing digital braces in today's landscape. Chris advocates for a forward-thinking approach, asserting that the future belongs to those willing to adapt. He confronts the reluctance of some older practitioners to embrace digital innovations, debunking notions of expense and investment hesitancy.

Chris also underscores the significance of crafting tailored treatment plans and leveraging communication and technology to meet the diverse needs of adult patients. The conversation extends to strategies for reconnecting with former patients and speculates on the future trajectory of OSOs and DSOs. Remember: There’s never been a better time to be an Orthodontist.

IN THIS EPISODE:

• (4:52) Chris looks back on his predictions and looks forward to the future
• (9:44) Chris talks about the way technology has changed the ortho space and how critical it is for offices to embrace digital braces
• (12:55) Chris discusses aligners digital and remote monitoring, stating that is the future and that it is the older doctors who are not willing to change
• (15:52) Chris speaks to the doctors who feel digital is too expensive and they don’t want to invest
• (21:15) Discussion of birth rates being down and, therefore, there are fewer kids and appealing to adults
• (23:02) Chris talks about making a plan, considering limited treatment, and meeting the adult patient where they are through communication and technology
• (26:58) Discussion of reaching out to former patients and the future of OSOs and DSOs

KEY TAKEAWAYS:

• If you haven’t raised your rates in the last two years, raise them tomorrow. You need to take steps to overcome the rising interest rate situation.
• To make a digital practice work, you must trade staff costs for lab costs. Digital improves the doctor’s quality of life inside the practice, allowing them to use the extra time for patients, practice, or lifestyle.
• The consumer wants digital braces. Orthodontic doctors who are slow to change are the older ones who have mastered analog braces. The younger doctors, 35 - 45 years of age, want to start with digital to get ahead of the shift we are bound to see.

RESOURCE LINKS

People + Practice - Website

Leon - Email

Amy - Email

People + Practice - Email

Bentson Copple - Website

BIOGRAPHY:

Chris Bentson is a partner of Bentson Copple & Associates in Greensboro, North Carolina. The company serves the orthodontic community by performing practice valuations, providing recruiting services, and negotiating transactions with both buyers and sellers. Chris has been working with orthodontists regarding the business aspects of their practices for over thirty years, and was recently awarded the "Outstanding Contribution to the Specialty Award by a Non-Orthodontist" from the AAO. He currently serves as President of the American Association of Orthodontists Foundation (AAOF, he’s a contributing...

We're excited to welcome Philippe Salah, a dental industry innovator, to the show today. He is the CEO of DentalMonitoringⓇ, a company leading the way in transforming orthodontic care. Their groundbreaking Smart STL solution is changing the game in digital orthodontics, from creating retainers to managing adjustments during treatment. This Smart STL technology has the potential to revolutionize the future of orthodontics. Philippe and his team recognized the current system's inefficiency for both treatment and the environment, and their goal was to create a more streamlined process. Take advantage of this episode to improve your practice's efficiency and patient satisfaction.

Please note: Product availability, claims and regulatory status may differ across countries depending on local regulations. Contact your local DentalMonitoringⓇ representative for further information.

IN THIS EPISODE:

• [5:19] Dr. Leon expresses his excitement about AI
• [5:58] Philippe discusses what is new and changing over the last ten years, and he explains how the next innovation, Smart STL, works for your practice
• [10:45] Philippe explains the impetus for the creation of Smart STL
• [15:57] Intraoral scanners and stage files are still needed
• [18:23] Discussion of the time saved with Smart STL and communicating the procedure to the patient
• [25:34] Philippe addresses other changes and innovations coming in the future
• [28:39] Philippe describes the quality management platform developed a year ago, which would be an asset to any practice

KEY TAKEAWAYS:

• The future of orthodontics lies in not having patients in your chair; instead, they will be in the comfort of their own homes with the doctor using an updated STL file corresponding to their teeth’s exact position.
• Innovation comes in increments. Smart STL will require input from the doctor regarding the anatomy of the patient's teeth and cooperation from the patient who takes a DentalMonitoringⓇ scan with their smartphone.
• Smart STL will improve the doctor's workflow, saving time and convenience for the patient, who will not have to make an unnecessary trip to the dental office.

RESOURCE LINKS

People + Practice - Website

Leon - Email

Amy - Email

People + Practice - Email

Dental Monitoring - Website

What can be said to a patient who cannot afford braces due to financial constraints within their family? Fortunately, there are resources available to help. On today's episode, we'll introduce you to Smiles Change Lives, a non-profit organization dedicated to making braces accessible to children. For 27 years, Smiles Change Lives has helped countless children achieve healthy, beautiful smiles. The Vice President of Operations, Alexis Barclay, will delve into the program's details and explain how you can apply. We will also hear from Dr. Victoria Lynskey, an orthodontist with a decade of experience working with Smiles Change Lives. She'll share heartwarming stories about the program's impact and the joy of transforming a child's life through the gift of braces. Tune in and discover how Smiles Change Lives can bring a brighter future to children in need.

IN THIS EPISODE:

• [0:00] Dr. Leon sets up the scenario of a boy needing braces and a family who cannot afford them
• [5:10] Alexis explains how Smiles Change Lives is different than other nonprofits in this space
• [6:52] Alexis shares his music background playing electric bass in Kansas City
• [8:08] Alexis describes how they vet families to be eligible for Smiles Change Lives and how they help when they do not qualify
• [10:47] Alexis talks about the progression of qualifications for Smiles Changes Lives
• [13:47] Discussion of how the orthodontist participates in the program
• [15:22] Dr. Victoria Lynsky shares her positive experiences with Smiles Change Lives
• [18:01] The process of signing up with Smiles Change Lives
• [20:59] Alexis discusses what he sees in the future for Smiles Change Lives

KEY TAKEAWAYS:

• [4:53] Smiles Change Lives has been in business for 27 years, and during that time, they have learned what not to do, let alone everything to do to support their providers and their patients
• [7:49] There is a strategy Smiles Change Lives uses to work with families who can’t financially afford braces. It begins with reviewing tax returns
• [10:26] The completion rate of successful orthodontic work is 99% when the patient pays something out of pocket. It also provides leverage for the parent who pays the bill but empowers them, knowing they did this for their child.

RESOURCE LINKS

People + Practice - Website

Leon - Email

Amy - Email

People + Practice - Email

Smiles Change Lives - Website

Alexis Barclay - Email

BIOGRAPHY: Alexis Barclay

Raised across the pond in North London, Alexis moved to the US when he was just 17 years old. After living in Florida, he eventually made his way to Kansas City, where he’s been ever since.

In 2007, Alexis joined Smiles Change Lives, working at its sister company, Embrace Smiles, a promotional products company. From there, he served as Director of Provider Services for 11 years. Currently, he serves as Vice President of Operations.

When he’s not at work, you can find Alexis playing bass with one of Kansas City’s notable bands. He resides in Riverside, MO, with his wife, Brooklyn and three kids.

QUOTES:

“We work with our orthodontists, figuring out what the best thing for the practices are. We are very...