Orthodontic Products Podcast Orthodontic Products

On this episode of the Orthodontic Products podcast, we take a deep dive into the Dolphin practice management platform with longtime user Rebecca Pickett, treatment coordinator for Pickett Orthodontics in Mobile, Alabama.

In this podcast episode, sponsored by DentalMonitoring, host Alison Werner is joined by Alyssa Emory-Carter, DDS, MS, an orthodontist with a multi-location practice in Texas. The two delve into how DentalMonitoring allows for dynamic scheduling in the orthodontic practice and how this can revolutionize patient management and destress the day for both doctor and staff. Carter provides practical insights for implementing the remote monitoring platform with both aligner and braces patients. 
Key takeaways:
Dr. Carter began using DentalMonitoring in 2018 to improve the management of aligner patients, reducing unnecessary visits by addressing issues remotely.The success with aligners led to the adoption of the technology for braces patients, enhancing treatment management through real-time data.Dynamic scheduling has overhauled traditional appointment setting, basing patient visits on actual treatment needs rather than predetermined intervals.The new system significantly reduces practice stress by improving preparedness for visits, thus enhancing both patient and staff satisfaction.------
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In this podcast episode, Stuart Frost, DDS, an orthodontist in private practice at Frost Orthodontics in Mesa, Ariz, joins host Alison Werner to discuss Ormco's Damon Ultima bracket system in an interview sponsored by Ormco. He highlights the benefits and evolution of the Ultima system, emphasizing its 3D control for better finishing and faster treatment times. Frost suggests that transitioning practitioners should prioritize continuing education to adapt to the new system effectively.
Key takeaways:
Frost explains the benefits of passive self-ligation brackets, particularly the Ultima system's 3D control, which enhances finishing and treatment efficiency.The Ultima system, developed by Dr Damon, addresses challenges of passive self-ligation, offering improved rotation and torque control for better results.Frost recommends continuing education, such as Ormco's online courses and the upcoming Ormco Forum, for practitioners transitioning to the Ultima system to optimize their proficiency and patient outcomes. OP

Sherif Kandil, DDS, MSc Ortho, CEO and founder of K Line Europe, joins Alison Werner on the Orthodontic Products podcast to discuss ClearX aligners, integrating 4D technology, debuting at AAO Annual Session.
Key takeaways: 
ClearX aligners utilize 4D technology to pre-program temporary and permanent shapes, reducing plastic waste by up to 50%.Patients receive a booster with their aligners, allowing easy transition between forms at home, minimizing plastic usage.With refinement rates as low as 0.2% to 0.5%, ClearX aligners offer predictable outcomes, comparable to leading brands.K Line Europe’s OEM services, launching at AAO, aim to expand ClearX aligner's reach and promote eco-friendly solutions in orthodontics.-------------------
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Dr Roger P. Levin, founder and CEO of the practice management consulting firm Levin Group, joins the podcast to discuss the findings of the Third Annual Orthodontic Practice Survey. The joint project between Orthodontic Products and Levin Group looks at how practices fared in the last year—surveying everything from production, practice overhead, patient volume, referral sources, starts and orthodontic fees, appointment intervals, remote monitoring, and the challenges facing orthodontic practices. 

Five key takeaways from this discussion: 

1. Orthodontic production dropped slightly in 2023 but the industry remains relatively stable.
2. Rising overhead costs, especially related to staffing, need to be offset by increasing production through better systems and strategies.
3. Staffing challenges are a major issue for orthodontic practices and retaining existing staff is important.
4. Referral sources are diversifying and practices need varied marketing approaches targeting different referral channels.  
5. Remote monitoring will likely play a larger role in orthodontics going forward, changing patient visit intervals and practice management.

Orthodontists will walk away from this conversation with insight into the issues and trends facing their industry and Levin’s advice on how to proactively organize the orthodontic practice for future economic growth. As he puts it, take advantage of today’s relative stability to set your practice up to thrive amidst any future instability.  

Orthodontic Products podcast host Alison Werner spoke with Oliver Gelles, chief marketing officer at OrthoFi, to explore shifts in orthodontic patient demographics and financial strategies. The focus was particularly on the rise in adult orthodontic patients and the economic factors influencing patient decisions.
Gelles highlighted the volatile orthodontic market dynamics, notably the surge in adult patient starts in 2021—spurred by temporary economic stimuli—which sharply contrasted with a downturn in 2022. Despite a general decline in patient starts by 3.5%, Gelles pointed out that the decrease was not solely due to economic reasons but also to changes in consumer behavior and practice management strategies.
One significant trend discussed was the increase in adult patients, from 25% to almost 35% within their tracked groups, particularly influenced by the economic landscape and orthodontists' financial demands. Gelles criticized some orthodontists' approach of requiring substantial upfront lab fees for treatments like aligners during economic downturns, which he believes disproportionately impacts case starts.
Additionally, Gelles and Werner discussed the demographic and behavioral aspects of adult patients, notably Millennials and Gen Z. Unlike children, whose orthodontic needs are often anticipated by parents, adult orthodontic decisions are usually more spontaneous and influenced by personal life events. Gelles emphasized the importance of immediate engagement and flexible financial options to convert these patients at the point of decision.
The podcast also covered the recent partnership between OrthoFi and Align Technology, which facilitates spreading lab fees over several months, easing financial pressures on patients and practices alike. This adjustment aims to boost patient intake by mitigating upfront costs.