The CAO Podcast: California Association of Orthodontists

Mark Thackeray
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The CAO Podcast is the trusted voice for orthodontists navigating today’s rapidly changing professional landscape. Produced by the California Association of Orthodontists, this podcast is designed to provide ongoing education, clarity, and practical support for CAO members at every stage of their careers. Each episode brings thoughtful conversations and expert insights on the issues that matter most right now - clinical excellence, practice growth, leadership development, marketing strategy, team management, HR challenges, and the business realities of modern orthodontics. Whether you’re looking to sharpen your clinical approach, strengthen your team culture, grow your practice with confidence, or simply gain perspective from peers and industry leaders, this podcast is here to help you move forward with intention. Built for orthodontists who want more than just information, The CAO Podcast exists to support, educate, and empower you to thrive in today’s environment and beyond.

Episodes

  1. 1d ago

    #5: Hiring a Rockstar Team

    In Episode 5 of The CAO Podcast, host Mark Thackeray talks about hiring and developing a rockstar team with Dr. Alexandra Chamberlain, Dr. David Majeroni and practice consultant Debbie Best. The guests share how core values, a clear mission and the 24-hour rule shape team culture, and how they bring those values into hiring, from video introductions and questionnaires to informal time with the team. They also discuss interview red flags, what today's best candidates want from an employer, how to tell a wrong hire from a training gap, and why mentors matter. If you're building or rebuilding your team, you'll leave with ideas you can try right away. Guests: Dr. Alexandra Chamberlain, Chamberlain Family Orthodontics (https://redlandsorthodontics.com/)Dr. David Majeroni, Majeroni Orthodontics (https://majeronibraces.com/)Debbie Best, Practice Consultant, Debbie Best Consulting Network (https://debbiebestconsultingnetwork.com/)

  2. 1d ago

    #4: Building a Culture Patients Can Feel

    In Episode 4 of The CAO Podcast, host Mark Thackeray sits down with two Past CAO Presidents, Dr. Katie Bales and Dr. Sheldon Salins, to talk about building a practice culture that patients can feel. They describe culture as the energy people feel when they walk in, and what happens when no one's watching. They share what healthy and struggling cultures look like, how a team meeting in lip retractors built empathy, why a daily high five works, and how small compliments and chart notes build connection. They also talk about mistakes, how to give feedback, and why culture can't be a one-time pizza party. The episode closes with rapid-fire advice every orthodontist can use this week. Guests: Dr. Katie Bales, Past CAO President, Bales & King Orthodontics: https://www.balesorthodontics.com/ Dr. Sheldon Salins, Past CAO President, Salins Orthodontics: https://www.smilesaroundthebay.com/

  3. 2d ago

    #3: CAO Member Benefits & Events: You Don't Have to Carry It Alone

    In Episode 3 of The CAO Podcast, host Mark Thackeray sits down with three CAO leaders to talk about what CAO membership really offers. Dr. Rita Chuang, Dr. Mark Rashidi and Dr. Jose Castillo share how member surveys shape CAO's continuing education. That includes staff training, an HR hotline, labor-law webinars, AI and airway screening, and CE webinars that are free for CAO members. They also explain why the most valuable moments at CAO events often happen in the hallways, and how getting involved builds leadership skills that residency never taught. Rita shares news on a potential new pathway for orthodontic assistant certification. The episode closes with each guest's message to every CAO member: you're not alone, and you don't have to carry it by yourself. Guests: Dr. Rita Chuang, CAO PresidentDr. Mark Rashidi, Past CAO PresidentDr. Jose Castillo, CAO Continuing Education Committee Chair and CAO Board of Directors member

  4. 2d ago

    #2: How the CAO Protects & Advocates for You: We Have Your Back

    In Episode 2 of The CAO Podcast, host Mark Thackeray talks with Past CAO President Dr. Hap Dougherty and CAO Lobbyist Caliph Assagai about how the California Association of Orthodontists protects and advocates for orthodontists. They cover the biggest threats to the profession, from DIY and direct-to-consumer orthodontics to staffing shortages, and why patient safety is the CAO's number one issue. Caliph explains how the CAO went from no presence in the State Capitol in 2019 to an annual lobby day, regular work with the Dental Board, and plans to sponsor its own legislation. Hap shares why "it costs money to be at the table," how the CAO is clearing the path for orthodontic assistants, and his message to every member: "we have your back." Guests: Dr. Hap Dougherty, Past CAO PresidentCaliph Assagai, CAO Lobbyist (https://www.caliphspeaks.com/)

  5. 2d ago

    #1: Why This Podcast? Why Now?

    In the very first episode of The CAO Podcast, host Mark Thackeray sits down with three leaders from the California Association of Orthodontists: Dr. Jeff Kwong, Dr. Rita Chuang and Dr. Katie King. They share how they got involved with the CAO, why so many orthodontists in private practice feel isolated, and how collaboration beats competition. Then they explain why the CAO is starting this podcast now: to build awareness of member benefits, meet members where they learn today, and open a two-way conversation. Each guest closes with one message for every CAO member. Listen, then tell us which topics you'd like us to cover. Guests: Dr. Jeff Kwong, CAO Immediate Past President, JK Orthodontics (https://www.jkortho.com/)Dr. Rita Chuang, CAO President, Breeze Orthodontics (https://www.breezeortho.com/)Dr. Katie King, CAO Communications Chair, Bales & King Orthodontics (https://www.balesorthodontics.com/)Share your feedback and topic ideas: https://caortho.org/contact/

  6. Season 1 Trailer

    Welcome to The CAO Podcast

    Welcome to The CAO Podcast, your monthly resource for clinical, business, and leadership insights tailored specifically for California orthodontists. Hosted by Mark Thackeray in partnership with the California Association of Orthodontists, this show brings you real-world strategies to help you navigate modern practice challenges and stay ahead in a rapidly changing profession. Hit Follow or Subscribe right now so you never miss an episode!

  • 1 Trailer
    5 Episodes

Trailer

About

The CAO Podcast is the trusted voice for orthodontists navigating today’s rapidly changing professional landscape. Produced by the California Association of Orthodontists, this podcast is designed to provide ongoing education, clarity, and practical support for CAO members at every stage of their careers. Each episode brings thoughtful conversations and expert insights on the issues that matter most right now - clinical excellence, practice growth, leadership development, marketing strategy, team management, HR challenges, and the business realities of modern orthodontics. Whether you’re looking to sharpen your clinical approach, strengthen your team culture, grow your practice with confidence, or simply gain perspective from peers and industry leaders, this podcast is here to help you move forward with intention. Built for orthodontists who want more than just information, The CAO Podcast exists to support, educate, and empower you to thrive in today’s environment and beyond.

Information