Train the Team, Grow the Practice: Ortho-First + Whitening with Dental Assistants | Shannon Pace Brinker

Train the Team, Grow the Practice: Ortho-First + Whitening with Dental Assistants | Shannon Pace Brinker

In this episode of the Orthodentistry™ Today podcast, host Dr. Dan German welcomes Shannon Pace Brinker, a passionate advocate for dental assistants and a successful teeth whitening business owner. Shannon shares her journey from being a traditional dental assistant to becoming a champion for team education in dental practices. She emphasizes the importance of collaboration between general dentists and orthodontists, highlighting how a well-educated team can significantly enhance patient care and treatment acceptance. Shannon's insights on the integration of orthodontics and whitening as foundational steps in restorative dentistry provide a fresh perspective on patient management and treatment planning. Throughout the conversation, Shannon discusses her experiences working with various dentists and the lessons learned about patient trust and communication. She stresses the need for dental teams to engage with patients effectively, using tools like digital scans and photographs to enhance understanding and acceptance of treatment plans. The episode concludes with Shannon's advice for dental professionals to invest in their own education and to empower their teams, ensuring that they can provide the best possible care to their patients. This episode is a treasure trove of insights for anyone in the dental field looking to elevate their practice and improve patient outcomes. Keywords orthodontics, dental assistants, patient care, teeth whitening, dental education, team collaboration, restorative dentistry, dental practice management, patient communication, dental team training Takeaways "The sky is the limit for dental assistants." "We need assistance coming with our doctors to learn how to do courses and learn how to do treatment together." "Patients trust us; they look to every team member for guidance." "Whitening is a great entryway into restorative dentistry." "Invest in yourself; nobody's going to invest more than you." "We need to celebrate the small wins with our patients." "If we can get the teeth in the right position, we can be more conservative with restorations." "The only thing more important than what you do is how you do it." "Let your team run with it; they can do amazing things." "Take photos, do a digital scan, and listen to your patients."   Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Orthodentistry Today 01:00 Meet Shannon Pace Brinker: Champion of Dental Assistants 02:00 Shannon's Journey in Dentistry 05:48 The Importance of Team Education 09:46 Building Patient Trust and Communication 13:56 Integrating Whitening and Orthodontics 20:09 Identifying Missed Opportunities in Patient Care 23:49 Innovative Educational Programs for Dental Teams 27:52 Advice for Young Dental Professionals 32:06 Conclusion and Key Takeaways

40 Ortho Starts in Year 1: A New Dentist’s Playbook for Ortho, Tech & Trust | Dr. Deanna Skowronski

In this episode of the Orthodentistry™ Today podcast, Dr. Dan German interviews Dr. Deanna Skowronski, a passionate young orthodontist who has successfully integrated orthodontics into her family dental practice just a year after graduating from dental school. Deanna shares her journey, highlighting her early exposure to dentistry through her family and her determination to succeed despite facing challenges in getting into dental school. She emphasizes the importance of building relationships with patients and the problem-solving aspect of dentistry, which fuels her passion for the profession. Throughout the conversation, Deanna discusses her approach to orthodontics, including the significance of early intervention and the use of technology like digital scanning and 3D printing in her practice. She also shares insights on the business side of dentistry, the value of mentorship, and the importance of continuous education. Deanna encourages her peers to embrace orthodontics, emphasizing that with the right support and resources, general dentists can confidently provide orthodontic care to their patients. Her story serves as an inspiration for both new and seasoned practitioners in the field. Keywords orthodontics, dental practice, mentorship, technology in dentistry, patient care, dental education, orthodontic success, general dentistry, early intervention, 3D printing Takeaways "If you find something you love, you never work a day in your life." "I really make a conscious effort to dial in and listen." "You don't have to reinvent the wheel; those processes are tried and true." "It's not what you do, it's what you are." "Make sure you're truly passionate about the profession." Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Orthodentistry Today 01:31 Dr. Deanna Skowronski’s Journey to Dentistry 03:30 The Passion Behind Dentistry 06:28 Navigating the Business Side of Dentistry 08:41 The Importance of Mentorship and Consulting 10:27 Learning from Classmates and Staying Connected 11:13 Orthodontics Education and Practical Experience 13:34 Engaging Patients in Orthodontics 15:27 Leveraging Technology in Practice 19:24 The Role of Collaboration in Dentistry 22:00 Continuing Education and Future Goals 24:27 Advice for General Dentists in Orthodontics 27:12 Influences and Trends in Dentistry 30:22 Cautions in Modern Dentistry 32:57 Improving Dental Education

Scaling a “Super GP” Model: From 1 to 4 Locations + Ortho Growth Systems | Dr. Sam Glick

In this episode of the Orthodentistry™ Today podcast, host Dr. Dan German interviews Dr. Sam Glick, founder of Cleveland Smile Center, who shares his journey from a family of dentists to establishing a multi-location practice. Dr. Glick emphasizes the importance of collaboration between general dentistry and orthodontics, aiming to provide comprehensive care under one roof. He discusses his vision for growth, aiming for ten practices while maintaining quality and consistency through effective systems and a strong team culture. Dr. Glick also addresses the challenges young dentists face, particularly regarding student debt, and offers insights on how to navigate practice ownership and patient communication effectively.   Throughout the conversation, Dr. Glick highlights the significance of hiring the right team, fostering a positive culture, and adapting to different patient demographics across locations. He shares practical advice for young dentists looking to expand their skill set, particularly in orthodontics, and stresses the importance of clear communication with patients about treatment options and responsibilities. The episode concludes with Dr. Glick's reflections on the future of dentistry and the role of education and innovation in driving success.   Keywords orthodontics, dental practice growth, patient communication, dental team culture, practice management, student debt, super GP, Cleveland Smile Center, dental innovation, OrthoDentistry   Takeaways "I wanted to grow things even bigger, better than the dentists in my family before me." "People are the biggest factors for growth and consistency in success within the offices." "If you believe in yourself, taking out a loan to purchase a practice is not the end of the world." "You have to be flexible on payment plans for orthodontics; it's a different ball game." "Your team is your best asset in setting the table for patient treatment discussions."   Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Orthodentistry Today 00:40 Meet Dr. Sam Glick: A New Era in Dentistry 01:11 The Influence of Family and Vision for Growth 04:38 Maintaining Quality Across Multiple Locations 09:11 Finding the Right Location for Expansion 12:14 Managing Student Debt and Practice Ownership 17:45 Patient Communication and Treatment Options 22:47 Getting Started with Orthodontics 24:49 Challenges in Implementing Orthodontics 27:07 Learning from Mistakes in Practice Management 30:31 Implementing Proven Business Processes

From Navy Dentist to Ortho-Driven Growth: Building a Thriving Practice in Small-Town Ohio | Dr. Craig Hewitt

In this episode of the Orthodentistry™ Today podcast, host Dr. Dan German engages with Dr. Craig Hewitt, a general dentist who has successfully integrated orthodontics into his practice. Dr. Hewitt shares his journey from dental school to serving in the Navy, where he gained invaluable experience working alongside specialists. After returning to his hometown of Eaton, Ohio, he took over a small practice and gradually expanded it, focusing on orthodontics as a key service. The conversation highlights the importance of continuing education, patient feedback, and adapting to the needs of the community in building a thriving dental practice. Dr. Hewitt emphasizes the significance of listening to patients and responding to their requests, which has been instrumental in his practice's growth. He discusses the transition from general dentistry to a more orthodontics-focused practice, explaining how he navigated challenges and learned from both successes and mistakes. The episode concludes with insights on the importance of investing in oneself through education and finding a niche in dentistry, encouraging young dentists to pursue their passions while providing quality care to their patients. Keywords orthodontics, general dentistry, dental practice growth, continuing education, patient care, orthodontic outcomes, dental community, practice management, dental innovations, dental career advice Takeaways "Orthodentistry is the future of comprehensive care." "I learned so much in that first year and it provided such a great foundation for me as general dentistry to move on and grow from there." "Experience is learning from our successes, but also learning from our mistakes." "Invest in yourself; it's the best return on investment you can make." "Listening to your patients is key to growing your practice." "You can provide a service that people value and want for their children." "I made a conscious decision to alter what I was doing to protect my physical self." "Confidence comes from experience, and we treat with a lot of confidence." "The beauty of general dentistry is finding where we want to focus." "It's about delivering holistic care to precious people with real lives." Sound bites "Orthodentistry is the future of comprehensive care." "You took a tiny little practice and added education." "My physical lifespan in dentistry has an expiration date." Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Orthodentistry™ Today 01:01 Dr. Craig Hewitt's Journey in Dentistry 04:34 Transitioning to Orthodontics 08:12 The Importance of Continuing Education 12:22 Navigating Patient Needs and Referrals 15:06 Choosing Between Orthodontics and Implants 20:39 The Physical Toll of Dentistry 24:00 Growing an Orthodontic Practice 29:00 Advice for Future Dentists 36:09 Conclusion and Key Takeaways

Hygiene as the Growth Engine: Ortho Integration, Team Accountability & Patient Trust | Jennifer Turner

In this episode of the Orthodentistry™ Today podcast, Dr. Dan German engages in a compelling conversation with Jennifer Turner, CEO of Hygiene Headquarters, about the integration of orthodontics into general dental practices. Jennifer shares her journey from dental assistant to a leader in dental hygiene, emphasizing the importance of collaboration between dental teams. She highlights how hygienists, who spend the most time with patients, can play a pivotal role in patient education and case acceptance, ultimately enhancing practice profitability and patient satisfaction. The discussion delves into the significance of creating a supportive team environment where accountability and celebration of wins are prioritized. Jennifer advocates for regular team meetings, clear communication of the practice's vision, and the implementation of documented systems to streamline operations. She also addresses the challenges of staffing in dental hygiene and the potential benefits of assisted hygiene models. The episode concludes with insights on how practices can leverage technology and education to improve patient interactions and overall practice success. Keywords orthodontics, dental hygiene, team collaboration, practice management, patient education, dental practice growth, accountability, celebrating wins, dental technology, assisted hygiene Takeaways "Hygienists are crucial in patient education and case acceptance." "Creating a safe environment fosters open communication and learning." "Regular team meetings enhance accountability and team cohesion." "Celebrating wins boosts team morale and practice growth." "Documented systems streamline operations and improve clarity." Titles Unlocking the Power of Teamwork in Dentistry The Role of Hygienists in Orthodontic Success  sound bites "You will never go if you wait for perfection." "When the whole team comes together, the only way is up." "A safe environment is where each individual can be themselves." Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Orthodentistry™ Today 01:20 Jennifer Turner's Journey in Dentistry 03:51 The Importance of Team Leadership 06:05 Underutilized Resources in Dental Practices 09:08 Creating a Clear Vision for the Team 11:01 Accountability and Celebrating Wins 15:39 The Power of Celebrating Team Success 19:12 Identifying Stop Opportunities for Growth 22:25 Effective Communication with Patients 28:24 Addressing the Hygiene Staffing Shortage 32:12 Scaling Hygiene Programs in DSOs 34:20 Jennifer's Outreach and Impact in Dentistry 39:25 How to Connect with Jennifer Turner