Elevate Orthodontics Podcast with Dr. Lance Miller

Dr. Jeffrey Okeson has dedicated his career to educating students, residents and clinicians in the areas of occlusion, temporomandibular disorders and orofacial pain. He has been a full time faculty member at the University of Kentucky for 42 years. He is recognized worldwide as an authority in the field of TMD and orofacial pain, lecturing in every state in the USA and 54 different foreign countries. His textbooks have been translated into eleven different foreign languages and have become a standard for teaching throughout the world. Dr. Okeson is a highly sought after speaker and has given more than 1200 invited lectures throughout the world. In addition to his two textbooks, he has more then 220 publications in scientific journals. He is director of the Orofacial Pain Center at the University of Kentucky which he founded in 1977. Dr. Okeson is active in many national and international organizations and is past president of the American Academy of Orofacial Pain. He is also a founding diplomate and twice past president of the American Board of Orofacial Pain. Tune into this episode to learn about: -How to be a TMJ friendly Orthodontist -Whether or not orthodontic treatment can affect TM disorders -What to do if TMJ symptoms arise during orthodontic treatment -Occlusion and orthopedic stability as goals for orthodontists -How functional appliances relate to jaw position and stability

Dr. Scott Law attended the University of Pittsburgh School of Dental Medicine and upon graduating returned home to practice in Scottsdale, Arizona. However, his interest in dentistry was soon eclipsed by his passion for orthodontics. So with family in tow, Dr. Law enrolled in the Jacksonville University School of Orthodontics in Jacksonville, Florida, for two years of specialized orthodontics training. Dr. Law purchased an orthodontic practice in Killeen, TX in 2009 and grew it into a very large and successful practice. In 2015 he decided to join forces with Dana Fender to form a Smile Doctors, a DSSO, dental specialty support organization that now owns 70 orthodontic offices across the south and Midwest. He is currently the chief clinical officer at Smile Doctors. Tune into this episode to learn about: -How to create a culture where the patient experience is celebrated -Systems to grow your practice without increasing your stress -How Dr. Law works towards his goal of being the best orthodontic office for new staff training -The benefits of every visit clinical photography -DSO practice models for orthodontic offices Every visit photography:

Dr. Courtney Dunn is a practicing orthodontist, wife, mother of three and the Founder of the Women in Orthodontics study club. Dr. Dunn was the recipient of the Milo Hellman Award, has served as President of the Arizona State Orthodontic Association and has been interviewed by such diverse media sources as National Public Radio and Fox News Channel. Courtney attended Loyola Marymount University and the University of Michigan for dental school and orthodontics. After she and her husband (Matt, who is also an orthodontist) finished residency, she stubbornly decided to move back home and open from scratch even though the orthodontic market in Phoenix was completely saturated and every orthodontist and dentist told her she should go someplace else. The wisdom of what was already a questionable decision became even murkier a year later, when the Great Recession decimated the real estate and job markets in Phoenix forcing many dental and orthodontic practices in the Phoenix area out of business. By becoming serious students of business and marketing, Courtney and Matt were fortunate to survive those tumultuous early years in practice. Eventually through following proven business and innovative marketing strategies, they were able to build a highly successful, multi-location orthodontic practice in a notoriously difficult orthodontic market. Tune into this episode to learn about: -How to market and build momentum in your practice -The dedication and hard work needed to thrive in a competitive marketplace -The Women in Orthodontics study group and challenges specific to female orthodontists -Updates from the AAO Council on Communication

Dr. John Graham received his dental degree from Baylor College of Dentistry in Dallas, TX, and then received his medical degree from the University of Texas Southwestern Medical School. After medical school, Dr. Graham completed an internship in general surgery at Parkland Memorial Hospital followed by training in oral and maxillofacial surgery. Following his surgical training, Dr. Graham received his certificate in orthodontics from the University of Rochester/Eastman Dental Center in Rochester, New York. Dr. Graham is one of only a handful of orthodontists in the United States who is also a physician. An innovator and educator, Dr. Graham lectures worldwide to both doctors and orthodontic staff on the most advanced orthodontic treatment philosophies available. Dr. Graham has been awarded a US patent for an orthodontic treatment device. He has co-authored several orthodontic textbook chapters, and has written many professional journal articles. Dr. Graham holds faculty appointments at the University of the Pacific, and the University of Rochester. Dr. Graham is a member of numerous professional organizations and is a contributing editor for the Journal of Clinical Orthodontics, and Orthotown magazine. Tune into this episode to learn about: -How to make changes in your life’s trajectory or in your pratice -The design elements and practice culture Dr. Graham emphasized in his newest practice -Prioritizing orthodontic treatment objectives -Connecting with peers and mentors to improve your clinical and business skills

Dr. David Butler attended dental school at the Oregon Health and Science University School of Dentistry, where he graduated with honors. He then went on to complete his orthodontic training at the University of Louisville. After graduating, Dr. Butler practiced in Texas and is now a partner at Parkinson Butler Orthodontics in the Tri-Cities area of Washington. He is married with 6 children: 3 girls and 3 boys. He is an avid golfer and outdoorsman and enjoys camping, fishing, and nature photography. Dr. Butler is the founder of Orthodontic Exchange, a regionally exclusive online study group and has been featured on the cover of the Progressive Orthodontist magazine. Tune into this episode to learn about: -The present and future of online collaboration between orthodontists -How Dr. Butler promotes a “leader-leader” model in his practice -Ways to reframe obstacles as opportunities -How to align your lifestyle with your true goals

Dr. Dan Bills received his Bachelor of Arts degree in Biology from Lafayette College and his dental degree from Harvard University, both with Honors, after which he completed a three-year orthodontic residency at the University of Illinois. He founded Innovative Orthodontics in 2007. Innovative Orthodontics currently has two locations located Southern New Jersey. Dr. Bills is a Board Certified Diplomate of the American Board of Orthodontics and a Fellow of the American College of Dentists. He is a Clinical Associate in the University of Pennsylvania Department of Orthodontics and is on staff in the Department of Dentistry at Virtua Hospital. He lectures regularly at orthodontic meetings, both stateside and abroad, and gives in-office courses about a variety of clinical topics as well as how to better utilize technology in orthodontic and dental offices. Dr. Bills is an avid (yet barely competent) golfer, an amateur BBQ aficionado and a loving husband and father to his wife Emily and his daughter Caroline. Tune into this episode to learn about: -How to evaluate and implement technology in your practice -Why improving the patient experience is key to ROI on new products and services -Online marketing that makes an emotional connection with potential patients -Digital workflows for clear aligners, banded appliances and retainers -How Dr. Bills markets to dental professionals -Engaging with patients in your observation program

Dr. Leonard Weldon is a graduate of the University of Minnesota. He completed his training in Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery at Nassau County Medical Center on Long Island, in New York. Dr. Weldon did additional training in Maxillofacial Surgery as a senior registrar for the National Health Service of England, serving in Peterborough, England. He is a diplomate of the American Board of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery and a fellow of the American Association of Oral and Maxillofacial surgeons. Dr. Weldon enjoys family and friends as well as reading, writing and play outside, especially croquet and biking. Tune into this special episode to learn about: -How to be a good listener -The importance of promoting wellness in addition to treating pathology -Ways to put setbacks into perspective -The characteristics of sucessful dental specialists -The role of a doctor as a teacher

Mari Sawtelle Dunn started her career in Orthodontics after college as a lab tech. She began her sales career at A Company in 1986, where she was a top rep and company sales trainer. She went on to become an award winning rep with Ormco and GAC. She was the first rep and National trainer for Align technology in 1999. Mari then went on to be the Director of Business development for a large multistate orthodontic practice, opening 3 offices from scratch, and developing the purchasing formulary. From there she started her own consulting company analyzing practices and founded Mari’s List, one of the largest and most well respected Buying Groups in Orthodontics. Mari has written articles for Orthodontic products online, the Progressive Orthodontist magazine, has given several AAO webinars and most recently written for the 3rd time for the Benston Clark newsletter. Mari and her team have helped over 1,000 practices to date. Tune into this episode to learn about: -The role of sales representatives in the orthodontic industry -What percentage of your budget you should allocate to clinical supplies -Easy ways to reduce the cost of your supplies -How Mari recommends you structure your ordering system to be more efficient and save money -The balance between quality, technology, efficiency and price

Dr. Jeff Shirck attended The Ohio State University where he completed an undergraduate degree in Biology, a Doctorate of Dental Surgery, specialty training in orthodontics, and a Master of Science degree. He is the owner of 4 Orthodontic practices in the Columbus, OH area and was a speaker at MKS Forum in November 2016 in Dallas, TX. Dr. Shirck is married and has three children. Tune into today’s episode to learn about: -What a successful associateship looks like -The benefits of hiring non-dental business experts -Dr. Shirck’s philosophy and strategy for hiring and training new team members -How to deal with failure and how to taking chances when the outcome is unpredictable -The importance of having a long-term plan to achieve your goals.

Dr. Anil Idiculla, aka “Dr. I”, attended dental school at Nova Southeastern and the completed his orthodontic residency at the University of Pennsylvania. He opened his flagship location in the summer of 2008, and is now the owner of 5 private practices in Colorado and one in San Diego. He lectures nationally and internationally on clinical efficiency, team building and philanthropy at many of the major meetings. Dr. I is also very passionate about his role on the Council of Communications for the AAO. He believes that every orthodontist should be treating hundreds of children locally pro-bono throughout their career. In his free time, he can be found skiing, running, working out, and serving on the boards of 5 non-profit organizations. Anil embodies his practice’s tagline, “Live Life Smiling”. Tune into this episode to learn about: -How authentic leadership is the basis for excellent practice culture -The role of the AAO in today’s orthodontic landscape -The ways in which Dr. Idiculla differentiates his practice -Where to turn if you are struggling with practice or personal challenges -Dr. Idiculla’s optimistic outlook for the future of our amazing specialty

Dr. Dustin Burleson completed his undergraduate studies, dental school training, and orthodontic residency at the University of Missouri-Kansas City. He is an Assistant Clinical Professor in the Department of Orthodontics & Dentofacial Orthopedics at UMKC and is the owner of Burleson Orthodontics, with five locations in the greater Kansas City area. Dr. Burleson is a speaker, teacher, and consultant. He has published two books for orthodontic consumers: Stop Hiding Your Smile! and The Consumer’s Guide to Invisalign.  Dr. Burleson operates Dustin Burleson Seminars, a coaching and consulting outfit dedicated to helping health care professionals build their dream practices. Dr. Burleson writes and edits four monthly newsletters and is the director of the Rheam Foundation for Cleft & Craniofacial Orthodontics. Tune into this episode to learn about: -Marketing tools that work for orthodontists in 2017 -Direct response marketing and how to communicate value to prospective patients -How Dr. Burleson leads and implements changes in his practice -Dealing with negative online reviews -The mindset needed to achieve uncommon success

Dr. Alfred Jackson attended 11 schools from grades K-12 growing up in a military family. He earned an undergraduate degree in exercise physiology at the University of Florida. He attended dental school at the University of North Carolina and completed his orthodontic residency at Saint Louis University’s Center for Advanced Dental Education. Dr. Jackson lives in the Charlotte, NC area and is married with two young children. He is the owner of a two location orthodontic practice. Tune into this episode to learn about: -The difference is between a community partnership and a donation -The logistics of partnering your orthodontic practice with local schools -How Dr. Jackson has amassed hundreds of Google reviews -Tips on how to build a genuine rapport with your patients

Dr. Jamie Reynolds attended the University of Michigan for both his undergraduate and dental studies. Following dental school, he studied at the University of Detroit-Mercy where he earned a master’s degree in Orthodontics. Dr. Reynolds is a Diplomate of the American Board of Orthodontics. He has an intense desire to excel in orthodontics and to stay on the cutting edge of the orthodontic specialty. He lectures on the Damon System, advanced orthodontic technologies, soft-tissue lasers and aligners. He was the first Orthodontist to include an Insignia case in his ABO recertification examination. Dr. Reynolds is a cofounder of OrthoFi, a software and service solution for new patient onboarding, exam conversion, and financial processing & collections. Tune into this episode to learn about: -The real way to measure TC performance and how to increase conversion -If you should consider flexible financing for your practice -Managing cash flow while helping families afford orthodontic treatment -How to balance focusing on the needs of patients and working on your practice systems

Dr. Kyle Fagala attended dental school and completed his orthodontic residency at the University of Tennessee. He and his wife Anna opened their first orthodontic practice, Saddle Creek Orthodontics in Germantown, TN in the summer of 2013. Their second practice, located in Collierville, TN opened in May of 2016. Dr. Fagala is an instructor at the University of Tennessee Health Science Center. He is considered an expert on the topic of orthodontic social media and digital marketing, lecturing regularly on the topic. In 2016, Dr. Fagala became a speaker and Key Opinion Leader for 3M. He has been published in the Progressive Orthodontist and was recently featured on the cover of Orthodontic Products Magazine. Dr. Fagala is the co-founder of Neon Canvas, a digital advertising agency for orthodontists and publishes the biweekly vlog “The Digital Orthodontist.” Tune into this episode to learn about: -How to balance innovation and tradition -Dr. Fagala’s thoughts on using Facebook, Instagram, and Snapchat -New digital tools that can help you and your practice -How we should react to changes in the orthodontic marketplace

Dr. Christian Groth was born and raised outside of Detroit, Michigan. After graduating from Emory University, he spent 7 years in Ann Arbor, Michigan completing his dental and orthodontic training. As an early adopter of emerging technologies he was lucky enough to join a practice (TDR Orthodontics) that has been on the cutting-edge of orthodontic treatment for the better part of two decades. Having a group practice has allowed TDR to evaluate, test, and implement many technologies that may be too scary for a single provider. TDR is a large Invisalign practice, has consistently been the largest user of SureSmile in the world over the last 10 years, and owns operates a digital orthodontic & 3D printing lab, called Motor City Lab Works. A published author, Dr Groth’s articles have appeared in the Journal of Clinical Orthodontics and the Progressive Orthodontist. He is a frequent speaker on the benefits of 3D technology in orthodontics, including a presentation at the most recent AAO midwinter meeting. He is married with two children. Tune into this episode to learn about: -How to practice in a sucessful partnership -The intraoral scanner market in 2017 -Costs and benefits of implementing scanners in your practice -Whether you should consider a 3D printer in your office -What is cutting edge and what is bleeding edge in digital orthodontics