Smile Doctors Off Mute (Audio Only)

EP2403A | Questions You Should Ask When Considering OSO Affiliation

Should You Join an OSO?
In this episode, Dr. Scott Law welcomes Dr. Ryan Hurley and Dr. Tonya Volk (along with their well-behaved canine, Trecker), a groundbreaking orthodontist couple who have revolutionized their practice since 2010. Their journey began when they first met during their orthodontic residency in Chicago, then moved on to merge two orthodontic practices in the city's northwestern suburbs. They candidly discuss the challenges, invaluable lessons, and significant growth they experienced in their private practice.
The duo provides an intimate look at the turning point of their growth strategy when they began utilizing consultants and adopting a mindset wired for change and evolution. They also divulge how team empowerment and an innovative ethos accelerated their private practice's continuous improvement. 
Their alliance with Smile Doctors brought about even more significant opportunities for teamwork, empowerment, financial growth, and effective time management. Dr. Hurley and Dr. Volk detail how this critical move prepared their team members to venture into new leadership roles within the organization and greatly benefited their patients, their team, and the communities they serve. 
As the episode progresses, they recollect their initial skepticism toward joining an Orthodontic Support Organization (OSO). Yet, they express how witnessing the positive transformations in their close friends' practices who joined Smile Doctors proved that it was an advantageous decision. In hindsight, they insist that affiliation was indeed the correct course of action for their own exponential growth. 
Together with Dr. Law, they reminisce about nurturing their practice in its early stages to managing their outstanding growth in later years. They share poignant insights about building their family, channeling their energy into the practice, and the importance of constant growth and learning for improvement. 
Ultimately, they close with heartfelt advice for orthodontists considering affiliation with an OSO, noting the value of continued learning, shared insights, and maintaining a zeal for practice engagement for eventual success. They emphasize the necessity to fully comprehend the entire affiliation picture before making the significant leap.
 
KEY TAKEAWAYS:
Introduction from Dr. Law (00:00:10)
Sparking the Hurley & Volk Flame (00:01:09)
Starting/Merging Practices (00:02:13)
Growing & Overcoming Challenges (00:02:26)
Humility: from Playing Golf to Being on a Team (00:27:08)
Kicking the Affiliation Tires & Understanding When It's Not a Good Fit (00:32:51)
MORE INFO:
https://smiledoctorspartners.com/ 
 
Monetization ID HNC9FIUDJ5JZNQY4

EP2402A | OSOs Aren't for Everyone (Here's Why)

TIME TO BUST SOME OSO MYTHS
In this episode of the Smile Doctors Off-Mute Podcast, we dive deep into the realm of dental support organizations (DSOs) and orthodontic support organizations (OSOs). Our special guest, Dr. Zach Casagrande of Northern Virginia Orthodontics, shares his journey of affiliating with the OSO Smile Doctors. He provides valuable advice to independent practitioners considering affiliation and guidance in navigating the process.  
 
The episode also charts Dr. Casagrande’s professional journey, his various business decisions and their resultant growth, and the role of OSO affiliation in his career progression. The discussion further sheds light on the significant role of collaboration, innovation, and continuous learning in personal and professional growth within an OSO framework. 
 
A significant part of the conversation delves into doctor autonomy and collaborative efforts within an OSO, shedding light on how administrative duties can be managed by industry professionals, allowing practitioners to focus more on patient care. The episode highlights the impact of affiliation on growth dynamics and revenue generation. 
 
The episode concludes by exploring the innovations in orthodontic treatment, patient-centric care, and modern marketing strategies effectively implemented at Smile Doctors. The insights and experiences shared in this episode provide a comprehensive understanding of the potential benefits and challenges of DSO or OSO affiliations, making it a must-listen for practitioners willing to explore this path. 
 
KEY TAKEAWAYS:
Important Questions to Ask When Considering OSO Affiliation (00:09)
Dr. Casagrande’s Entrepreneurial Ventures (05:09)
Early Challenges of Growing Northern Virginia Orthodontics (06:59)
When is OSO Affiliation a Bad Idea? (11:11)
Smile Doctors 'Freedom Within a Framework' Model: What Changes (and Doesn't Change) After Affiliation (19:57)
The Growth of Northern Virginia Orthodontics as an Affiliate of Smile Doctors (23:22)
Dr. Casagrande's Future Vision (30:56)
Life for Associate Doctors at Northern Virginia Orthodontics after Smile Doctors Affiliation (33:58)
The Exponential Growth of Smile Doctors Mutual Relationship with Invisalign® (36:38)
 
MORE INFO:
https://smiledoctorspartners.com/
 
Monetization ID HNC9FIUDJ5JZNQY4

EP2401A | Introducing Smile Doctors Off Mute

Welcome to the inaugural episode of the Smile Doctors Off-Mute Podcast with your host, Dr. Scott Law!
In this episode, we delve into the inception story of Smile Doctors, the value we place on patient-centric care, and our mantra of putting "people first, teeth second". This podcast aims to provide valuable insights into the world of orthodontics, discussing a range of topics that are both clinical and business-related, drawing relevance to the current industry conditions. 
 
Dr. Law takes us back to his time in dental school and the initial days of practicing general dentistry. He talks about the challenges faced during the 2009 economic downturn and how these experiences shaped the creation of Smile Doctors. Starting with one location, Smile Doctors has grown to an impressive 450+ locations with more than 330 partner doctors, and this episode details the journey of that remarkable expansion. 
 
As we reflect on the lessons learned along the way, this podcast also serves to share the innovative ideas and practices that have contributed to our success. We emphasize the importance of effective implementation, leadership, and the continuous strive for improvement, all while keeping our patients at the forefront. “Embrace that every day is an opportunity to get a little bit better, all while putting others first,” reminds Dr. Law. 
 
Dr. Law also addresses the misunderstood notion surrounding OSOs (Orthodontic Service Organizations) in the industry. As the country's largest OSO, Smile Doctors follows the mantra of patient-first service just as any private practitioner would do, highlighting the commonalities rather than the differences between the two.
 
We conclude by previewing our next episode with Dr. Zach Casagrande, North America's leading Invisalign® provider and Clinical Director of Aligners at Smile Doctors. We’re excited to share more enlightening stories, insights, and wisdom from industry giants along the way. This podcast is truly about more than just Smile Doctors — it's about imparting knowledge, busting myths, and helping everyone in the industry get better. Stay tuned!
 
Key moments:
Introduction to Smile Doctors Off Mute (00:10)
Dr. Law’s Background and Career (00:44)
Formation of Smile Doctors (00:02:15)
Growth and Learning of Our Organization (00:02:55)
The Importance of Leadership and Implementation  (00:03:33)
Challenges in Orthodontics (00:04:41)
Preview of What's Coming on Smile Doctors Off Mute & What's in it for Orthodontists (00:05:37)
Closing Remarks (00:06:52)
Monetization ID HNC9FIUDJ5JZNQY4