Don't Be a Turkey: The Future of Orthodontics w/ Steven Gardner

🎙️ What if I told you one of the biggest bottlenecks in your orthodontic practice isn't your staff—it's your resistance to technology?

In this episode, I sit down with Steve Gardner, Founder and President of DIBS AI, to discuss why orthodontics continues to lag behind other industries when it comes to adopting technology—and why that's costing doctors far more than they realize. We dive deep into digital indirect bonding, AI-powered treatment planning, staffing challenges, and what the future of orthodontics may look like as artificial intelligence continues to evolve.

More importantly, this conversation isn't really about software. It's about mindset. Steve and I tackle the uncomfortable truth that many orthodontists say they want more freedom, less stress, and better systems—but often resist the very technologies that can help them achieve those goals. Whether you're a braces-heavy practice, an aligner-focused office, or somewhere in between, this episode will challenge the way you think about efficiency, delegation, and the future of clinical care.

💬Quotes

"The bonding appointment alone will pay for DIBS. That's what our latest data is showing."
— Steve Gardner

"Don't be a turkey. Learn how to fly. All the excuses you have—there are no excuses."
— Steve Gardner

🎯 Key Takeaways

Intro (00:00)
How Steve Found Orthodontics Instead of Law School (00:48)
The Evolution of DIBS AI (03:25)
Why Orthodontics Still Struggles with Digital Adoption (06:39)
The Staffing Crisis in Orthodontics (06:39)
Money Comes and Goes—Time Only Goes (09:00)
The "Turkey vs. Eagle" Mindset (10:28)
Digital Bracket Placement vs. Traditional Bonding (14:21)
Can Digital Braces Rival Aligners? (17:04)
What DIBS AI Actually Does (20:15)
The Future of AI in Orthodontics (29:01)
Why Every Practice Should Explore Digital Workflows (34:32)

🟦 Additional Resources

Learn More About DIBS AI

If you're looking to improve efficiency, reduce chair time, create more consistent bracket placement, and embrace a truly digital workflow, Steve encourages orthodontists to take a closer look at DIBS AI.

🌐 Website: https://dibbsai.com

Steve and his team offer demonstrations, workflow consultations, training, and support to help practices successfully implement digital indirect bonding.

If you enjoyed this episode, be sure to subscribe to The Orthopreneurs Podcast, leave a review, and share it with a colleague who's ready to stop working harder and start working smarter.

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