What if I told you the biggest threat to your orthodontic practice isn't competition—it's assuming tomorrow will look like yesterday?
In this episode of Five Minute Friday, I tackle a conversation many orthodontists have been avoiding. For the first time in modern orthodontic history, we're seeing four consecutive years of flat or declining growth across the profession. This isn't about fear or pessimism—it's about recognizing the data, asking the right questions, and making smarter decisions before the market forces you to.
I share why I believe this is a pivotal moment for our profession, what industry trends may be driving these changes, and why simply waiting for the next "bounce-back year" may not be the strategy it once was.
More importantly, I discuss how surrounding yourself with the right peers, evaluating your practice through today's economic lens, and becoming more intentional with your business decisions can position you to thrive—regardless of what happens next. Whether you're considering opening another location, hiring an associate, or simply wondering why your growth has slowed, this episode will challenge you to think differently about the future of orthodontics and how to prepare for it.
💬Quotes
"Once anything can happen. Twice is a coincidence. Three times is a pattern. We're working on four." — Dr. Glenn Krieger
"The whole point of this Five Minute Friday isn't to give you all the answers—it's to make you aware of something and get you to start thinking about it." — Dr. Glenn Krieger
🎯 Key Takeaways
Intro: Are four flat years changing orthodontics forever? (00:00)
Industry trends and what the data is telling us (00:45)
Why startups are different from mature practices (02:00)
Is this the new normal for orthodontics? (03:10)
Making smarter expansion and hiring decisions (04:45)
Why every orthodontist needs a trusted mastermind or peer group (06:00)
Preparing your practice instead of waiting for the market to change (07:15)
🟦 Additional Resources
I've seen firsthand how quickly orthodontics can change—and the practices that adapt first are almost always the ones that continue to grow.
If this episode got you thinking differently about your practice, don't navigate these changes alone. Find a trusted group of orthodontists who challenge your thinking, share ideas openly, and help you make better decisions.
If you'd like my perspective on your practice or want to learn more about the Orthopreneurs RD community, send me a message. I'm always happy to help however I can.
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