In the wake of the recent bankruptcy filing by SmileDirectClub for voluntary protection under Chapter 11, a dialogue has opened up in the industry about the efficacy of using online aligner companies. Practitioners agree that the company proved one critical theory to be true – patients appreciate and will embrace avoiding office visits for aligner treatments. They prefer remote care that doesn’t complicate their daily lives. In Hand Dental absolutely believes in the value of teledentistry – but we are also strong advocates about the need for all dental patients, especially those who’ve invested in clear aligners – to regularly…
Posts By:Burleson Seminars
Align Technology, the company behind the innovative Invisalign system, has recently faced some challenges that have sent its shares tumbling. In a disappointing turn of events, the company fell short on quarterly earnings and subsequently had to revise its guidance due to a noticeable slowdown in demand. For the third quarter, Align reported adjusted earnings of $2.14 per share, falling short of Wall Street estimates of $2.26. Net revenue for the same period also missed expectations, coming in at $960.2 million instead of the anticipated $994.5 million. President and CEO Joe Hogan attributed these struggles to deteriorating trends in the…
In the world of healthcare, we often find ourselves facing a paradox. We’re trained to treat patients scientifically, to approach our work methodically, and to follow established protocols. But what if we were to reframe our perspective and view each patient as a unique form, a canvas waiting for our creative input, much like an artist confronts a blank canvas? This shift in mindset, inspired by the wisdom of Martin Buber, brings forth an artful approach to orthodontics, where we serve others properly by engaging the soul, embracing sacrifice, and confronting the risk of true transformation. The Eternal Origin of…
Across the board, dental and orthodontic practices were flat to down in new patients and production last month. I host a monthly coaching call for our members and the most common question is, “How do I get more new patients?” It’s a common place for most doctors to start when practice productivity has stalled. While I don’t disagree that new patients are a significant factor in the growth of any elective healthcare practice, a far more productive question to ask is “What are we doing with the patients we already have?” How are we fulfilling the promises we make in…
The COVID-19 pandemic significantly impacted various industries, and the dental profession was no exception. Over half a million dental healthcare workers faced layoffs, furloughs, or reduced hours, causing a ripple effect across the industry. As the sector recuperates, attention to job security and understanding its association with corporate culture is crucial for professionals and stakeholders. Drawing on insights from a study by Donald Sull and Charles Sull, which analyzed 1.4 million employee reviews on Glassdoor, we can derive valuable lessons on building a resilient and secure work environment in the dental field. The Dental Industry and the Long Tail Effect…
The recent news of SmileDirectClub’s voluntary Chapter 11 bankruptcy filing has sent shockwaves through the orthodontic industry. As professional trainers in the orthodontic industry, it’s crucial to dissect the lessons that can be learned from this development. Hindsight may be 20/20, but there are valuable takeaways from this situation. Disrupting Through Price: The D2C Model on Trial One of the most significant theories put to the test here is the Direct-to-Consumer (D2C) model’s ability to disrupt the orthodontic industry through competitive pricing. SmileDirectClub (SDC) initially gained attention for its lower-cost alternative to traditional orthodontic treatment. However, their recent financial struggles…
There’s a general sense that the Federal Reserve might pull off a soft landing but high inflation isn’t making the task an easy one. Even though most economists now predict (85%) that we might actually avoid a recession in the US, Wall Street is skeptical. The US inflation rate is 3.67%, up from 3.18% last month and 8.26% last year. It’s higher than the long term average of 3.28%. Existing home sales in the US are off from 4.88 million a year ago to 4.07 million last month, trending down 2.16% month-over-month and nearly 17% year-over-year. All four major U.S.…
Hey there, Ortho Warriors! 👋 It’s your friendly practice management enthusiast, Dustin, back with some fresh insights into the world of orthodontic practice culture. Buckle up, because today we’re diving deep into the three pillars that can make or break your practice’s vibe: Communication, Consistency, and Oversight. Let’s jump right in! 1. Communication: The Superpower of Smiles Picture this: a patient walks into your orthodontic office, filled with a mix of excitement and nervousness. What’s the first thing they encounter? Your team’s warmth and welcoming smiles. Effective communication sets the tone for the entire patient experience. From the moment they…
I’m often baffled at the way most orthodontists set their fees. They ask around and see what other colleagues are charging and they set their fees somewhere in that range. It’s not the worst way to set fees but it’s really dangerous. The problem with trying to price-match a competitor’s fees is that you have no idea what their overhead costs are, how much they pay assistants, how efficient they are with clinical treatment, what share of chair time goes to clear aligners versus fixed appliances, adults versus kids, etc. Setting the right fees for your services is crucial for…
As we step into another week, I’ve been pondering a thought-provoking quote: “No man ever steps in the same river twice, for it’s not the same river and he’s not the same man.” These words from Heraclitus capture the essence of change, its inevitability, and the transformative power it holds. In today’s fast-paced world, change isn’t just a constant; it’s the defining feature of our journey. It’s like embarking on a river voyage where the water never stays the same, and neither do we. As the leader in your practice, we believe that understanding and adapting to change is not…
