Guest: Ty Ramsey, Professional Transitions Strategies (PTS) Episode Description: Are you considering partnering with a Dental Support Organization (DSO) or Orthodontic Support Organization (OSO), but worried about what happens to your income after the deal closes? Many orthodontists fear their annual earnings will drop once they transition from private practice owner to partner. In this episode of the Orthodontic Products Podcast, host Alison Werner sits down with M&A expert Ty Ramsey to unp...
Jun 04, 2026•19 min•Ep. 100
Guest: Gary Salman, CEO of Black Talon Security Episode Description: In this episode of the Orthodontic Products Podcast, host Alison Werner sits down with Gary Salman, CEO of Black Talon Security, to recap a sobering panel from the recent AAO Annual Session on the realities of cybercrime in the orthodontic industry. Moving past standard prevention advice, they delve into the harsh reality of navigating a data breach, highlighting the real-world ransomware attack experienced by orthodontist Dr K...
May 21, 2026•35 min•Ep. 99
Guest: Dr Terry Sellke, DDS, MS Episode Description: What if you could reduce clear aligner treatment times by 25% and use 40% fewer aligners per case? In this episode of the Orthodontic Products Podcast, sponsored by OrthoFX, host Alison Werner speaks with Dr Terry Sellke about the material science making these metrics a reality. They dive into a recent independent retrospective study from the University of Illinois Chicago (UIC) that compared the OrthoFX FXClear aligner system head-to-head wit...
May 07, 2026•20 min•Ep. 98
Guest: Darren Buddemeyer, CEO of DynaFlex Episode Description: While clear aligners have dominated orthodontic conversations in recent years, new industry data indicates a shift back toward traditional braces. In this episode of the Orthodontic Products Podcast, sponsored by DynaFlex, host Alison Werner talks with Darren Buddemeyer, CEO of DynaFlex, about the renewed interest in the bracket category and how the technology is evolving to meet modern clinical demands. Drawing on his more than 30 y...
Apr 24, 2026•19 min•Ep. 97
Guest: Roger P. Levin, DDS Episode Description: The latest Orthodontic Products Levin Group Annual Practice Survey reveals that while 2025 was a year of stable production, those top-line numbers are masking a growing profitability crisis. In this episode, host Alison Werner welcomes Dr Roger Levin, CEO and founder of Levin Group, to break down the data and explore the critical disconnect between steady patient flow and shrinking profit margins. Levin explains how a perfect storm of rising overhe...
Apr 16, 2026•53 min•Ep. 96
Guest: Lisa Davison, DDS, MS Episode Description: While aligners often dominate the conversation around aesthetic treatment, fixed appliances remain a critical tool for orthodontists. In this episode of the Orthodontic Products Podcast, sponsored by Solventum, host Alison Werner speaks with Dr Lisa Davison about how she integrates ceramic brackets into her busy practice. Davison shares insights on bridging the gap between patient aesthetic demands and clinical predictability, and explains why mo...
Apr 02, 2026•17 min•Ep. 95
Guest: Jessie Pressman, People + Practice Episode Description: Online reviews have long been a factor in how patients choose an orthodontic practice, but the rise of AI is fundamentally changing their role. In this episode of the Orthodontic Products Podcast, host Alison Werner talks with Jessie Pressman about this critical shift. They explore how reviews no longer just influence perception but directly shape a practice's visibility and narrative in AI-powered search results. Pressman shares act...
Mar 12, 2026•20 min•Ep. 94
Guest: Jason Sherbel, DDS, MS Episode Description: In this episode of the Orthodontic Products Podcast, sponsored by DynaFlex, host Alison Werner speaks with Jason Sherbel, DMD, MS, about his transition to a passive self-ligating (PSL) bracket system to support his growing practice. Sherbel explains that the switch was not about chasing a trend but rather solving specific inefficiencies—such as inconsistent ligation and unpredictable repositioning—that began to compound as his patient volume inc...
Feb 26, 2026•21 min•Ep. 93
Guest: Mark J. Bronsky, DMD, MS Episode Description: In this episode of the Orthodontic Products Podcast, host Alison Werner sits down with Dr. Mark Bronsky to discuss the increasing commercial influence on clinical practice. As the marketplace floods with new technologies and branded systems, Dr. Bronsky shares his candid perspective on maintaining clinical autonomy and ensuring treatment decisions remain grounded in biology and biomechanics rather than marketing hype. Topics Covered: • Strateg...
Feb 12, 2026•22 min•Ep. 92
As consolidation continues to reshape the specialty, the "exit versus expand" question is becoming relevant for orthodontists earlier in their careers. It’s no longer just a retirement decision—it’s a strategic choice about valuation, risk, and long-term wealth accumulation. In this episode of the Orthodontic Products Podcast , host Alison Werner sits down with Ty Ramsey, a mergers and acquisitions advisor with Professional Transition Strategies. They cut through the noise surrounding practice t...
Jan 29, 2026•25 min•Ep. 91
Guest: Jeremy Manuele, DMD Episode Overview: In this episode of the Orthodontic Products Podcast, host Alison Werner talks with Jeremy Manuele, DMD, about navigating the transition to digital indirect bonding (DIB). While interest in DIB has grown, the crowded landscape of systems—from fully customized platforms like LightForce to semi-customized options like KLOwen and bracket-agnostic software like DIBS AI—can make it difficult for orthodontists to know where to start. Manuele shares a practic...
Jan 15, 2026•43 min•Ep. 90
👤 Guest: Stephanie Gans, DDS, Senior Scientist & Professional and Scientific Relations Manager, Crest + Oral-B 📌 Episode Overview: Orthodontic treatment success depends on more than biomechanics—it hinges on patients maintaining strong oral health throughout treatment. In this episode, sponsored by Proctor & Gamble Crest + Oral-B, explore the oral health challenges common to both bracket and aligner patients, the science behind today’s most effective preventive tools, and how orthodont...
Dec 11, 2025•24 min•Ep. 89
👤 Guest: Amy Epstein, MBA, People + Practice 📌 Episode Overview: Branding isn’t just a logo—it’s the promise your practice makes and consistently delivers. In this episode, we dig into how orthodontic practices can evolve their brand without losing the trust and recognition they’ve built. Amy Epstein explains when to consider a refresh vs a full rebrand, how to communicate change to protect equity, and the metrics that show your brand work is paying off. This conversation extends Amy’s article...
Nov 13, 2025•23 min•Ep. 88
👤 Guest: Ricky Caples, DDS, MS Sponsored by: Ormco 📌 Episode Overview: In this episode of the Orthodontic Products Podcast, sponsored by Ormco, host Alison Werner talks with Dr Ricky Caples of Caples and Robinson Orthodontics in Monroe, La, about his transition to Ormco’s Spark Aligners and how clear aligners have reshaped his approach to treatment. He shares insights on patient comfort, workflow efficiency, and the benefits of using both Spark Aligners and the Damon Ultima System under the Or...
Oct 30, 2025•20 min•Ep. 87
Guest: Jeremy Manuele, DMD, orthodontist, Hamilton & Manuele Orthodontics (Las Vegas) 📌 Episode Overview: In this episode of the Orthodontic Products Podcast, host Alison Werner talks with Dr Jeremy Manuele about the move from thermoformed aligners to direct-print aligners and how this shift is changing in-office workflows. He shares how his team integrated direct printing into their daily operations, what design features improve fit and tracking, and how force reactivation can enhance trea...
Oct 16, 2025•1 hr 1 min•Ep. 86
Guests: 🔹 Allison Hale, Practice Consultant and COO, Parks Orthodontics 🔹 Ty Ramsey, Mergers & Acquisitions Advisor, Professional Transition Strategies 📌 Episode Overview: In this episode of the Orthodontic Products Podcast, host Alison Werner talks with two guests who bring different but complementary perspectives on OSO and DSO partnerships. Allison Hale offers the practice owner’s inside view, sharing how she and her sister navigated the process of affiliating Parks Orthodontics with a...
Oct 02, 2025•58 min•Ep. 85
Guest: Dr Robert “Tito” Norris, Orthodontist, Stone Oak Orthodontics 📌 Episode Overview: In this episode of the Orthodontic Products Podcast, sponsored by OrthoFX , host Alison Werner talks with Dr Robert “Tito” Norris about why he made the decision to switch from a major aligner system to OrthoFX. Drawing from more than 30 years in practice—and his own experience as a patient—Norris explains the clinical and material science differences he discovered when comparing aligner systems side by side...
Sep 18, 2025•24 min•Ep. 84
Guest: Dr Steven Siegel, AAO President 📌 Episode Overview: In this episode of the Orthodontic Products Podcast, host Alison Werner sits down with Dr. Steven Siegel, president of the American Association of Orthodontists (AAO), to discuss the newly released 2025 Economics of Orthodontics Survey. This in-depth survey takes a closer look at the state of orthodontic practice across the U.S. and Canada, covering patient volumes, treatment trends, practice finances, staffing, and shifting business mo...
Sep 04, 2025•20 min•Ep. 83
Guest: Jeff Slater, Vice President of Operations, Kaleidoscope 📌 Episode Overview: Search is changing—and fast. In this episode, Orthodontic Products editor Alison Werner sits down with Jeff Slater of Kaleidoscope to explore how orthodontic practices can stay visible as patients turn to AI tools like ChatGPT, Siri, and Google’s AI Overviews for answers. Building on his recent article for Orthodontic Products, Jeff breaks down the differences between SEO (Search Engine Optimization), AEO (Answer...
Jul 24, 2025•28 min•Ep. 82
Guest: Cassie Kellner, Founder and Owner of Everbloom Episode Overview: In this episode of the Orthodontic Products Podcast , host Alison Werner is joined by consultant Cassie Kellner to explore how the DISC behavioral assessment can be used to build more cohesive orthodontic teams. Cassie breaks down the four DISC personality types—Dominance, Influence, Steadiness, and Conscientiousness—and shares how these insights can help teams understand one another, reduce conflict, and collaborate more ef...
Jul 10, 2025•19 min•Ep. 81
Guests: Andrea Cook and Jackie Dorst Episode Overview: Orthodontic consultants Andrea Cook and Jackie Dorst, RDH, BS, join host Alison Werner to explain how misinformation—and simple habit—can derail OSHA and infection-control compliance in an orthodontic practice. They outline the real-world risks (from six-figure fines to failure to attract great new hires), identify reliable sources for up-to-date guidance, and spell out who should own compliance in the office. Chapters: 00:03 Why “hand-me-do...
Jun 26, 2025•44 min•Ep. 80
Guest: Mary Kay Miller, CEO and owner Kaleidoscope Description: Align Technology is cracking down on the use of its Invisalign trademark—and orthodontic practices need to pay attention. In this episode, Orthodontic Products Editor-in-Chief Alison Werner sits down with orthodontic marketing expert Mary Kay Miller to explain what this enforcement means for your website, social media, ads, and printed materials. Whether you're actively offering Invisalign, transitioning to another aligner brand, or...
Jun 12, 2025•26 min•Ep. 79
Host: Alison Werner Guest: David Cohen, Attorney and Chairman, Cohen Property Law Group Topic: Protecting Your Practice from Hidden Lease Clauses In this episode, attorney David Cohen joins host Alison Werner to shed light on the hidden lease provisions that can undermine the profitability, flexibility, and future sale of your orthodontic practice. Cohen, who specializes in dental practice transactions and real estate law, walks through real-world examples and outlines how orthodontists can avoi...
May 29, 2025•25 min•Ep. 78
In this episode of the Orthodontic Products Podcast , sponsored by OrthoFX , host Alison Werner talks with the company's President and Co-Founder Ren Menon about how the company’s full-service platform helps orthodontic practices reduce friction and improve outcomes. Menon highlights OrthoFX’s growing aligner portfolio, including the FDA-cleared AirFlex, designed for shorter daily wear with fewer refinements. They also discuss OrthoFX’s integrated services—remote monitoring with FXOnTrack, patie...
May 16, 2025•22 min•Ep. 77
In this episode of the Orthodontic Products Podcast, we discuss the growing role of airway-friendly orthodontics in treating upper airway obstruction and sleep-disordered breathing. Dr Robert "Tito" Norris, an orthodontist with a focus on airway management, explains how orthodontists can go beyond aesthetic treatment and have a significant impact on their patients' overall health and well-being. Norris shares insights into the clinical signs of airway issues, how to assess patients using tools l...
May 08, 2025•30 min•Ep. 76
In this episode of the Orthodontic Products Podcast , host Alison Werner is joined by Dr Roger Levin, CEO of the Levin Group, to break down the findings of the fourth annual Orthodontic Products–Levin Group Practice Performance Survey. Recorded after recent economic shifts, the conversation places the 2024 data in the broader context of uncertainty and change. Levin discusses how orthodontists can increase production, manage overhead, and prepare their practices for an unpredictable future. Topi...
Apr 24, 2025•44 min•Ep. 75
🎙 Host: Alison Werner 🎧 Guest: Dr. Nadia Nizam, orthodontist and private practice owner in Calgary, Alberta In this episode of the Orthodontic Products Podcast, sponsored by Ormco, host Alison Werner talks with Dr. Nadia Nizam about building a scalable, efficient orthodontic practice while balancing clinical innovation and leadership as a woman in a changing industry. The conversation covers her transition to Spark Aligners, the integration of Ormco’s digital bonding technology, and how she’s ...
Apr 17, 2025•18 min•Ep. 74
In this episode, sponsored by A-dec , we’re diving into a topic that directly impacts your daily comfort and long-term health: ergonomics in the orthodontic practice. From stools to patient chairs and delivery units, the design of your clinical space can either support your health or contribute to chronic pain and fatigue. If you’ve ever ended the day with neck, shoulder, or back pain—or want to avoid that entirely—this episode is for you. Joining us is Jeromy Moss, territory manager at A-dec an...
Apr 10, 2025•27 min•Ep. 73
👤 Guest: Mary Kay Miller, CEO and Owner of Kaleidoscope In this episode of the Orthodontic Products Podcast, host Alison Werner talks with Mary Kay Miller about the growing impact of Google’s AI on local business search—and what that means for orthodontic practices. Miller, a long-time expert in orthodontic marketing, explains how recent changes to Google’s algorithms, security protocols, and business verification systems are affecting how and where practices appear in search results. She break...
Apr 03, 2025•44 min•Ep. 72
As orthodontists move through 2025, revenue growth remains a top priority, but outdated and fragmented technology systems continue to hold many large practices and orthodontic support organizations (OSOs) back. In this episode of The Orthodontic Products Podcast , host Alison Werner speaks with Eric Giesecke, CEO of Planet DDS, about how modern, cloud-based practice management systems can help orthodontic practices overcome these challenges. Together, they discuss: 📌 The major ways legacy syste...
Mar 20, 2025•13 min•Ep. 71
