The Golden Age of Orthodontics

What does the editor-in-chief of the Journal of Clinical Orthodontics really think about orthodontic AI, corporate orthodontics, and research bias? Dr. Neal Kravitz pulls no punches in this candid conversation with Dr. Leon Klempner and Amy Epstein. A practicing orthodontist, educator, and past AAO Technology Committee chair, Dr. Kravitz shares why evidence-based orthodontics still needs room for clinical judgment, why overtreatment is the specialty's quiet problem, and why young orthodontists have more reasons for optimism than anxiety. Honest, direct, and deeply practical.What You Will Learn In This Episode:How orthodontic AI is best used as a diagnostic and records automation tool rather than a replacement for clinical judgment, and why evidence-based orthodontics still requires the experienced eye of a trained specialist to catch what algorithms miss.Why research bias in orthodontic literature comes not only from industry-funded studies but also from reviewers and authors themselves, and how understanding this helps orthodontists read the Journal of Clinical Orthodontics and other publications more critically.How the philosophy of conservative orthodontic treatment planning and doing less rather than more protects young patients from iatrogenesis, and why this principle should guide practitioners from their very first cases in private practice orthodontics.Subscribe to the Golden Age of Orthodontics and our sister podcast, Practice Talk, hosted by Lacie Ellis, wherever you listen to stay updated on orthodontic innovation and real-world practice strategies. Visit People and Practice for more insights and to connect with our team for practice growth solutions.TIMESTAMPS: 00:00 Introduction to orthodontic AI, corporate orthodontics, and specialty pressure with guest Dr. Neal Kravitz05:27 Dr. Kravitz explains how orthodontic AI supports diagnosis and records automation without replacing specialist judgment09:41 Discussion of underrepresented topics in the Journal of Clinical Orthodontics and what evidence-based orthodontics research needs more of14:29 Balancing evidence-based orthodontics with clinical experience and why residents need room to develop sound orthodontic treatment planning24:41 How research bias from companies, authors, and reviewers shapes what orthodontists read and how the JCO editor manages this challenge28:29 Advice for new graduates on private practice orthodontics, finding mentors, and navigating corporate orthodontics with confidenceKEY TAKEAWAYS: Orthodontic AI is a powerful adjunct tool for diagnostics and workflow automation. Still, it will not replace the clinical judgment that distinguishes a trained orthodontist from a general dentist who uses Invisalign treatment without oversight or expertise.Research bias is not limited to industry-sponsored studies. Reviewer bias and author bias are equally real, which means every orthodontist must approach the literature, including the Journal of Clinical Orthodontics, with informed skepticism and critical thinking.The philosophy of doing less protects patients. Dr. Kravitz argues that overtreatment, not under-treatment, has driven his most regrettable cases, and that conservative orthodontic care built around humility and honest self-evaluation defines what ethical practice looks like across an entire career.ABOUT THE GUEST:Neal Kravitz, DMD, MS | Ashburn South Riding, VA OrthodontistRESOURCES MENTIONED:People + Practice - WebsitePractice TalkDr. Leon Klempner - People + Practice

AAO membership delivers far more than most orthodontists realize, and the CEO of the American Association of Orthodontists, Trey Lawrence, is here to prove it. In this episode of the Golden Age of Orthodontics, Dr. Leon Klempner and Amy Epstein sit down with Trey to explore how the American Association of Orthodontists is evolving to meet today's most pressing challenges. From a powerful legal toolkit for new orthodontists to exclusive buying group benefits for 19,000 members, the AAO is fighting hard on multiple fronts. Trey breaks down the association's bold stance on AI in orthodontic treatment planning and why keeping the human in command is non-negotiable as technology reshapes the specialty.What You Will Learn In This Episode:AAO membership benefits extend well beyond continuing education. Trey walks through the new legal toolkit for orthodontists, including a contract guide designed to protect recent graduates from dangerous rookie mistakes in their first associate employment agreements.The AAO's human-in-command framework establishes that no AI treatment-planning tool should operate without a licensed clinician holding ultimate responsibility, thereby protecting both patient safety and the doctor-patient relationship.The AAO's consumer awareness program is actively shaping how AI-powered search and large language models like ChatGPT answer patient questions, ensuring that searches about orthodontic care consistently point toward board-certified orthodontists.Subscribe to the Golden Age of Orthodontics and our sister podcast, Practice Talk, hosted by Lacie Ellis, wherever you listen to stay updated on orthodontic innovation and real-world practice strategies. Visit People in Practice for more insights and to connect with our team for practice growth solutions.TIMESTAMPS: 00:00 Is AAO membership still worth the dues? Introduction of Trey Lawrence, CEO of the American Association of Orthodontists05:03 Trey details the AAO's new legal toolkit for orthodontists and how the associate contract guide protects new grads11:14 How the AAO is tackling rising orthodontic practice overhead through endorsed partnerships, cybersecurity, and 401 (k) benefits18:07 Trey explains the AAO's human-in-command policy and its AI in orthodontic treatment planning position paper24:30 The AAO's consumer awareness program and how it is influencing AI search engines to direct patients to orthodontists29:52 Trey addresses what orthodontists are telling him: concerns over general dentist competition and the state of orthodontic practice management36:54 A preview of the AAO annual session in Orlando, including the Universal Studios buyout and what members can expect from world-class CE and networkingKEY TAKEAWAYS: Signing an orthodontic associate employment agreement without fully understanding it is one of the costliest mistakes new graduates make. The AAO's contract guide provides critical commentary on every clause, including the warning that verbal promises from employers mean nothing once ownership changes hands.The AAO is proactively engaging with the FDA and state dental boards through a formal white paper on AI in orthodontics, ensuring regulators view the association as a trusted authority before harmful policies are enacted.General dentist competition in orthodontics is real, but Trey argues that orthodontists who embrace smart pricing strategies, remote monitoring, and digital efficiency will make choosing a specialist an obvious decision for the vast majority of patients.ABOUT THE GUEST: Trey Lawrence currently serves as Chief Executive Officer for the American Association of Orthodontists. Before assuming the CEO role in March 2024, Trey led the AAO’s Legal and Advocacy teams as General Counsel for several years. Trey frequently discusses legal issues for orthodontic practices in podcast appearances, interviews, and articles, and he has conducted the AAO’s Resident Legal Course at residency programs throughout the nation for the past five years. Trey has also shared legal information and resources with orthodontists and practices through his Instagram account, @theorthattorney. Before joining the AAO in 2018, Trey spent nearly 20 years in law practice with Thompson Coburn LLP, a law firm of approximately 600 attorneys based in St. Louis with offices across the United States. Trey received his law degree from Washington University in St. Louis and a master’s degree from Harvard University.AAO Legal ToolkitRESOURCES MENTIONED:People + Practice - Website Practice TalkDr. Leon Klempner - People + Practice

On the Golden Age of Orthodontics, hosts Dr. Leon Klempner and Amy Epstein welcome Dr. Kristen Knecht to discuss how to revolutionize practice efficiency through indirect bonding. Dr. Knecht shares how her Houston startup practice grew 40-50% annually, forcing critical decisions about patient care delivery. Rather than hiring more staff, she redesigned her clinical orthodontics workflow with KLOwen custom brackets. The results were dramatic: reduced appointment scheduling burdens, eliminated bracket placement bottlenecks, and cut average case length by 40%. Learn her strategies for successful staff training, managing lab fees, and why partial technology adoption fails.What you will Learn in this Episode:How implementing indirect bonding completely transformed Dr. Knecht’s practice efficiency by freeing up hours of doctor time and reducing emergency appointments through superior bracket placement accuracy and isolation protocols.Why partial adoption of custom bracket systems fails and how Dr. Knecht's all-in approach with KLOwen enabled her team to master bonding technique, eliminate pan and repo appointments, and achieve consistent results across all cases.Strategic timing for practice management changes, including how Dr. Knecht planned her technology rollout during slower seasons to ensure successful staff training and avoid the common pitfalls that derail orthodontic practice growth.Subscribe to the Golden Age of Orthodontics and our sister podcast, Practice Talk, hosted by Lacie Ellis, wherever you listen to stay updated on orthodontic innovation and real-world practice strategies. Visit People in Practice for more insights and to connect with our team for practice growth solutions.TIMESTAMPS: 00:00 Dr. Kristen Knecht discusses practice growth challenges and schedule management struggles08:50 Discovery of indirect bonding through a colleague's experience with KLOwen custom brackets12:08 Strategic implementation timing and preparing staff training for technology transition16:16 Measurable results: reducing visits from 21 to 12.5 and improving revenue per visit22:01 Why full commitment to the custom bracket system matters more than partial adoption27:03 Advice for startup practice owners on adopting orthodontic technology earlyKEY TAKEAWAYS: Indirect bonding requires complete commitment to realize benefits. Dr. Knecht emphasizes that dabbling with one case per week prevents staff from achieving proficiency in the bonding technique and fails to demonstrate the system's true time-saving potential.Strategic fee adjustments offset lab fees while delivering superior value. By raising fees by $200-250 and eliminating one visit through improved treatment planning and digital setup, practices can justify the investment while improving the patient experience.Early technology adoption in a startup practice prevents staffing challenges. Mastering systems like KLOwen, when schedules allow, enables easier clinical orthodontics workflow changes and reduces dependency on expanding teams as practice growth accelerates.ABOUT THE GUEST: Dr. Kristen Knecht, a Baton Rouge native, has always been passionate about creating beautiful, healthy smiles. As a board-certified orthodontist, she combines meticulous attention to detail with a deep commitment to improving her patients’ lives. She completed her orthodontic specialty training at the renowned University of Connecticut, where she worked with world-renowned faculty and developed expertise in advanced orthodontic techniques.EducationLouisiana State University – Bachelor of Science in BiologyLSU Health Science Center – Doctor of Dental SurgeryUniversity of Connecticut Health Science Center – Orthodontic Specialty Certification and Master of Dental ScienceA Holistic Approach to OrthodonticsDr. Knecht believes orthodontics is about much more than creating straight teeth — it’s about improving lives. Her approach focuses on identifying and addressing the root causes of malocclusions, with a strong emphasis on the connection between jaw development, airway health, and overall well-being. Her passion for this approach was inspired by her sister’s struggles with mouth breathing and airway issues as an adult, challenges that could have been addressed during her critical growth years.Dr. Knecht - Email

Clear aligner orthodontics is evolving rapidly, and Angel Aligner is making waves in the North American market. On this episode of the Golden Age of Orthodontics podcast, hosts Dr. Leon Klempner and Amy Epstein welcome Jason Tabb, VP and GM of Angel Aligner North America, to discuss digital orthodontics, aligner treatment capabilities, and competitive market differentiation. Jason shares insights on Angel Aligner's innovative approach to complex cases, including mandibular advancement, unique aligner buttons, and digital workflow improvements. The conversation also addresses intellectual property concerns and how orthodontic practices can leverage aligner technology to enhance efficiency and patient outcomes.What you will Learn in this Episode:How Angel Aligner has rapidly scaled in the North American market through orthodontic innovation and responsive case setup designThe latest aligner technology advancements, including integrated aligner buttons, Angel Hook, and dual-material aligner systems for complex casesStrategies for orthodontic practices to improve efficiency with digital workflow solutions and treatment planning toolsHow to evaluate aligner treatment options based on clinical performance, turnaround times, and market differentiationSubscribe to the Golden Age of Orthodontics and our sister podcast, Practice Talk, hosted by Lacey Ellis, wherever you listen to stay updated on orthodontic innovation and real-world practice strategies. Visit People in Practice for more insights and to connect with our team for practice growth solutions.TIMESTAMPS: 00:00 Amy shares the upcoming guest schedule and invites listeners to the Practice Talk podcast04:11 Jason Tabb discusses Angel Aligner's entry strategy and why orthodontists responded to their market differentiation08:53 Latest aligner technology innovations, including aligner buttons, Angel Button, Angel Hook, and mandibular advancement systems13:56 Addressing intellectual property concerns and Angel Aligner's commitment to fair competition15:44 Future of digital orthodontics and how aligner treatment improves practice efficiencyKEY TAKEAWAYS: Angel Aligner differentiates through ease of doing business, consistent case setup quality, and specialized solutions for complex cases, including mandibular advancement, premolar extraction, and molar distalizationThe aligner button and Angel Hook innovations are integrated directly into aligners, reducing emergency visits and enabling treatment planning for challenging Class II and Class III cases with aligner therapyDigital orthodontics investments typically show ROI within 12-18 months as orthodontic practices gain workflow efficiency, treat larger patient loads, and meet growing patient demand for clear aligner orthodonticsABOUT THE GUEST:Angel Aligner - WebsiteJason Tabb - Email

Orthodontic practice management expert Chris Bentson, Founder, Bentson Copple Patterson & Associates, joins hosts Dr. Leon Klempner and Amy Epstein on the Golden Age of Orthodontics podcast to analyze the competitive landscape facing private practice orthodontics in 2026. With nearly four decades of experience in practice valuation and business strategy, Bentson shares critical data showing 3.5% growth in patient starts after three years of decline. The conversation explores how DSO consolidation is reshaping the specialty, why digital orthodontics technology is essential for differentiation, and what data-driven decision-making reveals about successful practices versus struggling ones. Bentson discusses the impact of federal student loan caps on new residents, the lifecycle of consolidation, and why practices that embrace consumer experience innovations, such as remote monitoring, consistently outperform competitors across every operational metric.What you will Learn in this Episode:✅ How independent orthodontic practices can compete effectively against corporate consolidation by leveraging digital technology and improving the consumer experience throughout the patient journey✅ Why practices that engage with consultants and implement data-driven decision making consistently outperform in every operational and financial metric, including practice overhead management✅ What the latest industry data reveals about practice growth strategies for 2026, including why patient starts are finally showing positive growth after three consecutive years of decline✅ How new federal student loan caps will impact residents and create opportunities for marketing for orthodontists who want to attract young doctors seeking private practice Subscribe to the Golden Age of Orthodontics and our sister podcast, Practice Talk, hosted by Lacie Ellis, wherever you listen to stay updated on orthodontic innovation and real-world practice strategies. Visit People in Practice for more insights and to connect with our team for practice growth solutions.TIMESTAMPS: 00:00 Discussion featuring orthodontic practice management expert Chris Bentson, discussing data-driven decision making that will shape private practice orthodontics in 202608:33 The competitive reality for private practice orthodontics, the impact of DSO consolidation and increased overhead pressure11:36 2025 growth data showing a 3.5% increase in production and 2% growth in patient starts, signaling positive momentum for orthodontic practice management in 202619:02 Discussion of why only 20% of orthodontists engage consultants, OSOs and DSOs, and  data-driven decision-making and marketing for orthodontists23:31 Analysis of new federal student loan caps, including how private practice orthodontics owners can attract young doctors and the future of practice valuation 30:31 Digital orthodontics investment strategy for new practice owners, using both custom braces and clear aligner therapy, is necessary 39:26 Discovering the “Why” in becoming an orthodontistKEY TAKEAWAYS: 💎 The competitive landscape for private practice orthodontics demands that doctors differentiate beyond "we do braces and aligners"—successful practices embrace digital technology, improve consumer experience, and implement data-driven decision making to outperform the industry average growth of 3.5%💎 DSO consolidation is in its sixth inning, with only two major aggregators completing recapitalization events, while the consolidation rate is slowing and expected to cap around 30% of the specialty, leaving ample opportunity for independent ownership💎 New orthodontists should invest comprehensively in digital orthodontics with deep penetration in either custom braces or clear aligner therapy to justify technology costs through reduced staffing needs, fewer appointments, and shorter treatment times ABOUT THE GUEST: Chris Bentson has been working with orthodontists regarding the business aspects of their practices for over thirty-five years. He is the founder of Bentson Copple Patterson & Associates. He spends much of his time working within the orthodontic industry. He joined the AAOF Board in 2016 and served as AAOF President in 2023-2024. He was awarded the 2022 “Outstanding Contribution to the Specialty Award” by a non-orthodontist from the AAO. Chris is also a guest lecturer in the Wharton Business School’s AAO Partnership course: “Mastering the Business of Orthodontics” covering “Practice Level Financial Management" and "Financial Acumen and Practice Transition Planning". Chris is a frequent presenter at AAO sponsored meetings and is a contributor to national orthodontic periodicals and journals.Bentson, Copple, Patterson and Associates - WebsiteChris Bentson - LinkedInRESOURCES MENTIONED:People + Practice  - Website Practice TalkDr. Leon Klempner - People + PracticeGolden Age of Orthodontics, Dr. Leon Klempner, Amy Epstein, Chris Bentson, Orthodontics, AAO, Orthodontic Practice Management, Private Practice Orthodontics, Practice Valuation, Patient Starts, DSO Consolidation, Digital Orthodontics, Data-Driven Decision Making, Consumer Experience, Remote Monitoring, Independent Orthodontic Practices, KLOwen, Grin, Marketing