Airway, Wellness, and the Patient-Centered Private Practice (w/Dr. Trevor Nichols) [Ep.161]

Episode SummaryDr. Trevor Nichols returns to The Doc Podcast for his second appearance, and a lot has changed. Since opening Nichols Orthodontics and Aesthetics in Gilbert, Arizona, in August 2024, Trevor has grown from a two-person operation to a team of 20, with a waitlist. In this rich conversation, Dr. Mike and Dr. Nichols cover the full journey: the leap from corporate/DSO orthodontics to private practice ownership, the vision and systems that fuel their growth, the personal wellness habits that keep them grounded, and, most passionately, the case for early airway-focused, craniofacial orthodontic treatment. This episode is a must-listen for any orthodontist, dentist, or healthcare professional who wants to treat the whole patient, not just the teeth.Timestamps3:29 — Welcome back: Dr. Nichols returns to the show after ~2 years4:33 — "Probably the best two years of my life" — Dr. Nichols reflects on opening his practice5:27 — Starting with just two people, leasing space from a general dentist6:29 — "Fight for your dreams" — the case for private practice ownership6:53 — Why private practice better protects patients and the profession vs. corporate/DSO models22:03 — Building the vision: how to define what orthodontics truly fulfills you23:29 — "Do a true audit of what in orthodontics brings you happiness"29:34 — The three pillars of Nichols Orthodontics: patient experience, culture, and results40:24 — Why Dr. Nichols hired a CEO (formerly at Crumbl Cookies) to run the business side50:44 — Balancing plates: weekly date nights, gratitude practices, and intentional reflection57:32 — Shifting to the clinical: why diagnosis is what separates orthodontists from OTC aligners1:00:57 — "We're not just orthodontists — we're craniofacial orthopedists"1:02:58 — "I don't really care about the teeth right now" — diagnosing profile, growth, and airway first1:11:06 — Treating 3- and 4-year-olds: when early intervention is warranted and how to screen for it1:17:44 — 45% of Nichols Orthodontics' practice is now airway-focused treatment1:27:43 — The key to phase one braces success: bond ALL the primary teeth + disarticulate1:29:00 — The tongue as nature's expander: ~400g of force at swallow — why we don't need more1:37:18 — "Early adopters take the most scrutiny — and then we find out they were right all along"LINKSRegister for the In-person Early Treatment Comprehensive ($1000 off if register by June 30): https://www.earlyorthotreatment.com/ Episode 50 w/Dr. Nichols: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/finding-living-your-purpose-w-dr-trevor-nichols-ep-50/id1689703392?i=1000655038062Connect w/Dr. Nichols: https://www.nicholsortho.com/?utm_source=GBPInstagram: @dr.trevornicholsJoin The DOC Community on Facebook for more great content and discussions: https://www.facebook.com/share/g/1Cb9rkQVde/Check out the DOC CE Courses: https://theorthocoach.com/ce-courses/Enroll in one-on-one coaching w/Dr. Mike: https://theorthocoach.com/doc-coaching/ If this episode resonated with you, please take a moment to share it with a colleague, friend, or fellow healthcare professional who would benefit from hearing it. Word of mouth is the single most powerful way to grow this community and spread this message. Leave us a rating and review on Apple Podcasts or Spotify; it makes a huge difference! And if you haven't already, subscribe so you never miss an episode of The Doc Podcast. Thank you for your support!  Together, we're changing lives, one conversation at a time.