From Residency to Practice Owner with Dr. Bryn Cooper

Join host Michael Wilgus, Regional Sales Manager for GC Orthodontics, as he sits down with Dr. Bryn Cooper, a Houston-based orthodontist, for an inspiring conversation about navigating the modern path to practice ownership. In this episode, Dr. Cooper shares her unique journey, from secretly taking the DAT as an economics major to opening her own scratch start practice just months out of residency. She candidly discusses the challenges of being a female orthodontist in a male-dominated field, the realities of working for a DSO as a stepping stone, and the vulnerabilities of leadership that nobody prepares you for in dental school. Key Topics Discussed: - Why Dr. Cooper chose orthodontics (hint: it wasn't just because of her orthodontist grandfather) - The changing landscape of DSOs and OSOs for new graduates - Navigating gender dynamics and expectations as a female practice owner - The myth of work-life balance and finding what truly matters - Building a practice from scratch with limited business experience - Leadership lessons learned the hard way Whether you're a resident preparing to graduate, an associate considering ownership, or an established orthodontist reflecting on your journey, Dr. Cooper's honest insights and practical wisdom will resonate with you.