The Past, Present, and Future of Orthodontics

We always look forward to conversations with Chris Bentson, Partner of Bentson Copple & Associates and President of the American Association of Orthodontists Foundation. In this episode, Chris delves into his past predictions while casting a visionary gaze into the future of the field. Throughout the episode, he illuminates the transformative impact of technology on orthodontic practices, stressing the paramount importance of embracing digital braces in today's landscape. Chris advocates for a forward-thinking approach, asserting that the future belongs to those willing to adapt. He confronts the reluctance of some older practitioners to embrace digital innovations, debunking notions of expense and investment hesitancy. Chris also underscores the significance of crafting tailored treatment plans and leveraging communication and technology to meet the diverse needs of adult patients. The conversation extends to strategies for reconnecting with former patients and speculates on the future trajectory of OSOs and DSOs. Remember: There’s never been a better time to be an Orthodontist.IN THIS EPISODE:(4:52) Chris looks back on his predictions and looks forward to the future(9:44) Chris talks about the way technology has changed the ortho space and how critical it is for offices to embrace digital braces (12:55) Chris discusses aligners digital and remote monitoring, stating that is the future and that it is the older doctors who are not willing to change(15:52) Chris speaks to the doctors who feel digital is too expensive and they don’t want to invest(21:15) Discussion of birth rates being down and, therefore, there are fewer kids and appealing to adults(23:02) Chris talks about making a plan, considering limited treatment, and meeting the adult patient where they are through communication and technology(26:58) Discussion of reaching out to former patients and the future of OSOs and DSOsKEY TAKEAWAYS: If you haven’t raised your rates in the last two years, raise them tomorrow. You need to take steps to overcome the rising interest rate situation.To make a digital practice work, you must trade staff costs for lab costs. Digital improves the doctor’s quality of life inside the practice, allowing them to use the extra time for patients, practice, or lifestyle. The consumer wants digital braces. Orthodontic doctors who are slow to change are the older ones who have mastered analog braces. The younger doctors, 35 - 45 years of age, want to start with digital to get ahead of the shift we are bound to see.RESOURCE LINKSPeople + Practice  - WebsiteLeon - EmailAmy - EmailPeople + Practice - EmailBentson Copple - WebsiteBIOGRAPHY:  Chris Bentson is a partner of Bentson Copple & Associates in Greensboro, North Carolina. The company serves the orthodontic community by performing practice valuations, providing recruiting services, and negotiating transactions with both buyers and sellers. Chris has been working with orthodontists regarding the business aspects of their practices for over thirty years, and was recently awarded the "Outstanding Contribution to the Specialty Award by a Non-Orthodontist" from the AAO. He currently serves as President of the American Association of Orthodontists Foundation (AAOF, he’s a contributing lecturer to the Wharton-AAO Mastering the Business of Orthodontics program and a frequent guest lecturer at AAO meetings, regional orthodontic society meetings, orthodontic resident programs, study clubs, and orthodontic user meetings. Chris has authored dozens of articles published on the business of orthodontics in numerous orthodontic trade publications. Chris has personally visited over one thousand orthodontic practices in the United States, Canada, and Australia during his career.QUOTES: “My charge to the industry is when you've got inflation, even though it's coming down, I think we ended up at 3.8 percent last year, and we were at 7 percent the year before. If you haven't raised your fees in the last few years, do that tomorrow. Because if we’re going to be down a percent or two this year, if you raise your fees two or 3%, you will be flat, and I think flat is the new up in 2024.” Chris Bentson“The good news is we always bounce out of these things positively. So, while it's lagging and taking a little bit longer than any of us would like, 2025, 2026, and 2027 will be killer good ortho years. What do you do between now and then? It's time to invest.” Christ Bentson