Smile Doctors Off Mute

EP2508 | What 10,000 Smiles Taught Us About Treating Adults

Can Convenience and Clinical Excellence Coexist?
It’s a story that will live in industry infamy: the rise and fall of some of the largest DIY aligner companies — and what about all those suffering patients?  
After meeting many who were lured in by compelling marketing and the promise of ultimate convenience, Dr. Zach Casagrande of Northern Virginia Orthodontics, the global leader in Invisalign® treatment, became dedicated to finding a safe way to serve patients desiring quick, cosmetic results. In 2018, he founded Smile Express®.  
On this episode, we're opening our internal-only vault for a very special reason: the first-ever panel episode of the Smile Doctors Off Mute Podcast. Listen as Dr. Law leads a conversation with Dr. Zach Casagrande, Dr. Amanda Gallagher, Dr. David Jones, and Dr. Jessica Itani — four of our leading Smile Express® providers — to discuss the industry-shifting effects of adult aligner treatment.  
We weren't sure if this vault episode would make it to the public's ears, so this panel episode is truly a must-listen for any ortho who wants to stay on the cutting edge and learn how to ride the tides of the transition toward ultra-convenient orthodontic treatment methods. 
 
HIGHLIGHTS:
The Birth of Smile Express (00:03:54)
Patient Awareness and Education (00:07:52)
Convenience and Safety for All Patients (00:12:38)
Understanding the Cosmetic Focus (00:18:06)
The Importance of Education (00:27:55)
Overcoming Skepticism in the Industry (00:32:59)
Addressing Misconceptions (00:37:29)
The Bottom Line on What Smile Express Is (00:44:36)
MORE INFO:
Smile Doctors opportunities: https://smiledoctorspartners.com/ 
Email Dr. Zach Casagrande: zachary.casagrande@smiledoctors.com
Northern Virginia Orthodontics in Virginia: https://nvorthodontics.com/
Email Dr. David Jones: drjones@roanokevalleyortho.com
Roanoke Valley Orthodontics in Roanoke and Rocky Mount, Virginia: https://roanokevalleyortho.com/
Find, Follow, and Message Dr. Jessica Itani on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dr.shoesnsmiles/
Find, Follow, and Message Dr. Amanda Gallagher on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/agortho/
Amanda Gallagher Orthodontics in Baltimore, MD: https://www.agortho.com/
Email Dr. Scott Law: scott.law@smiledoctors.com
 
Monetization ID HNC9FIUDJ5JZNQY4
 
 

EP2507 | The Undercover Hero

What if Your First Job Out of Residency Didn’t Come With the Added Pressure of Feeling Like You Needed to Have It All Figured Out?
Fresh out of residency, Dr. Andrew Syvertsen knew he wanted more than just a job — he wanted a career where he could lead, connect, and keep growing. But he also didn’t want to figure everything out on his own.
On this episode of Smile Doctors Off Mute, Dr. Syvertsen joins Dr. Scott Law to talk about the challenges of launching a career in orthodontics — and how Smile Doctors helped him find his footing. They dive into lessons learned on building confidence as a young doctor, fostering a culture of transparency, and creating a career path that fits your goals (not someone else’s).
Along the way, Dr. Syvertsen shares stories from his journey through dental school at Columbia, residency in Brooklyn, and his move from New York to Texas — plus how his love for music and family helps him keep life in balance.
His journey offers hard-won lessons and advice from lived experiences for anyone starting out in orthodontics:
True leadership starts with transparency, trust, and communication.
There's no one-size-fits-all path to success — your career can (and should) fit you.
Support systems matter — for your clinical skills and your personal growth.
Whether you’re just starting out in your career or looking for new inspiration, this conversation is packed with tips for finding independence without the isolation and leadership without the overwhelm.
HIGHLIGHTS:
The Road to Orthodontics (00:01:26)
Discovering a Passion for Smiles (00:05:05)
How Waiting Tables Prepared Me for Orthodontics (00:07:43)
Transitioning to Orthodontic Residency (00:13:00)
Embracing the Smile Doctors Community (00:17:00)
The Importance of Collaboration (00:21:10)
The Role of Systems and Processes (00:22:07)
Metrics That Matter (00:26:17)
Patient Care and Satisfaction (00:31:19)
Advice for Aspiring Orthodontists (00:41:45)
It's All About the Patients (00:48:14)
Fun Q&A Plus a Look at Dr. Syvertsen's Spotify Playlists (00:49:35)
MORE INFO:
Smile Doctors opportunities: https://smiledoctorspartners.com/ 
Email Dr. Andrew Syvertsen: andrew.syvertsen@wiredorthodontics.com
Wired Orthodontics in Austin, TX: https://wiredorthodontics.com/
Dr Syvertsen on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/user/syvertsa
Email Dr. Scott Law: scott.law@smiledoctors.com
 
Monetization ID HNC9FIUDJ5JZNQY4
 

EP2506 | I'm Just Getting Started: Stories from an OG Smile Doctor

What's it Like to Be an "OG" Smile Doctor? 
As the very first orthodontist to join Smile Doctors, Dr. Dal Margeson went all-in on an unknown venture. Through years of sweat equity in Smalltown, USA, he earned the trust of his community and dental partners, and the distinction of being a forerunner in our industry-leading OSO.
On this episode of the Smile Doctors Off Mute Podcast, Dr. Margeson joins Dr. Scott Law to chronicle the growth he’s seen in our organization since its inception and discuss the career-changing effects of being part of the nation’s leading network of orthodontists. 
From uncertain beginnings to a practice that has doubled in size in just 8.5 years, Dr. Margeson’s story of trust and hard work is a can’t-miss. 
HIGHLIGHTS:
Joining Smile Doctors (00:02:33)
Learning to Fly — on the Fly (00:04:49)
Dr. Margeson's Influence on Smile Doctors (00:08:57)
Strength in Numbers (00:13:04)
Leadership and Team Impact (00:17:51)
Connecting with Patients (00:21:07)
Optimism for the Future (00:28:56)
Advice for New Affiliates (00:31:30)
Fun Q & A (00:34:15)
MORE INFO:
Smile Doctors partnership opportunities: https://smiledoctorspartners.com/ 
Email Dr. Dal Margeson: dal.margeson@smiledoctors.com
Email Dr. Scott Law: scott.law@smiledoctors.com
 
Monetization ID HNC9FIUDJ5JZNQY4
 

EP2505 | Orthodontics is a Team Sport: We Grow Together

What Does It Take to Go from Total Beginner to Industry Leader?
On this episode of Smile Doctors: Off Mute, Dr. Scott Law sits down with Shelli McNabb, VP of Operations Excellence for Smile Doctors. Shelli’s journey into orthodontics wasn’t just unexpected — it was a complete pivot.
She once dreamed of being a second-grade teacher, but life had other plans. As a single mom of four starting over in a new city, she needed a career fast. With no experience in the field, she took a chance on orthodontics and never looked back. From learning the ropes on day one to helping build a startup practice from scratch, Shelli’s path has been shaped by resilience, adaptability, and the mentors who pushed her to grow.
Now, her mission is to make life easier for clinical teams by eliminating inefficiencies and streamlining processes — because great patient care starts with great systems. In this episode, she shares how asking the right questions leads to smarter, more effective workflows, and why she believes true leadership is all about service.
Whether you’re early on in your career or also find yourself at a crossroads, you’ll take away impactful lessons from their conversation, like:
The difference between having a mentor and having an advocate (and why you need both!)
How to embrace the unknown and adapt to sudden change, in work and in life
Why leadership isn’t about titles — it’s about empowering others to step up to the plate
Tune in to this inspiring episode with Shelli for a story of hard-earned wisdom and the power of saying yes to new opportunities.
KEY TAKEAWAYS:
Shelli's Journey into Orthodontics (00:00:08)
Sink or Swim: Shelli Dives into Ortho (00:03:33)
Becoming a Key Player (00:06:31)
Lessons from Startups (00:10:34)
Growth through Challenges (00:14:22)
Embracing Change Management (00:18:58)
Operationalizing Ideas (00:23:32)
Building Efficient Treatment Plans (00:28:44)
Mentorship and Leadership (00:34:53)
Philosophy of Servant Leadership (00:36:40)
Work/Life Passion (00:37:50)
MORE INFO:
Smile Doctors partnership opportunities: https://smiledoctorspartners.com/ 
Email Shelli McNabb: shelli.mcnabb@smiledoctors.com
Email Dr. Scott Law: scott.law@smiledoctors.com
 
Monetization ID HNC9FIUDJ5JZNQY4
 

EP2504 | They Created a Lean, Mean Ortho Machine

Can You Boost Efficiency Without Sacrificing Care?
Adopting Invisalign® in 1999 and growing to be two of the top providers in the world, Dr. Damon DeArment and Dr. Dan Lill are no strangers to new technologies. But it was when they coupled their passion for early-adoption with dynamic scheduling, two-phase treatment, and team-member buy-in that their clinical efficiency truly began to soar.
 The orthodontists behind Shenandoah Valley Orthodontics are proving that efficiency doesn’t equal cutting corners, and when the systems are built to serve the doctor and team, the patient is the ultimate beneficiary.
 
On this episode of the Smile Doctors Off Mute podcast, Dr. DeArment and Dr. Lill join Dr. Scott Law to share their blueprint for patient-centric systems that make doctors' lives easier. Listen in as they discuss:   🔑 The key to efficiency (spoiler: it’s education) 🌱 How to treat your patients like you’d treat your kids 🥼 Why it takes a “mini-residency” program to teach your team to think like an orthodontist 
Looking for practical advice on how to get that weight off your shoulders?
This episode is for you!
KEY TAKEAWAYS:
Finding the Ideal Partner (00:00:56)
Evolving Practice Operations (00:05:36)
Embracing Technology (00:08:37)
Patient-Centric Technology (00:13:18)
Educating Referring Dentists (00:17:02)
The Value of Early Treatment (00:19:45)
Building Patient Confidence (00:28:58)
Advice for Other Orthodontists (00:30:22)
Importance of Team Training (00:34:05)
Empowering the Team (00:38:25)
The Power of Partnership (00:46:34)
Reflections on Growth (00:48:34)
MORE INFO:
Smile Doctors partnership opportunities: https://smiledoctorspartners.com/ 
Shenandoah Valley Orthodontics: https://www.shenandoahortho.com/
Email Dr. DeArment: damon.dearment@smiledoctors.com
Email Dr. Dan Lill: daniel.lill@smiledoctors.com
Email Dr. Scott Law: scott.law@smiledoctors.com
 
Monetization ID HNC9FIUDJ5JZNQY4

EP2503 | The Purpose-Led Life: How I'm Learning to Live with Intention

Is Work-Life Balance a Real Thing?
For Dr. Jacquee Schieck of Schieck Orthodontics in Northfield, Minnesota, living with purpose is not about doing everything; it’s about focusing on the right things. As an orthodontist, a leader, a mother, and even a bassist and vocalist for the all-orthodontist band Relapse, Dr. Schieck knows firsthand how challenging it can be to juggle the demands of work, family, and personal passions. But over the years, she’s discovered that true balance doesn’t come from squeezing more onto the to-do list, but from setting clear priorities and leading with intention.
On this episode of Smile Doctors Off Mute, Dr. Schieck sits down with Dr. Scott Law to share what she’s learned about creating a meaningful, fulfilling life. As a lifelong perfectionist, Dr. Schieck has worked to overcome the pressure to do everything flawlessly — learning instead that growth and rest go hand in hand. She also opens up about how trusting others has helped her grow as a leader and create an environment where patients don’t just receive treatment but feel genuinely valued and empowered.
If you’ve ever struggled with feeling stretched too thin or unsure how to lead with confidence while keeping your personal life intact, Dr. Schieck’s perspective will inspire you to rethink what it means to truly live a purpose-led life.
KEY TAKEAWAYS:
Getting to Know Dr. Jackie Schieck (00:01:20)
The Culture of Care (00:04:17)
Values and Intentions (00:07:19)
The Pressure of Perfectionism (00:12:09)
A "Really Real Season" (00:26:00)
Time Management Tips (00:34:06)
The Wellness Wheel (00:42:50)
The Triple Win of Technology (00:49:10)
Prioritizing Self-Care (00:56:14)
The Growth Journey (00:57:00)
MORE INFO:
Smile Doctors partnership opportunities: https://smiledoctorspartners.com/ 
Schieck Orthodontics: https://www.schieckortho.com/
Email Dr. Schieck: jacquelyn.schieck@smiledoctors.com
Find, follow, and message Dr. Schieck on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dr.schieck/
Email Dr. Law: scott.law@smiledoctors.com
 
Monetization ID HNC9FIUDJ5JZNQY4
 

EP2502 | You vs. You: Faith, Fitness, and Finding Balance

Is it Possible to Thrive — Not Just Survive — Through Life’s Struggles?
As a child who was bullied for her smile, Dr. Colby Cajero is a first-generation college student turned doctor who has dedicated her life to helping others find the healthiest, most confident versions of themselves. Although no one can anticipate life’s many curveballs, she is the picture of perseverance through them. 
After facing the adversity of losing her parents and battling breast cancer, Dr. Cajero has undergone a life-changing health journey that’s as encouraging as it is inspirational. From bodybuilder to finding balance, Dr. Cajero shares with Dr. Law how her faith in God’s plan has been an integral part of finding perspective and achieving greatness amid heartbreak:
❌ How to avoid “succumbing to the suck” 🌦️ Why faith is essential to reshape our perspective 🥦 What it looks like to move "beyond the Tupperware” & achieve balance
 
If it feels like it’s you against the world — or you want to be fired up enough to run through a wall — you’ll love this episode.
KEY TAKEAWAYS:
Overcoming Bullying and Finding Her Passion (00:00:54)
Navigating Life Through the COVID Pandemic (00:02:18)
The Superhero in the Room (00:03:54)
Discovering Bodybuilding (00:05:41)
A Cluster of Life Challenges (00:10:50)
Finding Strength in Faith (00:11:19)
Persevering Through Life's Curveballs (00:18:57)
Holy Cow! This is for Real! (00:20:48)
Balancing Life and Fitness (00:29:05)
You vs. You: How Bodybuilding Makes Me a Better Orthodontist (00:31:57)
Control What You Can Control (00:35:15)
An Amazing, Surprising Miracle (00:42:33)
MORE INFO:
Smile Doctors partnership opportunities: https://smiledoctorspartners.com/ 
Find, follow, and message Dr. Colby Cajero on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dr_colburt/
Get inspired by Dr. Cajero's YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCvfxPja50OtEKNit5ib8U-w
Email Dr. Scott Law: scott.law@smiledoctors.com
 
Monetization ID HNC9FIUDJ5JZNQY4

EP2501 | Best of 2024 (Preview of 2025)

What Was Your Favorite Off-Mute Moment of 2024?
That’s a wrap on 2024! On this special episode, we revisit interviews that shaped the first 9 months of Smile Doctors Off Mute, hosted by Dr. Scott Law.
From clinical advancements and improving patient care to navigating practice management and professional growth, these highlights capture the heart of our podcast’s mission: creating a space for open, unscripted conversations that inspire and inform orthodontists at every stage of their careers.
Over the past 9 months, Dr. Scott Law has hosted an all-star lineup of guests, sparking candid discussions about the future of orthodontics, the power of innovation, and the lessons learned along the way. Dr. Zach Casagrande set the record straight on common misconceptions about OSOs, while Dr. John Lippincott shared the highs and lows of affiliating with one — and why it ultimately transformed his practice. Dr. Shad Hanis revealed how prioritizing authentic relationships over quick wins drives sustainable growth, and Dr. Ben Fishbein offered proven strategies for scaling practices in today’s competitive landscape. Listeners also heard from Dr. Jack Devereux and Dr. Phuong Nguyen about their inspiring evolution from mentorship to partnership, and Dr. Jessica Itani shared her journey from residency to thriving with the world’s top Invisalign® provider. These episodes are just a few that showcase the diverse career paths and shared challenges that define modern orthodontics.
We’ll also take a look ahead to 2025, with a glimpse of the upcoming topics and guests as we continue to explore what’s possible in our field. Whether you’re catching up or tuning in for the first time, this episode is the perfect way to celebrate the year’s best moments and gear up for what’s next. 
TOP OFF MUTE MOMENTS FROM 2024:
What Smile Doctors Off Mute is (and Isn’t), from EP2401 with Dr. Scott Law (00:00:53)
Prosthodontics: The Future of Orthodontics, from EP2411 with Dr. Jep Paschal (00:01:22)
Practice Pearls from the Ortho Odd Couple, from EP2412 with Drs. Jack Devereux and Phuong Ngyuen (00:02:28)
Patients Aren’t the Priority, from EP2410 with Dr. Farah Kar (00:04:08)
Major Affiliation Pain Points (and Solutions), from EP2408 with Dr. John Lippincott (00:04:54)
Joining an OSO Straight Out of Residency, from EP2405 with Dr. Josh Adcox (00:06:18)
Get Comfortable with Being Uncomfortable, from EP2409 with Dr. Amanda Gallagher (00:08:58)
My Best Career Move Ever, from EP2402 with Dr. Zach Casagrande (00:11:10)
Dental Relationships Matter to Your Success in Orthodontics, from EP2407 with Dr. Shad Hanis (00:17:29)
De Novo Pain Points, from EP2404 with Dr. Ben Fishbein (00:24:02)
Import Questions for Prospective Affiliate Orthodontists, from EP2403 with Drs. Ryan Hurley and Tonya Volk (00:29:28)
Dr. Jessica Itani on Her Future in Orthodontics, from EP2413 (00:33:27)
A Look at What's Ahead for the Smile Doctors Off Mute Podcast in 2025 (00:35:10)
MORE INFO:
Smile Doctors partnership opportunities: https://smiledoctorspartners.com/ 
 
Monetization ID HNC9FIUDJ5JZNQY4

EP2413 | Surprising Things I Learned In My First Year As A Practicing Orthodontist

How is Life as a Practicing Orthodontist Different from Residency?
Dr. Jessica Itani is bringing big sister energy to orthodontics. A powerhouse associate with the world's leading Invisalign® provider, Dr. Itani was the youngest doctor to lecture at the 2024 Invisalign® Ortho Summit in Las Vegas — just 3.5 years after graduation.  
Now, she joins Dr. Law on the Smile Doctors Off Mute podcast to discuss lessons learned since jumping into her career. Through their engaging conversation, discover how Dr. Itani transitioned from a small-town upbringing to Georgetown University and eventually became a dynamic presence in orthodontics. Learn about her professional evolution from graduating residency in 2021, adjusting to intense patient volumes, and her growth at Northern Virginia Orthodontics (NVO), the top Invisalign® provider since 2019. 
Dr. Itani is no stranger to saying yes to things that stretch her, and our time with her is proof that hard work, mentorship, and the continuous pursuit of improving patient care have all played critical roles in her professional development. Tune in for an inspiring discussion that offers valuable lessons for practitioners at any stage of their careers! 
KEY TAKEAWAYS:
Dr. Itani's Journey to Orthodontics (00:00:37)
Transitioning from Residency to Private Practice (00:03:42)
Embracing High Patient Volume (00:08:17)
Special Events for New Patients (00:14:05)
Professional Growth Through Speaking (00:15:37)
Personal Growth and Delegation (00:20:50)
Advice for New Orthodontists (00:23:56)
Hobbies and Personal Interests (00:26:54)
Future Outlook (00:29:10)
MORE INFO:
Smile Doctors partnership opportunities: https://smiledoctorspartners.com/ 
Northern Virginia Orthodontics: https://nvorthodontics.com/
Email Dr. Jessica Itani: drjitani@nvorthodontics.com
Find, follow, and message Dr. Jessica Itani on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dr.shoesnsmiles/
 
Monetization ID HNC9FIUDJ5JZNQY4
 

EP2412 | The Ortho Odd Couple

What Happens When Two Orthodontists Meet at a Pivotal Moment in Their Careers?
On this episode of Smile Doctors Off Mute, Dr. Scott Law chats with Dr. Jack Devereux and Dr. Phuong Nguyen — two orthodontists whose professional journeys collided, shaping their practice and paving the way for the next generation of doctors. From general dentistry and starting his own practice to taking over a partner’s practice during a health crisis, Jack faced a tidal wave of challenges early in his orthodontic career that pushed him to adopt innovative systems and partner with an OSO to sustainably grow his practice.
Then, Hurricane Katrina swept through, bringing devastation — and opportunity. As one of very few offices whose operations weren’t halted by Katrina, Dr. Devereux’s busy practice needed help. Enter Dr. Nguyen, a young orthodontist looking for stability in a storm-tossed world. Dr. Devereux took a chance, offering Dr. Nguyen partnership after just six months of working together, betting on his promise: "I’ll make us stronger together than you ever were alone." And he delivered.
Together, they built a practice where efficiency met excellence. Their “faster, better, cheaper” mantra wasn’t about cutting corners but crafting systems so seamless, even their front desk ran like clockwork. The duo later joined Smile Doctors not just for growth but to extend their impact as Divisional Support Doctors, mentoring young orthodontists to push the limits of what’s possible in patient care and practice operations.
Dr. Devereux and Dr. Nguyen’s story is one of two paths crossing at just the right time, proving that the perfect partnership doesn’t just change their course; it has the power to inspire and guide others on their own journeys, too. 
 
KEY TAKEAWAYS:
Introduction to a Unique Partnership (00:00:16)
Journey into Orthodontics (00:01:43)
The Evolution of Partnership (00:06:42)
Addressing the OSO Model (00:10:46)
Care Philosophy (00:15:08)
Team Growth and Development (00:16:07)
The Importance of True Partnership (00:19:47)
Systematic Approaches in Practice (00:23:19)
Principles of Efficiency (00:26:14)
Problem-Solving Strategies (00:27:52)
Mentorship and Learning (00:32:21)
Balancing Work and Family (00:37:10)
Ownership and Equity in Practice (00:39:28)
Personal Impact and Reflection (00:40:34)
MORE INFO:
Smile Doctors partnership opportunities: https://smiledoctorspartners.com/ 
Smile Doctors by DN Orthodontics: https://smiledoctorsbydnortho.com/
Email Dr. Jack Devereux: jack.devereux@smiledoctors.com
Email Dr. Phuong Ngyuen: phuong.nguyen@smiledoctors.com
 
Monetization ID HNC9FIUDJ5JZNQY4