Smile Doctors Off Mute

EP2514 | Solutions Without Surgery: A Doctor-Patient Collaboration

How Does Seeing the Person Before Seeing the Problem Change the Outcome?
When his dental hygienist told him he had a crossbite, John Hite called his local orthodontist. His rare genetic neuromuscular disorder means that surgeries are no small thing, and he was desperately seeking a doctor to correct his bite through traditional treatment. When Dr. Chris Mattingly’s office got John’s call, life change was set in motion. 
During his initial consultation with John, Dr. Mattingly of Mattingly & Howell Orthodontics saw the person before the problem. Together, they hatched a plan that, with John’s diligent compliance, would get them as close as possible to a functional smile without surgery.  
Now, they're taking the Smile Doctors Off Mute Mic together to talk about their experience and ultimately, their rapport. Hosted by Dr. Scott Law, their inspiring story is as heartwarming as it is relevant.  
 
MORE INFO:
Smile Doctors opportunities: https://smiledoctorspartners.com/ 
Email Dr. Scott Law: scott.law@smiledoctors.com
Mattingly and Howell Orthodontics in Kentucky: https://www.mandhortho.com/
 
Monetization ID HNC9FIUDJ5JZNQY4
 
 

EP2513 | Affiliation Without Limits: Freedom to Scale

Is “Scalable Success” Just a Buzzword or the Real Deal?
Most orthodontists have an entrepreneurial spirit — our industry is full of titans who love to grow, build, and expand (no pun intended, of course).  
Helping doctors capitalize on this natural impulse is the heartbeat of the Smile Doctors Joint Venture Model. And no one knows the program quite like Dr. Ben Fishbein, Clinical Director of De Novo, and Dr. Zach Casagrande, Clinical Director of Aligners.  
Opening their own de novos in 2023, both doctors saw their joint venture practices do staggering numbers in their first year — $3 million each, to be exact. Now, they’re hopping on the Smile Doctors Off Mute mic to chat scalable success and what it looks like to have an OSO as your business partner. Tune in to get their insight on: 
🤝 What happens when good ortho meets great strategy
💸 How to avoid a practice money pit
😬 When going with your gut isn’t good enough
This episode is can’t-miss for any doctor who wants to keep growing!
HIGHLIGHTS:
Dr Fishbein's Introduction to Our De Novo Approach (00:01:28)
Marketing Strategies for New Locations (00:07:34)
Success of New Doctors (00:09:49)
Advice for New Graduate Orthodontists (00:11:23)
Surprises in the De Novo Process (00:16:21)
Focus on Efficiency and Growth (00:20:33)
Closing Thoughts on De Novo Opportunities (00:25:32)
MORE INFO:
Smile Doctors opportunities: https://smiledoctorspartners.com/ 
Email Dr. Scott Law: scott.law@smiledoctors.com
Fishbein Orthodontics in Florida: https://fishortho.com/
Northern Virginia Orthodontics in Virginia: https://nvorthodontics.com/
 
Monetization ID HNC9FIUDJ5JZNQY4

EP2512 | New Social Media Updates You Shouldn’t Ignore

What's the Secret to Social Media Success?
As part of our mission to support doctors in all aspects of their business, we’re thrilled to pass the Smile Doctors Off Mute Mic to non-clinical professionals who are creating serious awesomeness in their corners of the orthodontic industry.
 
On this episode, Dr. Law welcomes Justin Chalender, Senior Manager of Social Media at Smile Doctors, for a candid conversation about connection, authenticity, and scalability in the social space.
 
While serving at a restaurant, Justin found himself accepting a job interview from a patron who turned out to be a pediatric dentist. A chance encounter became a career path when his love of dental led him to a clinician role at one of our partnered practices.
 
Justin proves daily that doctors don’t have to spend their lives online to get a million views — sometimes all they need to do is turn their heads.
 
Whether you’re chomping at the bit to create the next viral video, or just trying to grow your social reach, this episode is full of wisdom to help make your social presence feel more like YOU.
 
Monetization ID HNC9FIUDJ5JZNQY4  

EP2511: Changing Lanes, Changing Lives

What Does Success Have to Do With Intelligence?
Dr. Dan Keith's life changed in 5 minutes.
A hard-working collegiate athlete, every moment of Dan's life was spent working toward law school. It wasn't until a routine ortho visit on mom and dad's dime that he considered a career outside of a legal office.
Enter: his local orthodontist.
What started as a quick conversation with a man who barely knew him became a banner moment that defined the rest of his life and career.
Now, he's on the Smile Doctors Off Mute mic with Dr. Scott Law to discuss:
💪 What it looks like to outwork yourself — not just your competitors📰 How reading 5 local newspapers every day can build a practice🧠 Why intelligence has less to do with success than we might think
From meeting his wife in the orthodontic chair to returning home to North Dakota to serve the community he loves, every part of Dr. Keith's inspirational story is a can't-miss. 
HIGHLIGHTS:
Introduction to Dan Keith (00:01:13)
A Shift in Career Path (00:02:38)
A Pivotal Moment (00:04:50)
Embracing Orthodontics (00:09:38)
The Influence of Mentorship (00:15:15)
The Philosophy of Hard Work (00:20:10)
Work-Life Harmony Challenges (00:20:45)
The Importance of Family (00:35:30)
Fun Q & A (00:37:49)
MORE INFO:
Smile Doctors opportunities: https://smiledoctorspartners.com/ 
Email Dr. Scott Law: scott.law@smiledoctors.com
DK Orthodontics in Bismark & Dickinson, ND: https://dkortho.com/
 
 
Monetization ID HNC9FIUDJ5JZNQY4
 

EP2510 | Optimism, Orthodontics, & My Odyssey of Growth

What Do an Unshakable Wife, Savvy Cousin, and Trusted Business Partners Have to Do with Dr. Glenn Krieger’s Success?
Glenn Krieger’s career has been defined by relationships. 
His wife, whose unflinching support and partnership encouraged him to return to orthodontic school at age 44. 
His cousin, whose background in private equity offered him confidence in the financial strength and bright future of the Smile Doctors organization prior to affiliation.  
His partner, Dr. Doug Shaw, with whom he shared finances for many years as they built something spectacular together. 
On this episode, take a peek into the professional relationship of two orthodontic giants, Dr. Scott Law and Dr. Glenn Krieger, as they discuss growth mentalities and excitement for the future.
You may know Glenn from hosting The Orthopreneurs Podcast, but now he’s on the Smile Doctors Off Mute mic and trust us — you don’t wanna miss it.  
HIGHLIGHTS:
Meet Dr. Krieger (00:01:26)
The Path to Orthodontics (00:05:18)
Moving to a New Chapter (00:10:37)
Partnership Dynamics (00:14:18)
Growth of Practices (00:17:17)
Joining Smile Doctors (00:19:34)
Health Transformation Journey (00:22:39)
Get Your Free Beef ;) (00:27:01)
Elevating Health and Fitness (00:40:33)
Celebrating Transformation Success (00:51:27)
Inspiring Each Other (00:53:07)
MORE INFO:
Smile Doctors opportunities: https://smiledoctorspartners.com/ 
Email Dr. Scott Law: scott.law@smiledoctors.com
Call Dr. Glenn Krieger: 469-610-9920
Krieger Orthodontics: https://kriegerorthodontics.com/
Shaw Orthodontics: https://shawsmiles.com/
 
 
Monetization ID HNC9FIUDJ5JZNQY4

EP2509 | Hi-Tech and High-Touch: How I Lead My Awesome Team

How Does a People-First IT Leader Succeed in a Field That Values Sameness?
As Chief Technology Officer for the world’s largest network of leading orthodontists, Jenni Doyle’s motto is “one size fits one.” Where most IT pros take a cookie-cutter approach to tech, Jenni and her team put people first. 
From writing her first computer program at age 12 to now leading as one of the few female CTOs, Jenni’s boundary-pushing mentality has shaped her vision for collaborative and relational IT. Tune in to hear:
📞 How IT can go beyond troubleshooting to become consultants👀 When noticing matters 🌱 Why we're obligated to help people grow 
Whether you’re tech-savvy or filming an accidental Facebook Live as we speak, you'll glean golden leadership insights from this episode!
HIGHLIGHTS:
Meet Jenni Doyle – Fun Q/A (00:00:42)
Jenny’s Journey to Smile Doctors (00:08:21)
Leadership in a Male-Dominated Field (00:20:32)
Innovations in Patient Care Technology (00:30:13)
Enhancing the Patient Experience (00:37:49)
The Importance of Information Security (00:40:19)
Leveraging Data for Better Outcomes (00:44:26)
MORE INFO:
Smile Doctors opportunities: https://smiledoctorspartners.com/ 
Email Jenni Doyle: jenni.doyle@smiledoctors.com
Email Dr. Scott Law: scott.law@smiledoctors.com
 
Monetization ID HNC9FIUDJ5JZNQY4

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