EP2401A | Introducing Smile Doctors Off Mute

Welcome to the inaugural episode of the Smile Doctors Off-Mute Podcast with your host, Dr. Scott Law!
In this episode, we delve into the inception story of Smile Doctors, the value we place on patient-centric care, and our mantra of putting "people first, teeth second". This podcast aims to provide valuable insights into the world of orthodontics, discussing a range of topics that are both clinical and business-related, drawing relevance to the current industry conditions.
Dr. Law takes us back to his time in dental school and the initial days of practicing general dentistry. He talks about the challenges faced during the 2009 economic downturn and how these experiences shaped the creation of Smile Doctors. Starting with one location, Smile Doctors has grown to an impressive 450+ locations with more than 330 partner doctors, and this episode details the journey of that remarkable expansion.
As we reflect on the lessons learned along the way, this podcast also serves to share the innovative ideas and practices that have contributed to our success. We emphasize the importance of effective implementation, leadership, and the continuous strive for improvement, all while keeping our patients at the forefront. “Embrace that every day is an opportunity to get a little bit better, all while putting others first,” reminds Dr. Law.
Dr. Law also addresses the misunderstood notion surrounding OSOs (Orthodontic Service Organizations) in the industry. As the country's largest OSO, Smile Doctors follows the mantra of patient-first service just as any private practitioner would do, highlighting the commonalities rather than the differences between the two.
We conclude by previewing our next episode with Dr. Zach Casagrande, North America's leading Invisalign® provider and Clinical Director of Aligners at Smile Doctors. We’re excited to share more enlightening stories, insights, and wisdom from industry giants along the way. This podcast is truly about more than just Smile Doctors - it's about imparting knowledge, busting myths, and helping everyone in the industry get better. Stay tuned!
Key moments:
1. Introduction to Smile Doctors Off Mute (00:10)

2. Dr. Law’s Background and Career (00:44)

3. Formation of Smile Doctors (00:02:15)

4. Growth and Learning of Our Organization (00:02:55)

5. The Importance of Leadership and Implementation (00:03:33)

6. Challenges in Orthodontics (00:04:41)

7. Preview of What's Coming on Smile Doctors Off Mute & What's in it for Orthodontists (00:05:37)

8. Closing Remarks (00:06:52)