The Orthopreneurs Podcast with Dr. Glenn Krieger

Latest Episodes:

From Piano to Practice to App developer w/ Dr. Melissa Bailey Oct 07, 2025

Show notes

In this episode of the OrthoPreneur's Podcast, Dr. Melissa Bailey shares her unique journey from a piano performance major to an orthodontist and entrepreneur. She discusses the challenges she faced in her early career, including the decision to sell her practice and the development of her app, Treyminder, designed to improve patient compliance with clear aligners. The conversation also delves into marketing strategies, the importance of listening to customers, and the evolving landscape of orthodontics.

QUOTES

“I realized I’m only as successful as my patients’ compliance and their biology. So I thought—what tools can I give them to make this easier?”

— Dr. Melissa Bailey

“If you’re spending your weekends thinking about staff problems and a bracket that broke—ask yourself: is this really what I want?”

— Dr. Melissa Bailey

Key Takeaways

Introduction to Orthodontics and Side Hustles 00:00
Melissa's Journey to Orthodontics 03:00
Navigating Early Career Challenges 05:59
The Birth of Treyminder App 08:57
Marketing Strategies and Content Creation 12:05
Understanding the Orthodontic Market 15:04
Listening to Customers and Adapting 18:04
Conclusion and Future Aspirations 20:06

Additional Resources

You don’t need to be a coder to create a product that changes lives—or builds an entirely new income stream. You do need to stop waiting for permission.
Melissa’s story is proof that innovation can happen at 10 p.m. with zero budget, a problem worth solving, and the courage to take the first step.

👉 Learn more about the app at trayminder.com, or search “TrayMinder” on the App Store or Google Play.

- For more information, visit: https://orthopreneurs.com/

- Join our FREE Facebook group here: https://www.facebook.com/groups/OrthoPreneurs

The Owner vs Worker Mentality | 5MF Oct 03, 2025

Show notes

In this Five Minute Friday, I’m speaking directly to every orthodontist who feels stuck — at $2M in production when you’re aiming for $3M, plateaued after years of growth, or feeling like your practice has lost momentum. Whether you’re an associate, a solo owner, or partnered with an OSO/DSO, this episode will show you why the difference between stagnation and explosive growth often comes down to how you show up every single day.

I break down the critical differences between a worker’s mentality and an owner’s mentality, share real-world examples from my own practice, and give you actionable steps to start thinking like an owner right now. If you apply this shift — even imperfectly — your production, culture, and leadership capacity can go through the ceiling.

QUOTES

“Are you looking to milk the system for everything it’s worth — or are you looking to really add to the system and grow it?”
— Dr. Glenn Krieger

“That’s one piece of advice that if you take to heart and treat every single day in your practice, watch what happens. Watch your practice go through the ceiling.”
— Dr. Glenn Krieger

Key Takeaways

Intro: Owner vs. worker mindset explained (00:00)
The telltale signs of a worker’s mentality (01:20)
How adopting an owner’s mindset builds equity and leadership (02:45)
Real-life examples: showing up sick, picking up paper, and leading by example (04:15)
The path from plateau to growth by thinking like an owner (05:00)
Preview of my upcoming coaching program and how it’s different (06:15)

Additional Resources

I’ve seen firsthand how adopting an owner’s mentality can take a plateaued practice and catapult it to new levels of production, culture, and profitability.

That’s exactly why I’m launching my one-on-one coaching program — designed to help orthodontists and their teams implement the same strategies that built my practice.

If you’re ready to think and act like an owner, DM me on Facebook or reach out directly. By the time it launches at the end of 2025, spots will be limited — and if it doesn’t make you 5x your investment in the first year, I’ll give every penny back.
Register for Ortho Vanguard: https://www.opvanguard.com

- For more information, visit: https://orthopreneurs.com/

- Join our FREE Facebook group here: https://www.facebook.com/groups/OrthoPreneurs

Outsource Your Front Desk (the Right Way) w/ JW Oliver Sep 30, 2025

Show notes

What if I told you your front desk could be replaced—by someone halfway around the world, who does it better, faster, and never calls in sick?

That’s not just a bold claim. It’s the new normal for hundreds of practices working with JW Oliver and his global team at ZimWorx and SupportDDS. In this episode, JW returns to the podcast to share the real story behind building a team of 1,600+ remote professionals serving over 3,000 dental offices—while giving 51% of company profits to global ministries.

But this isn’t just a tech or outsourcing episode. We dig into the ethical side of virtual assistants, how most U.S. doctors are underestimating what patients will accept, and why your labor challenges aren’t going away unless you embrace smarter systems. And yes, we geek out about luxury watches and Rolex being a nonprofit (you’ll love that part).

QUOTES

“There's always a cheaper way—but that doesn't mean it's a better way. The question is: how are your virtual assistants really being treated?”
— JW Oliver

“If I had to build my practice from scratch today, it’d be under 1,000 square feet—with almost everything outsourced but direct patient care.”
— Dr. Glenn Krieger

Key Takeaways

Intro (00:00)
JW’s unexpected path from marriage retreat to founding SupportDDS (01:26)
How he grew from 9 employees to 1,600+ and 3,000 dental offices served (02:10)
The #1 task you should be outsourcing today (03:42)
The virtual front desk: how iPads and remote teams are changing ortho (05:19)
Why patients are more open than you think (06:17)
Hidden costs of U.S. labor vs. remote talent (07:44)
The danger of missed calls and burnout at the front desk (09:35)
The “ethical trap” in outsourcing: how some VAs only earn $2/hour (15:46)
Why ZimWorx invests in coffee bars, counseling, and team wellness (18:49)
Rolex is a nonprofit?! Plus why horology is more than just status (24:56)
The craftsmanship and legacy of high-end timepieces (28:45)
Side hustles, giving back, and why JW is always chasing passion (34:49)

Additional Resources

I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again—if your front desk is dropping 20% of your new patient calls, you’re literally leaving money on the table.

JW and his team don’t just fill roles. They specialize in making your practice run smoother, leaner, and more profitably.

👉 Take 20 minutes. Book a discovery call at SupportDDS.com or ZimWorx.com. No pressure—just possibilities.

OP SUMMIT IS THIS WEEK!: opSummit2025.com

- For more information, visit: https://orthopreneurs.com/

- Join our FREE Facebook group here: https://www.facebook.com/groups/OrthoPreneurs

The Orthodontist’s Role in a Changing Dental World l 5MF Sep 26, 2025

Show notes

What if I told you the biggest threat to your orthodontic practice isn’t GPs doing Invisalign—it’s your silence?

In this episode of Five Minute Friday, I take on a controversial and pressing issue in our field: orthodontists enabling GPs to deliver treatment through outsourced setups—and worse, not stepping up to educate them. When screenshots from an Orthopreneurs thread started showing up on a startup’s social feed to validate their GP-led model, it hit a nerve. This isn’t just a fringe problem. It’s a full-on shift in how ortho is being delivered—and too many of us are sitting on the sidelines, complaining but not acting.

If you want to protect your turf, complaining in Facebook groups won’t cut it. In this episode, I break down the real-world impact of poorly diagnosed “simple” cases, what we should be teaching our GP colleagues, and how you can take back control—by becoming the educator, not the victim. Whether you agree with the new model or not, you’ll walk away with practical steps to safeguard your practice, elevate your relationships, and remind the world why orthodontists matter.
QUOTES
“But if you really want to make a difference, get out there and educate—but educate in a way that creates awareness that you just don’t know enough to be doing this in most cases."
— Dr. Glenn Krieger
"If you're listening to this and you're pissed off about at-home aligners or orthodontists helping GPs... then get off your butt and start educating your GPs."
— Dr. Glenn Krieger
Key Takeaways
Intro – The controversy brewing in the ortho world (00:00)
The GP-ortho model and why it’s not going away (01:15)
A real example: misunderstood case complexity (03:00)
The two types of GPs doing ortho—and why most aren't malicious (04:30)
What I teach my referring dentists (06:00)
Why education, not outrage, is our best defense (07:40)
Creating presentations that actually stick (08:50)
Call to action: stop complaining, start leading (10:20)
Additional Resources
I’ve seen firsthand how educating your GPs can completely change the dynamic—and bring complex cases back to your chair.
If you're tired of watching others erode our profession, start doing something about it. Want more ideas like this and the support to execute them? Join me at the final Orthopreneurs Summit this September. Go to opSummit2025.com to see if tickets are still available. Time is running out. Don't miss your chance to be part of the solution.
- For more information, visit: https://orthopreneurs.com/
- Join our FREE Facebook group here: https://www.facebook.com/groups/OrthoPreneurs

Orthodontics by Day, Coffee Roaster by Night w/ Dr. Darin Ward Sep 23, 2025

Show notes

What if I told you your side hustle could teach you more about systems than your main practice ever did?

In this episode, I sit down with Dr. Darin Ward, an orthodontist with an unconventional journey—from growing a $2.5M practice in Canada, to downsizing into a lifestyle practice in rural Michigan, to roasting thousands of pounds of organic coffee out of his garage. Darin’s story is a masterclass in knowing what you want, building it intentionally, and embracing entrepreneurship in and out of the operatory.

We talk about the real cost of rapid growth (spoiler: it’s not just financial), why he walked away from a thriving practice to prioritize family, and how that shift led him to discover his passion for coffee roasting. If you’ve ever wrestled with burnout, wondered how much growth is enough, or dreamed of turning a hobby into something more—this episode is going to resonate hard.

Oh, and did I mention he owns six vintage wooden rowing shells and was once an Aztec rower at SDSU? Yeah… this one’s got range.

QUOTES

"I was doing dentistry to support my orthodontic habit. That’s when I knew I had to sell my practice and go all in."

— Dr. Darin Ward

"You don't really own a business until you can get yourself out of it. Until then? You own a job."

— Dr. Darin Ward

Key Takeaways

Intro (00:00)
From general dentist to ortho: Darin’s winding path (01:00)
How he built a $2.5M ortho practice in just 3 years (02:56)
The power (and price) of aggressive grassroots marketing (06:31)
Scaling quickly vs. profiting slowly—what’s the tradeoff? (07:27)
Why Darin pivoted to a lifestyle practice in rural Michigan (08:42)
From 25–40 patients a day: how lean can you go? (09:01)
Why all new patients get a custom-roasted pound of coffee (18:16)
Turning a garage into a full-blown roastery (19:39)
The logistics wall: when passion meets scale (21:26)
White-labeling beans for dentists and ortho friends? (23:26)
The E-Myth and owning your systems, not just your hustle (25:45)
Rowing, racing shells, and a rowing club in the Upper Peninsula (28:50)

Additional Resources

Tune in and get inspired to build a practice—and a life—that fits you.

If you've ever dreamed of doing something outside of ortho—whether it's roasting coffee, starting a business, or simply working less and living more—this episode will hit home. Darin's story reminds us that growth doesn't always mean bigger... sometimes it just means better.

☕️ Oh, and grab a bag of his beans at upwardcoffee.net

- For more information, visit: https://orthopreneurs.com/

- Join our FREE Facebook group here: https://www.facebook.com/groups/OrthoPreneurs

Orthodontist Income Has Dropped 60%. Here’s What You Can Do About It l 5MF Sep 19, 2025

Show notes

Why Are Orthodontists Earning Less Than They Were in 1985?
In this Five Minute Friday, I break down a chart that shocked me—and it should shock you too.
Using inflation-adjusted dollars, the average orthodontist took home $906,000 in 1985. Today? That number is down to $357,000.
So what happened?
While many blame technology, staffing, or insurance, the real reason might be more personal: are we focusing on clinical excellence at the expense of business excellence?
I’m not here to bash anyone. In fact, I know dozens of docs who take home $2 million or more every year—because they treat their practice like a business. This episode is your wake-up call and invitation to build the practice you actually want, not just the one you’ve settled into.
QUOTES
“If you’re not taking home $1 million a year and you want to be, what’s stopping you?”
— Dr. Glenn Krieger
“The average income has dropped 60% since 1985—and the slope of that line is still going down.”
— Dr. Glenn Krieger
Key Takeaways
Intro & inflation-adjusted income insights (00:00)
The $906K average in 1985—and the steep decline to $357K today (01:25)
Why tech and overhead aren’t the only reasons for the drop (03:00)
The difference between average and exceptional practices (04:10)
How your focus (clinical vs. business) directly affects your income (06:00)
Are you surrounding yourself with growth-oriented peers? (07:30)
A call to rethink your current income ceiling (08:45)
What a $2.5M practice at 50% overhead really means (09:45)
Coaching preview & what’s coming with Ortho Vanguard Intensive (11:10)
Additional Resources
I’ve seen firsthand how orthodontists can double—or quadruple—their income by shifting their mindset from “clinician” to “practice owner.”

If you’re not where you want to be—and you know you could be—reach out. Whether it’s staffing, systems, marketing, or conversion, I’ve had this conversation hundreds of times, and I’d love to have it with you. DM me or join the Orthopreneurs Facebook group to start finding real answers.opSummit2025.com
- For more information, visit: https://orthopreneurs.com/
- Join our FREE Facebook group here: https://www.facebook.com/groups/OrthoPreneurs

Solving the Puzzle of Practice Growth w/ Dr. Scott Sakowitz Sep 16, 2025

Show notes

In this episode, I sit down with Dr. Scott Sakowitz, an orthodontist, entrepreneur, and—fun fact—former Wheel of Fortune contestant. Scott’s story is a rare blend of bold entrepreneurial thinking and grounded leadership. From launching Florida’s first escape room with his dad while still in dental school, to scaling three ortho practices in a competitive market, Scott is a living case study in how to strategically stretch your comfort zone.

We talk real numbers (like 26% year-over-year growth), the right time to bring on an associate, and what it really takes to build a multi-location practice that doesn’t break you. If you’re feeling maxed out, frustrated with flat growth, or wondering if multiple offices are worth it—this conversation is for you. Scott's calm, thoughtful approach is the opposite of hustle culture... and still delivers massive results.

QUOTES

"This year we're up 26% over last year… but only because I pushed myself to a place where I had to grow."

— Dr. Scott Sakowitz

"I brought on an associate a full year before I needed one. That gave me time to get it right."

— Dr. Scott Sakowitz

Key Takeaways

Intro (00:00)
How puzzles led Scott to orthodontics (01:01)
Opening two practices early to avoid corporate burnout (02:28)
Adding an associate only when capacity was truly maxed (04:00)
The secret behind 50% year-over-year growth (06:37)
Why patient experience > clinical excellence alone (07:07)
Bringing parents into the treatment area—literally (08:24)
Building a concierge-style front desk experience (09:45)
The story of starting Florida’s first escape room (19:13)
Operational efficiency: how escape rooms sharpened his ortho skills (23:10)
Being on Wheel of Fortune (25:00)
What it’s really like to be hypnotized on stage… and pick your podcast host as a dance partner (26:58)

Additional Resources

Listen now—and if you're coming to the final Orthopreneurs Summit, make sure to find us both on the dance floor. No hypnosis required.

Sakowitz Smiles: https://orlandoorthodontics.com
THE GREAT ESCAPE ROOM: https://thegreatescaperoom.com

Ready to stop guessing and start growing with intention? Whether you’re thinking about adding an associate, expanding to multiple offices, or just want to enjoy your practice again—this episode will give you the clarity you’ve been looking for.

OP SUMMIT IS THIS WEEK!: opSummit2025.com

- For more information, visit: https://orthopreneurs.com/

- Join our FREE Facebook group here: https://www.facebook.com/groups/OrthoPreneurs

Equity Isn’t a Gamble—It’s the Opportunity l 5MF Sep 12, 2025

Show notes

What if I told you that how your financial advisor values equity could reveal they don’t actually understand private equity?

In this Five Minute Friday, I go straight at one of the most common—and most dangerous—misconceptions I’ve heard hundreds of times: that the equity portion of your DSO/OSO deal should be valued at zero. If that’s what your financial advisor is telling you, you might be taking critical advice from someone who doesn’t understand how private equity actually works.

This episode is a follow-up to my last one on practice purpose and exit strategy. Here, I dive deeper into the real math and real logic behind equity in private equity-backed deals. You’ll hear about what a 2–3X return looks like in this space, how private equity compares to other investments (like index funds or even Ford stock), and why assuming the worst-case scenario could cost you millions. If you're considering a partnership—or even just want to be better informed—you need to hear this.
QUOTES
“If my financial advisor ever said to me, ‘assume the equity goes to zero’—I’d leave them instantly.”
— Dr. Glenn Krieger
“Equity is a real thing. If I put $2 million into Google, would you tell me to count it as zero in my portfolio?”
— Dr. Glenn Krieger
Key Takeaways
Intro + setting the record straight (00:00)
The core problem with how advisors view private equity equity (01:15)
Typical deal breakdown: cash vs. equity (02:40)
Realistic equity return benchmarks (03:45)
The Thurston Fund and what strong returns actually look like (05:10)
What questions to ask your PE partner up front (06:40)
Red flags: if someone promises 6–7X, walk away (08:00)
How equity compounds even while you collect a salary (09:15)
When your advisor says equity is worth “0” vs. any other investment (10:30)
Final questions to ask your advisor—put them to the test (12:00)
Additional Resources
I’ve seen firsthand how keeping the wrong person around too long can unravel a great team.
If you’re evaluating an offer, or even if you’re just PE-curious, please DM me. I’ll never push you to join a DSO or OSO—but I will help you make an informed, math-based decision. Let’s stop letting outdated assumptions dictate million-dollar moves.
🎟 Still seats left? Maybe. Check: opSummit2025.com
- For more information, visit: https://orthopreneurs.com/
- Join our FREE Facebook group here: https://www.facebook.com/groups/OrthoPreneurs

Scaling Smarter: DSOs, DeNovos, and Diversifying as an Orthodontist Sep 09, 2025

Show notes

In this episode, I sit down with Dr. Ben Fishbein — founder of Fishbein Orthodontics, multiple-time DeNovo opener, bagel store entrepreneur, and Smile Doctors partner — to break down one of the most misunderstood topics in orthodontics today: DSOs, OSOs, and what it really means to join one.

If you’ve ever said, “I’m not ready,” “I could never give up control,” or “I don’t need help,” this episode is for you. Ben was once a staunch no—until he actually had the conversation. Now, with multiple thriving practices, ownership in a national DSO, and an expanding local business portfolio, he shares what changed his mind—and why most orthodontists are asking the wrong questions entirely.

Whether you're exploring a potential sale, considering DeNovos, or just want to sharpen your vision, this episode will reframe how you think about your career path—and the opportunities right in front of you.

QUOTES

"The most frustrating thing to me is when someone says, ‘I’m not ready to talk yet.’ Why are you not ready to learn something that might be so good it changes your life?"

— Dr. Glenn Krieger

"I was a naysayer too. I told the Smile Doctors team, ‘There’s less than a 2% chance I do this.’ Then I listened—and it all started making sense."

— Dr. Ben Fishbein

Key Takeaways

04:50 – Why so many orthodontists dismiss DSOs without ever really hearing the facts
06:50 – “30 years in 7” — how Ben’s early hustle shaped his future faster
08:36 – Why listening to opportunities is part of your duty to your team
10:15 – Why selling a practice isn’t selling out—and how orthodontists misjudge entrepreneurship
15:12 – How partnering opened Ben’s eyes to investments he never considered before
16:48 – The surprisingly valuable business lessons from running a bagel shop
20:19 – Why Smile Doctors’ DeNovo model works—and how it’s redefining growth
24:18 – “Get the information. Don’t say no to something you don’t understand.”
25:37 – Ben’s biggest advice to younger orthodontists: “Just go for it.”

Additional Resources

I’ve seen firsthand how running the numbers—really running them—has changed the trajectory of practices and lives.

Want to get in contact with Ben? https://amandafloydconsulting.com/fishbein-fundamentals

This isn’t about selling out or giving up control. It’s about knowing your options, making smart financial moves, and understanding when an opportunity might never come back. If you’ve received an offer and aren’t sure whether to take it, DM me. I don’t get paid either way—but I’ve had this conversation hundreds of times and I’ll help you think it through.

🎟 Final Orthopreneurs Summit is NEXT WEEK!!!: opSummit2025.com

- For more information, visit: https://orthopreneurs.com/

- Join our FREE Facebook group here: https://www.facebook.com/groups/OrthoPreneurs

What’s the Real Purpose of Your Practice? l 5MF Sep 05, 2025

Show notes

What if I told you you’re turning down $6–10 million for no good reason—and you don’t even know why?

This 5 Minute Friday is for every orthodontist who's built something substantial... and still hesitates when private equity comes knocking. I’m not here to sell you on joining a DSO or OSO. I’m here to challenge you to get clear on why you wouldn’t—especially when the math says it’s one of the best financial opportunities you’ll ever have.
In this episode, I break down the mindset, money, and misconceptions around private equity deals. If you're sitting on a $3M–$10M practice and you've brushed off conversations without ever running the numbers, you're not making a strategic decision—you're making an emotional one. I’ll share real-world examples, financial logic, and why orthodontists are the only group of entrepreneurs I’ve met who resist this kind of exit. Whether you're leaning in or leaning out, this episode will give you clarity.

QUOTES
“Everybody else on earth starts companies and sells them when an 8-digit offer comes in... Why are orthodontists different?”
— Dr. Glenn Krieger
“I’m not telling you to join. I’m telling you: if you’re not doing it, what’s your reason?”
— Dr. Glenn Krieger
Key Takeaways
Intro + why this episode matters (00:00)
What’s the real purpose of your practice? (01:25)
Making money isn't evil—it’s the point of work (03:45)
Are you putting in the energy your goals demand? (06:10)
Why private equity offers do make financial sense (08:20)
Common fears and myths—and why they don’t hold up (11:40)
The real risk of doing nothing (15:15)
Final reflection: clarity beats comfort (17:50)
Additional Resources
I’ve seen firsthand how running the numbers—really running them—has changed the trajectory of practices and lives.
This isn’t about selling out or giving up control. It’s about knowing your options, making smart financial moves, and understanding when an opportunity might never come back. If you’ve received an offer and aren’t sure whether to take it, DM me. I don’t get paid either way—but I’ve had this conversation hundreds of times and I’ll help you think it through.

🎟 Still a few tickets left (maybe!) for the final Orthopreneurs Summit: opSummit2025.com
- For more information, visit: https://orthopreneurs.com/
- Join our FREE Facebook group here: https://www.facebook.com/groups/OrthoPreneurs

Our TOPPODCAST Picks

Follow Us

Stay Connected

The Orthopreneurs Podcast with Dr. Glenn Krieger

Related Podcasts

Links

Stay Connected