The Orthopreneurs Podcast with Dr. Glenn Krieger

Latest Episodes:

Generational? Or Societal? The Work Ethic Problem l 5MF May 08, 2026

Show notes

What if I told you your biggest staffing frustrations might have less to do with Gen Z—and more to do with the culture we’ve created around work?
This episode isn’t about criticizing younger employees—it’s about reflecting on what we tolerate, reward, and model inside our practices. I talk about the differences I’ve observed between Japanese and American workplace culture, how it impacts orthodontic teams, and why leaders may need to rethink the systems and expectations they’ve created. If you’ve ever struggled with ghosting, disengagement, accountability, or team culture in your office, this episode will challenge you to look deeper—and maybe see the problem from an entirely different angle.
Quotes
“It’s crystal clear that the work ethic here for the younger generation is very different, at least on the surface, from what I see in the U.S.”
— Dr. Glenn Krieger
“I’m starting to believe that a lot of the problems we face in the U.S. are functions of the U.S. and the way we maybe tolerate some of the behavior that we see as employers.”
— Dr. Glenn Krieger
Key Takeaways
Intro: Lessons from Tokyo & Triforce Academy (00:00)
Cultural nuances and work ethic observations in Japan (00:45)
The growing conversation around Gen Z in the workforce (01:00)
Is this a generational issue or a societal one? (01:40)
What orthodontic employers may be unintentionally tolerating (02:00)
How travel and exposure to other cultures can reshape leadership perspective (02:35)
Final thoughts & invitation to experience Japan with Orthopreneurs RD (02:45)
Additional Resources
🟦 I’ve seen firsthand how culture shapes leadership, accountability, and team performance—and sometimes the biggest breakthroughs come when you step outside your own environment.
If you’re struggling with team engagement, leadership challenges, or building a stronger practice culture, maybe it’s time to stop asking, “What’s wrong with this generation?” and start asking better questions. And if you ever get the opportunity to experience a different culture firsthand—take it. It might completely change the way you lead your practice and your life.
- For more information, visit: https://orthopreneurs.com/
- Join our FREE Facebook group here: https://www.facebook.com/groups/

Orthodontics Under Pressure: Lessons From Israel w/Dr. Jon Paley May 05, 2026

Show notes

🎙️ What if I told you the way you practice orthodontics—and live your life—depends entirely on where you choose to plant your feet?
I’ve spoken to orthodontists all over the world—but this conversation hits different. In this episode, I sit down with Dr. Jon Paley, an American-trained orthodontist who made the bold decision to build his life and practice in Israel. And what he shares isn’t just about orthodontics—it’s about perspective, resilience, and what really matters when everything around you is unpredictable.
If you’ve ever wondered how adaptable you really are as a doctor—or what it means to lead when things aren’t “normal”—this episode will challenge you, ground you, and maybe even change how you think about your own practice and life.
Quotes
“Patients looked at our practice as a place of normalcy… even during chaos, that 45 minutes mattered.”
— Dr. Jon Paley
“It’s a contract we feel we have with our country—to take responsibility, stay calm, and just keep going.”
— Dr. Jon Paley
Key Takeaways
Intro (00:00)
Jon’s journey from the Midwest to Israel (03:25)
Practicing in two countries—and commuting for 20 years (06:30)
Selling his U.S. practices and starting over at 52 (08:24)
The biggest difference between U.S. and Israeli orthodontics (13:28)
Why delegation is far more limited outside the U.S. (13:28)
Technology, Invisalign, and practicing at a high level globally (14:34)
What it’s really like living and raising a family in Israel (01:01)
Managing a practice during national crisis and uncertainty (21:54)
How patients view the practice as a “safe place” (26:29)
The mindset shift: responsibility, resilience, and purpose (27:36)
Additional Resources
If this episode made you think differently about your practice—or your life—share it with a colleague who needs that perspective shift.
Want to connect with Dr. Jon Paley or learn more about his work?
👉 Visit: braces.co.il
👉 Or find him on Facebook
And if you’ve ever considered practicing internationally—or just want to become a more adaptable, resilient orthodontist—this is your reminder: growth happens outside your comfort zone.
Register for the Make More Money Meeting: https://ortho4m.com/home
- For more information, visit: https://orthopreneurs.com/
- Join our FREE Facebook group here: https://www.facebook.com/groups/OrthoPreneurs

Penny Wise, Pound Foolish: The Mistake Costing You Time and Profit l 5MF May 01, 2026

Show notes

What if I told you the fastest way to lower your stress, reclaim your time, and make your practice more profitable isn’t working harder — it’s finally letting go of the things you should’ve outsourced years ago?
In this episode of Five Minute Friday, I’m talking about one of the biggest mistakes I see orthodontists make over and over again: being penny wise and pound foolish. Too many doctors are still using their best team members — or worse, their own mental bandwidth — to manage tasks that could be outsourced, automated, or handled far more efficiently by dedicated systems. If your days feel chaotic, your team feels stretched, and your practice still isn’t running as smoothly as it should, this episode is for you.
Quotes
“Your goal is to show up, do great ortho, hug moms, kiss babies, and grow your practice — and don’t micromanage everything else.”
— Dr. Glenn Krieger
“Money comes and goes, but time only goes.”
— The Trockels, quoted by Dr. Glenn Krieger
Key Takeaways

Intro (00:00)
Why orthodontists stay penny wise and pound foolish (00:28)
The time-versus-money tradeoff at different stages of practice ownership (01:18)
How remote monitoring creates smoother days and fewer office visits (02:03)
Why a leaner team can still support a high-producing practice (02:36)
The overhead math: efficiency, staffing, and profitability (02:56)
Why your in-house team is not monitoring patients the way you think they are (04:10)
How delayed responses hurt both patient experience and team performance (04:46)
Why outsourcing creates peace of mind, faster workflows, and better systems (06:06)
The real goal: less micromanagement, more freedom, and a practice that runs on cruise control (07:53)
🟦 Additional Resources
I’ve seen firsthand how the right systems can make your practice easier to run, more profitable, and dramatically less stressful.
If you’re tired of wasting high-value time on tasks that should already be automated, outsourced, or remotely managed, this episode is your wake-up call. Start looking closely at where your team is getting bogged down, where your response systems are breaking, and where smarter support could immediately improve your workflows.
The doctors who embrace this shift aren’t just saving time — they’re building practices that scale better, feel better, and give them more freedom outside the office. That’s the goal.
Remote Response: https://www.remoteresponse.com
Register for the Make More Money Meeting: https://ortho4m.com/home
- For more information, visit: https://orthopreneurs.com/
- Join our FREE Facebook group here: https://www.facebook.com/groups/

The Modern Rules of Building a Practice w/Dr. Brooke Bruneman Apr 28, 2026

Show notes

I’ve seen it firsthand: bringing in someone with zero experience—but the right attitude—can transform your culture, your team, and even your future. In this episode, I sit down with someone who proves that point better than anyone I know—Brooke Bruneman—a former team member who started with me as a sterile tech and is now graduating dental school and chasing orthodontics.
We also get into some surprisingly real conversations—about social media in orthodontics, what actually works (and what’s just noise), and even how Gen Z is dating today (spoiler: it’s very different from what most of us grew up with). This episode will challenge how you hire, how you lead, and how you think about the next generation entering our profession.
Quotes
“I came to you with zero experience… I just needed someone willing to train me.”
— Brooke Bruneman
“When you find something good, it’s hard to let go of it.”
— Brooke Bruneman
Key Takeaways
Intro (00:00)
Why hiring for attitude beats hiring for experience (01:12)
Brooke’s journey from sterile tech to dental school (03:43)
The value of real-world experience before dental school (04:24)
Getting rejected—and coming back stronger (04:24)
Why culture matters more than credentials (17:46)
Keeping great people even after they “leave” your practice (18:45)
How Brooke ran social media remotely through dental school (19:01)
What actually works on social media for orthodontists (21:18)
The power of the “hook” in content creation (33:42)
Why most orthodontists get social media wrong (34:38)
Gen Z, dating apps, and how communication is changing (40:14)
Why safety and trust shape modern interactions (41:37)
What residency programs might be missing in applicants (49:45)
Additional Resources
If you’re still hiring based on experience alone, you’re missing out on your next superstar.
Start looking for attitude, work ethic, and culture fit first—and train the rest. And if you’ve got someone great in your practice right now, don’t wait—invest in them, mentor them, and keep them in your orbit however you can.

👉 Want to connect with Brooke or learn more about her journey?
Instagram: @brookekbruneman
Email: brookebruneman@gmail.com
And if you’re in academia or part of an orthodontic residency program… you might want to reach out. Just saying.
Register for the Make More Money Meeting: https://ortho4m.com/home
- For more information, visit: https://orthopreneurs.com/
- Join our FREE Facebook group here: https://www.facebook.com/groups/OrthoPreneurs

An Executive Assistant Can Change Your Life l 5MF Apr 24, 2026

Show notes

What if I told you that for less than the cost of one case, you could buy back hours of your week—and finally focus on the work that actually grows your practice?

In this Five Minute Friday, I’m challenging one of the biggest blind spots I see in orthodontists today: the belief that “I can do it all myself.” After coming off a high-level Orthopreneurs RD meeting, it became crystal clear—most of you aren’t lacking solutions… you’re lacking time. And more importantly, you’re holding onto tasks you should’ve delegated years ago.

Quotes

“The overwhelming majority of you are way too busy, don’t have enough time, and are making enough money that you can afford an executive assistant.”

— Dr. Glenn Krieger

“If you can take $20,000 a year to free you up and focus on the things you need to be doing, it’ll be the best money you ever spend.”

— Dr. Glenn Krieger

Key Takeaways

Intro (00:00)
Why orthodontists resist solutions they actually need (00:58)
What an executive assistant really does (and doesn’t do) (01:20)
Real-world examples: travel, scheduling, and life logistics (01:45)
Fractional hiring: how to start small (02:25)
The ROI of buying back your time (03:00)
Why this may be the highest-leverage investment you can make (03:45)

Additional Resources

🟦 I’ve seen firsthand how freeing up even a few hours a week can completely change how you lead your practice and live your life.

If you’re feeling overwhelmed or stuck in the day-to-day, start exploring executive assistant options—even just 5–10 hours a week. And if you want guidance on where to start, reach out to me directly. I’m always happy to help you find solutions that actually move the needle.

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

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

Why Most Orthodontists Misunderstand DSOs w/Connor Jorgensen Apr 21, 2026

Show notes

I’ve had hundreds of conversations with orthodontists about DSOs, OSOs, and private equity—and here’s the truth: most of you are making decisions based on incomplete, outdated, or just plain wrong information. In this episode, I sit down with Connor Jorgensen, Director at Tusk Practice Sales, to cut through the noise and talk about what’s actually happening in today’s market.
If you’ve ever wondered what your practice is worth, how equity really works, or whether you’re leaving money (or opportunity) on the table… This episode will give you clarity—and probably challenge a few assumptions along the way.
Quotes
“When someone tells you you’re going to get a 5–7x return on your equity… that’s unrealistic. If you’re making decisions based on that, you need to run for the hills.”
— Connor Jorgensen
“If you’re going to count DSO equity as zero, then you have to count your private practice as zero too. You’re just trading one form of equity for another.”
— Connor Jorgensen
Key Takeaways
Intro (00:00)
Why “just say no to DSOs” is bad advice (00:16)
Connor’s background and insider perspective (04:08)
OSO vs DSO vs multi-specialty: what actually matters (06:24)
How brokers work—and who they really represent (09:09)
Equity vs cash: what orthodontists misunderstand (11:19)
Why 5–7x equity claims are misleading (13:12)
The biggest mistake advisors make about equity value (16:18)
Why selling often beats holding long-term (18:07)
How OSOs improve profitability overnight (24:55)
Cultural myths: what really happens after you sell (28:02)
Why education—not opinion—should drive your decision (29:57)
Additional Resources
Connor and the team at Tusk Practice Sales will walk you through a complimentary orthodontic valuation analysis—no pressure, no obligation, just real numbers and real insight so you can make the right decision for your future.
👉 Reach out directly:
Email: connor@tuskpracticesales.com
Website: https://tuskpracticesales.com
Phone: 704-302-1043
Register for the Make More Money Meeting: https://ortho4m.com/home
- For more information, visit: https://orthopreneurs.com/
- Join our FREE Facebook group here: https://www.facebook.com/groups/OrthoPreneurs

The Right Way for Orthodontists to Approach Airway l 5MF Apr 17, 2026

Show notes

What if I told you the smartest way to approach airway isn’t to become the hero in the room — it’s to become the gatekeeper who knows exactly when, where, and how to refer?

In this episode of 5 Minute Friday, I tackle one of the most polarizing conversations in orthodontics: airway and sleep-disordered breathing. There’s so much noise, ego, and misinformation around this topic that a lot of orthodontists either jump in too aggressively or back away completely. My take is simple: neither extreme serves patients well. We don’t need to diagnose everything ourselves — but we do need to know enough to recognize red flags, evaluate the orthodontic pieces we are responsible for, and collaborate with the right interdisciplinary team.

Quotes

“We are part of a bigger puzzle. We’re just one piece and if we work together with the science and our referral base, we’ll be able to treat people really, really well.”
— Dr. Glenn Krieger

“We need to be gatekeepers and we need to work with ENTs and oral surgeons and myofunctional therapists and pediatric dentists.”
— Dr. Glenn Krieger

Key Takeaways

Intro (00:00)
Why the airway conversation has become so overblown in orthodontics (00:25)
Why orthodontists should be gatekeepers — not lone diagnosticians (00:46)
The real problem with extreme pro-airway vs. anti-airway positions (02:17)
How to use symptoms, occlusion, anatomy, and CBCT responsibly (04:55)
When to treat the occlusion and when to refer to the interdisciplinary team (06:11)
Why ENTs, oral surgeons, myofunctional therapists, and radiologists matter (06:32)
What Dr. Krieger’s Scottsdale airway course will teach orthodontists and teams (06:43)
Why collaborative care creates better outcomes than ideology ever will (08:24)
A real example of how orthodontic-ENT collaboration changed a child’s life (10:08)

Additional Resources

I’ve seen firsthand how airway and sleep-disordered breathing can become one of the most rewarding parts of an orthodontic practice — but only when we stay in our lane, know what we’re looking at, and work with the right team.

If you want to learn how to evaluate these cases more thoughtfully, collaborate more effectively, and treat patients with greater confidence, keep an eye out for the upcoming airway and sleep-disordered breathing meeting in Scottsdale. And if you want to learn more about Orthopreneurs RD, message me directly.

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

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

How AI and Robotics Will Transform Orthodontics w/Dr. Mehdi Peikar Apr 14, 2026

Show notes

I’ve seen a lot of innovation in this space over the years—but every once in a while, something comes along that makes you stop and think, “Okay… this actually changes things.” In this episode, I sit down with Dr. Mehdi Peikar—orthodontist, physicist, and one of the most fascinating minds you’ll ever meet—to talk about where orthodontics is heading and what happens when you combine AI, biomechanics, and true customization.
Mehdi walks us through his journey—from studying quantum mechanics and biomechanics at some of the top institutions in the world to building award-winning orthodontic technologies—and now launching Celebrace, a fully customized 3D-printed bracket system that flips traditional orthodontics on its head. We’re not talking about “low, medium, high torque” anymore… we’re talking about precision-built prescriptions for every single tooth, for every single patient.
But this episode goes deeper than just a product. We get into the future—AI, robotics, and yes… even the possibility of orthodontics being automated someday. Whether that excites you or terrifies you, one thing is clear: the doctors who understand where things are going are the ones who will thrive.
Celebrace is a 100% digital, AI-driven, fully custom metal braces system, designed to bring greater precision and consistency to finishing. If you’re interested in seeing how it works in practice, LEARN MORE and get started.
Quotes
“Nobody’s really MBT or Roth—every case is unique. Now we finally have the tools to treat patients that way.”
— Dr. Mehdi Peikar

“You approve the treatment plan… and we reverse engineer the bracket to match it exactly.”
— Dr. Mehdi Peikar
Key Takeaways
Intro (00:00)
Mehdi’s journey: ortho → physics → innovation (01:13)
Why quantum mechanics thinking shapes innovation (03:54)
AI vs. quantum computing—what’s actually impacting us now (07:12)
Will AI replace orthodontists? (09:08)
The future: robots, automation, and orthodontics at home (11:54)
Why traditional prescriptions (MBT/Roth) are outdated (26:26)
What makes Celebrace different from other “custom” systems (33:03)
How fully custom brackets improve efficiency and finishing (29:31)
Reverse-engineering treatment plans into exact prescriptions (34:16)
Digital orthodontics: where braces are heading next (32:48)
Additional Resources
If you’re even remotely curious about where orthodontics is heading—and how to stay ahead of it—this is one you don’t want to ignore.
👉 Learn more about Celebrace at: https://celebrace.com
👉 Or reach out directly: info@celebrace.com
And if you’re heading to AAO, make sure to check them out in person—you’ll want to see this technology up close.

Register for the Make More Money Meeting: https://ortho4m.com/home
- For more information, visit: https://orthopreneurs.com/
- Join our FREE Facebook group here: https://www.facebook.com/groups/OrthoPreneurs

Why Your Ortho Practice Is Stuck (And How to Fix It) l 5MF Apr 10, 2026

Show notes

What if I told you your practice could grow to $3M+ without working harder—just by fixing the leaks in your funnel?

In this episode of Five Minute Friday, I challenge you to take a hard, honest look at your practice performance. If you’re stuck at $1.6M–$1.9M and grinding four-plus days a week, the problem isn’t effort—it’s efficiency. Somewhere in your marketing, your conversions, your case acceptance, or your systems… you’re leaking. And the good news? You can fix it without adding more hours to your schedule.

I break down what a sustainable, profitable orthodontic practice really looks like—and why a $3M, three-day-a-week model is not only realistic, but repeatable. We talk about the real drivers of growth: effective marketing, strong phone and TC systems, leadership, and patient experience. If you’re ready to stop making excuses and start making changes, this episode will give you a clear, practical path forward.

Quotes

“I can almost guarantee you that no matter where you practice… your practice is not reaching its potential for what you want.”
— Dr. Glenn Krieger

“Somewhere along your funnel, you’re leaking—and you can be much more effective with no more work.”
— Dr. Glenn Krieger

Key Takeaways

Intro (00:00)
Why most orthodontists are stuck below their potential (00:30)
The $3M practice model: realistic, sustainable, and repeatable (01:00)
Why working more days isn’t the solution (02:05)
The 4 key growth drivers: marketing, conversion, case acceptance, leadership (03:45)
Why most orthodontists don’t know how to “close” cases effectively (04:20)
How to build projections and take control of your numbers (04:55)
Identifying and fixing leaks in your practice funnel (06:30)

Additional Resources

I’ve seen firsthand how small improvements in your funnel can unlock massive growth—without adding more stress or more hours to your week.

If you’re serious about building a more efficient, profitable, and scalable practice, join me at the 4M “Make More Money” Meeting in Nashville. We’ll break down your numbers, your systems, and your strategy—from start to finish—so you can finally build the practice you actually want.

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

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

The Truth About “Starting Over” in Your Career w/Dr. John Graham Apr 07, 2026

Show notes

🎙️ What if the biggest thing holding you back in your career… is something you’re too afraid to walk away from?

I’ve seen it over and over again—orthodontists staying stuck because of time, money, or the fear of starting over. But what if the real key to long-term success isn’t pushing through… it’s knowing when to pivot?

In this episode, I sit down with my good friend Dr. John Graham, and we go deep into one of the most unconventional journeys you’ll ever hear in orthodontics—from walking away from an oral surgery residency just months before finishing… to building a thriving orthodontic career and life on his own terms.

Quotes

“You either need to get a handle on this—or you need to make a change. Because that’s not how you should be living your life.”
— Dr. John Graham

“People are imprisoned by their past… they think they’ve invested too much to change, so they just decide to be miserable.”
— Dr. John Graham

Key Takeaways

Intro (00:00)
John’s unconventional path from oral surgery to orthodontics (00:33)
The moment that changed everything (the pager story) (15:44)
Why sunk cost fallacy keeps orthodontists stuck (25:57)
The power of visiting other practices and mentorship (08:25)
Why successful orthodontists are lifelong learners (09:16)
Taking risks vs. playing it safe in your career (33:34)
Why more orthodontists are partnering earlier (42:17)
Inside the decision to join Smile Doctors (34:59)
The truth about independence in DSOs/OSOs (49:20)
John’s psilocybin retreat experience and mindset shift (50:46)
How perspective, connection, and purpose impact your life (01:03:54)

Additional Resources

If this episode hit home for you—and you’re feeling stuck, burned out, or just questioning your next move—don’t ignore that feeling.

👉 Reach out. Have a conversation. Visit another practice. Explore your options.

And if you want to talk through your situation, I’m always happy to help—just connect with me directly.

Because at the end of the day, your career shouldn’t feel like a trap…
It should feel like something you chose.

Register for the Make More Money Meeting: https://ortho4m.com/home
- For more information, visit: https://orthopreneurs.com/

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

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