Hey Friends, I’ve seen so many dentists use insurance as an excuse for why they can’t do more or charge what they’re worth. They say things like, “I can’t charge more because insurance won’t cover it.” But here’s the truth—if you truly believed in yourself and your abilities, you wouldn’t need to hide behind insurance. When you lean into your personal brand and build confidence in your skills, you’ll attract your dream patients. These are the patients who seek you out for your expertise, not...
9 days ago • 2 min read
Hey Friends, 2024 has been a wild year, and I’ve never experienced so much growth in such a short time—it’s been life-changing both personally and professionally. On the personal side, I became a dad (huge milestone!) and we’re building a new home, which has been an exciting adventure. Professionally, things have been incredible. We relaunched Aligner Blueprint, launched Aligner Advantage (our group offer for multi-location practices), and attended the acquisition.com workshop with the...
16 days ago • 3 min read
Hey Friends, I used to work in a Medicaid office, and scrolling through Instagram was tough. All I saw were top veneer docs like Dr. Apa, Sam Saleh, and Dr. Duval crushing it with high-end cosmetic work, while I was over here doing basic dentistry. It made me feel like shit. It got to a point where my therapist suggested I unfollow them for my mental health. At first, it felt wrong, like I was being jealous. But honestly, that was just the voice in my head. You really think they noticed if I...
23 days ago • 2 min read
Hey Friends, I see a lot of dentists think they need to invest tens of thousands of dollars learning full-mouth rehab, veneers, or advanced procedures, but they can’t even confidently perform straightforward treatments yet. Here’s the deal—learn the basics first, then skill up from there. It’s also important to evaluate if your practice is even structured to implement those procedures. For example, if you practice in an area where most of your patients are partially or completely edentulous,...
about 1 month ago • 3 min read
Hey Friends, I once worked at a practice that tried to cut costs by re-using scanner sleeves for their iTero, even though they’re meant for one-time use. Most of the time, it seemed fine. But there were days when scans came out distorted or it took longer for the camera to capture the teeth—eating into chair time and sometimes even requiring a re-do if we had to bring the patient back. I get it—those costs add up. My recommendation? If you can find alternatives that don’t cut into efficiency,...
about 1 month ago • 3 min read
Hey Friends, I used to think aligner reps were just salespeople until my brother went through Align’s training. He learned not only about the product but also about dental anatomy and basic biomechanics. I was impressed honestly lol The training they get is far more comprehensive than you might expect. Now, not all reps are created equal—some are hired without going through the full program. But if you’ve got a territory rep who’s been through the proper training, they’re a valuable resource...
about 2 months ago • 3 min read
Hey Friends, When it comes to presenting treatment plans, I’ve seen too many dentists make the mistake of only listing a single line—“Clear Aligners: $5500.” But here’s the thing: patients need to understand why they’re investing that amount and what they’re getting in return. Take a few minutes to list everything you’re providing for that $5500: unlimited appointments, retainers, digital scans, before-and-after photos, the aligners themselves, and even materials. Stack the value and show...
about 2 months ago • 4 min read
Hey Friends, I’ve noticed that some team members ask for incentives or bonuses for aligner cases, but here’s the thing—aligners are a regular part of your treatment offerings, just like fillings or crowns. Do you offer bonuses for every crown or implant case? Probably not. Before jumping to offer incentives, think twice. Offering bonuses for something that’s regularly offered can set the wrong precedent. It can create short-term wins but lead to long-term expectations that could backfire. I’m...
2 months ago • 3 min read
Hey Friends, I’ve seen so many dentists blame patients for not being able to afford treatment. But here’s the truth—offering 3rd party financing changes the game. Too many dentists get stuck complaining about the small fee the lender takes and miss the bigger picture. By not offering financing options, you’re leaving treatments (and money) on the table. Patients don’t always have the cash upfront, but giving them an option to spread out payments lets them say “yes” more often. You get paid...
2 months ago • 3 min read
