When I first launched Elate Orthodontics, I quickly learned that the journey of starting and growing an orthodontic practice is full of challenges—and those challenges have only intensified in today’s landscape. The orthodontic world is changing rapidly, with private equity (PE) takeovers becoming increasingly common. Large corporate-backed practices are expanding aggressively, creating pressure on smaller, independently-owned startups to compete in an industry that’s often driven by scale and profits.
Many young orthodontists I’ve spoken to have shared the same frustrations. They're passionate about delivering excellent care but feel overwhelmed by the business side of running a practice. Managing operations, marketing, financing, and staffing—while trying to maintain a healthy work-life balance—can feel like too much to handle, especially when corporate entities with deep resources are moving into their markets.
That’s why I created White Glove Orthodontist—a consulting firm designed to help independent orthodontic startups not just survive but thrive in this era of consolidation. My goal is to empower orthodontists with the tools, strategies, and systems they need to succeed without compromising their values or patient care.
When I started my first practice, I thought my main focus would be clinical care. However, I soon realized that the success of the practice depended on much more than just providing great orthodontic treatment. I had to learn how to manage staffing, inventory, patient experience, and marketing—all while ensuring cash flow was sustainable. Like many other startup owners, I made mistakes along the way but eventually found strategies that worked.
Through trial and error, I developed efficient systems for:
Improving practice operations to minimize wait times and maximize patient satisfaction.
Optimizing inventory management to control costs and prevent supply issues.
Implementing marketing strategies that focused on building trust and strong community engagement.
As our practice grew, I began receiving calls from other orthodontists—friends and colleagues who wanted advice on how to streamline their own businesses. I realized there was a real need for mentorship in the field, particularly for new practice owners navigating a highly competitive environment. That’s when the idea for White Glove Orthodontist was born.
White Glove Orthodontist is designed for orthodontists who want to stay independent and build sustainable, thriving practices. Our approach focuses on creating a strong foundation in three key areas:
1. Systems and Operations
We help practices streamline their day-to-day operations through efficient scheduling, patient flow optimization, and automation tools. By improving internal systems, orthodontists can reduce stress, boost productivity, and focus more on what they do best—caring for patients.
2. Financial Health
Financial mismanagement is one of the leading reasons small practices struggle. We provide guidance on how to maintain healthy cash flow, optimize collections, and manage expenses without sacrificing quality. I’ve personally experienced the difference that eliminating in-house financing and using third-party systems like CHERRY has made in improving our financial stability.
3. Patient Experience and Growth
Building trust and loyalty within your community is essential. We work with practices to develop strategies for delivering exceptional patient experiences, increasing referrals, and enhancing marketing efforts to attract new patients. From local sponsorships to personalized care, we emphasize organic growth built on meaningful connections.
Private equity-backed practices often focus on volume over personalized care. While they have the resources to dominate certain markets, independent practices can stand out by offering something that corporations can’t always replicate: authentic relationships, flexibility, and trust.
Through White Glove Orthodontist, I aim to equip startups with strategies that allow them to compete on value rather than scale. We help practices build reputations that prioritize patient-first care, leading to long-term loyalty and organic growth.
In this changing industry, it's more important than ever for orthodontists to take control of their destiny. By developing a strong operational foundation and focusing on meaningful patient experiences, independent practices can thrive—even in the face of corporate competition.
At White Glove Orthodontist, we offer a variety of consulting services, including:
Practice Optimization: Streamlining workflows to improve efficiency and profitability.
Business Mentorship: One-on-one coaching to help orthodontists develop sustainable business strategies.
Marketing and Community Engagement: Building a strong local presence to attract and retain patients.
Inventory and Technology Solutions: Implementing systems to manage supplies, reduce waste, and control costs.
We tailor our services to meet the specific needs of each practice, ensuring that every orthodontist can achieve both professional success and personal balance.
I know how isolating it can feel to run a practice on your own. That’s why White Glove Orthodontist is about more than just consulting—it’s about creating a community of like-minded professionals who are committed to growth, innovation, and integrity.
Together, we can push back against the pressures of corporate competition and build a future where independent practices continue to thrive.
If you’re an orthodontist looking to strengthen your practice and achieve long-term success, I’d love to help. Let’s work together to optimize your business and empower you to focus on what you’re passionate about: providing excellent care for your patients.
Learn more about our services and how to get started here:
Your success is closer than you think. Let’s make it happen! 😊