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Explore whether orthodontics is right for your practice.

Family dentistry is a unique career opportunity because you can treat generations of a family from childhood to older adults. Although there are some clear differences in dentistry for children and adults, there are some shared similarities like both age groups needing routine hygiene visits, restorative care, and orthodontics. Family dentists usually refer out orthodontics for patients simply because they are not trained to properly diagnose and treat malocclusion cases. For family dentists interested in implementing an orthodontic program into their practice, there are many considerations that can impact the future of their office.

Before adding orthodontics into your practice, consider all of the pros and cons and whether incorporating orthodontics is the right step for you.

Pro: Transparent, comprehensive family dentist orthodontic courses are available.

When you invest in an orthodontic continuing education (CE) course, you are preparing to advance your career and your knowledge. Earn hundreds of continuing education credits and put them to use by taking a course with Dr. Brad Williams. These orthodontics courses for general dentists are designed to train and educate dentists on patient malocclusions, proper diagnosis, straight wire orthodontic treatment, and retention.

You will meet and network with dozens of other general dentists looking to achieve similar goals in their practice. This will set you up with a professional support system, which is an invaluable tool.

Con: There is a time commitment to prepare, learn, and take a CE course.

Continuing education courses are not always cheap and they can take up time. You need to commit time out of the office to take a comprehensive CE course and there is always a learning curve once you try to implement a new system in the dental practice. The good news is that Dr. Brad’s orthodontic courses include continual long-term support for you and your team.

Pro: Income will likely soar within a year or two.

Orthodontics is a highly lucrative field, which is why billions of dollars are made in revenue each year from orthodontic specialists. According to the American Dental Association’s 2020 Survey of Dental Fees, the average cost for braces is $6000. This means you can easily generate more income for your office and benefit your patients at the same time.

Con: Startup expenses.

If your dental practice is on a strict budget, it may be tough in the beginning to make room for orthodontic materials and supplies. The average start-up cost for orthodontics has a broad range depending on the brand, quantity, and quality of materials. The great news is nearly all dental practitioners make back those start-up costs and then some by providing orthodontic treatment.

Pro: Many patients are looking for orthodontics now, including adults, so you’ll likely see growth in your clientele.

General dentists are increasing their referrals for orthodontics because more and more patients are requesting them. There are more benefits to orthodontics than simply creating a beautiful smile. Patients are more aware than ever of how orthodontics can improve their quality of life, like better eating, sleeping, and speaking.

When you offer orthodontics, you’ll quickly notice a greater patient retention and increase in referrals. This is because patients are always looking for a one-stop-shop and a convenient healthcare location that offers all services. Incorporating orthodontics means your adult patients will remain in the practice while also having their family members come for care.

Con: More paperwork needs to be done.

Initially your patients (and you) may need to fill out additional paperwork and clearances for orthodontics. This is because you need to do an overall assessment of your patients orthodontic needs and what type of treatment will benefit them. New contracts and waivers may be needed, but the convenience is you already have your patients’ insurance information and medical history documented.

It is always a good idea to weigh the benefits and negatives of incorporating a new treatment system into a dental practice before investing thousands of dollars. If you think you can dedicate some time and finances to taking a highly advanced course designed for general dentists and are looking to really pump up your revenue in the next few years, orthodontics is a great option for your practice.