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In recent years, technology innovations like digitization and 3D printing have provided the ingredients for product and service model innovation in dentistry that are ground-breaking. At the same time, disruptions in labor force, business models, and consumerization have combined to create an ever-changing landscape. As products move from off-the-shelf widgets to complex customized appliances, the choice of which lab to use is no longer just a cost-based decision but is one that can propel you forward or leave you behind.
For over 40 years, Specialty Appliances (SA) has remained on the forefront of the industry. 5-time winner of the Townie Choice Award for Orthodontic Laboratory and the 2023 winner of The Best Orthodontic Laboratory at the AAO in Chicago; industry-leading quality, unparalleled customer service, and reliable delivery times are what separates SA from the pack. Recently, SA launched two new products that are highly beneficial to DSOs.
Hybrid Complete:
- Combining the strengths of both traditional brackets and clear aligners, clinicians are quickly able to correct torque and verticals with braces and then use aligners for finishing. This reduces the total time that patients are in treatment which in turn reduces the number of office visits, freeing up valuable chair time so clinicians can see more patients. Additionally, Hybrid offers more predictable treatment costs for DSOs because there is one up-front cost, regardless of length of treatment.
3D Metals:
- By utilizing advanced 3D printing SA creates a stronger appliance which eliminates patient appointments for placement of separators while providing better fit, faster delivery, and less emergency cases.
To go behind the DSO/DPO curtain, Specialty Appliances sat down with Dr Jed Hildebrand (Orthodontist, and owner of Hildebrand Orthodontics, Walnut Central Orthodontics- private practice owner with MB2 Dental), and Dr Greg White (President and CEO of PepperPointe Partnerships) to learn more about what really matters when it comes to choosing a lab partner.
Specialty Appliances: Why do you think that other clinicians are motivated to join an organization like yours?
Dr Jed Hildebrand: It’s not uncommon for a clinician to reach mid-career and want to go to the next level. They can be stressed about things like admin, marketing, negotiating for better prices- all things that they are uncomfortable doing but need to be done to get to that next level. That’s where we can help. We can de-risk the business side. The people who join MB2 want to maintain some level of control in their practice, not necessarily become an employee, so we choose doctors who still want to be the leader of their office. We help private practitioners stay private but give them the support of a big company.
Dr Greg White: They get all the support of a DSO, maintain all of their earning potential and also own a piece of the DSO. What that all leads to is top notch patient care and solidarity in the communities that we serve. You don’t have to take a reduced income and rely on someone else for where your practice goes, and you don’t have to go it alone…all while having an exit strategy that is unique in the industry.
Specialty Appliances: In your role, there must be an inherent pressure to provide the best resources to your members- when providing guidance on Orthodontic Labs, what factors are critical to you?
Dr Jed Hildebrand: Recommendations weigh on you- you want them to work out and feel guilty if they don’t. To me, quality is the most important factor…does it fit right the first time, does it get the results you need, does it last for the entire treatment time? And then, if something isn’t 100%, does the lab immediately take action and solve the issue? That’s the biggest value that Specialty Appliances delivers to me- it is high quality, and I know that they stand behind their product with white glove care. That matters the most. Price is important, but only so long as it doesn’t come at the expense of quality.
Dr Greg White: From a high-level view, things have shifted significantly in the last few years. In the past, people looked at patient care and a lot at price. Now labor cost is the big factor and that is caused by multiple things- covid, inflation, reduced labor force, higher wages, etc. So now it’s about investing in technology to save on the labor side. We look at complete digital workflows as the key to minimizing appointments and maximizing the overall best quality of care.
We look at labs like Specialty Appliances the same way we look at major manufacturers- these organizations use technology to help to improve patient experience while reducing visits and chair time (and therefore labor costs) …all while improving outcomes.
Specialty Appliances: As you think about Specialty Appliances, what words come to mind?
Dr Jed Hildebrand: Quality. Personalized Touch. Premier appliance with custom fit.
Dr Greg White: Quality. Reliability. Trust. Service. When you have these things, you have someone that can be a great partner as you build a great business that is financially sound.
Specialty Appliances: If you could give advice to anyone out there who is considering finding an Orthodontic Lab, what would it be?
Dr Jed Hildebrand: Look for a lab that does it right the first time- comfort, fit, no breakage. With Specialty Appliances I’m able to minimize appointments, which maximizes patient experience…and that goes a long way to driving word of mouth to build the practice. They should also find a lab that is on the cutting edge- be it with digital integration, 3D metal printing…Specialty feels like they are always a couple years ahead.
Dr Greg White: Look at who will be a great partner. Price is important but not the most important. Find someone who can help to get you where you want to get long term vs focusing on a single transaction. I look at labs as being a part of the team, not just a vendor.
Specialty Appliances: Is there anything else you would tell someone who is reading this?
Dr Jed Hildebrand: Absolutely- reach out to me (drhildebrand@mb2dental.com) if you’d like to have us do a valuation of your practice to see if it is a good fit for our model, or to gain insights from an unbiased perspective.
Dr Greg White: Of course- for anyone who is interested in learning more about our approach to DSOs reach out to me (gwhite@pepperpointe.com). Everyone has to think about how they are entering and exiting practice, and we create a pathway to leave it better for the next generation.
Specialty Appliances: Thank you both!
At Specialty Appliances we focus on Quality, Service, and Reliability. Our Hybrid and 3D Metals are best in class and can increase practice efficiencies and grow profitability.
Additionally, as stated by Arlen Hurt- 40-year veteran and CDT in Orthodontics: “One of the things I know is important to customers, beyond what Dr Hildebrand and Dr White have said, is maximizing their reputation while minimizing their regulatory risk. Some of our biggest customers and DSO partners sleep better at night because they know that with Specialty Appliances, they are getting products and appliances that meet FDA standards- something that isn’t true with many other labs.”
If you or your organization is considering your Orthodontic Lab options, we would love to talk to you. Please reach out to Courtney Shukitis (courtney.shukitis@
