Considerations for Adding Orthodontics to Your Dental Practice

Dental practices are a great example of local small businesses. There are typically one or two dentists in the practice and a team of dental professionals, including care coordinators, dental assistants, and hygienists, designed to create a great patient experience.

One thing that all small businesses tend to have in common is the desire for growth and scalability. For dental practices, the best way to achieve these is by offering additional services. It could be dental implants or other restorative dentistry treatments. Maybe you decide to broaden your cosmetic dentistry services. But perhaps one of the most profitable services to add is orthodontics. Is your practice ready for orthodontics? Here’s what you should know.

The Decision To Add Orthodontics

Adding any service to your dental practice requires careful consideration. While they can be exceptionally profitable, additional treatments do typically require additional equipment, more team members, and then some. 

That said, many dental practices across the U.S. are adding orthodontic services to their treatment offerings. Even 20 years ago, one survey estimated 76.3% of dental practices offered basic orthodontics. And of that, nearly 20% were offering comprehensive orthodontic services. That trend continues today.

Why is this such a popular decision? Well, of course, it is highly profitable. But perhaps most importantly, it creates convenience for the patient, keeping them from needing to schedule numerous appointments with multiple providers on opposite sides of town.

But like we said, this is a big decision. And one of the best ways to help you make that decision is to take Jameson Grow’s free orthodontics course, which will give you a thorough overview of what orthodontics could look like as part of your practice.

Understanding Orthodontic Basics 

Aside from what you’ll learn in Jameson Grow’s free course, there are some other fundamentals to consider. Reviewing the following may help you make the decision to add orthodontics to your practice and be successful in doing so.

1. Training and Certification Requirements

To successfully offer orthodontic services, it’s important to gain the proper training and certification. Many dentists pursue continuing education courses to expand their skills in areas like braces, clear aligners, and other orthodontic treatments. 

Certification may also be required depending on your state or country. By taking these steps, you’ll build the expertise necessary to provide orthodontic care confidently and safely. Completing the proper training will also allow you to explain the benefits of orthodontic treatments clearly to your patients.

2. Equipment and Space Considerations

Like we mentioned earlier in the article, adding orthodontic services to your practice involves more than just offering new treatments. It also requires the right equipment and, in some cases, modifications to your office space. This could include specialized instruments for braces, software for planning clear aligner therapy, or other orthodontics-related technology, as well as storage space for these items. 

Additionally, consider whether you need to reconfigure your operatories or reception room to accommodate the new services. Expanding your practice to include orthodontics means making sure your physical environment is ready to support these changes comfortably for both your team and patients.

3. Marketing Your Orthodontic Treatments and Services 

Once a general dentist decides to offer orthodontic services, effectively marketing these new treatments is important for attracting both new and existing patients. Start by highlighting the convenience of receiving orthodontic care from the same trusted provider who manages their general dental needs. 

Some easy ways to raise awareness are through your website, email newsletters, and social media channels. You might also create special offers for current patients or their family members. Word-of-mouth referrals are still a powerful tool in patient attraction, so encourage satisfied patients to share their experiences. Clear communication about the benefits and results of orthodontic treatments will help generate interest in your expanded services.

4. Managing Patient Care and Expectations 

Successfully managing patient expectations is key to providing a positive orthodontic experience. From the initial consultation, it’s important to set clear expectations about the length of treatment, what results they can expect, and any required follow-up appointments. Regular communication throughout the process will help keep patients informed and reassured. 

Addressing any concerns or questions early on will also help build trust and satisfaction. Taking the time to discuss the full treatment plan and anticipated outcomes will allow patients to feel more comfortable and confident in their decision to receive orthodontic care.

Ready to assess if your dental practice is ready to add orthodontics?

We can’t reiterate this enough—adding orthodontic services to your dental practice is a big decision. It means more patients, a fuller schedule, and bigger investments. But it can also be highly profitable when done right, and there are many advantages.

Be sure to check out Jameson Grow’s free introduction to orthodontics. And if you’re looking for courses on other topics that will help you grow your practice, consider an individual or team membership for access to all learning pathways.