--- title: How Orthodontic Practices Can Make Smarter Growth Decisions description: Jill Allen and Nathan Hudson discuss technology, efficiency, and smart business decisions for orthodontic practice growth on the Hey Docs Podcast. image: https://www.practiceresults.com/hubfs/Nathan%20Hudson%20Blog%20Thumbnail.png --- 4 min read # How Orthodontic Practices Can Make Smarter Growth Decisions [ Jill Allen ](https://www.practiceresults.com/jills-blog/author/jill-allen) : Thu, Jun 04, 2026 @ 08:00 AM ![How Orthodontic Practices Can Make Smarter Growth Decisions](https://www.practiceresults.com/hubfs/Nathan%20Hudson%20Blog%20Thumbnail.png) How Orthodontic Practices Can Make Smarter Growth Decisions 7:40 **By Jill Allen | Hey Docs! Podcast with Nathan Hudson, Renew Digital** 🎧 Listen to the Full Episode [Spotify](https://open.spotify.com/show/0mEpA5YrrmAaW0zNTwJXBV?si=19c14f55c9374fcc) | [Apple Podcast](https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/hey-docs/id1635447620) | [YouTube](https://www.youtube.com/@heydocspodcast) Growing an orthodontic practice is not just about seeing more patients or buying the latest technology. The practices that achieve sustainable growth are often the ones making the smartest decisions behind the scenes. They know where to invest, who to partner with, and how to avoid costly distractions that can derail progress. In this episode of the *Hey Docs!* podcast, Jill Allen sits down with Nathan Hudson, Regional Sales Director at Renew Digital, to discuss how orthodontists can think more strategically about growth. From building the right team of advisors to evaluating technology investments, the conversation offers a practical roadmap for doctors who want to grow efficiently and intentionally. --- ## The Five Business Partners Every Orthodontist Should Know One of the most valuable concepts discussed in the episode is what Nathan calls the "Five Bs." According to Nathan, successful practice owners surround themselves with five key types of professionals: - Bankers - Brokers - Bean Counters - Broadcasters - Builders Each plays a unique role in supporting growth and helping doctors make informed business decisions. Too often, practice owners try to navigate major decisions alone. Whether it's securing financing, evaluating a transition opportunity, developing a marketing strategy, or building a new office, having the right advisors can dramatically improve outcomes. Growth becomes much easier when you are not trying to solve every problem yourself. 💡 **JA&A Insight** The most successful orthodontists are not experts in everything. They build teams of experts around them. --- ## Understanding the Difference Between Tools and Toys Technology is one of the biggest investments orthodontic practices make. It is also one of the easiest places to overspend. Nathan introduces an important distinction between "tools" and "toys." A tool helps your practice become more efficient, profitable, or scalable. A toy may be exciting and impressive, but it does little to move the business forward. This does not mean doctors should avoid innovation. Quite the opposite. It means every purchase should be evaluated through a strategic lens. Before investing in new technology, practices should ask: - Will this improve efficiency? - Will this improve patient experience? - Will this create measurable value? - Will this help us grow? When the answer is yes, technology becomes an investment rather than an expense. --- ## Why Operational Efficiency Drives Long-Term Growth Many growth challenges are actually efficiency challenges in disguise. Nathan highlights how practices often overlook operational inefficiencies that impact profitability and team performance. Processes that seem small on their own can create significant bottlenecks when multiplied across hundreds of patients and thousands of appointments. Improving efficiency often comes down to: - Better systems - Stronger team communication - Clear expectations - Consistent training Jill and Nathan both emphasize the importance of team alignment. When everyone understands the goals of the practice and their role in achieving them, growth becomes much easier to sustain. --- ## How Technology Is Reshaping Orthodontic Practices Technology continues to transform the orthodontic industry, particularly in areas like imaging, diagnostics, and practice management. Nathan explains that advancements in digital workflows can help practices reduce overhead, improve efficiency, and create a better patient experience. The key is identifying technologies that solve real problems rather than simply adding complexity. As practices evaluate new solutions, the focus should remain on outcomes. Technology should help doctors and teams work smarter, not harder. The practices that embrace innovation thoughtfully are often the ones best positioned for future growth. --- ## What the Renew Digital and Voxel Dental Partnership Means for Practices Nathan also discusses the merger between Renew Digital and Voxel Dental and how the partnership expands the resources available to orthodontic practices. By combining expertise in imaging, certified pre-owned equipment, and new technology solutions, the companies are able to offer a broader range of options for doctors looking to improve their operations. For practice owners, this creates greater flexibility when evaluating equipment investments and technology upgrades. Instead of taking a one-size-fits-all approach, practices can build solutions that fit their specific goals and budgets. --- ## Making Smart Investments Without Overspending One of the biggest concerns for both startups and established practices is how to invest wisely. Nathan encourages doctors to avoid making decisions based solely on trends or sales pitches. Instead, practices should evaluate investments based on how they support overall business objectives. That may mean purchasing new technology. It may also mean investing in marketing, training, branding, or operational improvements. The right answer depends on the practice. What matters most is understanding the return on investment and making decisions that support long-term growth rather than short-term excitement. 💡 **JA&A Insight** Not every good idea is the right investment for your practice right now. --- ## The Bigger Picture: Growth Is About Strategy, Not Spending Many doctors assume growth requires spending more money. Often, it requires making better decisions. The most successful practices are intentional about where they invest their resources, who they partner with, and how they evaluate opportunities. They focus on building strong foundations before chasing the next trend. Growth is rarely the result of one major decision. It is the result of hundreds of smart decisions made consistently over time. --- ## Frequently Asked Questions About Growing an Orthodontic Practice ### What are the most important business partnerships for orthodontists? Successful orthodontists often work closely with bankers, brokers, accountants, marketing professionals, and builders to support growth and business decision-making. --- ### How can orthodontists determine whether technology is worth the investment? Technology should improve efficiency, patient experience, profitability, or scalability. Investments should be evaluated based on measurable business impact. --- ### What causes inefficiencies in orthodontic practices? Common causes include poor communication, inconsistent training, outdated systems, and workflows that create bottlenecks for the team. --- ### How can orthodontic practices improve operational efficiency? Practices can improve efficiency through better systems, clear communication, ongoing team training, and technology that supports workflow improvements. --- ### What role does technology play in orthodontic practice growth? Technology can streamline operations, improve patient experience, reduce overhead, and help practices scale more effectively when implemented strategically. --- ### How should orthodontic practices prioritize investments? Investments should align with business goals and provide a clear return on investment. Practices should prioritize solutions that create measurable long-term value. --- ## Final Thought Growth is not about having the newest technology or the biggest budget. It is about making intentional decisions that move your practice forward. When you surround yourself with the right partners, invest strategically, and focus on efficiency, growth becomes much more predictable. And that is what turns a good practice into a great one. - [Tweet](https://twitter.com/share) [![COVID-19- Traction Part 3](https://www.practiceresults.com/hubfs/Untitled-2.png) ](https://www.practiceresults.com/jills-blog/covid-19-traction-part-3) #### [COVID-19- Traction Part 3](https://www.practiceresults.com/jills-blog/covid-19-traction-part-3) [Jill Allen](https://www.practiceresults.com/jills-blog/author/jill-allen) : Tue, May 05, 2020 @ 02:18 PM During this third video in my mini-series, I am going to be talking about the hiring process and what may be different for some doctors and office... 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