Maximizing Practice Profits: What Orthodontists Need to Know

Let’s face it—running an orthodontic practice today means wearing a lot of hats. Clinical expert? Absolutely. Team leader? Definitely. Financial strategist? Well... that one tends to get pushed down the to-do list. But what if we told you there’s money on the table—and it’s yours for the taking?

On this episode of the Hey Docs! Podcast, Jill Allen sits down with Scott Broadbent from Acquire Tax Credits to unpack some often-overlooked financial wins that could give your practice a serious boost. From tax credits hiding in plain sight to a patient loyalty program with a name you won’t forget—this episode is full of practical takeaways and big opportunities.

💸 Tax Credits: The (Legal) Cheat Code to More Profit

Scott breaks down a key piece of legislation you might not have on your radar: IRS Section 41. It sounds technical (because it is), but here’s the deal—if your practice is making improvements to patient care using new techniques, technology, or even workflows, you could qualify for research and development tax credits. Yes, orthodontists qualify for R&D tax credits.

One real-world example? A doctor in Texas made some strategic changes to her bracket prescription and wire-shaping protocols and walked away with $35,000–$60,000 in credits per year. That’s not a rounding error—that’s a new piece of equipment, a team bonus, or an entire marketing campaign.

🧾 Budget Bill Updates: Full Expensing Might Be Back

Big news on Capitol Hill: a proposed return to full expensing could make it even easier to claim credits in the same year you invest in innovation. While this is still in motion (and may not fully kick in until later in 2025), it’s worth watching—and planning for. Scott recommends talking to your CPA about whether extending your taxes this year might make sense based on your activity.

✅ R&D Claims Require Receipts—Literally

It’s not just about doing the work. It’s about proving it. Scott and his team partner with tax attorneys to create easy-to-understand documentation that helps your CPA check every box. From tracking team time to categorizing supplies, this isn’t busywork—it’s your safety net if you’re ever audited.

🌊 Meet SCUBA: A New Way to Retain Revenue (and Patients)

If tax talk isn’t your jam, this might catch your attention. SCUBA (yes, that’s really the name) is a financial tool that acts like a warranty plan for dental and ortho patients. Think of it as a simple, no-fuss way to increase loyalty and long-term revenue without overburdening your front office. 

For orthodontic practices, this could evolve into smart retention plans and post-treatment loyalty offerings—giving your patients added peace of mind while keeping your schedules full and your bottom line strong.

📈 Final Thoughts: Smart Strategy = Sustainable Growth

As Jill says in the episode, “It’s not about jumping on every opportunity—it’s about knowing which ones are right for your practice.”

Whether it’s exploring R&D tax credits with a pro like Scott, or testing out SCUBA to see how it fits your retention goals, these strategies are designed to move the needle—without overwhelming your team.

🎧 Catch the full episode now on the Hey Docs! Podcast