Navigating the Future of Ortho: Early Wins

On this week’s Hey Docs! episode, Jill sat down with Dr. Madeline Goodman—orthodontist, startup owner, and dual-trained collaborator—to talk about what’s next in our industry: early intervention, team-based care, and sustainability. If you’re building a modern practice (or future-proofing the one you’ve got), her playbook is worth a close look.

Start With Vision (Then Build Systems to Match)

Raised in a dentistry household in Bethesda, MD, Dr. Goodman knew where she was headed—but she took the scenic route: classical languages, study abroad, and a strong academic path into orthodontics. That breadth shows up in her leadership: a clear why, paired with the discipline to build systems that deliver it daily.

Vision is great. Vision with operational backbone is how you scale.

Breaking the Mold (On Purpose)

Before launching her own practice, Dr. Goodman worked across settings—including a DSO—collecting what worked, tossing what didn’t, and sharpening her operator’s edge. The result? A startup with pediatric partner Dr. Heather Slander that’s designed for early airway awareness and true cross-discipline collaboration.

The Early-Intervention Shift

A surprise lecture from myofunctional therapist Joy Mueller connected big dots: airway, sleep, behavior, growth. Dr. Goodman’s takeaway was both clinical and practical—treat upstream. Today, her team screens young patients for mouth breathing, feeding challenges, and other signals that shape treatment before problems harden into patterns.

Why it matters:

• Better outcomes by addressing root causes early

• Smoother workflows with shared protocols across providers

• Happier parents who understand the “why” behind recommendations

Collaboration as a Care Model (Not a Buzzword)

This isn’t “we refer sometimes.” It’s continuum of care—from infancy through early adulthood—with pediatric partners looped in on goals and progress. Families get aligned messaging, consistent expectations, and a team that actually talks to each other.

JA&A takeaway: Collaboration works when roles are explicit, handoffs are tight, and feedback loops are built in.

Sustainability That’s More Than a Sticker

Dr. Goodman’s practice puts its values to work through Tiny Changes, a recycling initiative supported by MASO that helps offices reduce waste. It’s practical, visible, and aligned with what today’s parents care about: healthier kids and a healthier planet.

Easy wins to consider:

• Standardize recycling at chairside and sterilization

• Audit disposables quarterly; swap in reusable where feasible

• Tell the story—patients love to see purpose in action

Cutting Through the Noise (With Respect)

From TikTok myths to well-meaning Facebook groups, today’s parents bring a lot of input. Dr. Goodman’s approach: educate without ego. Clarify what’s evidence-based, explain trade-offs, and respect differing professional opinions so families can make informed choices.

Pro move: Keep a short “Myth vs. Fact” library your whole team can reference in consults and emails.

Advice for New Owners and Partners

Thinking about a startup or partnership? Dr. Goodman’s short list:

• Vet values first. Clinical philosophy, leadership style, patient experience.

• Define seats and scorecards. Who owns what—today and at 2x growth.

• Be ready to wear hats. Startup life is “do what it takes,” then delegate with intent.

The Bottom Line

Orthodontics is evolving—and that’s good news. Early intervention, collaborative care, and sustainability aren’t trends; they’re durable strategies that create better outcomes, stronger teams, and brands families trust.

Want to learn more about Tiny Changes or connect with Dr. Goodman? Check MASO’s resources or reach out at TinyGreenChanges@gmail.com.