Building a private orthodontic practice is no small feat. It requires not just clinical expertise but also a savvy understanding of business and marketing. In this episode of the GrowOrtho Podcast, we dive deep into Dr. Kristen Knecht’s journey from a budding orthodontist to a successful practice owner. Whether you’re just starting or looking to grow, you’ll find valuable insights to help navigate the challenges of orthodontic practice management.

Finding The Right Path: From Dermatology To Orthodontics

Dr. Knecht initially set her sights on a career in medicine, specifically dermatology. However, a chance encounter changed her trajectory. While in college, she began spending time at an orthodontic practice and discovered her passion for this blend of aesthetics and healthcare. “There’s still an art to it, and I really love it,” she explains in the podcast. This pivotal moment led her to switch from pre-med to pre-dental, eventually pursuing orthodontics at LSU.

Navigating Early Career Choices

After completing her residency at UConn, Dr. Knecht faced a crossroads. She started her career with Pacific Dental (DSO), which offered stability and a steady income. However, she quickly realized the limitations, such as lack of autonomy and fluctuating productivity across different offices. “You start to plateau,” she recalls, pointing to frustrations with varying support staff and treatment coordinators.
Seeking more control over her career, she explored an associateship. But it was clear that true satisfaction would only come from running her own practice. This decision marked the beginning of a new chapter, fraught with challenges but also full of potential.

The Decision To Go Solo

Dr. Knecht’s decision to start her own practice was driven by a desire for independence and the ability to shape her professional environment. Her experience in the DSO model, while valuable, underscored the importance of autonomy in delivering consistent patient care. She highlights, “I would never be happy unless I opened my own [practice].”
The transition wasn’t easy. Dr. Knecht had to navigate financial uncertainties, find the right location, and build a patient base from scratch. However, her strategic approach to these challenges laid the foundation for her future success.

Launching A Practice At The Onset Of A Global Pandemic

Just six weeks after opening her practice, the world was hit by the COVID-19 pandemic. For many, this timing could have spelled disaster. But Dr. Knecht saw it as an unexpected opportunity. With fewer patients initially, she had time to fine-tune her practice operations and focus on targeted marketing efforts. “Looking back, it was great timing because I didn’t have all these patients and treatment that I had to worry about,” she reflects in this episode of the GrowOrtho Podcast.
Her approach emphasized adaptability and strategic planning. By using the downtime to build a robust online presence and establish relationships with local dentists, Dr. Knecht positioned her practice for rapid growth once restrictions eased. Her decision to go all-in on marketing paid off as her practice quickly expanded post-lockdown.

Innovative Approaches To Patient Care

One of Dr. Knecht’s standout strategies has been her focus on holistic patient care, particularly her attention to airway health. She integrates orthodontic treatment with a broader healthcare approach, often referring patients to other specialists to address underlying issues like breathing problems. This holistic perspective not only differentiates her practice but also drives strong patient outcomes.
Additionally, Dr. Knecht has adopted cutting-edge technologies like indirect bonding with the KL Owen bracket system. This method allows her to maintain high standards of care while scaling up her practice. “It’s allowed my practice to grow tremendously, but without sacrificing quality at all,” she notes in the podcast.

Lessons Learned And Advice For Aspiring Orthodontists

Dr. Knecht’s journey offers several key takeaways for orthodontists considering starting their practice:
Location Matters: Choose a location with growth potential, not just convenience. A practice in a growing suburb can offer less competition and more community engagement opportunities than a saturated urban market.
Embrace Change and Innovation: Be open to new technologies and treatment methodologies. Whether it’s a focus on airway health or using advanced bracket systems, staying ahead of the curve can set your practice apart.
Invest in Marketing Early: Effective marketing is crucial, especially in the early days of a practice. Dr. Knecht’s willingness to invest in marketing efforts helped her build a patient base faster and transition to full-time private practice sooner than expected.

A Vision For The Future

Dr. Knecht’s story is a testament to the power of resilience, innovation, and strategic planning in building a successful orthodontic practice. Her focus on comprehensive patient care and willingness to adapt to changing circumstances has positioned her as a leader in her field. For any orthodontist looking to start or grow their practice, her journey on the GrowOrtho Podcast provides invaluable lessons and inspiration.

Are you ready to take your orthodontic practice to the next level? Learn from the best by listening to the GrowOrtho Podcast and start making strategic decisions today to ensure your long-term success!

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