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The Orthopreneurs Podcast with Dr. Glenn Krieger
What does it mean to become an Orthopreneur? Hi there! My name is Dr. Glenn Krieger and I believe that in today’s competitive world, the orthodontic and dental communities should be collaborative. And I've created Orthopreneurs so that we can move towards that goal together. Orthodontists are smart people. You’ve accomplished a lot to get where you are, but chances are you never got a formal education in how to run the most effective and lowest stress practice possible. Don’t sweat it! Because we’ve got your back... Being an Orthopreneur means that you’re a part of a community. A community that brings peers together to become the best clinicians and the best business owners they can be. Becoming an Orthopreneurs means you never ever need to practice alone. Join the FREE Facebook group by simply applying:https://www.facebook.com/groups/OrthoPreneurs
The Orthopreneurs Podcast with Dr. Glenn Krieger
Orthodontist Income Has Dropped 60%. Here’s What You Can Do About It l 5MF
Why Are Orthodontists Earning Less Than They Were in 1985?
In this Five Minute Friday, I break down a chart that shocked me—and it should shock you too.
Using inflation-adjusted dollars, the average orthodontist took home $906,000 in 1985. Today? That number is down to $357,000.
So what happened?
While many blame technology, staffing, or insurance, the real reason might be more personal: are we focusing on clinical excellence at the expense of business excellence?
I’m not here to bash anyone. In fact, I know dozens of docs who take home $2 million or more every year—because they treat their practice like a business. This episode is your wake-up call and invitation to build the practice you actually want, not just the one you’ve settled into.
QUOTES
“If you’re not taking home $1 million a year and you want to be, what’s stopping you?”
— Dr. Glenn Krieger
“The average income has dropped 60% since 1985—and the slope of that line is still going down.”
— Dr. Glenn Krieger
Key Takeaways
Intro & inflation-adjusted income insights (00:00)
The $906K average in 1985—and the steep decline to $357K today (01:25)
Why tech and overhead aren’t the only reasons for the drop (03:00)
The difference between average and exceptional practices (04:10)
How your focus (clinical vs. business) directly affects your income (06:00)
Are you surrounding yourself with growth-oriented peers? (07:30)
A call to rethink your current income ceiling (08:45)
What a $2.5M practice at 50% overhead really means (09:45)
Coaching preview & what’s coming with Ortho Vanguard Intensive (11:10)
Additional Resources
I’ve seen firsthand how orthodontists can double—or quadruple—their income by shifting their mindset from “clinician” to “practice owner.”
If you’re not where you want to be—and you know you could be—reach out. Whether it’s staffing, systems, marketing, or conversion, I’ve had this conversation hundreds of times, and I’d love to have it with you. DM me or join the Orthopreneurs Facebook group to start finding real answers.opSummit2025.com
- For more information, visit: https://orthopreneurs.com/
- Join our FREE Facebook group here: https://www.facebook.com/groups/OrthoPreneurs