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Dr. Patrick AssiounLiving the American DreamBUSINESS PRACTICE& DEVELOPMENTGrowth Decision & Practice JourneyBy Dr. Scott LawMARKETING/SOCIAL MEDIAChanging Consumer Habits and Marketing For 2015By Angela WeberTEAM DEVELOPMENT15 Key Points to Improve Your New Case AcceptanceBY Charlene WhiteQ4 2014

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inside thisedition.BUSINESS PRACTICE& DEVELOPMENTCOVER STORYDr. Patrick Assioun10PageFocus on the Businessof Orthodontics32by ben Burris14Payment Plan CompaniesWhat Works for Usby Dr. Mark Bronsky26Addressing Financial Gravityby Garrett B. Gunderson,with Brett Sellers, CPA40The Parent Trapby Terri Rice and a ProOrtho Doc44Another “Crappy” EmployeeBites the Dust!by Wayne PearsonMARKETING/SOCIAL MEDIA20young docs48Rules of EngagementNever Cross the LineBY Ben BurrisTEAMDEVELOPMENT2415 Key Points to Improve YourNew Case AcceptanceBY Charlene White52Growth Decision & Practice JourneyBY Scott Law54PRACTICE PROFILE17Getting to know Dr. Derek Straffon32Meet Dr. Patrick Assioun50An Interview with Dr. David ButlerLIFESTYLE58Holiday Gift GuideMISCELLANEOUS9Consumer Awareness PSAsProducts to WatchBY jeff behan60Let’s Simplify MarketingResourcesby Adam Mead30What’s Next?by Angela Weber2The ideas, views and opinions in each article are the opinion of the named author. They do not necessarily reflect the views of The Progressive Orthodontist, its publisher, oreditors. The Progressive Orthodontist (“Publication”) DOES NOT provide any legal or accounting advice and the individuals reading this Publication should consult with theirown lawyer for legal advice and accountant for accounting advice. The Publication is a general service that provides general information and may contain information of a legalor accounting nature. There is no guarantee or warranty regarding the information contained in the Publication and we are not responsible for any loss, injury, claim, liability,or damage (“damages”) related to your use of the information contained in the Publication or from errors or omissions in the content of the Publication. While we have workedto make our Publication and all the features in the Publication as helpful as possible, the Publication does not endorse any content provided by any feature, nor does it assumeany responsibility for the interpretation or application of any information originating from such content. In addition, The Progressive Orthodontist does not endorse any contentcontained in any advertising on the Publication, nor does it assume any responsibility for the quality or integrity of such work. Content is property of The Progressive Orthodontistand may not be copied or otherwise duplicated without prior written consent from The Progressive Orthodontist. All content contributed to The Progressive Orthodontist magazinebecomes the property of SmileMedia. The publisher assumes no responsibility for return of unsolicited manuscripts, art, photos or other content.It’s just BUSINESS

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Editor’s NotePublisherHard to believe we are approachingthe end of 2014. Where has this yeargone? Seems just a few months ago wewere setting resolutions, committingto new diet or work-out plans andmaking a list of goals for the New Year.As we reflect on the year, 2014 hascertainly seen some major changes withthe Progressive Orthodontist and weare excited about the direction we areheaded for 2015. Change is good!I would like to take this time to thankall of our advertisers, contributors, andstaff writers for your wonderful supportthroughout the year. Without you, thismagazine would not be possible and wegreatly appreciate the time and financialcommitment you have given. We arerapidly becoming the most successfulpublication in the industry and for thatwe thank – you the SUBSCRIBERS!For our 2014 closing edition CoverDoc, we thought it only fitting to featureone of the country’s top orthos – Dr.Patrick Assioun. (See our cover storypages 30-36). I was inspired by hisstory and have a tremendous amountof respect for the level of commitmentand dedication that he has given to hiseducation and career. We look forwardto seeing what the future holds for Dr.Assioun and we’re sure he will help leadthe profession towards its next iteration.We are also excited to announce anew section of the magazine �–––“Change is the law oflife. And those wholook only to the past orpresent are certain tomiss the future. ”–John F. ��–––Young-Docs. Over the past severalmonths, ProOrtho and DENTSPLYGAC have been busy building this newStudy Group for orthodontic residentsand orthodontists in practice for lessthan five years. The closed Facebookgroup was created to reduce the learningcurve new doctors encounter by havingmore experienced doctors availableand accessible. By sharing failures andsuccesses, we hope to help youngerdoctors avoid the problems and pitfallsthat are all too common. Check itout and send us a request to join atFacebook.com/groups/GACyoungdocs/And, as the end of the year draws near,we have offered some Holiday Gift Ideasin our Lifestyle Section. For you lastminute shoppers – you are welcome!From everyone here at The ProOrthoMagazine, we wish you, your families, andyour team a wonderful Holiday Seasonand we look forward to the excitingchanges that 2015 has in store for us.100% Money Back GuaranteeWe are so sure you will loveThe Progressive Orthodontist magazine and see your investment returned many timesover, that we will refund the entire subscription cost if you don’t agree! The first issue willstill be yours to keep. *Request for refund must be received within 30 days of receiving your first issue.4It’s just BUSINESSSmileMedia, LLCExecutive EditorTerri Riceterri@smilemediallc.comContent AdvisorsBen Burris, DDS, MDSJohn Graham, DDS, MDScott Law, DDS, CAGSLou Shuman, DDS, CAGSJohn McManaman, DDS, MDSCreative DirectorSherri J. DewigThe Progressive Orthodontistmagazine and study group areyour educational resources fornew trends, progressive insightsand best practices for building asuccessful orthodontic practice in2014 and beyond.CHECK USOUT ONLINEwww.theproortho.com

CONTRIBUTORSdavid butlerArticle on page 50BEN BURRIS DDS, MDSArticle on page 10Contrarian, philanthropist, rabble-rouser,thought leader, business man, loud mouth,prime mover and visionary. These are but a fewof the terms used to describe Ben Burris. Nomatter which label you choose or what personalopinions you hold, none can deny that Dr.Burris continues to change the conversation indentistry - especially in orthodontics.Burris is a doer with an uncanny eye forfinding opportunities to improve and anunflinching resolve to pursue and implementpositive change above all else. Dr. Burrisgraduated from The Citadel, in Charleston,SC, with a BS in biology prior to receiving hisDDS from the University of Tennessee - HealthScience Center’s College of Dentistry in 2001where he then completed his orthodonticresidency and received his MDS in 2004.As a clinical professor at RosemanUniversity, owner of one of the largestpractices in North America, creator of Smilefor a Lifetime Foundation, co-owner of TheProgressive Orthodontist Magazine andStudy Group and key opinion leader to someof the industry’s heavy hitters, Ben bringsunparalleled perspective to the conversation.More than anything, Ben enjoys teaching thebusiness of running a practice and providingreal-world tips on managing a successfuldental business. Ben can be reached atbgbdds@yahoo.comDr. Butler received his dental school trainingat the Oregon Health and Science UniversitySchool of Dentistry, where he graduatedwith honors. He then went on to completehis orthodontic training at the University ofLouisville, where he served as Class Presidentand earned both a certificate in Orthodonticsand a Master’s degree in Oral Biology. During hiseducation, he also participated in several researchprojects and was the recipient of numerousawards. Due to his excellence in clinical skills, Dr.Butler was also invited to serve as a teacher bothduring dental school and residency.A self-diagnosed “tooth nerd,” Dr. Butlerwants his patients to not only have straight teethand a healthy, stable bite, but also a confidentsmile that lights up the face and reflects thepatient’s unique personality. What really makeshis day is seeing the changes, not only in thepatient’s teeth, but in their lives as well.After graduating, Dr. Butler practiced inTexas but is now truly excited be back withhis family and friends in the Northwest andproviding top-quality orthodontic treatment inRichland, Washington. He lives in Kennewickwith his wife, Briana, their sons Trenton andDallas, and daughters Brooklyn, Lexi and Ali.He is an avid golfer andoutdoorsman andenjoys camping,fishing, and naturephotography.SCott LawArticle on page 52Dr. Scott Law is a leader who is willing to take risk for thebetterment of the industry. He has made and continues to makemany investments in ways to help patients and orthodontistssucceed. Scotte Hudsmith is an entrepreneur that has beensuccessful in several organizations over the past 25 years. Hehas been CEO, President, COO, CFO and he has led the salesand marketing efforts at many of the organizations. Thecombination of Dr. Law’s industry leadership and Scotte’sexperience make for a unique formula that will no doubt lead toan amazingly successful Orthodontic focused business.6It’s just BUSINESSGarrett b. gundersonArticle on page 26A passionate, natural-born entrepreneur,Garrett became a multimillionaire by the ageof 26 and has dedicated his life to teachingothers the same economic principles thathe has lived by. Freedom FastTrack is thedirect result of his desire to teach others theeconomic principles to freedom that havegotten him where he is today.Garrett has become a founder, partner,or executive of several successful companiesincluding Freedom FastTrack and TheAccredited Network. He is the NY TimesBest-selling author of Killing Sacred Cows:Overcoming the Financial Myths That AreDestroying Your Prosperity.He resides in South Jordan, Utah, with hiswife Carrie and sons Breck and Roman.g@freedomfasttrack.com freedomfasttrack.comWayne PearsonArticle on page 44Wayne is the Chief Operating Officer forGateway Ventures, L.L.C. - one of the largestprivately held orthodontic practices inNorth America. Pearson is an entrepreneurand executive manager with 10 years ofcontinuous success developing, implementing,growing, and improving the performanceand profitability of start-up to mid-sizedorganizations. He is an experienced innovator,researcher, developer, implementer, manager,and leader. Before moving to Arkansas,Pearson was President of SwapSmart inPhoenix, AZ for five years where he developedbusiness models and financial plans forindoor mini-mall concepts that capitalizedon recessed demand incommercial big-boxreal estate. Waynereceived his Bachelorof Science degree atArizona State in 2003in CommunicationServices andPolitics.