10 Proven CEO leadership techniques, adapted for orthodontists

Faced with greater business challenges, orthodontists must now take a more business-like approach to running their practices. In recent years, consumers considering orthodontic treatment for themselves or their children have become much more deliberate in deciding whether to commit to treatment, which practice to choose, and how much they are willing (and able) to spend. At the same time, the competition for ortho cases has become more diverse and intense. Most orthodontists are ill-prepared for responding effectively to these new market pressures due to a lack of business and leadership training. The business world, however, provides many examples of outstanding leadership. Successful Chief Executive Officers, or CEOs, demonstrate the principles, behavior patterns, and skills needed to drive organizational growth. By studying how CEOs work and adapting their methods to meet the needs of an orthodontic business, orthodontists can significantly improve their performance as managers and leaders.