Earlier this year, Pride Institute unveiled its new Orthodontic Division. After 35 years as a respected resource in the dental community, they have introduced a unique practice management program geared specifically for orthodontists. I recently had the opportunity to interview Dr. Lou Shuman, President of Pride Institute about their new role in the orthodontic specialty.
ProOrtho:
Lou, tell us what prompted Pride to enter the orthodontic specialty, and why now, after all these years.
Dr. Shuman:
The decision to move into the orthodontic specialty is one that’s been two years in the making. It has been a priority and a part of the plan since the day I joined Pride. As you know, I was a practicing orthodontist for 18 years before serving as Vice President of Clinical Education and Strategic Relations at Align Technology. Several pivotal changes have taken place in the market that directly impact our specialty today. Clear aligners changed the game. We’re addressing the new relationships orthodontists have with GPs; Are they referrers or competitors? Align opened the door to marketing directly to the consumer and there’s no question that this approach has had an economic effect on the orthodontic specialty.
ProOrtho:
Pride Institute also recently announced your Preferred Partner program with GAC. Tell us what this means to orthodontists.
Dr. Shuman:
Yes. We’re very excited about the partnership we’ve developed with GAC. Pride has never discounted our consulting services before but now member orthodontists can use their UOBG coupons towards Pride services and receive preferred pricing as well. As a result of this partnership, their customers also have access to content that we’ve developed exclusively for GAC. The tools we’ve created are customized to meet the unique needs of the orthodontist as a business owner and leader and we’ve worked hard to create an approach to practice management that enables orthodontists to work smarter than ever before.
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