In the rapidly evolving world of orthodontics, running a successful practice today requires more than clinical skill. It demands strategic thinking, effective leadership, smart marketing, and streamlined operations. This is where an orthodontic consultant becomes invaluable.
Whether you’re a solo practitioner struggling to grow, a multi-location owner preparing for acquisition, or simply looking to build a stronger brand and team, an orthodontic consultant can be the catalyst for transformation.
Luke Infinger, founder of HIP Creative and the force behind LukeInfinger.com, is one of the leading voices in orthodontic consulting. With over a decade of experience, his team has helped generate more than $200 million in revenue for orthodontic clients across the U.S.
In this article, we’ll break down what an orthodontic consultant does, the benefits of working with one, and how to choose the right consultant to guide your practice forward.
How Can an Orthodontic Consultant Help?
An orthodontic consultant is a specialized advisor who helps orthodontists improve every aspect of their practice — from branding and marketing to team development and leadership. Unlike a general business coach or marketing agency, orthodontic consultants bring deep, niche-specific expertise that aligns with the clinical, operational, and business goals of orthodontists.
Luke Infinger describes his role as helping orthodontists “think like CEOs” — not just exceptional clinicians, but intentional leaders building sustainable, scalable businesses.
What Does an Orthodontic Consultant Do?
Orthodontic consultants offer tailored strategies and systems designed to increase patient acquisition, optimize team performance, improve operational efficiency, and accelerate revenue growth. Here’s a breakdown of the core services you can expect:
1. Brand Development and Market Positioning
Your brand is more than a logo — it’s the promise you make to your patients. Orthodontic consultants help practices:
-
Clarify their mission, values, and unique differentiators
-
Create a strong visual and verbal brand identity
-
Align their messaging with what today’s patients want
-
Build brand awareness in a competitive market
With Luke Infinger’s team, this process is personalized. No cookie-cutter designs — just a brand strategy that builds trust and drives growth.
2. Patient Acquisition & Retention Frameworks (PARF®)
One of the standout systems developed by HIP Creative is the Patient Acquisition and Retention Framework® (PARF®). This proven model includes:
-
Digital marketing strategy (SEO, ads, content)
-
Funnel optimization to turn clicks into consultations
-
Lead nurturing systems
-
Onboarding and retention processes
Practices using PARF® consistently report higher new patient numbers, better conversion rates, and stronger long-term retention.
3. Operational Systems and Accountability
Many orthodontists struggle with inefficiencies that bottleneck growth. A consultant helps implement:
-
Efficient operating procedures (SOPs)
-
Key performance indicators (KPIs)
-
Team accountability systems
-
Patient flow optimization
-
Financial tracking and forecasting
By installing scalable systems, practices become easier to manage and more profitable to run.
4. Leadership and Culture Coaching
A great practice starts with great leadership. Luke Infinger’s coaching focuses on helping orthodontists step confidently into their CEO role. This includes:
-
Leadership mindset and habits
-
Conflict resolution and communication skills
-
Team delegation and structure
-
Vision-setting and goal alignment
-
Building a high-performance culture
Doctors also gain access to executive coaching, training calls, and leadership development tools that empower them long after the engagement ends.
Why Work with an Orthodontic Consultant?
Here are five compelling reasons why hiring an orthodontic consultant like Luke Infinger can accelerate your practice’s growth:
1. You’re too busy to see what’s not working.
As a clinician, you’re often in the trenches. An outside consultant provides fresh eyes and a high-level view to identify blind spots and hidden opportunities.
2. You’re not hitting your growth goals.
If your revenue has plateaued or new patient numbers are inconsistent, a consultant will help diagnose the root cause and implement systems that create consistent, scalable growth.
3. You’re overwhelmed by your team or systems.
Leadership can be lonely and stressful. A consultant helps you build a team you trust and put systems in place that reduce chaos and improve efficiency.
4. You want to prepare for acquisition or scale to multiple locations.
Whether you're looking to exit in a few years or expand into a regional brand, orthodontic consultants help prepare your practice operationally and financially.
5. You’re committed to becoming a better leader.
Ultimately, the most successful practice owners view leadership as a skill to be developed. A good consultant becomes a coach, mentor, and strategic thought partner.
What Makes Luke Infinger Different?
While there are many consultants and agencies in the orthodontic space, few bring the holistic and strategic depth of Luke Infinger. Here’s what sets him apart:
-
Entrepreneurial Experience: As the founder of HIP Creative, Luke has built a nationally respected marketing and operations agency from the ground up.
-
Proven Results: He’s helped orthodontic practices generate over $200M in growth.
-
Tailored Strategy: No templates. Every engagement is custom-fit to the unique needs and goals of the practice.
-
Faith-Driven Values: Luke’s work is grounded in integrity, leadership, and personal development.
-
The HIP Way Book: His best-selling book, The HIP Way, lays out the exact roadmap practices can follow to dominate their market.
How to Know If You’re Ready for an Orthodontic Consultant
Ask yourself:
-
Am I frustrated by inconsistent results, whether in revenue or team performance?
-
Do I lack clarity about my brand or how to attract the right patients?
-
Is my practice running me, instead of the other way around?
-
Do I want to scale, exit, or lead more effectively?
-
Would I benefit from an experienced outside perspective?
If you answered “yes” to any of the above, you’re ready to have a conversation with a consultant like Luke.
Final Thoughts: Investing in Growth Starts with You
The best orthodontic consultants don’t just help you “market better” — they help you lead better, build better, and grow smarter.
As Luke Infinger says, “When you align your team, simplify your systems, and clarify your message, growth becomes inevitable.”
If you're serious about transforming your orthodontic practice into a thriving business and building a legacy beyond the operatory, consider working with a trusted consultant.