If you're an orthodontist with big dreams, dreams of scaling your practice, improving your work-life balance, and ultimately building a business that gives back more than it takes, the right orthodontic consultant can help you achieve it all.
But here’s the truth: Not all consultants are created equal.
Some offer cookie-cutter advice that’s disconnected from real practice growth. Others simply recycle tactics from other industries without understanding the unique needs of orthodontics. And then there are a few who’ve cracked the code, those who’ve helped build 8-figure practices, understand the technology and systems driving the industry forward, and offer a proven roadmap for practice owners ready to level up.
So how do you separate the real growth partners from the pretenders?
This post is your ultimate checklist for choosing the right orthodontic consultant, the one who will not just increase your revenue, but transform your life and practice.
1. Proven Results in Orthodontics, Not Just Consulting
Let’s start with the basics. If a consultant hasn’t directly helped orthodontic practices grow, they’re not right for you.
Look for a track record that speaks for itself. At HIP Creative, Luke Infinger has helped dozens of orthodontists scale from $2 million to over $25 million in annual revenue, using tailored systems and frameworks designed specifically for the orthodontic industry. He didn’t just theorize growth; he executed it.
Key Question to Ask: Can you show me real-world case studies or numbers from practices you’ve helped grow?
2. A Framework That Goes Beyond Marketing
Most consultants will talk about leads and patient acquisition. But sustainable growth doesn’t come from leads alone.
What happens after the phone rings? How do you turn interest into consults, consults into starts, and starts into raving fans? The right consultant will bring a holistic, operational framework that connects every stage of the patient journey.
Luke’s PARF (Patient Acquisition and Retention Framework) was built to do just that, align marketing, operations, and retention in one repeatable, scalable system.
Pro Tip: Ask about how they integrate with your operations team, not just your marketing efforts.
3. Real Entrepreneurial Experience
An ideal consultant isn’t just an advisor, they’re a builder.
Luke’s story started at Chick-fil-A, evolved into motion graphics in NYC, and eventually became a journey of building businesses, from a video marketing agency to a growth consultancy serving top-tier orthodontists nationwide.
That entrepreneurial grit translates into a consultant who understands the highs and lows of business ownership, from hiring and expansion to software development and lifestyle design.
Why It Matters: You want someone who’s walked the talk, not just read the books.
4. Customized Growth Plans, Not One-Size-Fits-All
If a consultant promises you results without understanding your unique market, team, tech stack, or lifestyle goals, that’s a red flag.
The best orthodontic consultants custom-build a roadmap around where you are now and where you want to go.
Some orthodontists want to dominate their regional market with 10 or more offices. Others want to maximize one flagship location for efficiency and freedom. Your consultant must support either and help you decide which is right for you.
Checklist Item: Ensure your consultant starts with an in-depth assessment of your practice, goals, and market dynamics.
5. Tech-Savvy, Automation-First Thinking
Today’s fastest-growing practices don’t just use technology, they leverage it as a strategic advantage.
From digital consults and automated appointment reminders to advanced CRM systems and online scheduling, your consultant should be focused on streamlining operations through tech.
Luke helped develop PracticeBeacon, a software platform that automates lead follow-up and helps practices scale without adding to the doctor’s burden. That’s the kind of innovation-forward mindset you want in your corner.
Bottom Line: Your consultant should save you time, not create more work.
6. Willingness to Challenge the Status Quo
Orthodontics is evolving rapidly. The consultants who still recommend outdated advertising models or ignore digital-first patient preferences are setting you up to fall behind.
You need someone who isn’t afraid to say, “What you’re doing isn’t working. Here’s what will.”
Whether it's introducing a centralized call center, rethinking your treatment coordinator workflow, or transitioning to remote consults, the right consultant should guide you through bold moves with confidence.
Ask This: How have your strategies evolved in the last 3 years?
7. Transparent, Ethical, Long-Term Relationships
This is a partnership, not a transaction. Your consultant should:
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Be honest about what's working and what’s not
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Be accessible when you need help
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Offer ongoing support, not a one-time engagement
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Value your lifestyle and family goals, not just practice revenue
Luke’s own evolution, from chasing financial goals to prioritizing family and freedom, gives him a unique ability to help orthodontists create practices that serve their lives, not consume them.
Red Flag: If your consultant isn’t asking about your personal and lifestyle goals, they’re missing the big picture.
8. A Clear, Simple Process to Get Started
Time is your most precious asset. You shouldn't need weeks of back-and-forth to figure out if a consultant is right for you.
Look for someone who offers a clear application process, followed by a discovery call or assessment that gives you immediate clarity.
Luke offers a simple “Apply to Work With Me” model on his site, where you can begin the conversation without pressure or confusion.
Next Step: Visit lukeinfinger.com and apply.
The Final Word: You’re Not Just Hiring a Consultant, You’re Choosing a Guide
Growing your practice doesn’t need to be chaotic. It should feel strategic, exciting, and purposeful.
The right orthodontic consultant will become your strategic partner in building not just a more profitable practice, but a more meaningful life. They’ll help you work on your business, not in it. They’ll give you the playbook you never got in dental school.
Luke Infinger isn’t just another business coach. He’s an entrepreneur, growth strategist, and partner to orthodontists who are serious about unlocking their next level.
Ready to Transform Your Practice?
If you want to:
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Generate more patients
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Build a team that runs without micromanagement
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Create more time for your family
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Finally feel in control of your business and your future
Then it’s time to work with someone who’s done it and can help you do it, too.
Apply to Work With Luke at lukeinfinger.com