The Illuminate Orthodontic Podcast: Shining a Light on Orthodontist Innovators

Dr. Heather Hopkins is a forward-thinking orthodontist based in South Carolina, known for her dynamic role in orthodontic innovation. From working with companies like Invisalign, KLOwen, and GAC to developing her own patented software solution, Heather’s journey bridges clinical excellence, digital workflows, and creative problem-solving. In this episode, she shares stories from Hollywood to high-...

Dr. Jonathan Nicozisis is an influential orthodontist known for his early contributions to aligner biomechanics and his role as co-founder of The Aligner Intensive Fellowship . In addition to maintaining a thriving private practice in New Jersey, Jonathan is a sought-after speaker and educator who has mentored thousands of orthodontists through his clinical insight and provocative teaching style....

Dr. Maz Moshiri is a respected orthodontist, educator, and co-founder of The Aligner Intensive Fellowship . Practicing alongside his father and sister in St. Louis, Maz has helped over 4,000 orthodontists elevate their clear aligner expertise through this pioneering digital education platform. Known for his clinical insights and teaching style, Maz shares how he embraced orthodontic innovation thr...

Dr. Chris Bonebreak Jackson is an orthodontist, engineer, educator, and now the Director of Clinical Affairs at LightForce . Before joining the LightForce team, she practiced orthodontics in North Carolina, conducted research in 3D metal printing, and taught at UNC. Chris’s unconventional journey from MIT to Wall Street to orthodontic innovation was even profiled by The Wall Street Journal . On th...

Dr. Chris Cetta hosts a special Illuminate Live edition of the podcast recorded during the AAO Annual Session in Miami Beach. This orthodontic innovator round table brings back to the podcast Dr. John Pham of InBrace , Dr. Alfred Griffin III of LightForce Orthodontics , and Dr. Adam Schulhof of Grin , three of the most forward-thinking orthodontists shaping the future of the profession. With their...

Dr. Blair Feldman is a board-certified orthodontist, innovator, and co-founder of Retainer Club , a subscription-based service helping orthodontists simplify post-treatment care. After two decades operating successful orthodontic practices in Arizona, Blair transitioned into the world of entrepreneurship, bringing fresh innovation to the often-overlooked space of orthodontic retention. On this epi...

Orthodontist and tech innovator Dr. Adam Schulhof has built a career at the intersection of patient experience and clinical excellence. Known for his early leadership in lingual orthodontics, Adam is also the founder of Grin , a remote monitoring platform designed to modernize the orthodontic journey through convenience and digital care. In this episode, Adam shares how his passion for innovation...

Dr. Chris Feldman is a passionate Louisiana-based orthodontist known for his charismatic personality, mullet haircut, and unwavering authenticity. While he may be considered an “analog” orthodontist who prefers traditional twin brackets over the latest tech, Chris brings powerful insights on leadership, profitability, and culture-building that every orthodontic innovator can learn from. On this ep...

Dr. Jamie Reynolds is an orthodontist, innovator, and entrepreneur who has made a lasting impact on the orthodontic profession. From co-founding the patient financing platform OrthoFi to launching the private equity-backed group Orthodontic Partners , Jamie has helped shape how orthodontic practices grow, scale, and innovate. He is also a respected speaker and thought leader who continues to influ...

Dr. Chris Teeters and Dr. Brian Anderson are two orthodontists known not only for their clinical expertise and leadership, but also for co-founding the popular online community Orthodontic Pearls . Together, they helped launch the Mother of Pearls Conference (MOPC), now one of the most well-attended meetings for orthodontic innovation. They’re also members of the orthodontist rock band Relapse , c...

Dr. Lisa Alvetro is a respected orthodontist, educator, and philanthropist known for her clinical expertise with the Forsus™ Appliance and her forward-thinking approach to digital orthodontics. A longtime innovator in the specialty, Dr. Alvetro has helped integrate 3D printing and in-house aligners into everyday practice. She also founded Smiles of Hope, a charitable organization supporting childr...

Dr. Grant Collins, perhaps better known as The Braces Guy ®, is a Minnesota-based orthodontist and one of the most recognized social media innovators in the orthodontic profession. As the founder of Collins Orthodontics , Grant has built a mission-driven practice rooted in customer service excellence, positive office culture, and creative outreach beyond traditional orthodontic boundaries. On this...

Dr. Sebastian Baumgaertel is an internationally recognized orthodontist, innovator, and educator with deep expertise in temporary anchorage devices (TADs) and skeletal anchorage systems. With a background in both private practice and academics at Case Western Reserve University, Dr. Baumgaertel brings a wealth of clinical insight to the profession. On this episode, you will discover: Why TADs ofte...

Dr. Patrice Smith is an orthodontist, entrepreneur, and the innovative voice behind The Unorthodoc blog and brand. As the founder of Infinity Orthodontics in Washington, DC, Dr. Smith uses her platform to empower fellow orthodontists—especially women and Black professionals—with practical advice and personal storytelling. Her career blends clinical excellence with authentic social media branding a...

Dr. John Pham is a trailblazing orthodontist, tech entrepreneur, and co-founder of InBrace . With a background in aerospace engineering and a deep commitment to innovation, Dr. Pham shares how he’s reshaping orthodontics by challenging outdated methods and expanding access to care. His story is a powerful example of how orthodontic innovation can transform not just treatment modalities—but the pro...

Dr. Alfred Griffin III is a Harvard-trained orthodontist and the founder of LightForce Orthodontics — the first company to introduce a fully customized, 3D-printed bracket system. As a respected innovator in orthodontic technology, Dr. Griffin blends his academic background with entrepreneurial vision to shape the future of the orthodontic profession. On this episode, you will discover: How Dr. Gr...

Dr. David Sarver is an world-renowned orthodontist, author, and educator best known for his pioneering work on smile arc, dentofacial esthetics, and the soft tissue paradigm. A true orthodontic innovator, Dr. Sarver has spent decades shaping the future of the profession through clinical excellence, academic mentorship, and esthetic-driven treatment planning. On this episode, you will discover: How...

Dr. Brandon Owen is an orthodontist, innovator, and the founder of KLOwen Braces , a custom digital bracket system that is redefining the future of orthodontics. He is the recipient of the first-ever AAO Innovator Award and a passionate advocate for innovation within the orthodontic profession. On this episode, you will discover: How Dr. Owen created an orthodontic bracket system that improves eff...

Dr. Tito Norris is a leading orthodontist, innovator, and entrepreneur based in San Antonio, Texas. He is the founder of Stone Oak Orthodontics and the creator of the Norris 20/26 System , a passive self-ligating bracket system designed to enhance treatment efficiency and clinical outcomes. Known for his inventive thinking and commitment to work-life balance, Dr. Norris brings a fresh perspective...

Dr. Bryan Lockhart is an orthodontist, innovator, and co-founder of Dual Image Orthodontics in Charlotte, North Carolina. Together with his wife, Dr. Lauren Rennick Lockhart, he’s developed a fully digital orthodontic workflow, launched an in-house aligner brand, and created a patent-pending surgical appliance designed for clear aligner orthognathic cases. As a Morehouse graduate and UNC dental al...

Renowned orthodontist and innovator Dr. Dave Paquette is widely recognized for his expertise in orthodontic clinical efficiency and forward-thinking treatment philosophies. With an influential career spanning involvement with Invisalign, the Damon System, and now Henry Schein Orthodontics, Dr. Paquette has helped shape the future of orthodontics through innovation, leadership, and education. On th...

Dr. Ben Fishbein is the founder of Fishbein Orthodontics , a multi-location practice on the Gulf Coast of Florida known for its bold branding, strong community involvement, and innovative approach to marketing. A nationally recognized speaker and practice growth strategist, Dr. Fishbein shares real-world insights that challenge conventional thinking in the orthodontic profession. On this episode,...

A podcast to shine a light on the innovators of the orthodontic profession.  This track is an introduction to the show and host Dr. Chris Cetta. For more information about the podcast, head over to www.illuminateorthopodcast.com .