Inside the Mind of Smile Doctors’ CEO: Leadership, Growth & Culture

What does it take to build and run a billion-dollar orthodontic empire? Jay Hedrick – CEO of Smile Doctors, knows the answer firsthand.

I had the honor of having a conversation with Jay, an experienced executive with a wealth of experience in private equity-backed companies. He sheds light on what it’s like running a multi-billion-dollar orthodontic organization and the day in the life of a CEO.

Among many other interesting insights, Jay dispels the myth that corporate orthodontics is focused solely on profits. Smile Doctors prioritizes creating value for patients and doctors alike to ensure a win-win scenario for all stakeholders.

This episode provides a behind-the-scenes peek into private equity in our profession, equity opportunities, and what drives a successful OSO.

Key Takeaways

• ay Hedrick’s background and career journey (00:52)

• Day-to-Day Life of a CEO (12:13)

• Private Equity and its Role in Smile Doctors (14:44)

• Equity and value creation in Smile Doctors (20:53)

• Joint venture model and its benefits (26:36)

• Bolt-On and De Novo strategies (30:13)

• Cultural alignment and patient care in OSO/DSOs (32:51)

• Advice for orthodontists joining OSOs or DSOs (35:21)

Additional Resources

– Smile Doctors: https://smiledoctors.com/

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