Shownotes
Clear aligners, digital workflows, and orthodontics shape the future of dental care. Dr. Leon Klempner and Amy Epstein, hosts of the Golden Age of Orthodontics podcast, explore innovations like clear aligners and lab partnerships with Darren Buddemeyer, CEO of DynaFlex. How do technology and trust-based relationships drive practice efficiency? You will hear the answer to that question and discover how labs evolve from vendors to partners, supporting orthodontists with advanced tools and collaboration to thrive in a competitive landscape.
What you will Learn in this Episode:
✅How digital orthodontic workflows enhance practice efficiency in modern orthodontics.
✅ The role of clear aligner systems and AI in overcoming corporate competition and practice consolidation.
✅ Benefits of lab partnerships with advanced 3d printing and CAD/CAM technology.
✅ Building trust-based relationships for innovation in remote monitoring.
✅ Evolving from vendors to partners using in-house printing and digital workflows.
Subscribe to the Golden Age of Orthodontics and our sister podcast, Practice Talk, hosted by Lacey Ellis, wherever you listen to stay updated on orthodontic innovation and real-world practice strategies. Visit People in Practice for more insights and to connect with our team for practice growth solutions.
TIMESTAMPS:
00:00 Clear aligners, AI, and digital workflows in orthodontics
09:13 Darren's journey at DynaFlex emphasizes trust-based relationships and team growth in orthodontics
16:52 Digital orthodontic workflows driving practice efficiency amid corporate competition and DSOs
20:40 DynaFlex and proprietary product development
25:33 Lessons on adopting 3d printing, AI, and clear aligner systems ahead of the curve for lab partnerships
29:50 Trust-based relationships are key to a successful practice
KEY TAKEAWAYS:
💎 Digital workflows and clear aligners are transforming orthodontics for better practice efficiency.
💎 DynaFlex’s lab partnership leverages CAD/CAM technology and 3d printing to support orthodontics.
💎 Digital orthodontic workflows enhance practice efficiency against corporate competition.
💎 Early adoption of AI and clear aligner systems strengthens lab partnerships in orthodontics.
ABOUT THE GUEST:
Darren Buddemeyer is the CEO of DynaFlex, an orthodontic and dental sleep medicine manufacturing company bringing bright smiles and a good nights’ sleep to thousands of people worldwide. Darren took the reins of DynaFlex 30 years ago and grew it from a very small lab to a major manufacturer of orthodontic products, orthodontic appliances and dental sleep medicine devices.
Darren learned the value of hard work from a young age. He started working at DynaFlex at the young age of 14, doing odd jobs at the lab. Every week, Darren gave his next-door neighbor – who worked not too far from the company’s lab – $10 in gas money so he could get a ride to work.
Those early lessons in the value of a hard day’s work would eventually pay dividends. Today, during Mr. Buddemeyer’ s tenure, DynaFlex has become one of the leading companies in the dental industry. Its reach is worldwide.
RESOURCES MENTIONED:
QUOTES:
"From our perspective, it's about efficiency. We want to deliver the most efficient method and process possible." Darren Buddemeyer
"We feel like innovation is the key to our long-term success. There is no doubt." Darren Buddemeyer
SEO KEYWORDS: Golden Age of Orthodontics, Dr. Leon Klempner, Amy Epstein, Orthodontics, AAO, digital workflows, orthodontics, clear aligners, AI, practice consolidation, remote monitoring, lab partnership, 3d printing, CAD/CAM, trust-based relationships, in-house printing, practice efficiency, team growth, digital orthodontic workflows, clear aligner systems
Transcripts
[00:00:19] To a partner and actively support orthodontists during these changes. Stay tuned. Our Golden Age of Orthodontics podcast sponsors make it possible for us to bring you new episodes. Kayle Owen is revolutionizing orthodontics by turning the chaos of conventional braces into custom control. Their custom digital solution helps you achieve consistent results.
[:[00:01:15] While delivering personalized care for each patient, grin provides you with dedicated assistance, enabling you to focus on providing exceptional care all while saving valuable time for you and your patients. New customers can save up to 35% on their starter package. Transform your practice better Care begins with grin.
[:[00:01:46] Narrator: The future of orthodontics is evolving and changing every day, but although the way to achieve practice growth has changed, there's never been a better time to be an orthodontist. Let's get into the minds of industry leaders, forward-thinking, [00:02:00] orthodontists and technology insiders to learn how they see the future of the orthodontic specialty.
[:[00:02:26] And now welcome to the Golden Age of Orthodontics with the co-founders of People and practice, Dr. Leon Klempner and Amy Epstein. Welcome to the
[:[00:02:53] I practiced for about 40 years on Long Island before co-founding people in practice with my partner. [00:03:00] My daughter and my podcast host, Amy Epstein. Welcome Amy.
[:[00:03:16] It speaks about retirement. Anyway, uh, I'm Amy Epstein and I am the co-host of the Golden Age and Co-founder of People in Practice. I have an MBA in marketing and. 20 years of marketing and public relations experience that I work to bring to orthodontists to help them market their practices, talk about how they're different, uh, and position them against competitors so they can capture more market share.
[:[00:04:09] She's just about the nicest human. That's just, we'll start there. She's the nicest human. She's also one of the smartest humans. She brings 20 years of orthodontic experience to people in practice and to practice talk. She's one of the very few people who really understands the full picture of things.
[:[00:05:01] Dr. Leon Klempner - Host: In addition to being one of the nicest and kindest human beings on the planet, Lacey's one of the best podcast hosts in the business as well. Present company, accepted, of course,
[:[00:05:15] Dr. Leon Klempner - Host: In her podcast, you're going to hear from unsung heroes. Of ortho practices, the treatment coordinators, the clinical assistants, the lab techs, the office managers as they talk about day-to-day real issues that they deal with.
[:[00:05:50] I think it would be especially productive if you and your staff listen to it together. Uh, we'll put a link down into the show notes.
[:[00:06:16] Under his leadership, Dyflex has expanded its digital workflow capabilities. Clear Aligner systems, advanced Lab Technologies, all while building a strong people first culture. Under his leadership, Dyflex has become a trusted partner to practices worldwide, providing high quality products, seamless digital integration, and exceptional client support.
[:[00:06:53] Darren Buddemeyer - CEO of Dynaflex: Well, thank you Amy. I appreciate that warm introduction. Thank you, Leon. I, I appreciate the opportunity to be here with, [00:07:00] with both of you today and look forward to going down this little journey of, of the podcast and.
[:[00:07:19] Dr. Leon Klempner - Host: for us. Thanks, Darren, and welcome again, Amy, you may not know this, but Darren and I have a long history together. I was a client of Dyflex when I was in private practice, and it was actually Darren, who correct me if I'm wrong, encouraged me to start a side career in public speaking.
[:[00:07:50] Darren Buddemeyer - CEO of Dynaflex: Never forget it had to give that little push. You were doing this, it must have been
[:[00:07:56] Dr. Leon Klempner - Host: Yeah. Not that big a push. When was that, Darren, [00:08:00] do you remember?
[:[00:08:05] Dr. Leon Klempner - Host: Well, anyway, I do appreciate that, and I do value the relationship and friendship that we've had over the years. Absolutely. So let me ask this question, because I've seen Dyflex grow from what I would consider relatively small, traditional lab.
[:[00:08:55] So I have a two part question to you. For you. Uh, could you [00:09:00] share a little bit about your journey with Dyflex and secondarily. What business decisions, leadership philosophies, or cultural shifts have been most critical to that kind of growth?
[:[00:09:19] I mean, it's been so enjoyable and not just from, you know, I'm running a business and, and. Our business is competing on a very high level, but, uh, you know, interacting with our teams and our people and seeing them grow and develop and, and, you know, trying to help them through their journey, um, you know, to support, uh, through.
[:[00:10:13] Um, my, my dad was, you know, hardcore blue collar and you had to brain palm a paycheck and, uh, sounds a little crazy in these times, but that's just the way it worked back then. And so I worked in the lab at 14. The problem was I couldn't drive, so the only way to get to work was find somebody who would take me.
[:[00:10:59] And [00:11:00] so, uh, you know, I started at, at the very, very bottom of the orthodontic lab business, and I'm, I'm proud of that, to be honest with you. I think it's a, it, it probably shaped me to who I am today and how I care about our teams and our people and how I try to support them. I'd been in the trenches with them for many years.
[:[00:11:49] Um, is still a custom medical device manufacturing facility and that means a lot of hands and a lot of people. Who care. [00:12:00] And you know, having the great team and people who care, giving them support and the training that they need to be outstanding at their job every day. And I think that's one of the reasons why we've been successful.
[:[00:12:34] And I think that separates Dyflex, uh, you know, in a sense that, that, you know, being a FDA registered facility with, uh, ISO 1345 Medical Device manufacturing, um. It really means something to people and, and those medical devices are very important. And Leon, you and I both know in this industry. Especially on the lab [00:13:00] side, you can be a mom and pop working outta your garage at home with the dog sitting there on your lap.
[:[00:13:30] You know, there's very few dental technology schools in America left, and, um, we've partnered with, um, the TRICARE services down in Lackland Air Force Base, and they have a full program for CDTs. We brought them to our facility and said, do this for us. And so our, our top tier technicians, they're actually going through a CDT program and, and they've made it a long way through.
[:[00:14:17] Are well educated, well trained and understand, um, you know, the, the importance of those devices that you and your colleagues deliver for many years. You know, it's not just a piece of plastic and some wires going in somebody's mouth. It's a true medical device. Mm-hmm. And I think that's helped us become the lab that we are.
[:[00:15:05] But on the other hand, now we have to do it digitally. We have to do it through, uh, CADCAM technology and, and 3D printers. So, um, and we can talk further later on about that. Um, but you know, in my background, starting in the lab business, you know, it's near and dear to my heart. Uh, I'm a very competitive person.
[:[00:15:33] Amy Epstein - Host: Yep. That's great. And you, you know, you're, it's a good segue. So you're a competitive person. Let's talk about competition a little bit. Um, you said it's a very different look than it was when you were 14 and you started at Dyflex.
[:[00:16:17] Um, but I'm curious from your perspective, because you have an interesting position. You sit. Kind of at the intersection of product and technology and practice support. So how, from your vantage point do you see technology creating those opportunities and efficiencies, um, that will allow private practices to continue to thrive in this new landscape we're dealing with?
[:[00:17:20] We have multiple integrations throughout the building. Um, and so you have now, uh, you know, full digital workflows and I think. As time goes on and, and doctors are coming outta school and, and, you know, really getting, uh, involved in their practices, they're looking at efficiencies too. So we have to be in a position to support them and mm-hmm.
[:[00:18:17] And, you know, you're taking very little time from the days where Leon was sending us the models and maybe fitting the bands and you drop it in the mail and you hope that gets that. Uh, you know, nowadays it's instantaneous and DY infusion's fully integrated into our system. So we know that those scans and, and you know, those, uh, prescriptions have been sent to us automatically.
[:[00:19:02] Mm-hmm. Um, you know, to fulfill their needs as a business. And so we wanna make it as fast and efficient as possible for those, those practices to be able to work with us and utilize Dyflex services. And Dyna Fusion has become that, uh, you know, mainstay. Digital submission platform for us that is, is so vital now to our success.
[:[00:19:38] Dr. Leon Klempner - Host: So Darren, you clearly are keeping up with the advancements on your side to address the needs of ortho practices as they incorporate.
[:[00:20:09] And I was having problems as many of our listeners probably are with our young developing class three patients who wouldn't wear their reverse headgear. And it would frustrate me, of course. Uh, and my other option, my, was to really put 'em on recall and wait for them to progress progressively get worse.
[:[00:20:34] Dr. Leon Klempner - Host: No, you, no, you did wear it. You were okay. Not the best, but you were. Okay. The point being is that I had this idea they were not wearing the appliance, and rather than just putting them on recall, I. Developed something, I had an idea of what I thought would be a more acceptable class three appliance.
[:[00:21:14] The series 2000 appliance, you've also developed the bracket system with Tito Norris. That's not typical lab work. So, uh, I wanna know how that proprietary product development aligns with your broader philosophy.
[:[00:21:41] But you never know if it's going to be successful for a lot of doctors. And it was, it was a tremendous success for a lot of of doctors. Um, and, uh, you know, we're still making those appliances today. We feel like innovation is the key to our long-term success. I mean, there's no doubt and [00:22:00] you have to, you have to be able to somewhat see the future, um, and really plan, you know, three to five years out and what's going to happen and what technology needs are gonna be, and software needs.
[:[00:22:39] And, and I love that. I, I'm always the underdog and I like that position. And, uh, we're working really hard to, to beat out of the competition and, and all those. Aspects. Um, so we love when doctors bring us ideas just like you did, and we love to partner with [00:23:00] them and work with them and see what we can develop.
[:[00:23:35] So, um, and then when it comes to, you know, really understanding the market. What's hard is not every product is gonna be successful, right? Not every appliance is gonna be successful. And so there are a lot of times when you do clinical trials and um, you know, you've invented or a doctor has, has, uh, you know, worked with you [00:24:00] to bring something to the market.
[:[00:24:26] So,
[:[00:24:31] Darren Buddemeyer - CEO of Dynaflex: What's that?
[:[00:24:38] Darren Buddemeyer - CEO of Dynaflex: Yeah. I mean, I made no money,
[:[00:24:50] Amy Epstein - Host: So, um. Darren, I wanna go back for a second and talk a little bit about, um, digital workflows and how [00:25:00] they are reshaping how practices are operating. Um, and, you know, labs have in, you know, sort of chickened egg here, but you've had to evolve alongside them. You're also pushing some of that evolution through your own innovation.
[:[00:25:33] Darren Buddemeyer - CEO of Dynaflex: Yes, I can. And, and actually I love talking about this topic, um, because when, whenever there's the new technology, there's a belief that it's going to do so much more than sometimes it does.
[:[00:26:12] It is a great way to, um, to utilize fixed appliance. This really, really is, and it's growing rapidly for us. Uh, it's one of the fastest growing areas in our, in our laboratory business. We have, um, you know, a 24 7 team in that department that's working and, and these printers are running all the time for us.
[:[00:26:59] They're [00:27:00] really just able, and for a lot of reasons, it's, it's better for them, but just scan and send. And, and scan and send is great. And, uh, it, it helps the efficiency of the practice. But when you're actually trying to fit a band, when a contact points are extremely tight, that's hard to do. Now we do a good job at it.
[:[00:27:45] So it's all about lead time. And, and we, we preach this at Dyna Flex all the time. If we deliver a quality appliance on time, most of the time our customers are gonna be really happy. We've gotta do those two things. We gotta do those two things [00:28:00] extremely well. So, I mean, we track lead times to the Y degree to make sure that we're within the tolerance for our cl for our clients.
[:[00:28:35] And, um, that appliance is ready. Typically the next deck. So goes to the lab, you know, whatever it gets in RPE or you know, some other type of attachments on it. Uh, and it's pretty much ready to go out within a few days. And so, you know, our lead times are staying extremely short because of utilizing digital technology, which in turn makes our clients very [00:29:00] happy.
[:[00:29:29] I just finished a course with the a a o with a leadership course given by Simon Sinek. Um, I think all orthodontists really should take this course because leadership is something I feel is very undervalued and misunderstood. Um, Simon talks a lot about trust in the people we work with, how foundational it is to the growth of any business.
[:[00:30:00] Darren Buddemeyer - CEO of Dynaflex: Yeah, that's extremely critical. Um, they have to have the, uh, that level of trust that, um, you know, you are going to be there for them. Um, we, whether it's in the orthodontic laboratory side where, you know, 10 appliances go perfect, and that 11 one 11th, one doesn't.
[:[00:30:46] That, um, that culture of, of, you know, trust and, and partnership in that practice means more than just knocking on a door and trying to sell them something. Of course we have great products. Of course, we work really hard on our [00:31:00] proprietary items like Morris brackets and, and others that, you know, are critical to our growth and development.
[:[00:31:26] We have to love all the people that are part of our team. And, um, it's really important that, that that message is very clear throughout the whole company. And, uh, but it's, and it's true. I mean, we do a lot of reward and recognition programs that really try. To engage our team members and more we engage our team members, the more they engage those clients and let them know.
[:[00:32:11] And our people, you know, uh, gosh, John's been there for, you know, 45 years. Um, they've talked to doctors routinely and they've really done a great job of building that trust with the doctor and, um, and their staff and, and letting them know that, um, we can be a solution. For them, we can help them through those, those difficult cases or ones that maybe they hadn't seen you for and come up with an appliance design or a process that we know is gonna work well in.
[:[00:33:04] Amy Epstein - Host: That's, uh, you know, people in practice was founded on that very same principle, which is, you know, you have a partner that could be part of your practice. Really? Yes. Just with specific expertise and that you can call on. Or email. Mm-hmm. Or that feels like someone you can trust. And so, and that's why we're called people in practice.
[:[00:33:41] Narrator: yes.
[:[00:33:45] And, and hearing about Dyflex and your journey, um, with the company, if we have listeners who would like to reach out to you for questions or mm-hmm. Further information, what's the best way that they can do that?
[:[00:34:06] Amy Epstein - Host: Great. Um, and I know that you have a couple of, uh, conferences coming up mm-hmm. That, that we just wanna mention. One is the Norris Experience, which is on October 31st through the 1st of November in San Antonio. And also exceptional aesthetics and predictable systems In December the fifth and sixth in Nashville.
[:[00:34:49] They had a lot of knowledge and a lot to share.
[:[00:35:02] Darren Buddemeyer - CEO of Dynaflex: Great. Thank you guys so much. Really appreciate it.
[:[00:35:14] You name it, wherever you get podcasts. And if you enjoyed one of our shows, we'd appreciate it if you would tell a colleague. Lastly, for more information about people and practice, you can visit our website@pplpractice.com.
[:[00:35:38] Successful businesses invest in their teams. They trust their teams, and they help them grow. These are areas that I didn't value when I first started. In practice, I viewed employees as just a line item in the p and l report. Good people are worth the investment in helping them grow. [00:36:00] So listen to the previous podcast.
[:[00:36:29] And if you'd like to contact me directly with any marketing questions or podcast topics that you'd like to hear about, just shoot me an email atLeon@pplpractice.com. And lastly, remember for forward-thinking orthodontists. It's never, ever been a better time to be an orthodontist. We're in the golden age, so take advantage of it.
[:[00:36:56] Narrator: Thank you for tuning in to the Golden Age of. Orthodontics, [00:37:00] subscribe now on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or visit our website at the golden age of orthodontics.com for direct links to both the audio and video versions of this episode.
