Q&A with Dr. Bryan Lockhart
Dr. Bryan Lockhart
Q&A with Dr. Bryan Lockhart: The Reality of Digital Orthodontics – Hype or the Future?
Dr. Bryan Lockhart is a leading expert in digital orthodontics, focusing on how technology can redefine efficiency, profitability, and patient care. At OP Summit 2025, he’ll be diving into what it truly means to run a digital orthodontic practice and whether investing in technology is worth it. In this Q&A, he breaks down the key elements of a digital office, the misconceptions about profitability, and why orthodontists should consider integrating digital solutions.
Q: Dr. Lockhart, can you give us a brief background on yourself and your expertise?
Dr. Lockhart: My focus has always been on digital orthodontics and leveraging technology to run a practice differently than the traditional model. I’ve spent my career refining what it means to operate a fully digital practice—not just incorporating one or two pieces of technology, but creating a system that integrates efficiency at every level.
The big misconception is that implementing digital orthodontics is expensive and cuts into profitability. My lecture is focused on two key questions: What does it mean to run a truly digital practice? And is it actually profitable, or just a passing trend?
Q: What will orthodontists learn from your lecture at OP Summit 2025?
Dr. Lockhart: I’m going to break it down into two main parts:
Defining a Digital Orthodontic Office – What does it take to actually call your practice “digital”? Is it one scanner? A certain workflow? I’ll be walking through the key components that define a modern digital practice.
The Profitability Myth – Many orthodontists hesitate to invest in digital solutions because they assume the high costs outweigh the benefits. I’ll show how the right digital tools create efficiencies that actually reduce overhead and improve profitability.
Q: What specific technologies are part of this digital ecosystem?
Dr. Lockhart: The main theme is customization. Traditional orthodontic treatment often uses one-size-fits-all brackets. With digital technology, we now have fully customized treatment solutions for every patient:
Custom Braces – Each bracket is designed specifically for a patient’s individual tooth anatomy using digital treatment planning.
Lingual Braces – Fully digital setups ensure precision and efficiency.
Clear Aligners – Custom-manufactured aligners tailored for each patient’s case.
Remote Monitoring – Allows us to track progress without unnecessary in-office visits, keeping chairs open and maximizing efficiency.
All of these components allow orthodontists to plan and execute treatments with greater accuracy, reducing the need for excessive visits and ensuring streamlined workflows.
Q: What’s the biggest benefit for orthodontists adopting this model?
Dr. Lockhart: Time. The real advantage of digital orthodontics isn’t just efficiency—it’s the freedom it provides. When you remove unnecessary appointments and optimize workflows, you gain time. That could mean:
Working fewer days per week
Hiring fewer employees
Handling more patients without increasing workload
For some orthodontists, that means spending more time with family. For others, it’s about scaling their practice without adding stress. The key takeaway is that digital orthodontics isn’t just about technology—it’s about creating choices and flexibility in how you run your business.
Q: Will you be showing real-world case studies and examples?
Dr. Lockhart: Absolutely. I’ll be showing actual cases where digital workflows reduced treatment time and improved profitability. Many orthodontists are skeptical about whether this approach truly works, so I’ll be presenting clear examples to back it up.
Q: Any final thoughts for orthodontists considering OP Summit 2025?
Dr. Lockhart: If you’re on the fence about integrating digital orthodontics or wondering if it’s worth the investment, this lecture is for you. I’ll be cutting through the hype and showing what really works, what doesn’t, and how to maximize the benefits of digital workflows.
Digital orthodontics isn’t just a trend—it’s the future. If you want to stay ahead of the curve, OP Summit 2025 is the place to be. Looking forward to seeing you in Vegas!
