Q&A Dr. Yan Kalika
Dr. Yan Kalika
From Boardroom to Brackets: The Strategic Mind Behind Ortho Innovation
Dr. Yan Kalika, DMD, MS is a certified specialist in orthodontics and dentofacial orthopedics, and the founder and CEO of Image Orthodontics—a leading destination for technology-driven treatment and personalized care. A graduate of Harvard School of Dental Medicine and UC Berkeley, he also holds a Master’s in Oral Biology from UCSF, where he now serves as an Associate Clinical Professor.
With over 20 years of experience, Dr. Kalika is known for blending AI-powered innovation with strategic growth. He has completed two private equity transactions, expanded into multi-specialty models, and developed systems that make orthodontics more efficient and scalable. A chess master and national lecturer, he brings a rare mix of clinical excellence and entrepreneurial insight to everything he does.
At OP Summit 2025, he’ll share how to build the future-forward practice—one smart move at a time.
Q: Dr. Kalika, your story is unique—you’ve built and sold not one, but two orthodontic groups. What makes your journey stand out?
A: I started as a solo orthodontist in California and grew into a multi-location, multi-specialty operation. What’s rare is that I’ve gone through two separate private equity transactions—I scaled, sold, and then did it again. That experience gave me a deep understanding of practice valuation, scaling strategy, and how to build a business investors and patients love.
Along the way, I added pediatric dentistry and oral surgery, building an integrated model. It wasn’t easy—but it made the business more diverse, efficient, and profitable. And outside of ortho? I’m also an international chess master—I use that mindset daily to anticipate, plan, and execute every move in business.
Q: Your lecture is titled “Transforming Dentistry with AI.” What innovations will you be covering—and how have they fueled your success?
A: I’ll focus on practical ways AI is already transforming orthodontics. In my clinics, we use AI for treatment planning, patient communication, remote monitoring, and workflow optimization. I’ll show how these tools increase profit margins, reduce chair time, and improve patient experience.
I’ll also talk about partnerships with tech companies, like Straumann, and how leveraging their digital infrastructure helped me stay ahead. From outsourcing aligner fabrication to implementing Salesforce-driven data systems, this isn’t theoretical—it’s what we’re doing right now, and it’s scalable.
Q: Many doctors aren’t familiar with private equity. Will you cover that side of the business too?
A: Yes—and I’ll keep it simple. I’ll explain how to make your practice “investment-ready”, even if you’re not planning to sell. That means optimizing systems, profitability, and leadership.
More importantly, I’ll walk through the metrics PE groups look for—and how knowing them can help any practice become more efficient. Whether you’re in growth mode or just want to future-proof your business, understanding the PE mindset is incredibly valuable.
Q: What do you hope orthodontists take away from your session?
A: I want them to see that the future is now. AI, automation, and platform thinking aren’t optional anymore—they’re tools to grow, simplify, and scale.
Whether you're a solo practitioner or part of a DSO, I’ll show how you can apply these principles today. I also hope to expand mindsets: this isn’t just about straightening teeth—it’s about running a next-generation healthcare enterprise. And yes, I’ll probably mention a few chess strategies along the way. (Laughs.)
Q: Any final advice for doctors considering your lecture or thinking about innovating their practice?
A: Don’t wait to innovate. Whether it’s automating your follow-ups, adding remote monitoring, or forming the right partnerships—it’s never too early to start. My session will give you ideas, tools, and the vision to take action now.
And remember: orthodontics can be both a fulfilling clinical career and a powerful business platform. I’m living proof of that—and I’m excited to help others see what’s possible.
Play bigger. Think smarter. Lead the future.
Join Dr. Yan Kalika at OP Summit 2025 in Las Vegas.
🎟 Use promo code KALIKA200 to save $200 on registration.
Innovation is no longer optional—it’s your next move.
