Q&A with Dr. Megan Lecornu
Megan Lecornu
Q&A with Dr. Megan Lecornu: Mastering Efficiency with Digital Indirect Bonding
Dr. Megan Lecornu is transforming orthodontic practices with cutting-edge efficiency strategies. As a practitioner in one of the most competitive markets in the U.S., she has developed a model that maximizes productivity, reduces costs, and improves patient experience. At OP Summit 2025, she will be sharing her expertise on digital indirect bonding and how it enhances efficiency in a high-cost, high-competition environment.
Q: Dr. Lecornu, can you tell us a little about yourself and your background?
Dr. Lecornu: I was born in Colorado, attended Harvard School of Dental Medicine for dental school, and completed my orthodontic specialty training at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. I now practice in the Los Angeles area, where I currently run two practices, soon to be three. Given the competitive nature of my market and the high cost of running a practice in Southern California, I have had to adopt innovative strategies to enhance efficiency while maintaining a high-quality patient experience.
Q: What makes your practice unique?
Dr. Lecornu: One of the biggest differentiators of my practice is that we operate with 100% digital indirect bonding. I don’t direct bond any patients, which allows us to dramatically cut down on chair time and improve efficiency. With this system, we can place a full set of braces, wires included, in just 14 minutes, compared to the hour-plus that many traditional offices require.
Additionally, we leverage digital workflows, virtual monitoring, and streamlined systems to minimize the number of in-office visits while maintaining excellent patient outcomes. These efficiencies help us offset the high costs of operating in a market like Los Angeles, where overhead can reach 70% compared to lower-cost regions where it might be 35%.
Q: Who would benefit from attending your lecture at OP Summit?
Dr. Lecornu: Any orthodontist looking to improve efficiency, profitability, and patient experience can benefit. While my approach was developed out of necessity due to high overhead, these strategies can be applied in lower-cost areas to increase profit margins or even reduce working days while maintaining production. Whether you want to grow your practice, reduce stress, or streamline patient care, these efficiencies can make a significant impact.
Q: What will you be covering in your lecture?
Dr. Lecornu: My lecture will focus primarily on digital indirect bonding. I'll be breaking down:
The efficiencies created by digital indirect bonding and why we exclusively use it.
How this system reduces chair time and increases productivity.
The impact on staff workload, morale, and overall practice culture.
Real clinical cases demonstrating the effectiveness of indirect bonding.
How to implement indirect bonding in a way that maximizes practice efficiency and profitability.
Q: What are the biggest misconceptions about indirect bonding?
Dr. Lecornu: Many orthodontists think indirect bonding is primarily about finishing cases faster. While there may be a slight advantage in treatment time, the real benefit is in efficiency. Traditional practices schedule an hour and a half for bonding; we do it in 30 minutes. That means for every one start a traditional practice does, we can complete three. That’s a game-changer in terms of patient flow and revenue potential.
Another misconception is that more expensive customization equals better clinical outcomes. Some indirect bonding systems can cost over $900 per case, while others cost as little as $160. The scientific literature doesn’t show a clinical advantage to the more expensive options, so orthodontists need to assess the true ROI of their choices.
Q: How does efficiency impact profitability and staff management?
Dr. Lecornu: By increasing efficiency, we’re able to do more with fewer staff members. In Southern California, where labor costs are high, this is crucial. For example, if an assistant earns $30 per hour, do I want them assisting with one bonding procedure in 90 minutes, or three in that same time frame? The choice is obvious.
Additionally, reducing staff stress creates a better office culture. Happy staff members provide better patient experiences, leading to improved patient retention and referrals. It all feeds into a cycle of efficiency, profitability, and practice growth.
Q: Any final thoughts for orthodontists considering OP Summit 2025?
Dr. Lecornu: If you’re looking for a way to optimize your practice without sacrificing patient care or profitability, this lecture is for you. We’ll discuss not only how to implement digital indirect bonding, but also how to assess the true ROI of various technologies so you can make informed decisions for your practice.}
I look forward to seeing you in Vegas and sharing the strategies that have helped my practice thrive in one of the most competitive markets in the country!
