Q&A with Dr. Dan Bills
Dr. Dan Bills
In the midst of the 2008 economic freefall, a young orthodontist in Southern New Jersey took a bold leap of faith by opening Innovative Orthodontics. Over a decade later, Dr. Dan Bills stands at the forefront of orthodontic innovation—with three thriving locations, faculty roles at Harvard and the University of Pennsylvania, and a reputation as one of the industry’s sharpest minds. Ahead of his session, “The Algebra of Orthodontic Efficiency: How to Work Smarter and Live Better,” at the Orthopreneurs Summit in Las Vegas, we sat down with Dr. Bills to discuss his revolutionary approach to orthodontic practice.
Q: What inspired you to launch Innovative Orthodontics in 2008, despite the challenging economic climate?
Dr. Bills: I saw an opportunity where others saw risk. While many were tightening their belts, I believed that by rethinking our workflows and embracing efficiency, we could not only weather the storm but set new industry standards. It was a calculated gamble that has paid off, both in patient satisfaction and profitability.
Q: How do you define “efficiency” in orthodontics?
Dr. Bills : Efficiency for me isn’t about cutting corners—it’s about making every appointment count. Many orthodontists assume their patients want more frequent visits, but when you look at the numbers, reducing unnecessary check-ups not only streamlines the process but also enhances patient experience and boosts your bottom line.
Q: Technology seems to play a major role in your practice. Can you share how it factors into your approach?
Dr. Bills: Absolutely. We leverage remote monitoring to eliminate needless visits, use data-driven strategies in appliance selection, and optimize treatment planning with clear aligners. Every decision—from bracket placement to biomechanics—is backed by data. We take the emotion out of the process; if the numbers don’t support a system, we simply don’t use it.
Q: You’ve mentioned “value per visit” as a key metric. Why is this so important?
Dr. Bills: Knowing your numbers is crucial. Tracking value per visit helps us identify inefficiencies and opportunities to enhance both care and profitability. In our practice, these numbers are nearly double the national average. If we can eliminate even one unnecessary visit it can drastically improve profitability and patient satisfaction. If you don’t know how many visits it takes you to finish a case, you’re flying blind.
Q: What can attendees expect from your upcoming lecture at the Orthopreneurs Summit?
Dr. Bills: I’ll be breaking down real clinical cases that illustrate the transformative power of a data-driven approach in everyday orthodontic practice. We’re talking about optimizing everything from bracket placement to clear aligner treatment planning for maximum efficiency. The session isn’t just theoretical—it’s filled with actionable strategies you can start implementing as soon as Monday morning.
Q: How has your experience as both a speaker and an attendee shaped your view of the Summit?
Dr. Bills: The Orthopreneurs Summit is unique—it’s clinical, high-level, and extremely practical. What sets it apart is the real, actionable takeaways. Plus, with someone like Glenn [Krieger] putting on a hell of a show, the entire experience is both informative and inspiring.
Q: Finally, what’s your message to orthodontists looking to revolutionize their practices?
Dr. Bills: I want them to understand that efficiency isn’t a luxury—it’s a necessity. By embracing data and rethinking traditional workflows, you can work smarter and ultimately provide better care. The only question is: are you ready to work smarter?
The Orthopreneurs Summit is your gateway to transforming your orthodontic practice with cutting-edge strategies and actionable insights from leaders like Dr. Dan Bills. Join us in Las Vegas Sept 18-20, 2025 to learn how to work smarter, optimize every appointment, and dramatically boost your profitability. Don’t miss this unique opportunity to revolutionize your practice—sign up today and take the first step towards a more efficient, data-driven future in orthodontics!
