GC Orthodontics Exchange Podcast
Starting Over on Purpose with Dr. Shari Wolsky
What happens when you sell a successful orthodontic practice and decide to start over somewhere new?
In this episode of the GC Orthodontics Exchange podcast, host Dr. Antonino Secchi talks with Dr. Shari Wolsky about her journey from building a thriving practice in Ohio to relocating, rebuilding, and redefining success in Colorado.
In this conversation, Dr. Wolsky shares:
- How an unexpected opportunity led to a major career move
- The realities of selling a practice and starting again
- Lessons learned from consultants, staffing, and practice finances
- How aligners, technology, and longer appointment intervals changed her workflow
- Why private practice still offers unmatched flexibility, especially for women in orthodontics
- Advice for residents and early-career orthodontists choosing between DSOs and ownership
Whether you’re a resident contemplating your first position, an associate considering ownership, or an established orthodontist thinking about a fresh start, Dr. Wolsky’s journey offers practical wisdom and encouragement to take the leap. This episode is an honest, encouraging look at growth, risk, and creating a practice that supports both your career and your life.
The Case for Going Digital with Dr. Bryn Cooper
Dr. Bryn Cooper is back for her second appearance on the GC Orthodontics Exchange. The Houston-based orthodontist, who opened her practice over a decade ago plasterless, paperless, and fully digital, joins host Michael Wilgus for a deeper dive into the world of digital orthodontics.
In this episode, Dr. Cooper shares her journey from beta-testing 3D printers before the competition existed to running two fully digital practice locations today. She breaks down the clinical realities of indirect bonding and aligners, where each modality shines, and what she’s learned from using seven different jig systems throughout her career.
Dr. Cooper also tackles the “efficiency” conversation head-on — pushing back on the idea that reducing appointments is the whole story, and making the case that patient experience has to be part of the equation.
In this episode, you’ll learn:
- Why Dr. Cooper went 100% digital from day one and what that looked like before the technology caught up
- The real difference between planning in a digital environment vs. placing brackets chairside
- Where aligners fall short and when braces deliver more predictable results
- How to think about efficiency beyond just chair time and appointment reduction
Whether you’re just beginning to explore digital workflows or looking to refine your existing approach, this conversation is packed with honest, practical insights from a clinician who’s been doing it longer than most. And if you haven’t caught Dr. Cooper’s first episode yet, make sure to go back and give it a listen!
From Residency to Practice Owner with Dr. Bryn Cooper/Part 1
Join host Michael Wilgus, Regional Sales Manager for GC Orthodontics, as he sits down with Dr. Bryn Cooper, a Houston-based orthodontist, for an inspiring conversation about navigating the modern path to practice ownership. In this episode, Dr. Cooper shares her unique journey, from secretly taking the DAT as an economics major to opening her own scratch start practice just months out of residency. She candidly discusses the challenges of being a female orthodontist in a male-dominated field, the realities of working for a DSO as a steppingstone, and the vulnerabilities of leadership that nobody prepares you for in dental school.
Key Topics Discussed:
- Why Dr. Cooper chose orthodontics (hint: it wasn’t just because of her orthodontist grandfather)
- The changing landscape of DSOs and OSOs for new graduates
- Navigating gender dynamics and expectations as a female practice owner
- The myth of work-life balance and finding what truly matters
- Building a practice from scratch with limited business experience
- Leadership lessons learned the hard way
Whether you’re a resident preparing to graduate, an associate considering ownership, or an established orthodontist reflecting on your journey, Dr. Cooper’s honest insights and practical wisdom will resonate with you.
Dr. Ana Boetsch on the CCO SYSTEM Success in Latin America
Join Dr. Antonino Secchi in this episode of the GC Orthodontics Exchange Podcast as he sits down with Dr. Ana Boetsch, a leading orthodontist from Mendoza, Argentina, and professor at the University of Mendoza.
Dr. Boetsch shares her 30-year journey in orthodontics and her transformative experience with the CCO SYSTEM, which has enabled her to reduce treatment times from 24+ months down to 12-18 months. She discusses why investing in quality brackets and wires proves more cost-effective than cheaper alternatives and offers her perspective on the current state of orthodontics across Latin America.
The conversation covers the balance between traditional braces and aligners, technology integration, and the importance of proper diagnosis. As an experienced educator, Dr. Boetsch also shares insights about teaching today’s technology-driven orthodontic students.
This episode is perfect for orthodontists, dental students, and professionals interested in modern orthodontic techniques and practice management.
Dr. Bryn Cooper on Going from Residency to Practice Owner
Join host Michael Wilgus, Regional Sales Manager for GC Orthodontics, as he sits down with Dr. Bryn Cooper, a Houston-based orthodontist, for an inspiring conversation about navigating the modern path to practice ownership.
In this episode, Dr. Cooper shares her unique journey, from secretly taking the DAT as an economics major to opening her own scratch start practice just months out of residency. She candidly discusses the challenges of being a female orthodontist in a male-dominated field, the realities of working for a DSO as a stepping stone, and the vulnerabilities of leadership that nobody prepares you for in dental school.
Key Topics Discussed:
- Why Dr. Cooper chose orthodontics (hint: it wasn’t just because of her orthodontist grandfather)
- The changing landscape of DSOs and OSOs for new graduates
- Navigating gender dynamics and expectations as a female practice owner
- The myth of work-life balance and finding what truly matters
- Building a practice from scratch with limited business experience
- Leadership lessons learned the hard way
Whether you’re a resident preparing to graduate, an associate considering ownership, or an established orthodontist reflecting on your journey, Dr. Cooper’s honest insights and practical wisdom will resonate with you.
Dr. Shalin Shah on Life, Lessons, and Orthodontics
In this episode of the GC Orthodontics Exchange, Dr. Antonino Secchi sits down with his longtime friend and colleague, Dr. Shalin Shah. From starting his practice in a renovated potato barn to adopting the CCO SYSTEM, Dr. Shah offers practical insights into simplifying treatment, avoiding decision fatigue, and empowering teams through clear, consistent systems.
The discussion also dives into the future of orthodontics including AI, aligners vs. fixed appliances, and the importance of mentorship for the next generation. Beyond orthodontics, Dr. Shah talks about living life to the fullest, making meaningful connections, and always pushing the limits…like the time he jumped out of a helicopter on his snowboard!
Tune in for a blend of clinical wisdom, personal inspiration, and a vision for the future of orthodontics.
Dr. Larry Wang on Leadership, Innovation & the Future of Orthodontics
In this episode of the GC Orthodontics Exchange, we sit down with Dr. Larry Wang of the Baltimore Orthodontic Group. From his early days in orthodontics to his recent appointment as the MASO Trustee for the AAO, Dr. Wang shares insights on leadership, mentorship, evolving technology, and the importance of maintaining patient care at the core of everything we do.
We also dive into how Baltimore Orthodontic Group weathered the COVID storm, how they’re adapting with aligners and remote monitoring, and what he sees on the horizon for orthodontics. Don’t miss this engaging and insightful conversation!
What You Can’t See Can Hurt You: Dr. Francisco Eraso on Root Visibility & Smart Treatment Planning
In this episode, Dr. Francisco Eraso sits down with Dr. Antonino Secchi and shares a refreshingly practical take on orthodontic treatment planning. Whether it’s aligners or brackets and wires, Dr. Eraso emphasizes one core principle: don’t treat what you can’t see. He talks about the value of software that lets you visualize the entire tooth, including the roots, and why that matters more than ever in today’s digital workflows. From choosing the right appliance to building clinical confidence, this episode is packed with guidance for everyday treatment decisions.
Topics include:
- Aligners vs. brackets: how to choose what’s best for each case
- The critical role of CBCT and root visualization
- Why the “why” behind the movement matters
- Empowering teams to own the process
- What new doctors need to succeed with aligners
Whether you’re early in your career or looking to sharpen your aligner strategy, Dr. Eraso brings experience, clarity, and clinical wisdom to the conversation.
From Start-Up to Smile Empire: Dr. Amanda Gallagher on Growth, Grit & the Future of Ortho
In this episode of GC Orthodontics Exchange, Patrick O’Shea sits down with powerhouse orthodontist Dr. Amanda Gallagher to explore how she scaled from a modest start above a psychic’s office to five thriving locations across Baltimore. They dive into business partnerships, blending motherhood with entrepreneurship, integrating aesthetics into orthodontics, and what it means to be a female leader in a still male-dominated industry. It’s real, it’s inspiring, and it’s packed with insight you don’t want to miss.
Dr. Bob Waugh Discusses the Innovation, Efficiency & Evolution of Wires | GC Orthodontics Exchange
Welcome to a new episode of the GC Orthodontics Exchange podcast! 🎙️ Join Dr. Antonino Secchi as he sits down with Dr. Bob Waugh, Clinical Director at Smile Doctors, and Patrick O’Shea from GC Orthodontics for an engaging conversation on the future of fixed appliances and the science behind orthodontic wires. From thoughtful wire designs to innovations made possible through TOMY’s manufacturing, this episode dives deep into biomechanics, clinical efficiency, and the impact of digital integration. Whether you’re in private practice, an OSO, or academia—this discussion offers valuable insight for all orthodontic professionals.
Dr. Antonino Secchi & Dr. Yoav Mazor Explore Multi-FA Appliances | GC Orthodontics Exchange
Join Dr. Antonino Secchi and Dr. Yoav Mazor in the debut episode of the GC Orthodontics Exchange podcast as they dive deep into the innovation, versatility, and clinical advantages of the Multi-FA appliance. Dr. Mazor—renowned orthodontist and inventor of the Multi-FA—shares how this groundbreaking functional appliance is reshaping treatment strategies for Class II, Class III, extraction cases, and more.
- Learn how Multi-FA integrates with aligners and brackets
- Discover time-saving techniques and hybrid treatment workflows
- Get a behind-the-scenes look at its design and global adoption