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• What I’ve Learned

What I Learned:

Ryan Moynihan is widely recognized as the CEO of Gaidge. He frequently presents the latest data and analytics for the orthodontic industry. However, Gaidge is just one of the seven software companies Ryan manages for PracticeTeck, which includes Tops, EasyRx, Magic Touch, and Ora.  With over 19 years of experience in the dental and orthodontics field, Ryan has held Vice President positions at Ormco and Senior Management roles at 3M.

Backstory: I’m a huge fan of Ryan and his team. His understanding of the metrics and key indicators for healthy practices parallels none, and he encourages practices to track their data to help doctors thrive. But he’s also a humble leader in the industry and someone to follow, not only for his data… but also for his character.

Here’s 10 Questions with Ryan Moynihan:

1. What advice would you give yourself as a 30-year-old walking into this industry? I emphasize the importance of relationships, humility, vulnerability, and transparency in presenting yourself. While I attended a top MBA program, I learned that success comes from collaborating with diverse teams and processing information effectively. The specifics of business operations come with experience. I would advise my younger self to be adaptable, identify your strengths, stay passionate about learning, and leverage technology to your advantage. Every leader should recognize that a team consists of individuals with different perspectives, all of which contribute to a great team.

2. What book, or books, are you giving most as a gift? I have a few favorites. Personally, I enjoy Vince Flynn's novels, which have taught me to stay alert, anticipate the unexpected, and devise quick strategies for success. Professionally, I recommend Brené Brown's Dare to Lead, which emphasizes vulnerability and transparency in leadership. Supercommunicators is another excellent choice, as communication is crucial in any organization. Lastly, Parenting in a Tech World resonates with many of us who struggle with phone addiction. At orthodontic events, it's striking to see people prioritize their devices over the conversation at hand.

3. What’s the best value for $100 to spend at a practice? Invest in your team—consider a team lunch or an event that fosters a positive culture. Additionally, patient feedback cards can be valuable. While reviews often come from those who are extremely satisfied or dissatisfied, encouraging everyone to provide input can yield useful insights. Also, explore AI tools; for instance, while ChatGPT is free, many affordable options can help automate processes like creating employee handbooks and job descriptions.

4. What’s a career failure you see as now a “great happening”? As a VP at Ormco, I presented during a quarterly business review that did not sit well with my CEO. After a long pause, he challenged my approach for 20 minutes. Although I felt I had failed, I later applied those lessons at Gaidge, implementing a mini Danaher Business System (DBS) to track KPIs and get the company back on course. That early experience taught me how to streamline processes effectively, benefiting the business.

5. You get to put up a billboard that everyone in the industry sees; what’s on it? The Triple Crown of Leadership: Humility + Vulnerability + Transparency = Authenticity. Demonstrating these qualities is essential when leading a practice or team.

    

6. What is the best investment you made in this industry? Investing in people. I've learned that everyone has a unique perspective, especially in an orthodontic practice where collaboration is critical. I find great fulfillment in helping others reach their personal goals. For instance, when we sold Gaidge to private equity in 2021, we distributed a healthy portion of the earnings to our employees, allowing all to celebrate the significant milestone with their families.

7. What’s an unusual habit you love about the industry? The orthodontic industry is relatively small, and it's common to see people switch teams. Friendships often endure despite competition, and everyone can benefit from shared success.

8. What’s a bad recommendation that’s touted as “best practice”? There is often an overreliance on digital marketing. While it can be effective, many doctors become overwhelmed by campaigns without understanding their ROI, resulting in significant, unproductive expenditures. It's essential to combine traditional marketing strategies—such as word of mouth and community engagement—with digital efforts.

9. What new beliefs have you adopted in the industry over the past five years? It's crucial to understand what drives your practice. Are you aware of your processes? How willing are you to adapt? Transitioning from analog to digital isn't a quick switch; it requires a commitment to change. Many start this process but don’t follow through. Trusting the journey and committing fully is necessary to reap the benefits.

10. You visit a practice. What’s the one thing that has to change before you leave? Many practice owners are primarily clinicians, not business managers. The orthodontic business model can be forgiving, but a lack of understanding in running a practice can hinder success. I would advocate for tracking processes and financial performance to help them thrive. Questions like “What is your spending as a function of net collections?” are critical for clarity. There is often room for improvement in processes and systems, and that's the change I would implement before leaving.

You can follow more from Ryan and his team at Gaidge here.