Meet Dr. David Carter
Board-Certified Orthodontist | Innovator | Strategic Partner to Dental Professionals
“The Ortho Prophet” — Predicting the Future of Orthodontics
Trusted Orthodontist. Strategic Innovator. Industry Prophet.
Dr. David Carter is more than just a board-certified orthodontist—he’s a visionary leader who has dedicated his career to transforming how dental professionals approach orthodontics, retention, and practice growth.
As the founder of Forever Aligned Club, OrthoPaid, and Clear Ortho Solutions, Dr. Carter has built innovative systems that solve real problems facing dental practices today. His ability to predict industry trends 3-5 years before they become mainstream has earned him the nickname “The Ortho Prophet” among colleagues and clients nationwide.
Whether you’re a general dentist exploring clear aligners or an established orthodontist looking to scale more efficiently, Dr. Carter provides the strategic guidance, proven systems, and honest advice that turns vision into reality.
Professional Background & Credentials
Education & Training
- Certificate in Orthodontics — Medical College of Georgia (MCG)
- Doctor of Dental Medicine — Medical College of Georgia School of Dentistry
- Bachelor’s Degree — University of Georgia
- High School — Westminster Schools, Augusta, GA
Academic Appointments
- Associate Clinical Professor — Department of Orthodontics, MCG School of Dentistry
- Associate Clinical Professor — Department of Surgery, Division of Plastic Surgery, MCG School of Medicine
Hospital Affiliations
- MCG Hospitals and Clinics
- University Hospital
- Walton Rehabilitation Hospital
Professional Memberships
- American Dental Association (ADA)
- Southern Association of Orthodontists
- Eastern District Dental Society
- Fellow — World Federation of Orthodontists
- American Aligner Society (Recommended Provider)
National & International Speaker
Dr. Carter is a sought-after speaker on orthodontic innovation, clear aligner strategies, and practice management. He speaks nationally and internationally for leading orthodontic companies including:
Ormco
Presenting on advanced orthodontic techniques, aligner integration, and treatment efficiency strategies.
Invisalign
Sharing expertise on clear aligner case selection, treatment planning, and practice implementation for both orthodontists and general dentists.
His presentations are known for being practical, data-driven, and immediately actionable—no fluff, just real strategies that work in actual practices.
Multi-Location Practice Owner
Dr. Carter is the founder and owner of Carter Orthodontics, a thriving multi-location practice serving patients across Georgia and South Carolina since 1970. With offices in Augusta, North Augusta, and Aiken, his practice is known for:
- Innovative treatment approaches including AI-driven orthodontics
- Comprehensive aligner systems (Invisalign, Spring Aligner, Angel Aligner, and more)
- Advanced retention programs including the Forever Aligned Club membership model
- Virtual orthodontic consultations and remote monitoring
- TMJ treatment and airway-focused orthodontics
- Patient-first financing and payment solutions
This hands-on practice ownership experience means Dr. Carter doesn’t just teach theory—he implements and tests every system he recommends in his own practices first.
Founder of Innovative Orthodontic Solutions
Forever Aligned Club
A subscription-based orthodontic retention program that revolutionizes how practices maintain patient results and create recurring revenue. Members receive unlimited retainer replacements, annual check-ups, and minor refinement aligners—ensuring patients never lose their smiles while practices build predictable income streams.
The Problem It Solves: Patient non-compliance with retainer wear, unexpected replacement costs, and lost practice revenue after treatment ends.
OrthoPaid
A comprehensive system for managing, recovering, and preventing lost revenue from orthodontic payment defaults. OrthoPaid addresses the administrative burden that costs practices thousands in lost revenue and staff time, with proven strategies for maintaining positive patient relationships while protecting practice finances.
The Problem It Solves: 5-15% of orthodontic revenue lost to payment defaults, staff burnout from collections, and damaged patient relationships.
Clear Ortho Solutions
Strategic consulting and implementation support for general dentists integrating clear aligners and orthodontists scaling their aligner practices. Includes case selection criteria, treatment planning protocols, patient communication systems, and profitability optimization.
The Problem It Solves: General dentists overwhelmed by aligner options and implementation challenges, orthodontists struggling to scale profitably.
The “Ortho Prophet” Philosophy
Dr. Carter earned the nickname “The Ortho Prophet” not through self-promotion, but through a proven track record of accurately predicting major industry shifts before they become obvious:
✓ Subscription-Based Retention Models
Dr. Carter identified the shift toward membership-based retention programs years before they became mainstream, allowing early adopters to build predictable revenue and patient loyalty.
✓ Commoditization of Clear Aligners
While others chased the direct-to-consumer aligner trend, Dr. Carter predicted the market would correct—and helped practices position themselves for sustainable, professional aligner services.
✓ GP Integration Challenges
Dr. Carter foresaw the obstacles general dentists would face integrating orthodontics and built systems to help them succeed where others failed.
✓ AI-Powered Treatment Planning
Currently implementing AI-driven orthodontic systems in his own practices, Dr. Carter is positioning Inner Circle members to leverage this technology before it becomes industry standard.
“In every generation, there’s a shift in dentistry. Those who see it early don’t just survive—they scale. My job is to help you see what’s coming before your competitors do.”
— Dr. David Carter
Personal Background
Dr. Carter has been a resident of Augusta, Georgia since 1970 and is deeply rooted in the local community. He is married to the former Linda Franks of Hilton Head Island, South Carolina, and they have two sons, Brian and John.
His long-standing connection to the Augusta area, combined with his academic appointments at MCG and hospital affiliations throughout the region, reflects his commitment to both his local community and the broader dental profession.
Why Dental Professionals Choose Dr. Carter
Real Practice Experience
Dr. Carter runs multiple successful orthodontic practices. Every system he teaches is battle-tested in his own offices first—not just theoretical concepts from a consultant who hasn’t treated patients in years.
Proven Track Record
Decades of clinical excellence, successful practice ownership, and innovations like Forever Aligned Club and OrthoPaid demonstrate his ability to turn ideas into profitable, sustainable systems.
Industry Forecasting
His reputation as “The Ortho Prophet” is earned through consistently accurate predictions about where the profession is heading. Working with Dr. Carter means you’re positioned ahead of the curve.
Honest Guidance
Dr. Carter doesn’t sell you what’s trendy—he tells you what works. His advice is direct, data-driven, and focused on your long-term success, not quick wins that fade.
Strategic Partnerships
Dr. Carter doesn’t just consult—he partners. From geographic exclusivity with Forever Aligned Club to equity ownership opportunities, he’s invested in your success.
Comprehensive Support
Access to proven systems, done-for-you materials, ongoing training, and direct consultation means you’re never left figuring things out alone.
Who Dr. Carter Works With
General Dentists Integrating Orthodontics
If you want to add clear aligners to your services but don’t know where to start, Dr. Carter provides the case selection criteria, treatment protocols, patient communication systems, and business models that make integration profitable and stress-free.
Orthodontists Scaling Their Practices
If you’re already doing orthodontics but want to grow more efficiently, Dr. Carter shares the systems that allowed him to build a multi-location practice—from retention programs and patient financing to team training and operational efficiency.
Forward-Thinking Practice Owners
If you see the dental industry evolving and want to position yourself ahead of disruption, Dr. Carter’s market forecasts, AI integration strategies, and partnership opportunities ensure you’re not just keeping up—you’re leading.
Ready to Work With Dr. Carter?
Whether you’re looking to integrate clear aligners, scale your orthodontic practice, implement Forever Aligned Club, or gain strategic insights into where the profession is heading, Dr. Carter’s Inner Circle provides the resources, systems, and support you need.
Recognition & Media
Dr. Carter’s expertise and innovations have been recognized throughout the orthodontic community:
- Featured speaker at national and international orthodontic conferences
- Recommended provider by the American Aligner Society
- Elected Fellow of the World Federation of Orthodontists
- Guest on industry podcasts and publications discussing orthodontic innovation
- Consultant to dental practices nationwide seeking to integrate or scale orthodontics
What Dental Professionals Say
“Dr. Carter predicted the membership model trend two years before it hit mainstream. We got in early with Forever Aligned Club and it’s transformed our retention and revenue.”
— Dr. Michael T., Orthodontist, Texas
“I’ve worked with several consultants. Dr. Carter is different—he actually runs practices and knows what works in the real world. His systems helped us integrate aligners without chaos.”
— Dr. Sarah M., General Dentist, Arizona
“The Ortho Prophet label is no joke. Dr. Carter sees trends coming years before everyone else. If you want to lead instead of follow, work with him.”
— Dr. Jennifer L., Practice Owner, California