Everything you need to know about working with Dr. David Carter and The Ortho Prophet
About Dr. David Carter
Who is Dr. David Carter?
Dr. David Carter is a board-certified orthodontist and graduate of the Medical College of Georgia, where he also received his certificate in orthodontics. He holds dual appointments as Associate Clinical Professor in the Department of Orthodontics, MCG School of Dentistry, and the Department of Plastic Surgery, MCG School of Medicine. He owns Carter Orthodontics with multiple offices across Georgia and South Carolina and is the founder of Forever Aligned Club and OrthoPaid.
Why is Dr. David called “The Ortho Prophet”?
Dr. David earned the nickname “The Ortho Prophet” because of his track record of accurately predicting major orthodontic industry trends 3-5 years before they become mainstream. He identified the shift toward subscription-based retention models, predicted the commoditization of clear aligners, and foresaw the integration challenges general dentists would face—all well ahead of the industry catching on.
Does Dr. David work with both orthodontists and general dentists?
Yes. Dr. David works with orthodontists looking to scale their practices more profitably and with general dentists who want to successfully integrate clear aligners into their existing practices. His expertise spans clinical orthodontics, practice management, business systems, and strategic growth.
What makes Dr. David different from other orthodontic consultants?
Unlike consultants who only teach theory, Dr. David actively runs multiple orthodontic practices, has founded successful orthodontic businesses (Forever Aligned Club and OrthoPaid), and continues to treat patients daily. He shares what’s actually working in his own practices—real systems, real numbers, and real results.
Inner Circle Membership
What is The Inner Circle?
The Inner Circle is Dr. David Carter’s exclusive membership program for dental professionals who want access to advanced orthodontic strategies, market forecasts, practice growth systems, and partnership opportunities. Members receive training materials, implementation guides, direct access to Dr. David, and early access to innovations before they’re publicly available.
Who should apply for Inner Circle membership?
The Inner Circle is designed for serious dental professionals who are committed to growth. Ideal members include: general dentists looking to integrate or scale orthodontics, orthodontists who want to build more efficient and profitable practices, practice owners seeking strategic partnerships, and forward-thinking professionals who want to stay ahead of industry disruption.
What’s included in Inner Circle membership?
Members receive: market trend reports and industry forecasts, proven orthodontic workflow systems, live training sessions and recorded keynotes, done-for-you marketing and patient education materials, implementation guides and SOPs, direct access to Dr. David for case consultations, private member community, partnership opportunities with Forever Aligned Club, and geographic exclusivity options.
How much does Inner Circle membership cost?
Investment details are discussed during the onboarding call with approved applicants. The cost varies based on practice size, geographic location, and level of access desired. Dr. David personally reviews each application to ensure the program is the right fit.
Is there an application fee?
No. Submitting an application is completely free. There’s no obligation, and you’ll receive information about next steps regardless of the decision.
How long does the application process take?
Most applications are reviewed within 3-5 business days. If approved, you’ll be contacted to schedule a personalized onboarding call with Dr. David to discuss your specific goals and how the Inner Circle can help you achieve them.
Can I cancel my membership?
Yes. Membership terms are discussed during onboarding. Dr. David only wants members who are actively engaged and getting value from the program.
Forever Aligned Club
What is Forever Aligned Club?
Forever Aligned Club is Dr. David’s subscription-based orthodontic retention program. Patients pay a monthly membership fee and receive unlimited retainer replacements, annual check-ups, minor refinement aligners when needed, and lifetime smile protection. It solves the compliance problem while creating predictable recurring revenue for practices.
How does Forever Aligned Club benefit my practice?
Forever Aligned Club creates multiple benefits: recurring monthly revenue that continues after treatment ends, improved patient retention and compliance, reduced retainer replacement hassles, increased patient lifetime value, competitive differentiation in your market, and happier patients who never lose their results.
Can I offer Forever Aligned Club in my practice?
Yes. Dr. David offers partnership opportunities for qualified practices. This includes geographic exclusivity options, implementation support, marketing materials, patient education resources, and ongoing business consulting. Contact Dr. David to discuss partnership opportunities in your area.
What’s included for patients in Forever Aligned Club?
Members receive: unlimited retainer replacements at no additional cost, annual orthodontic check-ups and assessments, minor refinement aligners if needed (3-6 months), priority scheduling for appointments, lifetime smile guarantee, and dedicated member support.
How much do patients pay for Forever Aligned Club?
Pricing varies by practice and geographic market. Typical membership fees range from $49-$99 per month. Dr. David helps partner practices determine optimal pricing based on their market, overhead, and patient demographics.
OrthoPaid
What is OrthoPaid?
OrthoPaid is Dr. David’s solution to one of orthodontics’ biggest problems: patient payment defaults. It’s a system that helps practices manage, recover, and prevent lost revenue from patients who stop making payments mid-treatment. OrthoPaid addresses the administrative burden that costs practices thousands in lost revenue and staff time.
Why did Dr. David create OrthoPaid?
After years of running multiple orthodontic practices, Dr. David realized that clinical excellence doesn’t matter if practices are hemorrhaging money from payment defaults. Traditional collection methods are inefficient, damage patient relationships, and burden staff. OrthoPaid was created to solve this problem systematically.
How much revenue do practices typically lose to payment defaults?
Industry studies show that 5-15% of orthodontic revenue is lost to payment defaults. For a practice doing $1 million in production, that’s $50,000-$150,000 per year in lost revenue. OrthoPaid helps practices recover this lost income while maintaining positive patient relationships.
Can I implement OrthoPaid in my practice?
Yes. Inner Circle members get access to the OrthoPaid system, including implementation guides, staff training materials, patient communication scripts, and the technology infrastructure. Contact Dr. David to learn more about bringing OrthoPaid to your practice.
Orthodontic Aftercare
Why is orthodontic aftercare so important?
Treatment doesn’t end when braces come off. Retention is where results are either preserved for life or lost to relapse. Without proper aftercare systems, practices risk patient dissatisfaction, costly retreatment, and reputation damage. Effective aftercare also creates opportunities for recurring revenue and long-term patient relationships.
What aftercare resources does Dr. David provide?
Dr. David offers comprehensive aftercare protocols including: customizable retention protocol templates, patient education materials (scripts, videos, handouts), automated recall and reminder system recommendations, retainer replacement workflow SOPs, Forever Aligned Club membership model blueprints, and direct case consultation access.
How long should patients wear retainers?
Current evidence supports lifetime retention. The American Association of Orthodontists recommends indefinite retainer wear. Initial full-time wear (22+ hours/day) transitions to nighttime-only after 6-12 months, but nightly wear should continue indefinitely to maintain results.
What’s the best retainer type?
It depends on the patient. Bonded lingual retainers offer highest compliance but complicate hygiene. Clear Essix retainers are popular with aligner patients. Hawley retainers are adjustable and durable. Many orthodontists use a combination: bonded retainers on lower anteriors plus removable retainers for upper and lower arches.
How do I improve retainer compliance?
Education is key. Patients who understand relapse biology comply better. Use visual aids, written protocols, and regular check-ins. Membership programs that include retainer replacements remove financial barriers. Remote monitoring makes check-ins convenient. Dr. David’s aftercare system includes all these components.
Clear Aligner Integration for General Dentists
I’m a general dentist. Should I offer clear aligners?
If done correctly, yes. Clear aligners can be highly profitable and increase patient loyalty. However, success requires proper case selection, treatment planning skills, systems for monitoring, and patient communication protocols. Dr. David helps GPs integrate aligners without compromising quality or efficiency.
Which clear aligner system should I use?
The answer depends on your practice goals, budget, case complexity comfort level, and desired level of control. Dr. David provides unbiased guidance on different systems—from major brands to white-label options—and helps you choose based on your specific situation, not sales pitches.
What cases can general dentists handle with aligners?
GPs can successfully manage mild to moderate cases including: spacing and crowding (up to 5-6mm), minor rotations, limited overjet/overbite corrections, and relapse cases. Complex cases involving severe crowding, skeletal issues, or significant vertical changes should be referred to orthodontists. Dr. David teaches proper case selection criteria.
How long does it take to integrate aligners into my practice?
With proper training and systems, most practices can start seeing aligner patients within 60-90 days. The key is starting with appropriate cases, having clear protocols, and getting support from someone who’s done it successfully. Dr. David’s integration system provides step-by-step implementation guidance.
Will offering aligners disrupt my existing practice?
Not if implemented correctly. Dr. David’s system is designed to integrate orthodontics without overwhelming your schedule or staff. It includes efficient workflows, time management strategies, delegation protocols, and patient flow systems that complement your existing services rather than competing with them.
How do I price clear aligner treatment?
Pricing strategies vary by market, case complexity, and business model. Dr. David helps practices develop pricing that reflects value, remains competitive, and ensures profitability. This includes payment plan structures, insurance coordination, membership models, and how to present fees to maximize case acceptance.
Podcast & Resources
Where can I listen to The Ortho Prophet Podcast?
The podcast is available on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Podcasts, YouTube, and anywhere podcasts are distributed. Simply search for “The Ortho Prophet” or “Dr. David Carter” on your preferred platform. It’s completely free.
What topics does the podcast cover?
Episodes cover clear aligner strategies, orthodontic retention systems, practice growth and scaling, market trend predictions, AI innovations in treatment planning, patient financing and membership models, remote monitoring systems, and partnership opportunities. Each episode delivers actionable strategies you can implement.
Are there transcripts or show notes available?
Yes. Full transcripts, detailed show notes, and implementation worksheets are available for Inner Circle members. Public podcast listeners get episode summaries and key takeaways.
What other resources does Dr. David provide?
In addition to the podcast, Dr. David publishes regular blog articles on orthodontic aftercare, practice management, and industry trends. Inner Circle members also receive market reports, training videos, done-for-you marketing materials, patient education resources, and access to a private member community.
Can I share Dr. David’s content with my team?
Yes. Public content (podcast episodes and blog articles) can be freely shared. Inner Circle members receive team training materials designed to be shared with staff, including scripts, protocols, and educational videos for treatment coordinators and clinical teams.
Getting Started
How do I start working with Dr. David Carter?
The first step is to submit an application through the contact page. Share information about your practice, your goals, and what specifically interests you. Dr. David personally reviews each application and, if it’s a good fit, you’ll be invited to a personalized onboarding call to discuss next steps.
What happens on the onboarding call?
The onboarding call is a conversation, not a sales pitch. Dr. David will ask about your practice, your goals, your challenges, and what you’re hoping to achieve. He’ll explain how he can help, what resources are available, and whether the Inner Circle is the right fit. It’s a two-way discussion to ensure mutual benefit.
Do I need to commit to anything before the onboarding call?
No. The application and onboarding call are exploratory. There’s no obligation or pressure. Dr. David only wants to work with professionals who are genuinely excited about the opportunity and ready to take action.
What if I’m not ready to join but want to stay connected?
That’s perfectly fine. You can subscribe to the podcast, read blog articles, and follow along with public content. When you’re ready for deeper engagement, the Inner Circle will be here. Dr. David believes in providing value first and earning your business over time.
Can I schedule a call with Dr. David before applying?
Due to high demand, initial conversations happen through the application process. However, if you have specific questions, you can reach out through the contact page and the team will get back to you.
What geographic areas does Dr. David work with?
Dr. David works with dental professionals nationwide and internationally. While his physical practices are in Georgia and South Carolina, his consulting, training, and partnership opportunities are available regardless of location. Forever Aligned Club partnerships may have geographic exclusivity options.
Still Have Questions?
If you didn’t find the answer you were looking for, reach out directly. Dr. David’s team responds to all inquiries.