Embrace Progress: Looking Back—and Ahead by Dr. Daniel Grob, DDS, MS, Editorial Director

It's been two years and 20 columns since I took over the reins as editorial director of Orthotown magazine—and I was honored to follow such greats as Randol Womack and Alan Curtis, who both were passionate about the practice and profession of orthodontics and talented in the art of communication. Special thanks to those of you who've approached me at regular dental meetings, local CE gatherings or special programs to recognize my contributions and commentary—your input is much appreciated, and serves as the welcome nudge to keep me going and serving the readers!

During the past few years, orthodontists have witnessed some dramatic changes in the profession and the way that we practice. When I look back at the content we've published over the past 24 months, I'm grateful for the contributors who've reported and commented on the trends and techniques in the industry. We've covered start-up practices and business procedures and transitions, and presented examples of many of the diagnostic challenges that orthodontists face on a daily basis—as well as treatment suggestions on how to deal with them. Not content to just dictate diagnosis and treatment, we've reached out and received great treatment cases from some of the best-known clinicians, as well as those who prefer to practice out of the spotlight.

A new method
In 2017, we'll build on our strong history and following to take the next step in making Orthotown's content even better—our magazine, message boards and online content should be something that readers are inspired to hold onto and utilize on a daily basis. We'll introduce some features and make sure that every issue of the magazine covers what I consider to be the three major areas of concern for a successful orthodontic practice: marketing, mechanics and management.

• Marketing includes the efforts and resources that orthodontists use to get patients to call the practice or show up at the office door. Best practices for social media and website development, training staff about presenting treatment in a positive way, and community and charity outreach work would all be considered marketing.
• Mechanics covers the equipment and devices that orthodontists need and use once the patient is in the door. The technology used for diagnostics, the techniques and tools used during treatment, and even the furniture in the waiting room all qualify as topics in the mechanics category.
• Management includes the essentials for maximizing the office's daily, monthly and quarterly routines—practice management software, human resources policies, legal and licensing materials, and more. Plus, advice for practice owners about adding associates or employees, or buying or transitioning a practice.

Case reports
Case reports have always been a core component of Orthotown's editorial content, and that won't change. We're always looking for interesting case reports submitted by readers, so don't hesitate to submit yours! We're especially keen to profile cases that are interesting to peers, offer a different point of view or maybe even break the rules a bit to achieve a desirable result worth showcasing.

(We're revamping our website to make it easier to submit progressive cases, and soon will categorize them under new headers: Interceptive; Phase 1 and 2 treatment; and Comprehensive and Limited Care. Within all three of those categories would be found issues with eruption and impaction, the various classes of malocclusion as well as special situations involving extraordinary diagnosis or treatment modalities.)

Editorial Board

As we institute and navigate these changes, we'll re-energize the Orthotown editorial board so it better reflects the changes and direction of the specialty. Educators, clinicians and experts from the training, practice and theoretical part of the profession will offer their insights based on years of practical experience, and readers will become more familiar with their expertise as well. Those of you with special talent are encouraged to apply and present your resume for a position on the editorial board of the future.

In summary, Orthotown is sensitive to the changing marketplace and demographic of today's orthodontic practice. We aim to be your go-to resource in crafting your niche in the profession as you take care of patients, yourself and your family.