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A Career-Changing Conversation by Dr. Christos Papadopoulos

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Categories: Orthodontics;
A Career-Changing Conversation 

A story of how a simple “tap on the shoulder” launched a path into leadership, advocacy and building community through organized orthodontics

by Dr. Christos Papadopoulos

Before I joined an orthodontic committee or attended a board meeting, I was a resident, hunched over my textbooks and laptop, trying to learn as much as I could about private practice before my upcoming graduation. One of the very first sources of information I discovered on this topic was Orthotown online. I had subscribed online early in my training and quickly became immersed in the world of orthodontics outside the classroom. There were clinical case studies, biomechanics debates, marketing ideas, startup strategies and, above all, candid advice from orthodontists who live it every day. These message boards and articles weren’t just informative—they were foundational to my development as an “orthodontist in training.” They helped me understand the clinical nuances of treatment planning while also exposing me to the real-world issues of running a successful practice.

I was also introduced to organized orthodontics during my residency and learned about the American Association of Orthodontists (AAO) and the Canadian Association of Orthodontists (CAO). I signed up to become a resident member of both organizations, even though at the time I didn’t fully understand what they offered to someone at my stage—or even to practicing orthodontists. However, I believed in the importance of a unified voice for our profession, admired the mission and purpose of these organizations, and wanted to support them. And, of course, I was eager to attend their annual conferences, which I had heard were educational, fun and inspiring for residents eager to connect with the larger orthodontic community.


The tap on the shoulder
Shortly after graduating from my orthodontic residency at Western University, while working as a new associate at a bustling practice in New Brunswick, Canada, I became acutely aware of a growing trend in the orthodontic space: unsupervised, direct-to-consumer orthodontic services. I couldn’t sit on the sidelines; I found myself writing a letter to the registrars of every dental regulatory authority in each province across the country. I voiced my concern about how these unsupervised models endangered the public and undermined the very core of what it means to be a health care professional. Little did I know that the ramifications of this letter would kickstart and begin shaping my professional journey in organized orthodontics.

The response I received from one provincial registrar shocked me. His tone was passive, even dismissive. He likened this model to the “Uberization” of health care, suggesting it was simply a reflection of shifting consumer demands and an unstoppable wave of innovation. He specifically told me about the following in his written response:

“The most regulators can do along with the profession is to attempt to educate the public with respect to the risks … I have witnessed new Apps available even today where patients can self-diagnose… I don’t mean to be smug, but it would be more advantageous to purchase this company’s stock than to hope that Canadian regulators can simply stop the advancement of a technological change, especially at the pace that government alters legislation … Telling it like it is.”

I simply could not and would not accept that as a final answer. If we as professionals didn’t speak up and not only advocate for the public but also take action to protect them, then who would? I realized then that advocacy wasn’t optional—it was a professional responsibility. That letter—and the debate that followed—marked the beginning of my active involvement in organized orthodontics.

A member of the CAO introduced me to Dr. John Callahan, a well-known and respected figure within the Northeastern Society of Orthodontists (NESO) who later became president of the AAO (2024–2025). That initial “tap on the shoulder” by Dr. Callahan (as he likes to call it) became the spark that led to a cascade of opportunities. It was my invitation into the world of organized orthodontics. His mentorship and willingness to share his journey inspired me to get involved, and before long, I found myself invited to leadership development conferences, where I took part in committee work, board meetings, and collaborative efforts to advance our profession, help orthodontists, and educate the public.

In the six years since, I’ve had the privilege of serving on the AAO’s Council on New and Younger Members, the National Advocacy Network of the AAO, the NESO Board of Directors, the board of the CAO, and the editorial advisory board of Orthotown, among others. I also chair the NESO Leadership Development Committee and currently serve as president of the Atlantic Orthodontists Association. Most recently, I was proud to serve as an alternate delegate representing NESO at the AAO’s House of Delegates meeting—my very first—held at the AAO Annual Session in Philadelphia.

Through these roles, I’ve gained insight into how decisions made at the national and regional levels impact the clinical, regulatory and business aspects of everyday orthodontic practices, as well as their effects on the general public and our patients.

But let me be clear: this article isn’t just about promoting organizations or holding official positions. It’s about what I’ve learned from taking an active role in the orthodontic community.


Laws and policy profoundly shape our practices
Early in my residency, I thought of orthodontics as a clinical profession. It undoubtedly is—but it’s also deeply affected by regulation, advocacy and legislative oversight. My time with organized orthodontics has given me a firsthand look at how provincial, state and national policies can either empower or restrict what we do every day. From scope-of-practice legislation to teledentistry rules and insurance reform, I’ve seen how critical it is that we have informed orthodontists representing us at decision-making tables.

The CAO and AAO’s advocacy work has been instrumental in this. The AAO has advanced grassroots efforts that have resulted in significant legislative wins over the past few years. In 2023, Nevada became the first state to require an in-person examination before orthodontic treatment. In Florida, AAO advocacy contributed to the passage of CS/HB 683, signed into law by Governor Ron DeSantis. This law requires that “orthodontic services must be provided directly by a licensed dentist or under the supervision of a licensed dentist who remains responsible for the patient’s care throughout treatment,” explicitly curbing unsupervised direct-to-consumer orthodontic models.

Since then, AAO advocacy efforts for patient health and safety have continued, and in-person examination requirements are now in place in Nevada, Florida, Illinois, Utah, West Virginia and, most recently, Texas. These efforts underscore how targeted, passionate advocacy can uphold our standards, protect patients and ensure our role as health care professionals remains intact.


Support networks make the difference
When I opened my practice, I quickly realized how steep the learning curve could be. Through my membership in the AAO, I had access to mentorship, resources and programs, including TechSelect, CE courses, practice startup guides and AAO Practice Transition support, thanks to the relationships I had built through the AAO and NESO. These weren’t just theoretical support systems—they were real people offering real advice, often at the exact moment I needed it most.

The same was true of Orthotown. As a resident, I spent hours combing through online message boards and magazine pages, learning from others who had already walked the path I was about to embark on. To this day, I have stacks of issues of Orthotown magazine in my office. These magazines, covering topics ranging from marketing and branding to hiring and designing clinical workflows, provided me with a master class in real-world orthodontic business management. I still check the forums regularly to this day and look forward to every issue of Orthotown magazine that comes across my desk each month.


Collaboration happens in more than one space
While I’m an active participant in the CAO, AAO and NESO, I’ve also found community and collaboration on Orthotown—both as a contributor and as a reader. We often think of online forums as less formal, but it’s there that some of the most honest, peer-driven insights emerge. From clinical pearls to marketing strategies and practice management dilemmas, Orthotown is a hub where the collective wisdom of the profession is freely shared. I’ve personally learned about everything from aligner troubleshooting to creative staffing solutions through the message boards.

I’ve had the honor of contributing two articles to Orthotown: “The ‘Great 8’” (November 2021), which outlined key considerations for orthodontists contemplating joining a DSO, and “Heat Advisory” (June 2023), a piece offering strategies to help ensure the success of a startup practice before it opens its doors. Then, in April 2024, my startup journey came full circle when I was featured on the cover of Orthotown alongside my team at PapadopSmiles Orthodontics. This proud milestone recognized the energy, care and thought that went into building our practice from the ground up. After gaining so much from Orthotown as a resident, it was incredibly rewarding to give back by sharing my own story a decade later.


You grow faster when you give back
Serving on professional boards and committees can sound like a time-consuming commitment, and it is. But it’s also been one of the most rewarding ways to grow personally and professionally. It has made me a better communicator and a stronger advocate for my colleagues, the public and our profession, and I continue to develop great friendships along the way. Additionally, speaking at events like the Graduate Orthodontic Residents Program about the importance of joining professional organizations, such as the AAO, and meeting residents across North America has been equally energizing. Seeing their excitement to begin their careers reminds me of the responsibility we have—to leave this profession better than we found it.


There’s power in community
PapadopSmiles Orthodontics, which just celebrated its third anniversary, wouldn’t be where it is today without the support of the broader orthodontic community. The collective guidance, encouragement and shared wisdom from Orthotown, the CAO and AAO and countless peers (including former instructors) helped me avoid common pitfalls and build a practice I’m proud of. These networks offered not only resources but reassurance—a reminder that I wasn’t in this alone.

Additionally, groups on social media, such as Facebook, are a great way to share ideas, gather opinions on tackling difficult cases or practicing issues, and receive instant feedback. Each day, I scroll through these groups and am grateful that they exist.


A call to action
If you’re early in your career and wondering whether you have something to contribute, the answer is yes. Don’t underestimate the power of your voice. You don’t need a title to make a difference. All it takes is a willingness to get involved—whether that’s by becoming a member of the AAO/CAO, joining a committee, posting on Orthotown or all three. Welcome that “tap on the shoulder” to a window of opportunity that is as large as you want it to be.

Just as we may bend wires to shape a smile, we also shape the future of our profession through our actions. Every conversation, contribution and collaboration has the potential to make a lasting impact. Orthodontics isn’t just about straightening teeth—it’s about standing up for standards, supporting one another and strengthening the specialty for generations to come. Let’s make sure we’re not just watching from the sidelines.
Author Bio
Dr. Christos Papadopoulos Dr. Christos Papadopoulos is an orthodontist in Quispamsis, New Brunswick, Canada. He serves on several professional committees in the AAO, CAO and NESO, and is a member of the editorial advisory board of Orthotown. He is the founder of PapadopSmiles Orthodontics and has authored several articles. He recently served as an alternate delegate representing NESO at the AAO House of Delegates meeting in Philadelphia and is part of the AAO’s National Advocacy Network.
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