What does an orthodontic practice management consultant actually do?

An orthodontic practice management consultant works on the business and human side of the practice rather than the clinical side. That includes designing the schedule, defining roles and job descriptions, building new patient and treatment coordinator systems, setting and tracking key performance indicators, training the team, and supporting transitions such as adding an associate or merging practices.

How long does an orthodontic consulting engagement take?

Most meaningful change in an orthodontic practice takes several months rather than a single visit, because systems have to be built, taught and then practiced until they hold. Hummingbird Associates stays through implementation rather than delivering recommendations and leaving, and over two-thirds of the firm's work is repeat clients.

Do we have to close the practice while consulting happens?

No. Consulting work is built around the practice's existing schedule. On-site days are planned in advance, team training is scheduled around patient care, and much of the work between visits happens remotely.

What is the Hummingbird Numbers Analysis?

The Hummingbird Numbers Analysis is a quarterly report built from practice data submitted monthly. It shows how a practice is performing over time, compares it with practices of similar size, and includes written interpretation, key wins, areas requiring attention, and prioritized action items for each location.

Does orthodontic consulting work for practices outside the United States?

Yes. Hummingbird Associates is an international firm and has worked with orthodontic practices in Canada, Europe and elsewhere. The systems, metrics and leadership structures translate across countries; fee structures, insurance arrangements and regulations are adapted to the local market.

How do we know if our practice needs a consultant?

The usual sign is that growth has outpaced structure: decisions live in people instead of systems, the owner carries more than they should, accountability has become emotional, and the schedule feels improvised. A practice that is growing but feels harder to run each year is the typical candidate.

BIOGRAPHY

KAREN MOAWAD - CEO

Karen has earned a well-deserved reputation for applying highly specialized and practical problem-solving skills within a framework and methodology known for yielding unparalleled results.

Karen works with each practice as a coach/ advisor/facilitator. She is a specialist in business strategy and organizational effectiveness. She capitalizes on enhancing the relationship between these two dimensions while maintaining a holistic and personal involvement with each client and staff member.

CHRISTINE SADLER - CONSULTANT

Christine Sadler, Hummingbird Associates orthodontic management consultant

Christine Sadler provides operational consulting for orthodontic practices that want their systems to actually work every day. She helps teams take their valuable workflows and training and transform them into clear, organized, actionable systems in Asana, so nothing lives in binders, spreadsheets, or people’s heads. Tasks are assigned to the right people, tracked to completion, and visible to leadership.

With over 20 years of orthodontic experience, Christine brings a practical, hands-on approach grounded in the realities of orthodontic practices.