Factors in the financial success of orthodontists

Introduction. The purpose of this study was to identify which decisions contributed significantly to the financial success of an orthodontist.;Methods. A 21-question questionnaire was developed and mailed to 1,872 randomly selected orthodontists throughout the United States. Data from the completed, returned questionnaires (n=157 -- response rate of 8.3%) was compiled and analyzed.;Results. The relationship of Gross Income to all other variables was evaluated. Sixteen variables were identified that significantly contributed to gross income. Owning their own building and saving early were the two most common Best Financial Decisions. Poor Marketing was the most common Worst Financial Decision.;Conclusions. Eight of the 16 variables that significantly contributed to gross income involved the use of practice management consultants; the use of practice management consultants significantly contributed to the success of the respondents. Of the non-operational variables, an established Long-term Savings Goal accounted for the most variance in Gross Income.