1. home and garden
2. appliances

Copy of 2015 JCO Orthodontic Practice Study
2015 JCO Orthodontic Practice Study Economics and Practice Administration Thank you for participating in this comprehensive study of orthodontic practice. Please make every effort to complete all portions of this questionnaire. If there is more than one orthodontist in your practice, file only one questionnaire for the practice. NOTE: Only complete this questionnaire if you are in a private specialty practice of orthodontics in the United States. Please complete the questionnaire by MARCH 31, 2015. we are pleased to have the aid of CS OrthoTrac, Cloud9Ortho, Dolphin, Focus Ortho, New Horizons Software, Ortho2, and topsOrtho. We highly recommend that you click on the name of your software provider to get instructions for completing the
practice activity section of your questionnaire utilizing the software. l
If you wish, download a PDF version of the questionnaire from the JCO homepage to see what information will be requested. l
You may partially complete the questionnaire and come back to it later as long as you use the same computer. To prevent accidental or intentional multiple responses, the questionnaire can be submitted only once from a single computer. l
At the end of the questionnaire, you will have a chance to make general comments or clarify a response. However, once you have hit the "Done!" button, you will not be able to go back into the questionnaire. l
Paper forms are also available by request from surveys@jco­online.com. You will be able to mail the form back to us anonymously, and we will enter the data for you. As with all previous JCO Practice Studies, your answers are completely confidential, whether submitted online or mailed to us. Results of the Study will be published in print and online later in 2015. Thank you for participating in the 2015 JCO Orthodontic Practice Study. Send general questions to surveys@jco­online.com. The Editors Journal of Clinical Orthodontics JCO, Inc. 1828 Pearl St. Boulder, CO 80302 (303) 443­1720 www.jco­online.com Page 1
Copy of 2015 JCO Orthodontic Practice Study
Demographic Information
*1. What is your present age?
*2. Sex:
j Male
k
l
m
n
j Female
k
l
m
n
*3. Number of years in orthodontic practice:
(Enter a whole number)
*4. What state is your main office located in?
*5. Size of community where your main office is located:
j Rural (under 20,000 population)
k
l
m
n
j Small city (20,000­50,000 population)
k
l
m
n
j Large city (50,000­500,000 population)
k
l
m
n
j Metropolitan (over 500,000 population)
k
l
m
n
*6. Legal status of your practice:
j Sole proprietorship
k
l
m
n
j Partnership
k
l
m
n
j Professional corporation
k
l
m
n
*7. Total number of orthodontist­owners in your practice (including yourself):
j 1
k
l
m
n
j 2
k
l
m
n
j 3
k
l
m
n
j 4 or more
k
l
m
n
Page 2
Copy of 2015 JCO Orthodontic Practice Study
*8. Number of satellite offices in 2014:
j 0
k
l
m
n
j 1
k
l
m
n
j 2
k
l
m
n
j 3
k
l
m
n
j 4 or more
k
l
m
n
9. Number of continuing education days in calendar year 2014:
Continuing education course days
Continuing education meeting days
Page 3
Copy of 2015 JCO Orthodontic Practice Study
Administration and Management
10. Please check each of the following that you currently use in your practice (and indicate
whether you started using it in 2014):
Use?
Started in 2014?
Written philosophy of practice/mission statement
c
d
e
f
g
c
d
e
f
g
Written practice objectives
c
d
e
f
g
c
d
e
f
g
Written practice plan
c
d
e
f
g
c
d
e
f
g
Written practice budget
c
d
e
f
g
c
d
e
f
g
Office policy manual
c
d
e
f
g
c
d
e
f
g
Office procedure manual
c
d
e
f
g
c
d
e
f
g
Written job descriptions
c
d
e
f
g
c
d
e
f
g
Written staff training program
c
d
e
f
g
c
d
e
f
g
Staff meetings
c
d
e
f
g
c
d
e
f
g
Individual performance appraisals
c
d
e
f
g
c
d
e
f
g
Measurement of staff productivity (patients/staff hour, etc.)
c
d
e
f
g
c
d
e
f
g
In­depth analysis of practice activity
c
d
e
f
g
c
d
e
f
g
Practice promotion plan
c
d
e
f
g
c
d
e
f
g
Dental management consultant
c
d
e
f
g
c
d
e
f
g
Patient satisfaction surveys
c
d
e
f
g
c
d
e
f
g
Employee with primary responsibility as communications supervisor
c
d
e
f
g
c
d
e
f
g
Progress reports to patients
c
d
e
f
g
c
d
e
f
g
Post­treatment consultations
c
d
e
f
g
c
d
e
f
g
Pretreatment flow control system (referrals, consultations, starts)
c
d
e
f
g
c
d
e
f
g
Treatment flow control system (monitoring steps in treatment)
c
d
e
f
g
c
d
e
f
g
Cases beyond estimate report
c
d
e
f
g
c
d
e
f
g
Profit and loss statement (at least quarterly)
c
d
e
f
g
c
d
e
f
g
Delinquent account register
c
d
e
f
g
c
d
e
f
g
Accounts­receivable reports (monthly)
c
d
e
f
g
c
d
e
f
g
Contracts­written reports (monthly)
c
d
e
f
g
c
d
e
f
g
Measurement of case acceptance rate
c
d
e
f
g
c
d
e
f
g
Other / Comments: Other Page 4
Copy of 2015 JCO Orthodontic Practice Study
Administration and Management (continued)
11. Please check each of the following functions routinely performed by a computer in
your practice (and indicate whether you started using it in 2014):
Use?
Started in 2014?
Inventory control
c
d
e
f
g
c
d
e
f
g
Patient recall
c
d
e
f
g
c
d
e
f
g
Treatment records
c
d
e
f
g
c
d
e
f
g
Cephalometric analysis
c
d
e
f
g
c
d
e
f
g
Monitoring treatment progress
c
d
e
f
g
c
d
e
f
g
Other (please specify): 12. Which practice management software, if any, do you currently use?
j Cloud9Ortho
k
l
m
n
j Dolphin
k
l
m
n
j Focus Ortho
k
l
m
n
j IMS
k
l
m
n
j New Horizons Software
k
l
m
n
j Orthoease
k
l
m
n
j OrthoTrac
k
l
m
n
j Oasys
k
l
m
n
j Ortho2
k
l
m
n
j topsOrtho
k
l
m
n
j Do not use practice management software
k
l
m
n
Other (please specify) Page 5
Copy of 2015 JCO Orthodontic Practice Study
13. Please select each of the following that you currently use in your practice (and indicate
whether you began using it in 2014):
Use?
Started in 2014?
Cone­beam computed tomography analysis
c
d
e
f
g
c
d
e
f
g
Intraoral digital scanner
c
d
e
f
g
c
d
e
f
g
Digital diagnostic records
c
d
e
f
g
c
d
e
f
g
3D printer
c
d
e
f
g
c
d
e
f
g
Patient access to own account and schedule
c
d
e
f
g
c
d
e
f
g
Patient access to own records
c
d
e
f
g
c
d
e
f
g
Text messaging to patients
c
d
e
f
g
c
d
e
f
g
Remote access for orthodontist and staff
c
d
e
f
g
c
d
e
f
g
Mobile device app
c
d
e
f
g
c
d
e
f
g
Page 6
Copy of 2015 JCO Orthodontic Practice Study
Administration and Management (continued)
14. Please indicate the extent to which the following procedures are delegated to dental
auxiliaries in your practice by checking the appropriate spaces:
Routinely Delegated Occasionally Delegated
Never Delegated
Impressions
j
k
l
m
n
j
k
l
m
n
j
k
l
m
n
X­rays
j
k
l
m
n
j
k
l
m
n
j
k
l
m
n
Cephalometric tracings
j
k
l
m
n
j
k
l
m
n
j
k
l
m
n
Fitting of appliances
j
k
l
m
n
j
k
l
m
n
j
k
l
m
n
Insertion of removable appliances
j
k
l
m
n
j
k
l
m
n
j
k
l
m
n
Bonding of fixed appliances
j
k
l
m
n
j
k
l
m
n
j
k
l
m
n
Removal of residual adhesive
j
k
l
m
n
j
k
l
m
n
j
k
l
m
n
Adjustment of removable appliances
j
k
l
m
n
j
k
l
m
n
j
k
l
m
n
Archwire changes
j
k
l
m
n
j
k
l
m
n
j
k
l
m
n
Removal of fixed appliances
j
k
l
m
n
j
k
l
m
n
j
k
l
m
n
Case presentation
j
k
l
m
n
j
k
l
m
n
j
k
l
m
n
Fee presentation
j
k
l
m
n
j
k
l
m
n
j
k
l
m
n
Financial arrangements
j
k
l
m
n
j
k
l
m
n
j
k
l
m
n
Progress reports
j
k
l
m
n
j
k
l
m
n
j
k
l
m
n
Post­treatment conferences
j
k
l
m
n
j
k
l
m
n
j
k
l
m
n
Patient instruction and education
j
k
l
m
n
j
k
l
m
n
j
k
l
m
n
Other / Comments: 5
6
Page 7
Copy of 2015 JCO Orthodontic Practice Study
Practice Building
15. Rate the effectiveness of each method listed below in stimulating growth in your
practice. Please rate the method if you have ever used it; please also indicate if you started
or stopped each method during the past two years.
Started in Stopped in Never used
past two past two years
years
Excellent
Good
Fair
Poor
Change practice location
c
d
e
f
g
c
d
e
f
g
c
d
e
f
g
c
d
e
f
g
c
d
e
f
g
c
d
e
f
g
c
d
e
f
g
Expand practice hours (evenings/Saturdays)
c
d
e
f
g
c
d
e
f
g
c
d
e
f
g
c
d
e
f
g
c
d
e
f
g
c
d
e
f
g
c
d
e
f
g
Open a satellite office
c
d
e
f
g
c
d
e
f
g
c
d
e
f
g
c
d
e
f
g
c
d
e
f
g
c
d
e
f
g
c
d
e
f
g
Participate in community activities
c
d
e
f
g
c
d
e
f
g
c
d
e
f
g
c
d
e
f
g
c
d
e
f
g
c
d
e
f
g
c
d
e
f
g
Participate in dental society activities
c
d
e
f
g
c
d
e
f
g
c
d
e
f
g
c
d
e
f
g
c
d
e
f
g
c
d
e
f
g
c
d
e
f
g
Seek referrals from general dentists: Letters of appreciation
c
d
e
f
g
c
d
e
f
g
c
d
e
f
g
c
d
e
f
g
c
d
e
f
g
c
d
e
f
g
c
d
e
f
g
Seek referrals from general dentists: Gifts or entertainment
c
d
e
f
g
c
d
e
f
g
c
d
e
f
g
c
d
e
f
g
c
d
e
f
g
c
d
e
f
g
c
d
e
f
g
Seek referrals from general dentists: Education of GPs
c
d
e
f
g
c
d
e
f
g
c
d
e
f
g
c
d
e
f
g
c
d
e
f
g
c
d
e
f
g
c
d
e
f
g
Seek referrals from general dentists: Reports to GPs
c
d
e
f
g
c
d
e
f
g
c
d
e
f
g
c
d
e
f
g
c
d
e
f
g
c
d
e
f
g
c
d
e
f
g
16. Rate the effectiveness of each method listed below in stimulating growth in your
practice. Please rate the method if you have ever used it; please also indicate if you started
or stopped each method during the past two years.
Started in Stopped in Never used
past two past two years
years
Excellent
Good
Fair
Poor
c
d
e
f
g
c
d
e
f
g
c
d
e
f
g
c
d
e
f
g
c
d
e
f
g
c
d
e
f
g
c
d
e
f
g
c
d
e
f
g
c
d
e
f
g
c
d
e
f
g
c
d
e
f
g
c
d
e
f
g
c
d
e
f
g
c
d
e
f
g
Seek referrals from patients and parents: Referral awards
c
d
e
f
g
c
d
e
f
g
c
d
e
f
g
c
d
e
f
g
c
d
e
f
g
c
d
e
f
g
c
d
e
f
g
Seek referrals from patients and parents: Entertainment c
d
e
f
g
c
d
e
f
g
c
d
e
f
g
c
d
e
f
g
c
d
e
f
g
c
d
e
f
g
c
d
e
f
g
Seek referrals from staff members
c
d
e
f
g
c
d
e
f
g
c
d
e
f
g
c
d
e
f
g
c
d
e
f
g
c
d
e
f
g
c
d
e
f
g
Seek referrals from other professionals (non­dentists)
c
d
e
f
g
c
d
e
f
g
c
d
e
f
g
c
d
e
f
g
c
d
e
f
g
c
d
e
f
g
c
d
e
f
g
Seek referrals from patients and parents: Letters of appreciation
Seek referrals from patients and parents: Follow­up calls after difficult appointments
(patient parties, movie outings, etc.)
Page 8
Copy of 2015 JCO Orthodontic Practice Study
Practice Building (continued)
17. Rate the effectiveness of each method listed below in stimulating growth in your
practice. Please rate the method if you have ever used it; please also indicate if you started
or stopped each method during the past two years.
Started in Stopped in Never used
past two past two years
years
Excellent
Good
Fair
Poor
Treat adult patients
c
d
e
f
g
c
d
e
f
g
c
d
e
f
g
c
d
e
f
g
c
d
e
f
g
c
d
e
f
g
c
d
e
f
g
Improve on­time rate for appointments
c
d
e
f
g
c
d
e
f
g
c
d
e
f
g
c
d
e
f
g
c
d
e
f
g
c
d
e
f
g
c
d
e
f
g
Improve on­time case finishing
c
d
e
f
g
c
d
e
f
g
c
d
e
f
g
c
d
e
f
g
c
d
e
f
g
c
d
e
f
g
c
d
e
f
g
Change case presentation
c
d
e
f
g
c
d
e
f
g
c
d
e
f
g
c
d
e
f
g
c
d
e
f
g
c
d
e
f
g
c
d
e
f
g
Change staff management
c
d
e
f
g
c
d
e
f
g
c
d
e
f
g
c
d
e
f
g
c
d
e
f
g
c
d
e
f
g
c
d
e
f
g
Change patient education (communications, audiovisuals, c
d
e
f
g
c
d
e
f
g
c
d
e
f
g
c
d
e
f
g
c
d
e
f
g
c
d
e
f
g
c
d
e
f
g
Provide digital case presentation (visualization)
c
d
e
f
g
c
d
e
f
g
c
d
e
f
g
c
d
e
f
g
c
d
e
f
g
c
d
e
f
g
c
d
e
f
g
Provide marketing videos in waiting room
c
d
e
f
g
c
d
e
f
g
c
d
e
f
g
c
d
e
f
g
c
d
e
f
g
c
d
e
f
g
c
d
e
f
g
etc.)
18. Rate the effectiveness of each method listed below in stimulating growth in your
practice. Please rate the method if you have ever used it; please also indicate if you started
or stopped each method during the past two years.
Started in Stopped in Never used
past two past two years
years
Excellent
Good
Fair
Poor
Offer expanded services: TMD
c
d
e
f
g
c
d
e
f
g
c
d
e
f
g
c
d
e
f
g
c
d
e
f
g
c
d
e
f
g
c
d
e
f
g
Offer expanded services: Lingual orthodontics
c
d
e
f
g
c
d
e
f
g
c
d
e
f
g
c
d
e
f
g
c
d
e
f
g
c
d
e
f
g
c
d
e
f
g
Offer expanded services: Surgical orthodontics
c
d
e
f
g
c
d
e
f
g
c
d
e
f
g
c
d
e
f
g
c
d
e
f
g
c
d
e
f
g
c
d
e
f
g
Offer expanded services: Cosmetic/laser treatment
c
d
e
f
g
c
d
e
f
g
c
d
e
f
g
c
d
e
f
g
c
d
e
f
g
c
d
e
f
g
c
d
e
f
g
Page 9
Copy of 2015 JCO Orthodontic Practice Study
Practice Building (continued)
19. Rate the effectiveness of each method listed below in stimulating growth in your
practice. Please rate the method if you have ever used it; please also indicate if you started
or stopped each method during the past two years.
Never used
Started in Stopped past two in past Excellent
years
two years
Good
Fair
Poor
Offer no­charge initial visit
c
d
e
f
g
c
d
e
f
g
c
d
e
f
g
c
d
e
f
g
c
d
e
f
g
c
d
e
f
g
c
d
e
f
g
Offer no­charge diagnostic records
c
d
e
f
g
c
d
e
f
g
c
d
e
f
g
c
d
e
f
g
c
d
e
f
g
c
d
e
f
g
c
d
e
f
g
Offer no initial payment
c
d
e
f
g
c
d
e
f
g
c
d
e
f
g
c
d
e
f
g
c
d
e
f
g
c
d
e
f
g
c
d
e
f
g
Offer discount for up­front payment
c
d
e
f
g
c
d
e
f
g
c
d
e
f
g
c
d
e
f
g
c
d
e
f
g
c
d
e
f
g
c
d
e
f
g
Offer extended payment period
c
d
e
f
g
c
d
e
f
g
c
d
e
f
g
c
d
e
f
g
c
d
e
f
g
c
d
e
f
g
c
d
e
f
g
Distribute practice newsletter
c
d
e
f
g
c
d
e
f
g
c
d
e
f
g
c
d
e
f
g
c
d
e
f
g
c
d
e
f
g
c
d
e
f
g
Solicit personal publicity in local media
c
d
e
f
g
c
d
e
f
g
c
d
e
f
g
c
d
e
f
g
c
d
e
f
g
c
d
e
f
g
c
d
e
f
g
20. Rate the effectiveness of each method listed below in stimulating growth in your
practice. Please rate the method if you have ever used it; please also indicate if you started
or stopped each method during the past two years.
Never used
Started in Stopped past two in past Excellent
years
two years
Good
Fair
Poor
Facebook
c
d
e
f
g
c
d
e
f
g
c
d
e
f
g
c
d
e
f
g
c
d
e
f
g
c
d
e
f
g
c
d
e
f
g
Twitter
c
d
e
f
g
c
d
e
f
g
c
d
e
f
g
c
d
e
f
g
c
d
e
f
g
c
d
e
f
g
c
d
e
f
g
Other social media
c
d
e
f
g
c
d
e
f
g
c
d
e
f
g
c
d
e
f
g
c
d
e
f
g
c
d
e
f
g
c
d
e
f
g
Blog
c
d
e
f
g
c
d
e
f
g
c
d
e
f
g
c
d
e
f
g
c
d
e
f
g
c
d
e
f
g
c
d
e
f
g
Videos on website
c
d
e
f
g
c
d
e
f
g
c
d
e
f
g
c
d
e
f
g
c
d
e
f
g
c
d
e
f
g
c
d
e
f
g
Advertising: Telephone yellow pages (paid)
c
d
e
f
g
c
d
e
f
g
c
d
e
f
g
c
d
e
f
g
c
d
e
f
g
c
d
e
f
g
c
d
e
f
g
Advertising: Local newspapers
c
d
e
f
g
c
d
e
f
g
c
d
e
f
g
c
d
e
f
g
c
d
e
f
g
c
d
e
f
g
c
d
e
f
g
Advertising: Local TV/radio
c
d
e
f
g
c
d
e
f
g
c
d
e
f
g
c
d
e
f
g
c
d
e
f
g
c
d
e
f
g
c
d
e
f
g
Advertising: Online/Internet advertising
c
d
e
f
g
c
d
e
f
g
c
d
e
f
g
c
d
e
f
g
c
d
e
f
g
c
d
e
f
g
c
d
e
f
g
Advertising: Direct­mail promotion
c
d
e
f
g
c
d
e
f
g
c
d
e
f
g
c
d
e
f
g
c
d
e
f
g
c
d
e
f
g
c
d
e
f
g
Managed care (such as HMO or PPO)
c
d
e
f
g
c
d
e
f
g
c
d
e
f
g
c
d
e
f
g
c
d
e
f
g
c
d
e
f
g
c
d
e
f
g
Affiliation with management service organization
c
d
e
f
g
c
d
e
f
g
c
d
e
f
g
c
d
e
f
g
c
d
e
f
g
c
d
e
f
g
c
d
e
f
g
Page 10
Copy of 2015 JCO Orthodontic Practice Study
Financial Policies and Fees
*21. Usual case fees:
(Enter whole numbers without dollar signs or commas.)
Child patients (permanent dentition) $
Adult patients (18 and older) $
22. Please check whether you typically charge a separate fee for any of the following, or
whether it is included in the case fee:
Included in case fee
Not offered
Separate fee
Initial consultation
j
k
l
m
n
j
k
l
m
n
j
k
l
m
n
Diagnostic records
j
k
l
m
n
j
k
l
m
n
j
k
l
m
n
Phase I treatment
j
k
l
m
n
j
k
l
m
n
j
k
l
m
n
Extended treatment time
j
k
l
m
n
j
k
l
m
n
j
k
l
m
n
Broken appointment
j
k
l
m
n
j
k
l
m
n
j
k
l
m
n
Occlusal equilibration
j
k
l
m
n
j
k
l
m
n
j
k
l
m
n
Skeletal anchorage
j
k
l
m
n
j
k
l
m
n
j
k
l
m
n
Laser treatment
j
k
l
m
n
j
k
l
m
n
j
k
l
m
n
Treatment of TMD
j
k
l
m
n
j
k
l
m
n
j
k
l
m
n
Repair of broken appliances
j
k
l
m
n
j
k
l
m
n
j
k
l
m
n
Retention
j
k
l
m
n
j
k
l
m
n
j
k
l
m
n
23. If you charge a separate fee, what is the typical amount? If you do not charge a
separate fee or do not offer the service, please leave the box blank.
Initial consultation
Diagnostic records
Phase I treatment
Extended treatment time
Broken appointment
Occlusal equilibration
Skeletal anchorage
Laser treatment
Treatment of TMD
Repair of broken appliances
Retention
Page 11
Copy of 2015 JCO Orthodontic Practice Study
24. How often are fees increased in your practice?
j Every 6 months or more frequently
k
l
m
n
j Every 12 months
k
l
m
n
j Every 24 months
k
l
m
n
j Every 36 months or less frequently
k
l
m
n
j Not on a regular basis
k
l
m
n
25. How do you determine the amount of fee increase? (please select all that apply)
c Arbitrary decision
d
e
f
g
c Based on fees charged by other orthodontists
d
e
f
g
c Based on patient feedback
d
e
f
g
c Fixed increase that does not vary
d
e
f
g
c Tied to consumer inflation rate
d
e
f
g
c Tied to practice income
d
e
f
g
c Other (please specify)
d
e
f
g
*26. Percentage that your usual practice case fee increased:
(Enter whole numbers without percentage symbols.)
In 2013 %
In 2014 %
N/A: practice opened after December 2013. (Enter "0" in this box)
Page 12
Copy of 2015 JCO Orthodontic Practice Study
Financial Policies and Fees (continued)
27. What percentage of the case fee are patients asked to submit as an initial payment?
(Enter a whole number without a percentage symbol.)
28. How many months do patients usually have to pay the case fee?
29. Is the case fee presented before diagnostic records are taken?
j Yes
k
l
m
n
j No
k
l
m
n
30. Do you accept assignment of benefits from third­party plans?
j Yes
k
l
m
n
j No
k
l
m
n
31. Do you offer third­party "bank plans" such as OrthoBanc?
j Yes
k
l
m
n
j No
k
l
m
n
32. Please estimate the percentage of gross revenue attributable to each of the following
methods of payment in your practice in 2014:
(Enter whole numbers without percentage symbols. The column should total
approximately 100!)
Cash and personal checks %
Credit cards %
Insurance %
Bank plans and third­party financing %
Medicaid and government plans %
Managed care (including prepaid or capitation plans) %
Other %
Page 13
Copy of 2015 JCO Orthodontic Practice Study
33. Are patients routinely billed in your practice?
j Yes
k
l
m
n
j No
k
l
m
n
Page 14
Copy of 2015 JCO Orthodontic Practice Study
Practice Activity
*34. Total number of new­patient consultations in your practice in 2014:
35. Do you routinely track patient referral sources?
j Yes
k
l
m
n
j No
k
l
m
n
36. Please estimate the percentages of
patients your practice obtained in 2014 from
the sources listed:
(Enter whole numbers without percentage
symbols. The column should total
approximately 100!)
Dentists (GPs) %
Dentists (specialists) %
Patients and parents %
Personal contacts %
Transfer %
Staff %
Other professionals (MD, etc.) %
Direct­mail advertising %
Telephone yellow pages %
Internet (website, social media) %
Commercial advertising (newspapers, TV, etc.) %
Drive­by signage %
Other %
Page 15
Copy of 2015 JCO Orthodontic Practice Study
*37. Please specify your practice's activity (all cases) for the calendar year 2014. If you
are in a practice with other orthodontists, please respond for the total practice.
Number of active treatment starts
Number of active treatment starts age 18 and older
Number of patients in active treatment
Number of patients placed on observation in 2014
Number of 2014 consultations for whom you recommended no treatment
Page 16
Copy of 2015 JCO Orthodontic Practice Study
Practice Activity (continued)
38. Please specify your practice's activity (all cases) for the calendar year 2014. If you are
in a practice with other orthodontists, please respond for the total practice.
(For percentages, enter whole numbers without percentage symbols.)
Number of patients in active treatment age 18 or older
Percentage of patients covered by third­party insurance (not managed care)
Percentage of patients covered by managed­care plans
Average number of patients treated per day
Average number of emergencies per day
Average number of broken appointments per day
Average number of cancelled appointments per day
*39. Please specify your practice's activity (all cases) for the calendar
year 2014. If you are in a practice with other orthodontists, please
respond for the total practice.
(Enter whole numbers without dollar signs or commas.)
Gross income of practice $ Total operating expense of practice (not including compensation of orthodontist­
owners) $ Current delinquent accounts (90+ days overdue) $
Page 17
Copy of 2015 JCO Orthodontic Practice Study
Practice Activity (continued)
*40. Check the statement that best describes your practice's schedule in 2014.
j Too busy to treat all persons requesting appointments.
k
l
m
n
j Provided care to all persons who requested appointments (but felt overworked).
k
l
m
n
j Provided care to all persons who requested appointments (and did not feel overworked).
k
l
m
n
j Not busy enough.
k
l
m
n
41. Compared to 2013, did your practice
increase, decrease, or stay the same in 2014
in terms of:
Increase
Decrease
Same
Active treatment starts
j
k
l
m
n
j
k
l
m
n
j
k
l
m
n
Gross income
j
k
l
m
n
j
k
l
m
n
j
k
l
m
n
42. If your practice did not increase in active treatment starts in 2014, please check your
opinions regarding the degree of influence of the following factors (if your practice
increased in active treatment starts, please skip this question):
High degree of No influence
Some influence
Advertising dentists in your area
j
k
l
m
n
j
k
l
m
n
j
k
l
m
n
Declining number of children in the local population
j
k
l
m
n
j
k
l
m
n
j
k
l
m
n
Number of dentists doing orthodontics in your area
j
k
l
m
n
j
k
l
m
n
j
k
l
m
n
Number of dentists doing Invisalign treatment in your area
j
k
l
m
n
j
k
l
m
n
j
k
l
m
n
Number of orthodontists in your area
j
k
l
m
n
j
k
l
m
n
j
k
l
m
n
Ineffective practice­building methods
j
k
l
m
n
j
k
l
m
n
j
k
l
m
n
Ineffective practice management
j
k
l
m
n
j
k
l
m
n
j
k
l
m
n
Local economic conditions
j
k
l
m
n
j
k
l
m
n
j
k
l
m
n
Loss of contact with younger dentists
j
k
l
m
n
j
k
l
m
n
j
k
l
m
n
Low­fee competition
j
k
l
m
n
j
k
l
m
n
j
k
l
m
n
Managed­care (closed­panel) dental programs in your area
j
k
l
m
n
j
k
l
m
n
j
k
l
m
n
Management service organization franchises in your area
j
k
l
m
n
j
k
l
m
n
j
k
l
m
n
Personal decision not to increase size of practice
j
k
l
m
n
j
k
l
m
n
j
k
l
m
n
Quality of staff
j
k
l
m
n
j
k
l
m
n
j
k
l
m
n
influence
Other (please specify) 5
6
Page 18
Copy of 2015 JCO Orthodontic Practice Study
*43. In 2015, do you expect that your practice will increase, decrease, or stay the same in
terms of:
Increase
Decrease
Same
Active treatment starts
j
k
l
m
n
j
k
l
m
n
j
k
l
m
n
Gross income
j
k
l
m
n
j
k
l
m
n
j
k
l
m
n
Page 19
Copy of 2015 JCO Orthodontic Practice Study
Staff Information
*44. Number and type of full­time employees in your practice:
For an employee with more than one position, use his or her
primary category only. Enter "0" if no employees fit the category.
Receptionist/Secretary
Chairside assistant
Laboratory technician
Dental hygienist
New­patient coordinator
Treatment coordinator
Business manager
Bookkeeper
Office manager
Non­owner orthodontist
*45. Number and type of part­time employees in your practice:
For an employee with more than one position, use his or her
primary category only. Enter "0" if no employees fit the category.
Receptionist/Secretary
Chairside assistant
Laboratory technician
Dental hygienist
New­patient coordinator
Treatment coordinator
Business manager
Bookkeeper
Office manager
Non­owner orthodontist
Page 20
Copy of 2015 JCO Orthodontic Practice Study
*46. Average yearly salary and bonus you paid the following types of full­time employees
in 2014:
(Enter whole numbers without dollar signs or commas. Enter "0" if you have no
employees in a category.)
Receptionist/Secretary annual salary and bonus
Chairside assistant annual salary and bonus
Laboratory technician annual salary and bonus
47. Please check the types of benefits provided to the typical full­time employee in your
practice (check all that apply):
c Paid vacation
d
e
f
g
c Paid sick leave
d
e
f
g
c Paid maternity/family leave
d
e
f
g
c Paid holidays
d
e
f
g
c Health insurance
d
e
f
g
c Retirement plan
d
e
f
g
c Uniform allowance
d
e
f
g
c Continuing education tuition
d
e
f
g
c Dental benefits
d
e
f
g
c Orthodontics (reduced fee or free)
d
e
f
g
c Cafeteria­style plan
d
e
f
g
Other (please specify): 5
6
48. Number of years the average full­time employee has been employed by your practice:
(Enter a whole number.)
Page 21
Copy of 2015 JCO Orthodontic Practice Study
49. Number of hours per week the orthodontist­owner typically worked in 2014, including
both patient and administrative hours:
Page 22
Copy of 2015 JCO Orthodontic Practice Study
Thank You!
50. You have finished the Orthodontic Practice Study questionnaire. To send us general
comments about the survey, please type them into the box below. If you wish to clarify
specific responses, identify the Practice Study questions by number.
Do not include any personal information that would identify you in this box. Send an e­mail
to surveys@jco­online.com if you want a reply.
You can return to the questionnaire and make changes and additions as long as you use
the same computer. Once you hit the "Done!" button, you will not be able to go back into
the questionnaire.
5
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