🎙️ What if I told you the way you practice orthodontics—and live your life—depends entirely on where you choose to plant your feet?

I’ve spoken to orthodontists all over the world—but this conversation hits different. In this episode, I sit down with Dr. Jon Paley, an American-trained orthodontist who made the bold decision to build his life and practice in Israel. And what he shares isn’t just about orthodontics—it’s about perspective, resilience, and what really matters when everything around you is unpredictable.

If you’ve ever wondered how adaptable you really are as a doctor—or what it means to lead when things aren’t “normal”—this episode will challenge you, ground you, and maybe even change how you think about your own practice and life.

Quotes

“Patients looked at our practice as a place of normalcy… even during chaos, that 45 minutes mattered.”
— Dr. Jon Paley

“It’s a contract we feel we have with our country—to take responsibility, stay calm, and just keep going.”
— Dr. Jon Paley

Key Takeaways

Intro (00:00)
Jon’s journey from the Midwest to Israel (03:25)
Practicing in two countries—and commuting for 20 years (06:30)
Selling his U.S. practices and starting over at 52 (08:24)
The biggest difference between U.S. and Israeli orthodontics (13:28)
Why delegation is far more limited outside the U.S. (13:28)
Technology, Invisalign, and practicing at a high level globally (14:34)
What it’s really like living and raising a family in Israel (01:01)
Managing a practice during national crisis and uncertainty (21:54)
How patients view the practice as a “safe place” (26:29)
The mindset shift: responsibility, resilience, and purpose (27:36)

Additional Resources

If this episode made you think differently about your practice—or your life—share it with a colleague who needs that perspective shift.

Want to connect with Dr. Jon Paley or learn more about his work?
👉 Visit: braces.co.il
👉 Or find him on Facebook

And if you’ve ever considered practicing internationally—or just want to become a more adaptable, resilient orthodontist—this is your reminder: growth happens outside your comfort zone.

Register for the Make More Money Meeting: https://ortho4m.com/home

- For more information, visit: https://orthopreneurs.com/

- Join our FREE Facebook group here: https://www.facebook.com/groups/OrthoPreneurs

Orthodontics Under Pressure: Lessons From Israel w/Dr. Jon Paley