What if Your First Job Out of Residency Didn’t Come With the Added Pressure of Feeling Like You Needed to Have It All Figured Out?
Fresh out of residency, Dr. Andrew Syvertsen knew he wanted more than just a job — he wanted a career where he could lead, connect, and keep growing. But he also didn’t want to figure everything out on his own.
On this episode of Smile Doctors Off Mute, Dr. Syvertsen joins Dr. Scott Law to talk about the challenges of launching a career in orthodontics — and how Smile Doctors helped him find his footing...
What if Your First Job Out of Residency Didn’t Come With the Added Pressure of Feeling Like You Needed to Have It All Figured Out?
Fresh out of residency, Dr. Andrew Syvertsen knew he wanted more than just a job — he wanted a career where he could lead, connect, and keep growing. But he also didn’t want to figure everything out on his own.
On this episode of Smile Doctors Off Mute, Dr. Syvertsen joins Dr. Scott Law to talk about the challenges of launching a career in orthodontics — and how Smile Doctors helped him find his footing. They dive into lessons learned on building confidence as a young doctor, fostering a culture of transparency, and creating a career path that fits your goals (not someone else’s).
Along the way, Dr. Syvertsen shares stories from his journey through dental school at Columbia, residency in Brooklyn, and his move from New York to Texas — plus how his love for music and family helps him keep life in balance.
His journey offers hard-won lessons and advice from lived experiences for anyone starting out in orthodontics:
- True leadership starts with transparency, trust, and communication.
- There's no one-size-fits-all path to success — your career can (and should) fit you.
- Support systems matter — for your clinical skills and your personal growth.
Whether you’re just starting out in your career or looking for new inspiration, this conversation is packed with tips for finding independence without the isolation and leadership without the overwhelm.
HIGHLIGHTS:
- The Road to Orthodontics (00:01:26)
- Discovering a Passion for Smiles (00:05:05)
- How Waiting Tables Prepared Me for Orthodontics (00:07:43)
- Transitioning to Orthodontic Residency (00:13:00)
- Embracing the Smile Doctors Community (00:17:00)
- The Importance of Collaboration (00:21:10)
- The Role of Systems and Processes (00:22:07)
- Metrics That Matter (00:26:17)
- Patient Care and Satisfaction (00:31:19)
- Advice for Aspiring Orthodontists (00:41:45)
- It's All About the Patients (00:48:14)
- Fun Q&A Plus a Look at Dr. Syvertsen's Spotify Playlists (00:49:35)
MORE INFO:
Smile Doctors opportunities: https://smiledoctorspartners.com/
Email Dr. Andrew Syvertsen: andrew.syvertsen@wiredorthodontics.com
Wired Orthodontics in Austin, TX: https://wiredorthodontics.com/
Dr Syvertsen on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/user/syvertsa
Email Dr. Scott Law: scott.law@smiledoctors.com
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