Practice Spotlight

From the day he entered the profession of orthodontics 11 years ago, Dr. Jeff Kozlowski had a vision for what the practice of orthodontics could be. A former partner in a multi-office group practice, Dr. Kozlowski opened his own practice to make that vision a reality. His goal sounded simple enough: build a community based on a fun, engaging and transparent patient experience. In just 15 months, he has created a nurturing environment that reminds you of your buddy’s house – if your buddy also happens to provide caring, peerless orthodontic treatment.

Instead of stocking his reception area with 5-year-old issues of People magazine, Dr. Kozlowski opted for Nintendo Wii systems which are usually occupied by his patients’ siblings or fathers. Additionally, Dr. Kozlowski stocked his New London, CT office with a KODAK 9000C 3D System and his East Lyme, CT office with a KODAK 8000C System to ensure the finest clinical images. He broadcasts a wireless network so parents can bring their laptops and work or browse the Internet over a cup of coffee. Dr. Kozlowski and members of his staff wear matching black t-shirts to ease the anxiety sometimes associated with more clinical garments. But that is not the only function of the t-shirts; patients are given the shirts to help make them feel a part of the orthodontic team. When Dr. Kozlowski and his staff spot patients sporting the shirts in public, they are quick to thank those patients with bonus gift cards. Patients are also encouraged to take their shirts to faraway lands and send back photographs.

Aside from showing Kozlowski Orthodontics shirts in front of Mount Rushmore, photography has a unique and revolutionary role in this practice. Every single visit of every patient’s treatment program is extensively photographed, producing benefits for individual patients and the mission of the practice as a whole. Progress photos give patients an extra incentive to follow their treatment plans, as well as something to be proud of and show to others. Viewing the last visit’s photographs are like unwrapping a present, according to Dr. Kozlowski. A massive image library of every aspect of orthodontic treatment also allows him to teach patients about what they may expect over the course of their treatment. Dr. Kozlowski notes it’s difficult to say whether the photo library increases case acceptance, but he firmly believes it helps improve treatment outcomes and build the community he sought when he started his practice.

A visit to the Kozlowski Orthodontics Facebook fan page reveals the community’s mission: healthy, confident smiles. Albums full of photos of beaming patients and staff indicate a stunning degree of success. Dr. Kozlowski sees Facebook as an easy-to-use extension of his community, perfectly suited not only to his penchant for orthodontic photography but his commitment to his patients’ overall well-being. And it’s bringing favorable business results too: patients and parents of patients have become his best source of referrals. To learn more about Dr. Kozlowski, please visit his website at www.kozbraces.com.