A private equity firm, FFL Partners, has invested in a newly formed orthodontic services organization, Orthodontic Partners. FFL is partnering with the latter’s co-founders Jamie Reynolds, DDS, MS, Jeff Kozlowski, DDS, and CEO Chip Hurburt, who reportedly have significant equity in the business. 

Orthodontic Partners will be headquartered in Grand Rapids, Mich, and provide orthodontic care, including traditional braces and aligners, to children, teens, and adults. The company currently has offices in Michigan and Connecticut. 

“Jamie, Jeff and I are thrilled to partner with FFL as we work to grow operations in our existing markets and expand across the U.S. by partnering with high-quality orthodontic practices and supporting de novo locations with resources for growth,” says Hurlburt. “We see a huge opportunity to help orthodontists grow their practices while relieving them of the growing administrative burdens of billing, compliance, finance and other back-office functions.”

FFL has invested in and helped build a number of multi-unit healthcare businesses, including investments in EyeCare Partners, an organization serving optometrists and ophthalmologists, as well as WellStreet Urgent Care, a provider of immediate medical treatment for non-emergency illnesses and injuries. 

“[Orthodontic Partners’] differentiated, flexible and doctor-centred approach empowers orthodontists by providing them with the more sophisticated business practices used by larger practice groups, while enabling the doctors to maintain true clinical autonomy and a focus on delivering the best quality of care,” says Karen Winterhof, Director at FFL Partners.

“FFL’s investment in [Orthodontic Partners] reflects its ability to partner closely with management and clinical teams of highly scalable businesses and identify compelling acquisition opportunities that position them for long-term success and enhanced quality of care in local communities. We’re very happy to have FFL’s support as we grow [Orthodontic Partners], a platform founded by orthodontists for orthodontists,” says Reynolds.

Kozlowski adds: “[Orthodontic Partners] offers orthodontists a unique opportunity for professional development and growth, supported by a culture of efficient, high-quality orthodontic care. We look forward to partnering with leading orthodontists across the country who share our vision for benefiting from being part of our group while maintaining the independence both Jamie and I enjoy in our practices.”