Why Orthodontics?
A college patient asked me the other day, "Why exactly did you want to go into orthodontics anyway?" He's about to declare majors and has been looking at his various career options.
The question gave me a brief pause. It's something I hadn't really thought about since I had applied to dental school and then my orthodontic residency…both of which are starting to be a few years longer ago than I like to think about.
I grew up visiting and then working summers in my father's orthodontic office. (He claims he didn't try to brainwash me when I was in the crib - to this neither of us confirm nor deny.)
What struck me is that it seemed like he was friends with everyone. Young, teenaged, or adult, and both active or in retainers, my dad had a good time visiting with all of his patients. Orthodontics is a bit unique in that the work takes years to complete. It means that you get to watch your younger patients grow up; sometimes from elementary school all the way to college and beyond. For your adult patients, treatment often takes longer because the case is more complex or the teeth just move slower. But at the end, you really feel like you've accomplished something together.
Ultimately, I told my patient, "You work hard, but you feel like you're making a positive difference in people's lives. And when you're done, you've often built a friendship that lasts beyond their time in treatment."
This blog is meant to highlight the more casual and fun side of an orthodontic office. Most of the posts will come from stories in the clinic, or questions asked by patients. If there's something you've always wanted to know, but never found the right time to ask, feel free ask in the comments. (or FB message, or email)
Thanks for visiting.
