She received her dental degree with honors from the University of Pennsylvania School of Dental Medicine and completed her orthodontic residency program at Temple University School of Dentistry. While at Temple, Dr. Ahl earned her certificate in orthodontics and Master of Science in oral biology.
Dr. Ahl received the esteemed status of board certification and was honored to present a board case for Excellence in Occlusion to national recognition in 2013. She believes in staying on the cutting edge of developments and research in orthodontics by frequently attending continuing education courses.
Dr. Ahl and her husband, Douglas Ditty, are blessed with three children: Brianna, Collin, and Elaina. She and her family are active members of the Wyoming United Methodist Church in Wyoming, Delaware. When shes not in the orthodontic office, she spends time with her family and friends, travels, skis, and enjoys running.
Dr. Charis OConnor is a talented, motivated, and experienced practitioner who is an enthusiastic contributor to the Kent and Sussex orthodontic communities. Dr. OConnor is a native of Delaware who took over Dr. Kidds practice before joining in a partnership with Dr. Ahl.
Dr. OConnor attended the University of Pittsburgh for her dental education. She remained at the university for an additional three years to complete her orthodontic residency. Her education exposed her to several learning philosophies and treatment modalities, all of which she implements in private practice. Dr. OConnor graduated at the top of her class. She was the recipient of several academic scholarships and made the Deans list each year of her dental education.
Dr. OConnor is board certified by the American Board of Orthodontics. She is also an active member of the Kent-Sussex Dental Society, the Delaware State Dental Society, the American Association of Orthodontists, and the American Dental Association.
Dr. OConnor resides in Dover with her husband Michael and daughters Regan and Avery. When shes not creating beautiful smiles, she enjoys playing tennis, going to the beach, reading, and spending time with family and friends.
We recognize that all our patients are unique and deserve to receive orthodontic care that reflects their individual needs. Our experienced and talented team is committed to working with you and your family to create a comfortable, stress-free, and rewarding orthodontic experience every time you visit our practice.
Here at Ahl and OConnor Orthodontics, both of ourboard-certified orthodontistsstrive to provide the highest quality of care to our patients in and around Dover, Milford, and Lewes, Delaware. We offer flexible office hours (before school and evening), and have an emergency line should you ever need to get in contact with a doctor after hours. The greatest joy of our work is that every day we have the opportunity to watch in amazement as patients dental and facial harmony grows into smiles of confident beauty, health, and happiness.
A very small percentage of dentists continue on to become orthodontists. An orthodontist is a specialist who is educated and trained specifically for orthodontic care. If you assumed all orthodontists are board certified, you are not alone. But the truth is fewerthan half of all orthodontists have taken this voluntary step to achieve board certification. Our doctors have taken this extra step to show their commitment to the lifelong learning process of board certification.
Board-certified orthodontists have committed themselves to you and your orthodontic treatment to provide the highest level of care. In addition to dental school and an accredited orthodontic program, they have successfully completed a voluntary, rigorous examination process through the American Board of Orthodontics, the only orthodontic specialty board recognized by the American Dental Association and in affiliation with the American Association of Orthodontists.
Our practice has multiple iTero digital scanners. With these scanners, we can show you a complimentary before and after treatment simulation! Also, with these scanners, we no longer need to take the traditional putty impressions!
We believe finances shouldnt stand in the way of a healthy, confident smile. Many discounts are available to patients who serve in the military, teach, are first responders, or work in the medical field. Were in-network with most insurances and have a refer-a-friend program. We will help you utilize your flexible spending account to the fullest, and we accept CareCredit.
The whole team loves to meetnew patients and helpthem get a fantastic smile. Were excited youve chosen us here at Ahl and OConnor Orthodontics for your orthodontic care and cant wait to see your smile!
Reviews
Rating 4.9 out of 5 based on 137 reviews
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newest oldest highest lowestKelly Blake
a year ago
Every time we visit, we are blown away by the personal attention our son receives. Last week we had a check-up, and had a very brief conversation with Dara when we scheduled our next appointment. A few days later we received a personal note from her with pictures of the characters our kids want to be for Halloween. We all think it is the best thing. We love them, our kids love them. Ahl and O'Connor is great.
Rosa Rodriguez
a year ago
I visit today Dr.Ahl and O'Connor and the were on time with my appointment. The staff was very professional and courteous.
Emily Wu
a year ago
I did the Invisalign for about two year and got very satisfied results here. Doctors are professional and people are nice here.
Sharitha Washington
a year ago
They're really good with making your child comfortable and very informational.
rachel foote
a year ago
My daughter loves coming here and loves the staff they are super nice and friendly!!!
Wilma Byler
2 years ago
The staff were amazing! It was a great experience. I highly recommend trying it out if you need braces
Dylan Crago
2 years ago
It is a good place and very kind people and all are very good at there job
Maggie Thompson
2 years ago
Great staff, they know how to work with kids. Time is taken to ensure patients are comfortable and feel included. Recommend 100%!
Korey W
2 years ago
Good communication from the staff regarding appointments and always friendly when my son has an appt
Breanna Hood
2 years ago
I have been coming as a patient for the last 2 years and the staff have always been extremely friendly. Thank you all for making my smile even more beautiful than it already was. I am happy my teeth will be so straight when I graduate high school in several years. Xo
Amana Choudhri
2 years ago
Beautiful office. Professional Staff. Great Service. So far my childrens ortho journey is going great.
Anmarie Stiller
2 years ago
They are hands down amazing, they have made our process so simple and enjoyable.
3js
2 years ago
Here for kid #2... would never consider going anywhere else. There's no reason to. 2 down... 1 to go
Rebecca Gillespie
2 years ago
Since the start of my son's journey with Ahl and O'Connor, we have had nothing but smooth sailing. The doctors and staff have always been helpful and imormative, engaging with us as parents as well as with our son. This is truly a first class group and we look forward to working with them in the near future as our daughter will be a patient.
Roslyn Simmons
2 years ago
This office is amazing! I had a slight mix up on the offer that was given with my care credit and the ladies fixed it ASAP. Whenever I get to the office there's never a delay with getting into our appointments. They are always willing to squeeze my Teen in if any problems arise with his braces. & to top it off we received this personalized Christmas card which has never happened from any doctors office I've ever been to! Thank you guys for caring! . (Melanie my child now thinks you have a crush on him)
scott h
2 years ago
Excellent care! We have noticed such amazing changes since our son has been seeing this orthodontics office! They are attentive to all of our needs, professional, and caring. Highly recommend them!
Nate Beachy
2 years ago
They are very clean and sanitized, they take great care of teeth very well, and they get you in and out very quickly. They are very friendly and helpful.
Sara Miller
2 years ago
Everyone is great at Ahl and O'Connor. My daughter enjoys seeing all of the staff members.
Cerita Marcum
2 years ago
I went for my consultation & everyone was very friendly & personable. They were thorough with the testing & explanation of plan for treatment. I've waited 29 years to be able to afford braces & thanks to AO Ortho I can finally have the straight smile I've always dreamt of using Invisalign!
Lynn Staffieri
2 years ago
I love this practice. The front office staff is very nice. The doctors and staff are so kind and willing to explain everything to the kids. I have two of my children in braces now and I had one a couple years ago. I will keep coming here. Braces are expensive but I am pleased with the results of my first child out of them and looking forward to the next two!
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