Dr. Dara Chira grew up in Wellesley, Massachusetts. She attended Tufts University and received her B.S. degree in Biology in 1985. Upon deciding to pursue a career in orthodontics, Dr. Chira made an early commitment in her education to achieve a level above and beyond. She earned her Doctorate in Dental Medicine in 1993 from Tufts University School of Dental Medicine and received her Certificate in Orthodontics in 1995 from NYU College of Dentistry. During 1998, Dr. Chira completed an advanced 2-year program in occlusion and TMJ from the Roth/Williams Center in Functional Occlusion. Dr. Chira is trained not only in comprehensive restorative orthodontics but she is also a trained and practicing surgical and non-surgical acceleratory orthodontist. After a few years of working as an associate in Massachusetts, Dr. Chira pursued her professional dream and opened her orthodontic practice in Burlington, Vermont in 1999.
Less than 25% of orthodontists become Board Certified.As a seeker of knowledge devoted to a path of higher orthodontic care, Dr. Chira joined the elite few and in March 2006 becamethe only Board Certified female orthodontist in Vermont.With this achievement, Dr. Chira has earned the status of Diplomate and is a member of the American Board of Orthodontists College of Diplomates.
Continuing her commitment to education and to providing the very best health care to her patients, Dr. Chira recently completed an Arnett/Gunson Facial Reconstruction Course in Orthodontics and Orthognathic Surgery following her completion of courses in comprehensive Orthognathic Bioesthetic Rehabilitation for Restorative Dentists and Orthodontists. This approach involves a comprehensive evaluation of the entire chewing system. It regards the teeth, jaw joints, bones, nerves, muscles, lips, tongue, mouth and the face as a collective system rather than individual parts. Equilibrium between all these oral structures allows the creation of a natural, youthful looking smile and promotes the maintenance of a healthy chewing system that will provide a lifetime of optimal comfort, function and beauty.
Dr. Chira is an active member in the dental community. During 2016, Dr. Chira was appointed the title Clinical Assistant Professor at the Boston University School of Dentistry Postdoctoral Orthodontic Residency Program and subsequently taught a course in Design Evolution: from Centric Splint to Esthetic Bio- MAGO. She also regularly co-presents her treatment approach alongside Dr. Jeffrey McClendon and Dr. Michael Gunson. Additionally, Dr. Chira has been a Guest Lecturer for the UVM General Dentistry Residency Program, has served as President of the Champlain Valley Dental Society, and currently serves as Treasurer of the Roth/Williams International Society of Orthodontists.
As a respected and celebrated leader in orthodontics, Dr. Chira has been invited to speak not only across the United States but also abroad. During 2004, Dr. Chira was invited to speak on behalf of the Roth/Williams International Society of Orthodontists at the first Womens Orthodontic Conference on Functional Occlusion in San Paolo, Brazil. She returned as an invited guest speaker during 2013 for the same event. Recognized as a leader in her field, Dr. Chira was also asked to provide a webinar presentation, Introduction to Bioesthetic Dentistry and Goal-Directed Orthodontics: a Case Study, to the Thai Orthodontic Study Club in Bangkok, Thailand during March 4, 2016.
Dr. Chira holds memberships in several professional organizations, including: the College of Diplomates of the American Board of Orthodontics, the Champlain Valley Dental Society, Vermont Orthodontic Association, Vermont State Dental Society, the Northeast Society of Orthodontists, the American Association of Orthodontists, the Advanced Orthognathic Surgery Foundation, Tufts Dental Alumni Association, New York University Orthodontic Alumni Association, and the Teams Links Study Club.
Chira Orthodontics is unique to the Burlington community because it is a home/office. This arrangement has worked well for Dr. Chira as it affords her the opportunity to balance spending quality time with her family and being a full-time professional. Many of Dr. Chiras patients enjoy and benefit from the blend of the family-like atmosphere and the state-of-the-art orthodontic practice.
Dr. Chira resides in her home/office with her husband, Christopher and her sons, Garrett and Carson. She is also a proud stepmother of three boys, Austin, Ben and Anthony. During her spare time, Dr. Chira enjoys spending time with her family, running, gardening, and volunteering for and supporting community programs like Champlain Valley Junior League, Starr Farm Nursing Home, and the Burlington Amateur Hockey Association. She also plays an active role in the Tufts University Alumni Association. Currently, she is a member of the Tufts Alumni Council and was the Northern Vermont Chairperson for the Tufts University Alumni Admissions Program. Dr. Chira is a longtime supporter of youth running programs through Run VT and Girls on the Run. Her favorite place to vacation is Nantucket, Massachusetts and her favorite place in Vermont is Shelburne Farms.
We know that any office is only as effective and as welcoming as the people who work in it, which is why we take we take pride in our friendly and experienced team members! We putyourneeds first in order to achieve efficient and comprehensive treatment in a fun, supportive and nurturing environment. We promise to speak candidly with you about possible options as well as any risks, associated costs of treatment, and the best course of action to address your individual needs.
Since starting her practice in 1999, Dr. Chira has taken pride in leading a team that is caring, uniquely trained, highly skilled and ready to provide unparalleled service to each patient. As we strive to stay abreast of the very latest in technology and advances, our team regularly attends continuing education courses and seminars provided by the Vermont State Dental Society, the American Association of Orthodontists, TOPs Orthofest, OBI, and the Roth/Williams International Society of Orthodontists. Through specialized training, certifications, and years of experience, our team members ensure that each patient receives the very highest level of care.
Reviews
Rating 5.0 out of 5 based on 28 reviews
Sort by
newest oldest highest lowestSheri Rockcastle
a year ago
Dr. Chira and Ivy have been super great to work with. Or I should say they have been great working on me. I have gone to Chira Orthodontics for years now, and I have had two phases of treatment for my messed up mouth and teeth. Through all of it Dr. Chira, and more recently Ivy, have been amazing. They are both really good at explaining what they are doing, and they are efficient but still really thoughtful about the work they do. It has been an amazing experience working with them. I couldn't be more pleased with Chira Orthodontics and my new smile
Gabrielle Mathews
2 years ago
Chira Orthodontics has always encouraged me through my braces adventure! I owe big thanks to Chira and the crew!
C M
2 years ago
I would recommend Dr. Chira to anyone who values their wellness and health when it comes to their results. Although I came to Dr. Chira primarily with cosmetic concerns, I have learned so much about how malocclusion affects health and well-being, and how important it is to have a healthy bite. Although Dr. Chira recommended double jaw surgery, it wasn't an option due to my own personal reasons. However, Dr. Chira was able to be flexible with my treatment plan. Although my underbite and overbite could not be completely corrected (in my case, impossible to address without surgery) my teeth and bite have come a long way thanks to Dr. Chira. I am very happy with the cosmetic and functional improvement and I am confident that Dr. Chira's approach was the best for my case. Thank you Dr. Chira!
Ross Wheeler
2 years ago
Chira Orthodontics has greatly changed my life for the better. Having braces twice, going through a double jaw surgery and restorative dentistry Dr. Chira has had the knowledge to guide me though the process with as little hiccups as possible. Everyone in the office is very friendly and I would recommend then to anyone who is looking for an Orthodontist.
Oak TR33
2 years ago
Nothing but great things to say about Dr. Chira and all of her assistants! We're very warm and helpful throughout my entire time being their patient!
Camryn Poulin
2 years ago
A great experience all around! Everyone is so friendly and encouraging. I appreciated that they always explained exactly what they were going to do during my appointments. I love my new smile and Dr Chira's team, thank you!!
Amber Mattison
2 years ago
Dr. Chira and her staff have gone above and beyond to help me reach my health goals. I am so thankful to have a team of people who are willing to take the time I need to go through the process, and make me feel supported the whole way. Your high standards and ability to get to the root cause of symptoms has made a HUGE difference for me and the quality of my life. Keep up the excellent work.
Oak TR33
3 years ago
Nothing but great things to say about Dr. Chira and all of her assistants! We're very warm and helpful throughout my entire time being their patient!
Camryn Poulin
3 years ago
A great experience all around! Everyone is so friendly and encouraging. I appreciated that they always explained exactly what they were going to do during my appointments. I love my new smile and Dr Chira's team, thank you!!
Cynthia DuBois
3 years ago
Dr.Chira changed our daughters life!!! Her knowledge and ongoing education has benefited our daughters entire life; sleep, grades, sports, better health.... all due to Dr. Chira. Head to toe... it's all connected. She looks at each patient as an individual with individual needs. We are so happy and grateful we found her and her AMAZING staff!!!
Samantha Fessette
3 years ago
Dr. Chira is very thorough and knowledgeable. I went through so many wrong pathways and it was not until I landed at Dr. Chira's that I began to experience relief and correct treatment. I waited to do this review until I was completely done with it all - a splint appliance, over 3 years in braces, double jaw surgery, and restorative work. Dr. Chira was with me every step of the way, making sure that I received the best treatment possible. This was after about 3 years getting the incorrect treatment and not experiencing any relief. Going to Dr. Chira was the best possible outcome for me, and I am so glad I ended up at her office. I would recommend a consult just to gain some direction from her - she is personable and is more than willing to help. My quality of life has improved so much with her and I cannot recommend her advice enough. Very caring and excellent level of treatment!
Cynthia DuBois
4 years ago
Dr.Chira changed our daughters life!!! Her knowledge and ongoing education has benefited our daughters entire life; sleep, grades, sports, better health.... all due to Dr. Chira. Head to toe... it's all connected. She looks at each patient as an individual with individual needs. We are so happy and grateful we found her and her AMAZING staff!!!
Samantha Fessette
4 years ago
Dr. Chira is very thorough and knowledgeable. I went through so many wrong pathways and it was not until I landed at Dr. Chira's that I began to experience relief and correct treatment. I waited to do this review until I was completely done with it all - a splint appliance, over 3 years in braces, double jaw surgery, and restorative work. Dr. Chira was with me every step of the way, making sure that I received the best treatment possible. This was after about 3 years getting the incorrect treatment and not experiencing any relief. Going to Dr. Chira was the best possible outcome for me, and I am so glad I ended up at her office. I would recommend a consult just to gain some direction from her - she is personable and is more than willing to help. My quality of life has improved so much with her and I cannot recommend her advice enough. Very caring and excellent level of treatment!
Yi Lu
4 years ago
Chira Orthodontics is a great office, providing professional and responsible service. Thank you for all of you.
Will Belluche
4 years ago
These great people really know how to make your smile fantastic!
Ryan Allendorf
5 years ago
What an amazing office! Dr. Chira's experience and knowledge is unmatched, explanations are clear and easy to understand, and bedside manner is impeccable. Her and her staff will be the shining star guiding you on your journey to better health.
Will Belluche
5 years ago
These great people really know how to make your smile fantastic!
Yi Lu
5 years ago
Chira Orthodontics is a great office, providing professional and responsible service. Thank you for all of you.
Caroline Coleman
5 years ago
I was a patient and then worked at this office. I have had nothing but wonderful experiences. The staff, even in stressful situations, keeps a positive attitudes and attends to patients as promptly as possible. They do such wonderful work to keep their patients happy and healthy. After 3 years in braces, I now have a splint that makes my life all the better
Kaitlyn Arthur
5 years ago
If I could give more than 5 stars, I would. I have been with Dr. Chira for as long as I can remember for my TMJ and she has always tried her best to ensure my comfortability and happiness, without risking quality. I used to have jaw issues like popping, locking, and extreme pain. She did years of orthodontic work on me to ensure my bite was perfect before referring me to a surgeon in Boston for a corrective surgery. She worked alongside us and the surgeon to work with our schedule and ensure the surgery went as smoothly as possible. It was a tough recovery, but once again, Dr. Chira was very supportive. While I do still have some jaw pain, I cannot imagine what my life would be like without Dr. Chira. Bottom Line: If you want an expert that actually cares about you, give Dr. Chira a call, you won't regret it!
Load more