I enjoy making a positive change in people's lives. As an orthodontist, I work with many patients who come to me feeling embarrassed to smile, and I enjoy working with them throughout their treatment so that when their braces come off, they cant stop smiling! Its the most rewarding experience to see my patients' excitement when they see their new smiles for the first time, and to know I have made a difference in their lives.

I believe that the best treatment requires a skilled orthodontist to be in charge. That is why I insist on seeing every patient on every visit and I believe that difference shows in the final result. It also allows me to build a positive relationship with my patients, and provide the most personalized, comprehensive care possible.

Following dental school, I served as a dental officer in the United States Navy. During this time, I gained valuable experience in general dentistry that I find very useful in coordinating treatment with my dental colleagues on complex dental problems. While in the Navy, I was also honored to receive the Navy Achievement Medal, one of the Navy's highest non-combat medals.

Continuing education is important to me because the art and science of orthodontics is constantly evolving. Although the basic principles of orthodontics remain the same, the technology and treatment options are constantly changing and advancing with time. Staying current with these trends allows me to provide more comfortable and efficient treatment to my patients. I regularly participate in an interdisciplinary study club that brings together dentists from all the specialties to work out treatment plans for complex cases. I also attend the American Association of Orthodontists meeting annually, which is four days packed with orthodontic-specific lectures. Finally, I round out my education with seminars that focus in depth on individual techniques that I feel will help me provide better care for my patients.

I have published six scientific articles in peer-reviewed journals and have given numerous lectures to local dental, dental hygiene, and dental assisting groups and orthodontic training programs. I maintain membership in the Mt. Baker Dental Society, the Washington State Dental Association, the Washington State Society of Orthodontists, the American Dental Association, the American Association of Orthodontists, and the American College of Dentists, and I am a Diplomate of the American Board of Orthodontics.

I have also pioneered a technique to close the space for missing teeth in the bottom jaw while simultaneously correcting an overbite. Closing space in the bottom jaw is traditionally avoided because it makes the overbite bigger. This technique is a game changing treatment option that allows the patient to avoid the substantial cost of placement and ongoing maintenance of implants and crowns without compromising on results.My technique was featured in an international publication released in 2018.

I am originally from Indianapolis, Indiana, and have lived in Bellingham for more than 25 years. While serving in the Navy, I was stationed at Sand Point, in Seattle, and I developed a great love for the Pacific Northwest. After completing my Masters of Sciencein orthodontics, I knew I wanted to return to this area to begin practicing orthodontics, settle down, and raise my family.

My wife, Shari Cummins, MD, and I have three children our son, Kyle is studying at Washington State, and twin daughters, Madeline is at the University of Washington and Meleri is at Western Washington. We also have a cat and a new Weimaraner puppy. When I'm not at the practice, I enjoy spending time outdoors camping, hiking, backpacking, skiing and kayaking.

We recognize that all of 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.

I have worked with Dr. Cummins since 1992, having started in the field in 1975. I enjoy working with my hands and spend much of my day in our onsite lab where I craft all the retainers and other appliances Dr. Cummins uses to treat our patients. Occasionally I work at the front desk where I assist my coworkers.

Outside of the office, I can often be found sewing, crocheting, making jewelry, quilting, reading, or taking care of my yard. Many of my creations are sold locally, at craft shows, and through my Etsy shop. I also like to watch professional sports and love cheering for my great niece and nephew at their sporting events.

I love working with this team because we care about and support each other in order to provide the best experience for our patients. Dr. Cummins is an amazing orthodontist and I love when he creates an outside-of-the-box treatment plan for a patient!

I like spending my free time with my husband, Tristan, and our young son, Waylon, at our home in Custer. We enjoy camping and BBQs with extended family during the summer and I look forward to snowboarding at Mt. Baker in the winter.

There is a special bond in our office: we care about each other like family. Dr. Cummins is so amazing at what he does. I love seeing how different each patients treatment is and all he achieves for them!

Much of my time off is spent with my husband and three beautiful children. The kids are active in sports, so we spend a lot of time at their different events. I also love making and decorating cakes, volunteering at my kids schools, and many activities in my church.

I began my career here at Cummins Orthodontics, when Dr. Cummins hired me as I graduated from Bellingham Technical College in 1996. I was here from 1998 to 2013, when I moved to Idaho, and recently returned to the practice in 2018. I like toassist Dr. Cummins transform a patients smile while providing direct patient care, too.

I love working for an office that is so welcoming and caring. We are united in our desire to provide the perfect orthodontic experience for our patients. I especially love working with an experienced and knowledgeable orthodontist who is a great teacher, mentor, and who goes above and beyond for his patients.

Outside of work, I love being with my wonderful husband and two sons, as well as our two dachshunds and a green cheek Conure. I enjoy time with friends and family, camping in the great northwest, going to Idaho during the summer, and I love antiquing and thrift store shopping for treasures, too.

Orthodontic treatment is more than straightening teeth to change a persons appearance. The best orthodontic care creates a bite that protects the teeth, establishes optimal oral health, and delivers a lifetime of confident, natural-looking smiles.

He and the Cummins Orthodontics team are committed to high-quality orthodontics and a fully personalized treatment approach. We want you to achieve an incredible smile, comfortably and efficiently, and to enjoy every step of the process!

Dr. Cummins has pioneered a technique to close the space for missing teeth in the bottom jaw while simultaneously correcting an overbite. Closing space in the bottom jaw is traditionally avoided because it makes the overbite bigger. This technique is a game changing treatment option that allows the patient to avoid the substantial cost of placement and ongoing maintenance of implants and crowns without compromising on results. Dr. Cumminss technique was featured in a case study manual that teaches orthodontists around the world about the effectiveness and versatility of a new Herbst appliance design in treating patients with overbites. Dr. Cummins joined orthodontists from New Zealand, Japan, Australia, The Netherlands, Colombia, as well as California, Oregon, and Maryland in contributing to this publication!

Choosing orthodontic care is choosing to make a lasting change in your oral health, as well as your smile. As treatment involves an investment of your time, energy, and finances, you need to understand your clinical concerns and all appropriate treatment options.