Dr. Dustin Ditch, a northern Minnesota native, attended the University of Minnesota where he received his Bachelors degree in psychology with a minor in biology. He continues his studies at the University of Minnesota School of Dentistry where he received his Doctor of Dental Surgery (D.D.S.) degree. Following dental school, Dr. Ditch completed an additional two years of specialty training in the field of orthodontics at the University of Minnesota and earned an Orthodontic Certificate.
Dr. Ditch is a member of the American Association of Orthodontists (AAO),Minnesota Association of Orthodontists (MAO), and the Omicron Kappa Upsilon Honor Society. Dr. Ditch was named as a Best Dentist in Minnesota By Minnesota Monthly Magazine for 2020, and 2021.
Dr. Ditch received the Top 5 under 40 award for 2021. Each year, the Alexandria Chamber and the Echo Press partner to honor young professionals in the community through the Top 5 Under 40 awards program. These individuals are recognized for their professional achievements, community involvement and overall depth of qualities.
He grew up in Pelican Rapids, and still frequently returns to spend time with his family at the lake. Dr. Ditch, his wife Lauren and their dog Shadow live in the Alexandria area. Lauren is a first grade teacher at Woodland Elementary. They are expecting their first child in April. He also enjoys being outdoors, water skiing, snowmobiling, hunting and restoring classic cars with his father.
For many teens, braces are a rite of passage: They're one more example of the changes adolescents go through at this time along with growth in stature, edgier tastes in clothes and music, and an increasing degree of self-awareness. But is there any particular reason why orthodontic appliances and teenagers seem to go together? In a word: Yes.
Often times, problems with the bite or alignment of the teeth can be corrected using various methods of dental and orthodontic treatment. Sometimes however, corrective jaw surgery or orthognathic surgery is recommended in cases where skeletal and dental irregularities are not easily remedied.
While you may be familiar with the terms, the techniques used to correct problematic and misaligned teeth have come along way from the braces you may know. But while the techniques may be new, the results are classic.
Invisalign is an easy, unobtrusive option for straightening your teeth, especially for adults who want to avoid the appearance of traditional metal braces or teens and children who want to continue their active lifestyles uninhibited while receiving orthodontic treatment.
