As an orthodontist, I use my knowledge and expertise to improve the self-image and confidence of my patients. It is extremely rewarding to see a patient smile with great pride after completing orthodontic treatment. I enjoy getting to know my patients and hearing about their lives, families and experiences.
Before becoming an orthodontist, I earned my DDS with honors from the University of Maryland, School of Dentistry. After serving in the U.S. Army Dental Corps, I entered a post-doctoral graduate program in orthodontics and dento-facial orthopedics at West Virginia University, graduating with a Master of Science degree in Orthodontics. My thesis studied the skeletal influence of pharyngeal depth in cleft lip and palate children.
Since graduation, I have kept myself on the cutting edge of orthodontics in order to keep up with the latest advancements in research and techniques by attending continuing education courses and seminars, and reading several professional journals. Not only do I find orthodontics and dento-facial orthopedics fascinating to study, I also enjoy using what I learn for the benefit of my patients.
I have proudly served the families of this area for more than 30 years, and have enjoyed watching patients grow up and start their own families. I always cherish the conversations I have with patients of all ages, and consider myself blessed to be part of their lives. We live in a wonderful community, and every day I am inspired to be the best orthodontist I can be.
I grew up in Cumberland, Maryland, and have lived in Frederick since 1976. My wife, Donna, and I have been blessed with two daughters and two sons. Outside of the office, I enjoy snow skiing, water skiing, boating, reading, and being a private pilot.
I have been active in our community, having served in several capacities in the Jaycees, as a Cub Master when my sons were younger, and in church-related activities. I also support community programs, local school activities and fundraisers such as Safe & Sane, sports, theater, music, and the performing arts programs.
On this site, you can learn about orthodontic specialists in the diagnosis, prevention and treatment of dental and facial irregularities. The correction of tooth and jaw alignment results in a healthy, attractive smile thats good for life.
Hello! I'm Chris. As the financial coordinator, I take care of the financial aspects of our practice. I have been a part of our orthodontic team since 1998. My husband, Mike, and I enjoy spending time with our two sons, Justus and Michael. I love working directly with our patients and their families, watching our young patients and their siblings grow into young adults. Dr. Harshberger and his staff are kind and caring, and are meticulous when treating our patients' orthodontic problems. I am pleased to be a part of our orthodontic team.
Welcome! I'm Dee, and I am the clinical coordinator for our orthodontic practice. I work as an orthodontic technician, oversee the clinical assistants in the treatment bay, and try to keep Dr. Harshberger on schedule. I have been working in orthodontics since 1983, and have been a part of this orthodontic team since 1997. I am certified in radiology and qualified in orthodontic expanded functions. I love meeting new people, making new friends, and putting beautiful smiles out in the world every day! I enjoy working with a team that is professional and passionate about orthodontics, and who also enjoys having fun. Outside of the office, I enjoy spending time with my daughter, Kaitlin, our dog, Kipper, and my friends.
Welcome! My name is Diane, and I am responsible for scheduling our patients for their orthodontic adjustments at times that are convenient for them and their families. Among other responsibilities, I also help our treatment coordinator in preparing for and conduction treatment conferences for our patients and their parents. Although I work mainly at the front desk, I am also certified in radiology and as a dental assistant. A wonderful part of my job is seeing our patients excited about starting their orthodontic treatment to improve their oral health and self-confidence, and to create beautiful smiles. My daughter was a patient here, and as a parent I was incredibly impressed with this practice. I am honored to be a part of such a fun and talented team of people dedicated to doing their best for each patient. Outside of work, my husband, Mike, and I love spending time with our two children, Jennifer and Chris.
Hello, my name is Pam, and I am a qualified orthodontic technician in expanded duty functions and am certified in radiology. I started working in our office in 1992, and have seen many positive changes take place in diagnosis and treatment during these years. Through the use of computerized tracings and analyses, I help prepare information for Dr. Harshberger for diagnostic evaluation and treatment planning for our patients' orthodontic problems. I really enjoy being such an integral part of our team, and love seeing our patients' smiling faces upon completion of their orthodontic treatment. My husband, David, and I are blessed to have three wonderful children and five beautiful grandchildren!
Hi! I'm Terry and I am one of the orthodontic technicians who help Dr. Harshberger provide exemplary orthodontic treatment for our patients. I am qualified in orthodontic expanded functions and am certified in radiology. In addition to my responsibilities as a clinical assistant, I am in charge of ordering the many different orthodontic supplies and maintaining the inventory schedule. Outside of my regular office work schedule, I enjoy spending time with my family and serving as the minister of music for my church.
Hi, I'm Vickie. Originally from Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, I began my career in orthodontics in 1987 and became certified in radiology and qualified in orthodontic expanded functions. I have been a part of Dr. Harshberger's orthodontic team since 1992, and work both as a clinical assistant and orthodontic lab technician, designing and making all of our orthodontic appliances. It is rewarding for me to help create beautiful smiles for our patients, helping to build their self-esteem and confidence. During my time away from work I enjoy spending time with my husband, Mark, and two sons, Chas and Scott. Chas is a First Class Airman for our USAF and Scott is in the second grade. My hobbies include scrapbooking, creating special occasion cards, making jewelry and enjoying time with my family and friends.
Our practice also recognizes that adults and children have different needs, and require a different level of attention and care. We will work with you to ensure that you receive the most appropriate treatments, and that your needs are met with understanding, respect, and full commitment from us.
While there is no exact age for children to begin orthodontic treatment, the American Association of Orthodontists recommends visiting the orthodontist around age seven. Early treatment allows your orthodontist to correct and guide your childs jaw, create more space for crowded teeth, avoid the need for extractions later in life, and correct thumb sucking and minor speech problems. There are a few things to watch for that may mean your child needs to see an orthodontist, such as crowded or misplaced teeth, difficulty chewing or biting, mouth breathing, thumb sucking, or popping jaws.
Braces are no longer as scary as many teens may think. In fact, braces today come in a variety of styles, materials, and colors making life with braces much easier, more comfortable, and even more stylish than in the past. There are several treatment options to choose from, including traditional metal, ceramic, and invisible braces. Treatment times can vary depending on how quickly your body responds and how much work is needed to give you the show-stopping smile you expect. Regardless of the type of braces you choose, it is important to avoid sticky, hard, or chewy foods, as these may damage your braces and prolong your treatment time.
Orthodontic treatment is no longer just for teens! In fact, the American Association of Orthodontists cites that one in five orthodontic patients is over the age of 21! Many adults are choosing to receive treatment because they understand the importance of maintaining their health and they want to feel better about their appearance. Todays orthodontic treatment options offer a variety of braces and appliances that are comfortable, aesthetic, and customized to meet your needs, such as clear braces, self-ligating braces, lingual braces, and clear aligners. Remember, a straight smile isnt just beautiful; it will help you maintain the health of your teeth for life!