My patients are a lot of fun to be around. The little ones are very curious and talkative, and the teens always have good stories to share. The adults are very excited during treatment and often say, I should have done this a long time ago!
Being an orthodontist is about improving peoples oral health, growing their self-esteem, and creating confident smiles. Its also about developing lasting relationships with people. My patients are never a number on a chart to me, nor to anyone in my office. They are, first and foremost, individuals. They deserve to be treated with respect, compassion, and professionalism.
I decided to become an orthodontist when I was in braces as a teenager. I graduated from dental school in 1994 and completed my orthodontic residency in 1997, so I have been practicing for 25 years and love it more than ever. Every time I see my orthodontist at the national meetings, I thank him for inspiring me to pursue a career that has made me so happy.
I attended the prestigious University of Pennsylvania, where I graduated first in my class with a Doctorate of Dental Medicine. After dental school I attended Rutgers University where I completed a 3 year residency in Orthodontics and Dentofacial Orthopedics and obtained a Master's of Science degree.
Orthodontics is a constantly changing specialty. Different techniques, technologies, and materials all mean more options and stronger outcomes for my patients. I attend local, state, and national orthodontic meetings, to learn about the best and newest treatments. At these gatherings, Im also able to talk with colleagues about their experiences and we learn from one another.
I was born and raised in Guatemala. My parents are German, so I speak English, Spanish, and German. My husband and I moved to Ocala in 1999 and have raised our family here. We have two wonderful children, Ian and Anna Sofia. Our family loves to water ski, hike, and travel. We have an adorable dachshund, Vinny, and a cat, Pina. Because I grew up in a household that loved music and art, all of my pets are named after artists.
One of my favorite things about orthodontics is being able to make lasting relationships with each patient and family while providing exceptional care. It is a joy and a privilege to share our patients exciting life achievements while working on their smile transformation.
I enjoy providing personalized treatment to achieve a beautiful, healthy smile for each patient. I have advanced training in treating complex dental malocclusions and skeletal anomalies, including impacted teeth, missing teeth and extractions, cleft palate, and severe skeletal discrepancies.
I received my Doctor of Dental Medicine degree from the University of Florida and was subsequently honored with the induction into the Omicron Kappa Upsilon Dental Honor Society. I stayed at the University of Florida to complete my three-year orthodontic residency, where I received a Certificate in Orthodontics and Dentofacial Orthopedics and a Master of Science degree. Soon after my graduation, I became board certified by the American Board of Orthodontics.
I believe in lifelong learning and that education does not end at graduation. I continue to learn by completing continuing education courses annually to ensure I am providing the most current treatment for our patients.
I was born in Ohio but spent my childhood moving around the US before landing in southern Indiana. After receiving my Bachelor of Science from Purdue University, I relocated to Gainesville, FL, where I met my husband Phil. In my free time, I enjoy exercising, traveling, spending time outdoors, and spending time with Phil, family, and friends.
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.
Dr. Barckhausen has 25 years of experience in orthodontics and has improved the smiles and bites of thousands of patients in Ocala. Along with Dr. Kapernaros and our team, we are able to meet the needs of our patients with a focus on great communication, state-of-the-art technology, and personalized care.