Dr. Joseph Hudgins was raised in the Carbondale and Murphysboro area. He received his Bachelor of Science degree from the University of Illinois in 1983, his dental degree from Northwestern University in 1987, and his specialty in orthodontics from the University of Nebraska in 1989. After serving in the United States Navy, he returned to the Southern Illinois area to begin his practice in 1992.
Dr. Hudgins is an avid believer in continuing education and always implements the latest in technology into his practice. To stay up-to-date with the latest advancements, he maintains memberships in the American Board of Orthodontics, American Association of Orthodontists, American Dental Association and the Southern Illinois Dental Society, of which he is a past president.
I am happy to be from Southern Illinois, live and work here. I believe it is important to be a part of the community and promote civic involvement. I believe it is also important to give back to society, as a whole.
Therefore Dr. Hudgins provides financial support and donates his personal time to performing arts, such as local high school bands, choirs and theatre programs. He also sponsors sports teams, speech teams, yearbook clubs, boys/girls clubs and scouting programs. He has volunteered with Boy Scouts of America, been a member of the Carbondale Community High School Board of Education, and has served in various positions at his church, First United Methodist Church.
Dr. Hudgins resides in Murphysboro with his wife, Lane, and their sons, Cameron, Drew and Braden. In his spare time, he enjoys spending time with his family, waterfowl hunting, boating, golfing, yard work, spectator sports, traveling and skiing.
Clinical Supervisor Marla graduated from the John A. Logan College with an early childhood education degree in 1988 and from the Dental Assisting Program in 1997. Marla became a Certified Orthodontic Assistant in May 2000. She has worked for Dr. Hudgins since 1997.
Chairside Assistant Maggie graduated from John A. Logan College Dental Assisting Program 2011 and has worked for Dr. Hudgins since May 2011. Maggie became a Certified Orthdontic Assistant in May of 2014.
Financial Coordinator/Insurance Coordinator/Social Media Director Jacque graduated from the John A. Logan College Dental Assisting Program in 1998. She graduated from the University of Phoenix in 2007 with a bachelor's degree in health care administration. Jacque has worked for Dr. Hudgins since 1998.
Dr. Joseph Hudgins is board certified by the American Board of Orthodontics, which gives him Diplomate status with the Board. To obtain this distinction, he first earned a dentistry degree and completed an advanced post-doctoral course (accredited by the American Dental Association) of at least two academic years in the specialty of orthodontics. After becoming an orthodontist, Dr. Hudgins then took the extra step of voluntarily completing an examination to become board certified. He passed a written examination and then presented a number of his orthodontic cases. After his evaluation, Dr. Hudgins became a Board Certified Diplomate of the American Board of Orthodontics, a status that is rarely achieved by only 25% of all American orthodontists.
Clinical and Front Office team members are Certified Dental Assistants along with the Clinical Team being Certified Orthodontic Assistants. This means that everyone on staff attends yearly continuing education courses to stay current with the latest dental techniques and procedures.
To better accommodate the scheduling needs of all our patients, we have not one but two offices! If you live in or around Carbondale, we can see you Monday through Friday. We also see patients on certain Mondays in our DuQuoin office.
Our services are not simply limited to comprehensive orthodontic treatment for adults and children. Dr. Hudgins also offers early childhood interceptive treatment, jaw orthopedics, cosmetic orthodontics and surgical orthodontics.