Once you make the decision to have orthodontic treatment, it becomes very important whom you choose to provide it. An orthodontist is a specialist in the diagnosis, prevention and treatment of dental and facial irregularities. All orthodontists are dentists, but only 6 percent of dentists are orthodontists. Admission to orthodontic programs is extremely competitive and selective.
It takes many years to become an orthodontist and the educational requirements are extremely demanding. An orthodontist must complete college requirements before starting a 3- to 5-year graduate program at a dental school accredited by the American Dental Association (ADA). After dental school, at least 2 or 3 academic years of advanced specialty in an ADA-accredited orthodontic program are required to become an orthodontist. The program includes advanced education in biomedical, behavioral and basic sciences. The orthodontic resident learns the complex skills required to manage tooth movement and guide facial development.
Only dentists who have successfully completed these advanced specialty education programs may call themselves orthodontists. Dr. Roehm and Dr. Stigall have both gone a step beyond in their professional development. Our doctors areboard-certified orthodontists by the American Board of Orthodonticswhichmeans they have committed to the lifelong recertification process. On a periodic basis Dr. Roehm and Dr. Stigall must take recertification examinations to maintain board certification. When you trust Midwest Orthodontic Associates with your orthodontic treatment, you will receive dental treatment from the most qualified professionals around. You are smart to select a board certified orthodontist.
While Dr. Stigall has only been in private practice with her father Dr. Roehm since 2006, shes been working in the office since she was 13 years old. Shes been around orthodontics her entire life and loves her profession. Dr. Stigalls first, and foremost, a mom to four young girls- Berkeley, Annabelle, Sadie, and Sylvie and treats all her patients the way shed want her daughters to be treated- with love, respect, and kindness. Dr. Stigall and her husband, John, enjoy traveling and cheering on the girls in their various activities. In her free-time she loves to cook and bake, does yoga, and plays with her kids.
Dr. Roehm has practiced orthodontics in Peoria, Illinois since graduating from Saint Louis University in 1979 and holds professional licensure in Illinois and Missouri. While private practice is where he has spent the majority of his career, he has had the opportunity and privilege to be involved in academia as well.
He was an Assistant Clinical Professor at Saint Louis University Center for Advanced Dental Education from 2001 to 2016. His area of special interesthas been temporomandibular dysfunction. He lectured on functional occlusion and taught splint therapy to all resident classes and followedpatients in the clinic and lectured on orthodontic systems and practice management. In addition to his time spent with the residents at St. Louis University, he was also an adjunct professor at St. Francis Medical Center General Practice Residency Program in Peoria, IL.
He has been married to his wife Kathy for 43 years and they reside in Dunlap, Illinois. They have four adult/married children and twelve grandchildren. He was joined in practice by his daughter, Melissa Roehm Stigall, in 2006.
