I love being an orthodontist. I have the unique opportunity to develop relationships with families over a long period of time, and havea lifelong impact on the happiness and confidence of their family members. Self-confidence is such an important part of a persons success. It is so important for anyone, especially young adults, to have a healthy self-image so they can flourish and succeed.
If my presence in their lives at such an impressionable age can in any way help them nurture this self-confidence, whether it is through my clinical ability to give them a beautiful smile, or by being someone that they can talk with, feel close to, and maybe even regard as a rolemodel, I will have considered myself successful.
I am lucky to have such a devoted team who share my passion and love for our practice and patients, and who bring their own unique qualities to our practice. I love that I can trust their opinions, share my decision-making with them, and share our success as a practice with them. We all LOVE to have fun! It is our goal to make every visit to our office one thats filled with laughter, smiles, and friendship.
Since I keep my techniques and technology as modern as possible, my patients benefit directly from the increased efficiency and comfort of their treatment. I value continuing education immensely, because it keeps me current in orthodontic theory and practice, and fulfills my enjoyment in learning new things. I participate in meetings and seminars through the American Association of Orthodontists and the Northeastern Society of Orthodontists throughout the year, and have completed the two-year Dr. McLaughlin mini-residency. In addition, I am part of the New Connecticut Study Club: a group that meets every six weeks to connect, collaborate, and educate each other on the latest in orthodontic technology and care.
It is important to me to give back to the community that has helped my practice grow and has been so good to me. I served on the board of the Kennebec Valley Chamber of Commerce and am a proud Smiles Change Lives provider.
I am a native of New York City and moved all around Maine before settling in Portland. I have a miniature dachshund name Charlie, and when I am not in the office I can be found running so that I can eat my way through Portland! Otherwise, I love photography, playing the cello, painting, and traveling all over the world. I am passionate about being a good friend; I care deeply about the people that I love, and am always striving to be a better person and friend to those in my life.
No. All orthodontists must be licensed to practice, but at this time only 1 in 3 orthodontists have continued on to complete Board Certification. The American Board of Orthodontics (ABO) certification process signifies a unique achievementa significant step beyond the two to three years of advanced education required for a dentist to become a specialist in orthodontics. The process requires the orthodontist to demonstrate actual accomplishments in patient care with detailed case reports on the treatment provided for a broad range of patient problems. Board certification is a voluntary achievement that all orthodontists do not choose to pursue. In order to become board certified by the ABO, an individual orthodontist is thoroughly interviewed by a highly respected panel of examiners to demonstrate their orthodontic knowledge, clinical skills and judgment.
One. The American Board of Orthodontics (ABO) is the only certifying board in the specialty that is recognized by the American Dental Association. The ABO was founded in 1929 and is the oldest specialty board in dentistry. The boards purpose is to elevate the quality of orthodontic care for the public by promoting excellence through certification, education and professional collaboration.
Successful completion of the examination process demonstrates the orthodontists highest commitment to excellence in orthodontics to both the orthodontic profession and the general public. It represents a commitment by a licensed specialist that he/she has the necessary knowledge base and skills to treat patients to the highest of standards. It exemplifies a practitioners commitment to continue to keep abreast of the latest advances in patient care, and to continue to deliver these latest advances to patients. Many orthodontists see it as a demonstration of their dedication to the specialty and the highest level of personal achievement.
Since the establishment of the ABO in 1929, the certification process requirements have continued to adjust to the demands of the specialty. Today, the process involves a thorough Written Examination (240 questions) covering all areas of information which an orthodontist should be knowledgeable. Successful completion of this board exam allows the orthodontist to proceed to the Clinical Examination where they present detailed case reports from their practice/residency, demonstrating a history of excellence in patient care. These cases are evaluated by a panel of examiners and later discussed during an oral examination where the applicant is tested on a wide variety of academic and clinical topics. After successful completion of these examinations, the orthodontist has officially achieved Board Certification, for a time-limited period. The orthodontist must go through Certification Renewal every 10 years to maintain their certification status by demonstrating this continued level of patient care.
I can be found in many different areas of the office, from scheduling, creating financial accounts, meeting with new patients, taking diagnostic records and helping the office to flow smoothly each day. Introducing new patients to our office and working closely with their families to achieve their dreams of a healthy smile, are my favorite parts of my job. Dr. Kleinlereris so dedicated to what she does, and its very apparent. Her goal is not only to develop personalized treatment plans for each patient but also a personal relationship in which they are informed, comfortable and understanding of every step of their treatment.
When Im not at the office I enjoy spending time with my family members and very energetic Boston Terrier puppy, Stella. I really like to sing as well but you will find me whistling more then anything at the office.
I am Kate and I am a fun and fabulous part of our family at MK Orthodontics. I graduated from UMA Bangor in 2011 for dental assisting. Here at our office I am an orthodontic assistant. I am specially trained by the most brilliant orthodontist I have ever met, and would be honored to someday have half the smarts she has. At our office, I am part of a family; a family that shares the passion and motivation to not only straighten smiles but have an impact on lives.
I am human though, so when I am not in the office, I love to spend time with family and friends. I have an amazing niece that consumes lots of my time; she is a mini-Kate in training! I love to dance too much, sing too loud, and make every day better than the last.
Reviews
Rating 5.0 out of 5 based on 86 reviews
Sort by
newest oldest highest lowestShelly Belliveau
a year ago
Thank you for making my visit so warm and welcoming. All of the employees are very nice and caring. Can't wait for my next appointment with you all. Thank you, Shelly Belliveau
Jenny Dyer
a year ago
The doctor and the staff around wonderful with my children.
Ashley Davis
a year ago
MK, Jasminne and the entire crew are highly skilled and incredibly friendly! They make what could be uncomfortable appointments into pleasurable experiences. Both the Waterville and Augusta locations are immaculate, well decorated and cozy. It is evident that each employee has pride in the excellent service they're providing. I'm thrilled to have them local. MK has a genuine warmth and kindness to her that shines brightly. Jasminne goes the extra mile to ensure everything is done perfectly, her skills and attitude are impeccable. Every employee I have encountered has been professional, kind and knowledgeable. I'm halfway through my retainers and already feeling much more confident with my smile. I look forward to the end result and have no doubt that it will be perfect. Thanks for all you do!! :)
Tobin Thibeau
a year ago
Everyone was nice
Danielle Devaney
2 years ago
Absolutely wonderful experience! All of the staff were so sweet & friendly. Angie Young was so helpful with navigating the financial aspect of treatment, and worked with me to make my payments completely affordable. She was prompt & efficient with getting the process done without me having to do anything! Im so thankful i chose MK Orthodontics! Highly recommend!
Cortney Barrett
2 years ago
This office is absolutely fantastic! The positive energy you have right when you walk in to the absolute finest provider I have encountered with! MK and her staff really spoke to my son, engaged with him and made him feel special! He wanted to say to the MK staff that the three ladies who worked with him were the best teammates ever!!
sonya wong
2 years ago
Very helpful and knowledgeable staff. My daughter's bag was lost by the airline - the bag that had her retainers. We'rw from California and she is in Maine at school. There wasn't anyway to go to her regular Ortho. MK Ortho fit her into the schedule and made some "slips" to keep my daughter's teeth from moving. It was quick and easy.
Matthew McCann
2 years ago
Both of our children have seen Dr. MK for several years. We cannot recommend her enough. Dr. MK and her staff go above and beyond to make each patient feel comfortable and special. She enjoys getting to know every person and always takes the time to answer questions. She even called us at our home after each of our children had their braces on to see how they were doing. She truly cares about her patients and makes sure they receive the best treatment possible. We are so grateful for all she has done for us.
Amanda Vogel
2 years ago
Very professional and friendly staff. Would highly recommend for ortho care for any age!
Jami Holmes
2 years ago
Dr. MK and her team have provided unbelievable care for my two kiddos. They are knowledgeable, accommodating, affordable (great payment plan options), and so great with kids. The kids have had phases from head gear to braces to Invisalign and we felt like we were in very capable, caring hands every step of the way.
Maeghan Maloney
2 years ago
MK goes above and beyond even when it means saving my son's tooth on a Sunday. Thanks to MK, my oldest son has perfect teeth and my youngest has begun his Invisaline journey. MK's heart and intelligence and careful work are the best anywhere!
Faith Steward
2 years ago
We started this journey before the age of 12 looking at another orthodontist had a consult at MK and when we left my daughter said she wanted to go there. She always felt so comfortable with the staff and after doing this going thru a pandemic where I had to send her in alone always made me feel better that she was comfortable and in such caring hands! Questions or concerns got answered always timely, all the staff are great knowledgeable people that I truly can't thank enough. You all do excellent work and again SO glad she went with you! She is happy to finally have them off after 26 months but said she would miss you all!
Jami Holmes
3 years ago
Dr. MK and her team have provided unbelievable care for my two kiddos. They are knowledgeable, accommodating, affordable (great payment plan options), and so great with kids. The kids have had phases from head gear to braces to Invisalign and we felt like we were in very capable, caring hands every step of the way.
Maeghan Maloney
3 years ago
MK goes above and beyond even when it means saving my son's tooth on a Sunday. Thanks to MK, my oldest son has perfect teeth and my youngest has begun his Invisaline journey. MK's heart and intelligence and careful work are the best anywhere!
Faith Steward
3 years ago
We started this journey before the age of 12 looking at another orthodontist had a consult at MK and when we left my daughter said she wanted to go there. She always felt so comfortable with the staff and after doing this going thru a pandemic where I had to send her in alone always made me feel better that she was comfortable and in such caring hands! Questions or concerns got answered always timely, all the staff are great knowledgeable people that I truly can't thank enough. You all do excellent work and again SO glad she went with you! She is happy to finally have them off after 26 months but said she would miss you all!
Amanda Vogel
3 years ago
Very professional and friendly staff. Would highly recommend for ortho care for any age!
Bridget Gray
3 years ago
Dr. MK and her staff are the most professional, sweetest, healthcare providers I have met. The entire office wants to make sure that you feel welcomed, listened to and valued as a patient. They truly care about your overall experience. Thank you all for all that you do!
Lilly Fredette
3 years ago
They are always kind and welcoming every time I walk in. Every one is so nice and they make sure you are comfortable and entertained.
Nicole Shores
3 years ago
MK has been truly amazing! From the free yearly exams before work started, to getting through difficult procedures. My kiddo deals with everything dramatically and they have been like superhero's through it all! They are ALWAYS smiling, positive, patient and helpful, at any time of day!!! They have been our saving grace! My daughter wouldn't go anywhere else! I wouldn't bring her anywhere else!!
Melissa Merrithew
3 years ago
Very friendly staff! My daughter absolutely loves coming here
Load more