The specialty of orthodontics is different fromany of the other areas of dentistry. A player commented to me while umpiring a Chicago Park District softball game that I had two of the worst jobs imaginable: umpiring and dentistry!
I thought about it and realized he was wrong. It is true that many people see the dentist as nothing more than a repair person, managing to fix problems that occur during a lifetime of use. But orthodontics is different. There is a level of appreciation that comes from every person who I have helped and the lifetime of smiles speaks volumes. The personality changes that frequently occur in patients who previously would never smile are wonderful to experience and mean everything to me. Knowing I have treated them in ways they would not have experienced elsewhere gives me complete satisfaction.
The personal interaction with each patient is very important to me. I want to get to know each of them well, and the manner in which I practice defines that. I utilize no chairside assistants:all clinical work is performed by me, and only me. I have long felt that if people are paying for my expertise, then they should receive it, all the time. And by being the only individual working on each patient, I develop a comfort level with each patient that cannot be duplicated elsewhere.
I attended Northwestern University in Evanston, IL and received my Bachelor of Artsin 1974 with majors in biology and history. While there, I lettered four years in baseball, two in football, and played in the basketball pep band, all while preparing for a career in dentistry. I received my Doctorate of Dental Surgery from Northwestern Universitys Dental School in 1978 and my masters degree and orthodontic specialty certificate from Northwesternin 1980.
Having been in orthodontic treatment personally for six years and knowing the levels of discomfort patients endure, I continue to explore ways that treatment can be effectively rendered with as little discomfort as possible. This is the basis for the David Doctrine, a personal philosophy that maximizes comfort and results for the patient.
As a member of the American Association of Orthodontists, the Midwestern Society of Orthodontists, and the Illinois Society of Orthodontists, I participate in and attend all of the continuing education seminars given throughout the year, as well as review the professional journals published monthly. Every healthcare professional has no higher obligation than to continue to learn in order to provide the best of care to the people who give us the honor of treating them. Being a perpetual student is truly a requirement in order to do that. In addition, I have taught at Northwesterns Graduate Orthodontic Department for the last 13 years of the schools existence, and collaborated on many research projects and continued to develop curriculum and techniques that benefited the students I taught as well as the patients I treat.
I am married to Brenda Dudley Skarin, who has a Ph.D. in speech pathology and has a private practice in Naperville. We have two sons:the oldest lives in Texas, has a masters degree in interactive technologies, and develops video games (the last one he helped develop was game of the year in 2013: The Last of Us,Naught Dog Studios);the youngest just completed a BA and BS in preparation for dental school, but is putting that career on hold while he develops an already impressive golf game.
When Im not at work, I can be found on a golf course, coaching baseball at all levels, running batting practice forthe local high school team, working with the punters and kickers in the summer and fall, on the ski slopes, basketball court, traveling, and doing projects either at home or at the office. I like to keep busy, stay in good shape, and live life to the fullest!
Most of my community involvement is connected with our church, where I continue to serve in many organizational capacities and use my musical abilities to serve in the choir as well as a substitute organist, an important lifetime avocation.
Lorry, our office manager, takes care of all our day-to-day office functions, including billing, insurance, and scheduling, in order to keep the office running at a smooth pace. Her wide variety of duties keeps the daily process anything but boring. Being able to see patientswho have been coming here for yearsas friends and not just patients is Lorrys favorite part of her job.
Since 1980, personal attention has been a hallmark of Skarin Orthodontics. We work hard to treat our patients the same way we would like to be treated: with respect, professionalism, and sensitivity toward their needs. We understand the expectations of the patients and families we serve, and we do everything we can to make sure that each patient has an exceptional experience at our practice.
An important thing to remember is that as a patient, you or your child will spend more time getting to know the provider of the orthodontic care than any other healthcare professional. Dr. Skarinconsiders that personal interaction to be most fulfilling,and the trust that is built as important as the treatment rendered.
For most people, achieving a healthy, beautiful smile is the reason toseekorthodontic care. If youre self-conscious about your smile, correcting your concerns with braces will greatly improve the way you look and feel.
When your treatment is complete, you will have the smile youve always dreamed of and the confidence to show it off! We also want you to feel comfortable and confident throughout your entire orthodontic experience, and our practice is dedicated to making sure you receive the quality care you deserve.
Orthodontic appliances are made of metal, ceramic, or plastic. They may be removable or brackets bonded to the teeth. By placing a constant, gentle force in a carefully controlled direction, braces slowly move teeth to the proper position.
Gone are the days when a metal band with a bracket was placed around each tooth. You can now choose clear or metal brackets and, in some cases, the color of your appliance. Wires are far less noticeable, and the latest materials are designed to move teeth faster with more comfort. Today, any age is a great timeto wear braces!
Treatment time varies and can last between one and three years, depending on several factors, including age, treatment method, and how minor or severe your case is. A big factor in a successful treatment is you! The more involved and diligent you are, the more efficient your treatment will be. For children, receiving interceptive or early treatment can also assure a quicker treatment time.