As an orthodontist, I have the opportunity to meet amazing people and get to know each on a personal level during treatment. Each patient is unique, with their own experiences, passions, and stories. I never know what a person will share and always enjoy learning whats important to them.

I am happy to have a practice where I have the time and freedom to create an individualized treatment plan for every patient. Each persons care is tailored to address their clinical, aesthetic, and personal concerns, with an emphasis on improving their oral health and providing a smile that lasts a lifetime.

Ive been in private practice for 20 years and have been teaching orthodontics for just as long. When I was young I was drawn to healthcare and when I found orthodontics I discovered the perfect fit: I work with my hands, using science, technology, and an eye for beautiful results, to help change lives. Seeing happy faces and beautiful smiles on a patients face, when they finish treatment and their new smile is revealed, is the most rewarding part of being an orthodontist!

Every day I am proud and grateful to walk into my office and work with my wonderful team. They treat each patient like they are part of their own family and take a sincere interest in every patients life and wellbeing. It is not uncommon for our patients to be a bit sad when they finish treatment because they are afraid they wont be visiting us anymore. Luckily, were able to remind them that theyll need to come in for retainer checks!

Staying current with the latest techniques and advancements in orthodontics is extremely important. Just as important is having the knowledge and scientific background to thoroughly evaluate these advances. I must ensure that new technologies and approaches will truly benefit my patients and provide them with their strongest, best smiles.

I complete 50-60 hours of continuing education every year through professional organizations, and lectures, seminars, and conferences. I have completed the McLaughlin Program, a two-year post-graduate orthodontic course. The Program is taught by Dr. Rick McLaughlin, a world-renowned orthodontist and the inventor of the bracket system I use at Orthodontic Associates.

Additionally, teaching orthodontics is something I really enjoy and feel is extremely important. My first real job was as an assistant professor and clinic director in Northwestern Universitys Orthodontic Clinic. Since 2000 I have taught orthodontics in Marquette Universitys Orthodontic Department, where I am an Associate Professor.

I live in New Lenox with my wife, Lydia, whos a dental hygienist. We have two sons, Ethan and Ian, and a Goldendoodle, Ridley. When not at work, Im usually found with my family. I try to stay active and healthy, whether thats biking, running, skiing, or camping with my boys.

Growing up I was lucky to have great role models in school, sports, church, and Boy Scouts. Now I volunteer in these organizations as a way of helping kids have the same wonderful experiences I had. I also volunteer, professionally, at Illinois Missions of Mercy and work in the Chicago Dental Society Foundations dental clinic, which provides free dental care to the less fortunate in our community.

We have the most amazing, close-knit team at Orthodontic Associates, and that includes our patients and their families! Together, we achieve healthy and beautiful smiles that improve each patients quality of life. I love watching each patient move through treatment and seeing the incredible finished smiles, as well as the patients happiness, when were done!

Orthodontics Associates is my home away from home, Dr. Pope and my coworkers are my family, and our patients are part of that family! I love caring for a wonderful community, helping each person reach their smile goals by offering chairside assistance and with lab work. Seeing a person finish with a smile they love, and knowing I helped make it happen, is very rewarding!

I love how everyone at Orthodontic Associates puts our patients welfare first! Weve a fun, family environment, and were always laughing with our patients while helping them develop smiles that change their lives! I handle insurance issues, so patients and families dont need to stress. I also handle inventory, billing, and cover at the front desk.

I cant imagine a more positive, happy orthodontic office! Dr. Pope and my coworkers are some of the best people and each genuinely cares about every patient. We want patients to achieve a confident and beautiful smile and keep it for a lifetime! I setup for procedures, sterilize instruments, and provide chairside assistance to help the doctor and our patient.

I love how each patient is listened to, valued, and made to know theyre part of our family. Dr. Pope and everyone at Orthodontic Associates excel at communicating with patients and keeping them excited about getting a new smile! I plan and organize activities with and for patients, referring offices, and the public. Im responsible for raffles, parties, and all the fun things!

I was asked to work at the office after my whole family had braces here. My husband and I have four children, who are the loves of my life. I like to hike, bike, go to flea markets and the theater, and to travel. Most of all, I love being with my family.

Dr. Pope and our team all work together to give our patients their best smiles possible. While Im usually in our onsite lab, making appliance, including indirect bonding trays and retainers, I enjoy meeting patients the day they we take off their braces. They are always so excited and their smiles look great!

When not at work, I like to ride my Harley. Every year I look forward to Rickeys Ride, where a group of Harley riders ride through Chicago to raise funds to help kids with special needs. I also enjoy bowling and have had several perfect games!

Dr. D. Spencer Pope and our team members love what we do: we help remarkable people achieve smiles that change their lives! Best of all, we become friends with each patient as, together, we create that beautiful smile.

Unlike many offices, Orthodontic Associates is an independent practice. Were not high-volume, we manage our own schedule, and we care for you on a personal and individual basis. We have time to get to know you as a person and will look forward to your visits as a time to catch up with a friend. Not only will we greet you by name, well remember our last conversation and whats important to you.

Communication The bedrock of our practice is open, clear communication between Dr. Pope, our team members, our patient, and the patients family. Well always listen to your concerns, answer questions fully and directly, and encourage you to ask more.

Engagement We want you to be an excited, active participant in all parts of your orthodontic experience. Well encourage and support you in your home oral hygiene practices so your teeth and mouth stay healthy and clean during treatment. Well also regularly update you on the progress youre making.

Personalized Treatment Dr. Pope will create a custom care plan tailored to your unique situation. Well walk you through the proposed approach, talk about all options, and ensure youre fully informed about what well be doing. You deserve to understand all aspects of your treatment: this is your smile, after all!

Education We know an educated patient is able to make the best decisions about their treatment and is empowered to care for their smile for the rest of their life. Well not just teach you how to keep your teeth clean, well talk about nutrition, developing positive habits, and explain how the health of your mouth and that of your body affect each other.

Our commitment to education includes Dr. Pope and our team. Each year we pursue continuing education courses, staying current on advancements and changes in treatment, technology, and materials. You can be assured were always providing leading-edge care for your new smile!