Rigali & Walder Orthodontics

Rigali & Walder Orthodontics - Orthodontist in Amherst, MA
196 N Pleasant St, Amherst, MA 01002
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Opens Tuesday at 8:15am
SundayClosed
MondayClosed
Tuesday8:15am - 5:00pm
Wednesday8:15am - 5:00pm
ThursdayClosed
Friday8:15am - 5:00pm
SaturdayClosed

I am so fortunate to have the profession that I do. I truly love improving someones smile! A great smile is more than aesthetics; it can give someone confidence as well as overall dental health. Over the years, I have met numerous young people who have become upstanding adults and now bring their children to see us. I have raised my three children in the community and have come to know the people and families we treat as more than just patients.

The biggest change in orthodontics over the last several years has been in technology. Every continuing education course I take is exciting because it allows me to offer our patients the latest in orthodontics, from digital models to accelerated tooth movement. At times, it is hard to sift through what may just be slick advertising from the big companies and determine what can truly benefit my patients. Hence, continuing to study is imperative!

Several years ago, I became a board-certified orthodontist, which is a level beyond what many orthodontists achieve from their formal education. This was a ten-year process to prove the quality of my work to the board in a written, oral, and practical exam.

I am a native of this area, having grown up in Holyoke and South Hadley. Northampton has been my home for almost 30 years. I graduated from the University of Pennsylvania School of Dental Medicine with honors. Immediately after graduation, I served a residency at Western Massachusetts Hospital in Westfield. From there I was fortunate to be accepted into the orthodontic graduate program at Boston University.

In my spare time, you may find me reading the next great John Grisham novel or catching up on my orthodontic journals. My husband and I enjoy biking in the summer and skiing and snowshoeing in the winter.

To say I love my job would be an understatement! From the first meeting with a new patient to the gathering of information, from the diagnosis and treatment planning to the ultimate unveiling of a beautiful new smile ... I love it all!

I took a circuitous route to becoming an orthodontist. I actually majored in journalism in college and later worked for Urban Medicine, a publication for inner-city physicians, and for Self Magazine in New York City. Although I still have a passion for writing, my love for helping people to have the smile they always wanted far surpasses it.

I chose to go back to school and pursue a career in orthodontics because I was drawn to the combination of artistry and function. I attended Northwestern University Dental School, where I received my Doctorate of Dental Surgery, and then was accepted into the orthodontic residency graduate program at Albert Einstein College of Medicine/Montefiore Medical Center in New York.

I am a Diplomate of the American Board of Orthodontics, which entailed an elective oral, written, and clinical exam by the American Board of Orthodontics to assess my knowledge, skills, and clinical expertise. Only one-third of orthodontists in the U.S. are Diplomates. I am a member of the American Association of Orthodontists, the American Dental Association, the Massachusetts Dental Society, the Hampshire Dental Association, and the Womens Dental Society. My research comparing posed versus spontaneous smiles was published in the American Journal of Orthodontics in December 2013.

I live in Florence with my husband Martyand our two dogs,Charlie and Brody. My daughter Jordan and son Max graduated from Northampton High School. Maxis now attending George Washington University in Washington D.C. while Jordan is pursuing her Master's Degree in Public Policy. I enjoy tennis, hiking, music, and anything that involves being outside with my family and friends.

Rigali & Walder Orthodontics is happy to announce the addition of a third doctor to serve the Pioneer Valley in their three locations, Amherst, Easthampton, and Northampton. The newest addition to the Rigali & Walder team is orthodontist, Dr. Linda Krebs.

Dr. Krebs brings 14 years of experience in orthodontics as well as a significant background in orthodontic education and research. Dr. Krebs grew up in the small town of Angelica in Western New York State. She earned her Doctorate of Dental Surgery and PhD from the State University of New York at Buffalo and graduated from the Orthodontics Division at the University of Connecticut School of Dental Medicine in Farmington, where she continued on for a number of years as a full time and then later a part-time faculty member.

In 2005, she settled in Medford, Massachusetts with her family and began working in private practice in the eastern part of the state. She is happy to now make her home and raise her family in the Pioneer Valley.

Dr. Krebs is excited to join the practice of Drs. Linda Rigali and Joan Walder. The doctors share a commitment to excellence and the same philosophy of care for their patients, making working together a great fit. Dr. Krebs truly loves her work and is excited to team up with orthodontists who share her passion. She particularly enjoys applying the science and artistry of orthodontics to create a healthy bite and to transform her patients smile.

Dr. Krebs notes, Every day we get to see just how powerful having a smile that you love can be for our patients. I love to watch our patients blossom, becoming more confident and radiant as their smile improves. The smile and healthy bite that we help our patients attain will be with them for lifethat is truly priceless. To think of the number of people that each of our patients may touch with the smile they share, the celebrations that theyll have throughout their lifetime because they will feel free to smile and wont hold themselves back; it is simply awesome. I cant imagine a more rewarding career than orthodontics!

We recognize that all of our patients are unique and deserve to receive orthodontic care that reflects their individual needs. Our experienced and talented team is committed to working with you and your family to create a comfortable, stress-free, and rewarding orthodontic experience every time you visit our practice.

Rigali & Walder Orthodontics - Orthodontist in Amherst, MA

As an assistant, I have a great opportunity to work with people and get to know them on a personal level. Seeing how their smiles and confidence change over time, and how happy they are after each treatment, are just a few of the things that make my job so enjoyable. Our team is also great. We work so well together, and we know how to create a fun, comfortable, welcoming atmosphere for our patients.

Rigali & Walder Orthodontics - Orthodontist in Amherst, MA

I Live in Southampton. I have two kids and three step girls. I am engaged to my soulmate Jim. We foster animals and volunteer for Rainbow Rescue in Chicopee, MA. We enjoy going to the races and gardening on our free time.

Rigali & Walder Orthodontics - Orthodontist in Amherst, MA

I love the hands-on aspect of being an assistant, and working with patients when theyre excited about the changes braces will make with their smiles and in their lives. Its great to see the results at the end and how happy our patients are to have a beautiful smile. Since I had braces and Invisalignin the past, I can easily relate to what my patients are going through. I can honestly say its worth it!

Rigali & Walder Orthodontics - Orthodontist in Amherst, MA

I have been an orthodontic assistanthere at Rigali & Walder Orthodontics since 2002. I handle emergency calls on the weekends as needed and I do the ordering and inventory of the clinical and laboratory supplies for our offices. I am a certified CPR instructor so I make sure everyone in the office keeps up with the current certification requirements.Our team is an amazing group. We are always looking for new and innovative ways to do things and to keep up with the latest technologies. I love to see the look on my patient's faces the first time they look in the mirror after getting their braces off.

I live in Holyoke with my husband David and ourdog. I don't get to spend nearly enough time with our grown children, grandchildren, or great-grandchildren since they are scattered across the East coast. I also love cooking, reading, watching movies andtraveling.

Rigali & Walder Orthodontics - Orthodontist in Amherst, MA

As one of the newest members of the Rigali & Walder Orthodontics team, my responsibilities are to contact the insurance companies of our patients to inform them of their orthodontic benefit and to process insurance claims for their treatment.

Rigali & Walder Orthodontics - Orthodontist in Amherst, MA

In addition to assisting the doctors with patient care, I also help make sure we follow and comply with all OSHA standards and safety requirements. I love the sense of family in our office. I like that my job never gets boring; I am constantly moving and doing different things all the time. The best thing is watching our patients confidence grow with their treatment, and seeing that big smile at the end of treatment. I always look forward to going to work; not a day goes by without a good laugh.

I love spending my little time off with my husband, two children, and dog. In addition to being a certified orthodontic assistant, Im also a certified medical interpreter, and work part-time in one of the local hospitals.

Rigali & Walder Orthodontics - Orthodontist in Amherst, MA

I have been an employee of Rigali & Walder Orthodontics since 1996.I am the treatment coordinator for Dr. Krebs and I manage all of the employee scheduling in the office. I live in Granby with my daughter Sienna and my black lab Cooper. Rigali & Walder has been my second family over the years and I can't imagine my life without our little office family.

Rigali & Walder Orthodontics - Orthodontist in Amherst, MA

I have worked at Rigali & Walder since 2014. I was hired here after I did my internship during my schooling at Porter & Chester Institute. My interest in orthodontics came from my younger sister having extensive treatment due to a cleft palate/lip. I saw how it really changed things for her. She now has a beautiful smile and confidence that she didn't have before and I love that I get to help do that for others. My coworkers are like my family and I really love the work we do here.

Rigali & Walder Orthodontics - Orthodontist in Amherst, MA

I have worked at Rigali & Walder Orthodontics since 2014. My responsibilities are all duties that encompass the front desk. Most importantly, making sure we are prepared and ready for the busy day ahead. I love meeting and greeting our patients and interacting with the children. I have also met a wonderful group of coworkers who I can call my friends.

I am married and have two wonderful boys who are our world. We also have our cute Golden Retriever named Riley who make our world complete. I love spending time with my family and friends. I love being at the beach which I call my 'happy place'.

Rigali & Walder Orthodontics - Orthodontist in Amherst, MA

I started working at Rigali & Walder Orthodontics in 2013 when I was a junior in High School. Over the years the years I have gradually moved around the office learning all different skills. Currently, I am an orthodontic assistant in training. I take photos, xrays, scans, restock and keep our instruments/treatment areas sterile. I always jump in whenever I am needed around the office. I really love helping people and having the ability to work on patients and their beautiful smiles in progress.

Rigali & Walder Orthodontics - Orthodontist in Amherst, MA

I'm an assistant with the RWO team since February of 2019. I love working with our patients and making people smile! You will likely find me singing and dancing around the office. I have been in the field for almost 4 years now. I look forward to seeing our patients and making more people smile when they come to our office.

Rigali & Walder Orthodontics - Orthodontist in Amherst, MA

I recently graduated from Porter and Chester as a dental assistant. As part of my training, I interned at Rigali and Walder Orthodontics and fell in love with orthodontics and the office. I love the patients and I love our team -- we work really well together!

Rigali & Walder Orthodontics - Orthodontist in Amherst, MA

I enjoy working with our patients as they achieve beautiful, healthy smiles. As an assistant, I offer patient care and assist the doctor with a variety of procedures, all with the intent of creating beautiful smiles. I graduated from STCC in 1985 and have worked in the field since 1986, with the majority of that time spent in orthodontics. I was lucky to join Rigali & Walder in 2016. Its a pleasure to work in a friendly, team environment, where we support each other so we can keep our patients smiling.

Rigali & Walder Orthodontics - Orthodontist in Amherst, MA

Im married to a very special guy. We have three married children, two girls and a boy, and six wonderful grandchildren. Our children and grandchildren enjoy our family trips to Disney, along with our many camping trips. I enjoy cooking, sewing, crocheting, crafts, and outdoor adventures and sometimes I enjoy sitting on our front porch and watching the world go by.

Rigali & Walder Orthodontics - Orthodontist in Amherst, MARigali & Walder Orthodontics - Orthodontist in Amherst, MA

Reviews

Rating 4.6 out of 5 based on 22 reviews

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Great Reviews
2 years ago
they suck


Stacy Simonson
2 years ago
This is THE best orthodontic practice in the Valley. They are extremely experienced, thorough, helpful and friendly. Dr. Walder has worked with my son and myself and I have always been impressed by her work and staff. If you need an orthodontist, then this is the place to go!


Jenn Ruggiero
2 years ago
I had the pleasure of having Dr Krebs as my doctor, she was absolutely wonderful!!! She was very clear in the process and very thorough in the treatment. The staff was absolutely phenomenal! Always kind courtesy and soo soo friendly, I know going to the doctor is never fun, but I truly enjoyed and looked forward to see Dr.Krebs and the staff. I would highly highly recommend Rigali and Walter orthodontics they are not only super friendly and kind but soo incredibly through in making sure your treatment is top notch and making you feel very comfortable. Thanks Dr.Krebs you are the best!!!


Marya Santos
3 years ago
I am so grateful for Dr. Walder and the rest of the team! All staff at both locations are refreshingly pleasant and helpful. You can tell they enjoy what they do. Dr. Walder was honest and open during my consultation, explaining the treatment and possible results or lack thereof due to the complication of my jaw alignment. I celebrated my 40th birthday this year just had my last visit and I am so grateful to report that I have a beautiful straight smile that I had wanted my whole life. I am SO pleased with the results thanks to Dr. Walder's expertise and direction.


Jenn Ruggiero
3 years ago
I had the pleasure of having Dr Krebs as my doctor, she was absolutely wonderful!!! She was very clear in the process and very thorough in the treatment. The staff was absolutely phenomenal! Always kind courtesy and soo soo friendly, I know going to the doctor is never fun, but I truly enjoyed and looked forward to see Dr.Krebs and the staff. I would highly highly recommend Rigali and Walter orthodontics they are not only super friendly and kind but soo incredibly through in making sure your treatment is top notch and making you feel very comfortable. Thanks Dr.Krebs you are the best!!!


Great Reviews
3 years ago
they suck


Stacy Simonson
3 years ago
This is THE best orthodontic practice in the Valley. They are extremely experienced, thorough, helpful and friendly. Dr. Walder has worked with my son and myself and I have always been impressed by her work and staff. If you need an orthodontist, then this is the place to go!


Chris S
3 years ago
The team at Rigali and Walder worked with me for 6 years. It has been a wonderful experience and now my teeth are perfectly straight and I can smile again. The friendliness and caring of all who work here is great. They are warm, welcoming, knowledgeable and competent. I would recommend this orthodontics office whole heartedly.


Marya Santos
3 years ago
I am so grateful for Dr. Walder and the rest of the team! All staff at both locations are refreshingly pleasant and helpful. You can tell they enjoy what they do. Dr. Walder was honest and open during my consultation, explaining the treatment and possible results or lack thereof due to the complication of my jaw alignment. I celebrated my 40th birthday this year just had my last visit and I am so grateful to report that I have a beautiful straight smile that I had wanted my whole life. I am SO pleased with the results thanks to Dr. Walder's expertise and direction.


Chris S
4 years ago
The team at Rigali and Walder worked with me for 6 years. It has been a wonderful experience and now my teeth are perfectly straight and I can smile again. The friendliness and caring of all who work here is great. They are warm, welcoming, knowledgeable and competent. I would recommend this orthodontics office whole heartedly.


Mark & Jessi Conrad
4 years ago
Overall our daughter had a great experience and we are very happy with the results. Would recommend highly.


Jessica LaMontagne
4 years ago
My daughter had a very complex problem, but Dr. Walder and her team were superb in their treatment plan and follow through for her. Everything about Rigali and Walder's practice has excellence in every aspect: the sites are clean, all the staff are friendly and professional, and the diagnostic and treatment plans are expert. Would recommend them highly!


Shelby Edwards
4 years ago
I found Rigali and Walder Orthodontics through recommendation of a good friend. She certainly didn't let us down! The offices are lovely, the staff efficient and friendly and the Doctors are talented professionals. Two children, two sets of braces, four years of excellent care have provided us with two beautiful smiles!


Dawn French
4 years ago
We have used Dr. Walder for all three of our sons over the past seven years. We are incredibly pleased with her consistently wonderful care. Visits were always on time. Office, phone and billing staff are such a pleasure to deal with and hear from. After seven long years, we will miss the Doctors and staff at Rigali & Walder! Thank you for taking such great care of our boys!


Shelby Edwards
5 years ago
I found Rigali and Walder Orthodontics through recommendation of a good friend. She certainly didn't let us down! The offices are lovely, the staff efficient and friendly and the Doctors are talented professionals. Two children, two sets of braces, four years of excellent care have provided us with two beautiful smiles!


Mark & Jessi Conrad
5 years ago
Overall our daughter had a great experience and we are very happy with the results. Would recommend highly.


Jessica LaMontagne
5 years ago
My daughter had a very complex problem, but Dr. Walder and her team were superb in their treatment plan and follow through for her. Everything about Rigali and Walder's practice has excellence in every aspect: the sites are clean, all the staff are friendly and professional, and the diagnostic and treatment plans are expert. Would recommend them highly!


Dawn French
5 years ago
We have used Dr. Walder for all three of our sons over the past seven years. We are incredibly pleased with her consistently wonderful care. Visits were always on time. Office, phone and billing staff are such a pleasure to deal with and hear from. After seven long years, we will miss the Doctors and staff at Rigali & Walder! Thank you for taking such great care of our boys!


Michael White
5 years ago
Gr8


Nate Courchesne
5 years ago
Been here since 2009. Great treatment and always happy to help you.


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