Dr. Dina Sanchez is a Board CertifiedOrthodontist, mom, published author, wife, University of Maryland clinical professor, abstract artist, tooth fairy, and accidental lacrosse superfan. Proud owner of Twinky Baltimores jolliest car.
Dr. Sanchez has a tiny version of a life outside of orthodontics. Family is her true life and her happiness. She lives in Baltimore County with her sweetheart husband and children. When she is not working on creating beautiful smiles and teaching awesome dental students and orthodontic residents at the University of Maryland, you can find her on the pitch cheering for her childrens lacrosse and soccer teams.
Since childhood she has had an affinity for all things creative. Dr. Sanchez is an optimistic (self-taught) abstract artist and has a modern and minimalist style of painting that cannot be defined, but rather felt. She has created her art style through her love for composition, colorand the philosophy that through lifes imperfections, there is always a need for beauty, particularly in chaos. She escapes it all by retreating to her petit art studio, which stocks oodles of stretched canvas and perfectly-lined-up-color-coordinated-paint just in case she feels optimistic.
Orthodontic treatment can be a life-changing event, but for many families who have children born with cleft lip and palate, it is as elusive as abstract art. Dr. Sanchez believes strongly that everyone deserves a beautiful smile, however, she understands that for many it is simply not possible, at least not without some help. Dr. Sanchez has created a philanthropic mission dear to her heart Art of Smile, which donates the proceeds of her art to organizations supporting families in need ofaccess to care.
Her career as a clinical assistant professor at the University of Maryland, Department of Orthodontics and Pediatric Dentistry has given her the opportunity to teach the next generation of dentists and orthodontists, conduct research, publish and function as a thesis mentor to orthodontic residents in their pursuit of a Masters of Science degree. Her experience as an orthodontist and educator in a pediatric dental setting at the University of Maryland has shaped her style of treatment for all patients in a kind, caring, and compassionate way. As a mom, she is cool enough to talk to her patients about Fortnight, Clash of Clans and how to deter unwanted boyfriends with a headgear, but nerdy enough to talk about the nitty-gritty of braces and straightening teeth.
Dr. Sanchez is committed to excellence in education and technology in the profession, thus teaching continuing education courses for local and international dentists on modern advancements in orthodontics and interdisciplinary topics. Dr. Sanchez is a published author, including the American Journal of Orthodontics and Dentofacial Orthopedics (AJODO) and provides peer review contributions for numerous journals in her profession.
She serves the American Association of Orthodontists as a Council Member for Scientific Affairs (COSA). Apart of being an active member for the American Association of Orthodontists (AAO), she is also a member of the Mid-Atlantic Society of Orthodontics (MASO), the Maryland State Society of Orthodontics (MSSO) and the American Dental Education Association (ADEA).
Most people are surprised to find out that only 1/3rd of Orthodontists are Board Certified. The process of becoming American Board of Orthodontics (ABO) Certified requires the completion of a peer-developed, externally validated written and clinical examinations. They must submit documented case studies of successful treatments of patients that have been treated with precision and to the highest level possible. This is above and beyond completing a graduate program in dentistry, and an additional 2-3 years of specialty training in orthodontics and dentofacial orthopedics.
