Dr. Rushing was born in Liverpool, England, and raised in London, Ontario, Canada, where she received her Bachelor of Science from the University of Western Ontario. She graduated from dental school at The University of Kentucky in Lexington, Kentucky, where she received several awards, including: American Association of Women Dentists Colgate-Palmolive Scholarship, International College of Dentists Outstanding Achievement Award, American Academy of Oral Medicine Award, and a student research fellowship.

She completed an orthodontic residency at the Oregon Health & Sciences University in Portland, Oregon. While in Oregon, she consulted at Shriners Cleft Palate Clinics. Dr. Rushing returned to Canada to work with her father, Dr. Ralph A. Latham, who is internationally known for his work in the area of cleft lip and palate treatment. She taught as adjunct professor in the division of graduate orthodontics at the School of Dentistry in the Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry at The University of Western Ontario.

Dr. Rushing is board certified with the American Board of Orthodontics. She is a member of the Florida Cleft Palate-Craniofacial Association, American Association of Orthodontists, Florida Association of Orthodontists, Southern Association of Orthodontists, American Dental Association, Florida Dental Association, West Coast District Dental Association and the Hillsborough County Dental Association. She has servedas president for the Hillsborough County Dental Research Clinic.

We recognize that all 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.

For most people, achieving a healthy, beautiful smile is the reason for receiving orthodontic care. If you're 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 you've 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 that you receive the quality care you deserve.

Orthodontic appliances are made of metal, ceramic, or plastic. They may be removable or they may be 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 age to 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 help provide a quicker treatment time.