Practicing orthodontics gives me the chance to make a lasting, positive difference in each patients life. Treatment not only leads to a cosmetic improvement of a patients teeth and appearance but often results in an improvement in the persons self-esteem and confidence.
Beyond that, orthodontic treatment also affects a persons oral and overall health. Properly positioned teeth mean better function and less stress on the jaw joints and face/neck muscles, as well as improved chewing for better digestion. Treatment also means it is easier to brush and floss the teeth, which decreases the likelihood of the patient developing dental or gum disease provided the person practices good dental hygiene, of course.
As an orthodontist, I appreciate the different people I interact with each day. My patients always have something new to tell me: children and teens talk about their classes, extracurricular activities, and weekend plans, and adult patientstalk about their professions and experiences.
That said, I think the best part of being an orthodontist, and therefore the most rewarding, is the day a patient finishes treatment and we take off their braces. The person looks in the mirror and sees all they have accomplished: they have a smile that wont stop and they cant wait to show it to the world!
Before pursuing orthodontics, I practiced general dentistry for five years. That experience gives me an advanced perspective in treatment planning, as I always think about the persons future dental health and what I need to do to ensure their smile remains healthy and strong.
Continuing education (CE) is core to who I am and how I practice orthodontics. I stay up-to-date on the latest techniques so my patients achieve the best clinical result and have a comfortable and efficient treatment experience.
These organizations offer a range of CE opportunities, from lectures and seminars to regular meetings. Through them I am able to learn from leading orthodontic and dental practitioners and researchers.
Originally from Erie, PA, my family and I now live in Lutz, FL. My wife Miriam and I have two children: son Brian and daughter Rachel. We also have three dogs, all rescues or strays, who are part of our family.
Our family is very involved with different charities, always with a focus on helping to strengthen and better our community. We support the Humane Society and our children have helped out with non-profit community health clinics. We have also participated in Alzheimers fundraisers, YMCA events for children, and a range of fundraisers for projects and organizations in Hernando and Citrus counties.
As an orthodontic specialist, my mission and purpose is to play a role in allowing others to be able to confidently chase and achieve their dreams through building the smile of their dreams. It is extremely rewarding to be able to interact with so many unique people and watch their transformations as their smiles change. Orthodontics is such a powerful tool in that our treatment not only can straighten teeth, but also affect their facial appearance and aging process. I enjoy educating patients on the benefits of orthodontics and the ability to transform not only their teeth, smile, and face, but their confidence and self-image as well.
Growing up, my mom was a nurse and dad a social worker, and a service profession was always something I wanted to pursue. I became interested in healthcare in high school and shadowed many different healthcare providers in action.I found that I loved the orthodontists ability to treat people of all ages and help them improve their smiles and confidence.
My educational journey took me to Muhlenberg College where I studied Biology for 4 years and competed on the track and field team. Next, I spent 4 years at the University of Connecticut for my dental education. At this time, my interest in orthodontics led to me publishing research in 3-D imaging in orthodontics. After dental school, I spent one year at St. Lukes Hospital gaining advanced training in all specialties of dental care. I then went to Rutgers University in New Jersey, a 3-year orthodontic residency known for its intensive clinical training where I completed a certificate in Orthodontics and a Master's degree for my thesis on3-D printing in orthodontics. This commitment to education is to ensure I am able to provide the best care for my patients.
Lifelong learning and continuing education is something that is of utmost importance to me. I am a member of numerous orthodontic study clubs, where I am able to learn new techniques and discuss experiences with my colleagues. I have completed the most comprehensive training in Invisalign clear aligner treatment, The Aligner Intensive Fellowship, a 17-week course on all things aligner treatment. I enjoy taking courses on new and emerging areas of orthodontics as well as attending local and national orthodontic meetings.
Keeping up with the latest technologies and constantly refining my skills through advanced training and discussion with colleagues enables me to offer my patients a variety of methods to improve their smile and appearance, in a way that is comfortable and fits with their lifestyle. The advances in orthodontics, even in the last ten years are amazing! Treatment can often be completed faster and more efficiently in a way that is more comfortable to the patient than orthodontics years ago, and more importantly, be done with even more impressive smile results.
I live in Pasco County with my girlfriend and our two dogs, Simba and Abraham. They are both rescue dogs. Simba is seven years old and I adopted him when he was just six months old. Abraham is nine now and Angelica rescued him when he was seven years old. They both love coming on walks with us.
I assist Dr. Strouse chairside during patient adjustments and try to make each patient as comfortable as possible. I enjoy chatting with patients, finding out about their life outside the office, we hope to make them feel at home here.
I joined Strouse & Wexlers team in 2021. As an orthodontic assistant and new patient coordinator, I meet with all new patients to start them on their orthodontic journey. I find joy in getting a patient started on their best smile possible!