I feel extremely privileged to be an orthodontist. The profession gives me the opportunity to help people, improving each persons smile, their physical and emotional health, and growing their self-esteem.
Dentistry, and orthodontics in particular, always appealed to me. I was drawn to the science and art of the specialty, along with the personal connections it fosters. I have time to learn who my patientsreally are because treatment usually takes a couple of years, and I get to see my patientsevery 6-8 weeks. I appreciate each patients unique personality and enjoy seeing how that changes during their time in my care.
Whether I am treating a child with early intervention, providing a teen with a great smile for graduation and then seeing them off to college, or working with an adult who has long been unhappy with their smile, my focus is always on the individuals needs.
Beyond aesthetics, I design treatment plans with an eye on the persons overall general and dental health. I want them to have a correct bite and properly aligned teeth,and ultimately for their finished smile to be functional and stable.
One of the most exciting aspects of orthodontics is the continual changes in the way we practice. Each year, new technologies and methodologies are developed, many promising to revolutionize how we treat our patients.
It is my responsibility to stay current on these new options, carefully evaluating each before deciding whether to bring them into the practice. Its been my experience that The Latest is not always The Greatest, and I select only conservative, proven options to offer patients.
I take a number of continuing education courses every year, attend conventions and lectures, and stay abreast of the latest orthodontic and dental journals. Additionally, I have been an active member of the Arizona Orthodontic Study Group since 2000, serving as Treasurer and President. I am a former member of the Smile Synergy Study Club, which focused on interdisciplinary care in conjunction with other dental specialists, too.
I grew up in Mesa and returned to the area once I finished my orthodontic residency. My wife and I have been married for 25 years and we have five beautiful daughters: they are all talented musicians, despite my total lack of musical ability!
Outside of work, my priority is time with family and loved ones, and church. I love all sports and enjoy the outdoors. I have completed several marathons and love to spend a free Saturday morning on the golf course.
I stay active in our community, especially through church service opportunities. Additionally, Walker Orthodontics sponsors many local sports teams and supports the varied activities and interests of our patients.
Our four orthodontic assistants Liz, Margie, Laurie, and Rachel work closely with Dr. Walker as he crafts each patients new smile. They sterilize and prepare the treatment area, seat the patient, and explain what will happen during the visit. Sitting chairside, they assist Dr. Walker and provide direct patient care, too.
Laurie has worked in the dental field since 2011 and joined the Walker Orthodontics team in 2018. She has a Bachelors of Science in Business Administration, a Dental Assisting Certificate from Carrington College, and is X-ray certified. Laurie loves seeing the confidence and happiness in someones smile when treatment is completed.
Outside of work, Laurie enjoys family time with her husband, her two adult children, and her 3 dogs and 2 cats. She loves spending time with family and friends going to concerts, football and hockey games, adventures, quilting, and playing tennis.
Liz has been in the dental field since 2002 and joined Walker Orthodontics in 2006. She receivedher dental assisting certificate from EVIT and is also X-ray certified. Liz loves seeing the change in patients as they build their self-confidence by straightening their teeth and values the friendships she builds with each patient.
An Arizona native, Liz is currently pursuing a Bachelors degree in Public Health. She has been married for 15 years and has five wonderful children. Liz enjoys hiking with her family and tries to find time to practice yoga as well.
Rachel joined the Walker Orthodontics team in 2018. She loves meeting our patients and helping them in any way she can. Shes always looking to learn something new, whether thats insight from Dr. Walker and her teammates or a story shared by a patient.
Rachels currently attending Mesa Community College and plans on becoming a nurse. Shes a distance runner and has competed in cross-country and track for many years. Rachel is also passionate about adventures that get her out of her comfort zone, like cliff jumping and skydiving.
Edna and her husband Russ have been married since 1972. They have two grown daughters and a grandaughter. Ednas family and friends keep her busy outside of work. She and Russ enjoy cooking gourmet meals at home, trying new restaurants, and vacationing in Maui.
Karen is the Walker Orthodontics Insurance Coordinator. She joined us in 2012 and handles everything related to insurance: verifying benefits, claims processing and follow-up, and patient and insurance payment processing. She also oversees patient contracts, collections, and office financials. Additionally, Karen answers phones, schedules visits, and checks patients in and out. She loves seeing each persons self-esteem grow, from visit-to-visit, as their new smile appears.
Beyond the office, Linda loves to travel. She has been to Australia, Costa Rica, St. Marten, Spain, and Switzerland, to name but a few of the countries shes visited. At home, Linda enjoys time with her two kitties, Mikey and Mindy, and loves watching football, especially the Ohio State Buckeyes.
We provide conservative, advanced orthodontics in a welcoming and supportive environment, where we care for you like family. Our shared goal is to get you to your best smile, comfortably, affordably, and efficiently and for you to enjoy every step of your orthodontic journey!