How to Choose the Best Orthodontist: Key Orthodontist Qualifications to Look For

When you or a family member needs orthodontics, it is important to choose an orthodontist who is highly skilled and qualified. You deserve an expert who can provide you with beautiful, healthy teeth for years to come. Dr. Hunter & ReAnn Boss at Boss Orthodontics believe that every patient should receive top-notch care, and that starts with choosing an orthodontist with the right qualifications. Here are the credentials and qualities to look for before beginning your orthodontic journey.


Orthodontist Education: The Foundation of Expertise

When searching for the best orthodontist, you should expect your orthodontist to have the following educational background. Orthodontist educational background includes:

  • Undergraduate Program: Completion of a 4-year undergraduate degree.
  • Dental School Graduation: A 4-year degree from an accredited dental school.
  • Licensing Examinations: Passing of state and national exams to become licensed to practice dentistry.
  • Acceptance to CODA-Accredited Orthodontic Residency Program: Admission to a specialized orthodontic residency program accredited by the Commission on Dental Accreditation (CODA).
  • Orthodontic Residency Program Completion: Completion of a rigorous 2-3 year orthodontic residency, focused specifically on teeth alignment and bite correction.
  • Board Certified: Both Dr Hunter and ReAnn Boss are also board certified by American Board of Orthodontics, which requires additional examinations. They have a convenient checker on their website for you to see if your orthodontist is board certified. Find a board certified Orthodontist.

Before beginning any treatment, don’t hesitate to ask your orthodontist about their qualifications. A professional and trustworthy orthodontist will gladly share their credentials and be open about their educational background.

There are many weekend courses that are available to general dentists to help them learn introductory orthodontic treatment/procedures. These courses are not the same as an orthodontist who goes through an accredited 2-3 year residency program and devotes their entire practice to the specialty of orthodontics.


Experience: Hands-On Training for Comprehensive Care

Having proper education is only one part of the equation. Orthodontic treatment requires hands-on experience to effectively address a wide variety of cases. You should look for an orthodontist who has undergone extensive training and has treated a diverse range of cases.

Dr. ReAnn and Hunter Boss attended AT Still University Arizona School of Dentistry and Oral Health Orthodontic Residency Program during which they worked with patients of all ages and backgrounds, from children to adults. They treated simple cases as well as complex conditions like cleft lip and palate issues, and surgical cases. The breadth of experience allows them to handle cases with confidence, providing the best possible outcomes for their patients.


Communication: Integrated Member of your Dental Care Team for Superior Outcomes

If your case requires additional treatments or coordination, such as surgery, implants, veeners or other dental rehabilitation, a good orthodontist should be able to refer you to a trusted specialist to ensure your complete care. Your orthodontist should have a trusted relationship with that specialist or dentist to be able to communicate the nuances of your case to help you have the BEST outcome possible. At Boss Orthodontics, we were once practicing dentists too. We know the pitfalls and how easily miscommunications lead to inefficient care. Dr. ReAnn and Hunter and the entire team work behind the scenes communicating with our trusted network of amazing dentists and specialists to be sure our patients receive the kind of care that we would want for ourselves and loved ones. We like to think this is one aspect where we really shine at Boss Orthodontics- seamless integrated care.


Personalized Care

While qualifications and experience are crucial, a great orthodontist is also one who truly cares about their patients. At Boss Orthodontics, smiles are more than teeth- they are you! You deserve an orthodontist who listens to your goals, takes the time to understand your concerns, and creates a customized treatment plan that fits your unique needs.

Dr. Boss’s philosophy is that orthodontics is not just about improving your smile, it’s about improving your life. We are so passionate about orthodontics and want everyone to have the best experience and result possible. Our office is known for its warm, welcoming environment where patients feel like part of the family.

In orthodontics, we say that treatment is like a long-term relationship as treatments are over the course of 1-2 years. You want to be sure that the office and orthodontist are good fit. It’s important to choose an orthodontist who you feel comfortable with and who you know are looking out for you.


Continued Learning: A Commitment to New Orthodontic Techniques

Orthodontics, like many other fields in healthcare, is constantly evolving. That’s why it’s crucial to choose an orthodontist who stays up-to-date with the latest treatment options and technologies. For example, clear braces and Invisalign in Austin, Bee Cave, and Kyle TX are growing in popularity as alternative treatment options to traditional metal braces.

At Boss Orthodontics, Drs. Boss are constantly striving for perfection and learning about new innovations in the field. Both regularly attend continuing education courses and keeps up with new advancements, ensuring his patients benefit from cutting-edge techniques and materials in line with modern orthodontist qualifications. Whether you’re interested in ceramic braces, clear orthodontic braces, or invisible braces, Dr. Boss will provide you with the best options available to meet your needs.


Why Choose Boss Orthodontics?

As a board-certified orthodontist, Dr. Boss combines knowledge, skill, and passion for orthodontics to provide patients with exceptional results. At Boss Orthodontics, we offer a wide range of treatments, including braces for teeth, clear aligners, ceramic braces, and adult braces for patients of all ages in Bee Cave, TX, Kyle, TX, and Austin, TX.

If you’re considering braces, Invisalign, or other orthodontic treatments, schedule a FREE consultation with Dr. Boss at Boss Orthodontics today! During your consultation, we’ll take digital images of your smile, provide a thorough oral exam, and discuss your treatment options, as well as the costs involved.

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Looking for the best orthodontist in Kyle, Bee Cave, and Austin TX? Dr. Boss at Boss Orthodontics offers affordable braces, Invisalign, clear braces, and more for patients in Bee Cave, Kyle, and Austin, TX. Schedule a free consultation today!


Additional Resources:

What is an Orthodontist?

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