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Dentistry/How to find good Ortho

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Question
Dear Randolph - Thanks for your help on my previous questions. I am in definite need of braces as I need to make space for an implant. I need some advice on how to find a good orthodontist. I cannot choose one just base on my insurance network or a referral. What exprience and criteria should I look for in finding the right doctor?

Answer
First and foremost, make sure you are dealing with an orthodontist.  Some general dentists represent themselves as orthodontists because they've taken a few courses in orthodontics.  It's not the same.  An orthodontist is a specialist who just does orthodontics...all the time...as a specialist with 2-3 years of special training with lots of experience.
Beyond that, you'll have to rely on the advice and recommendation of friends, associates, family, and your dentist.

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Dr. Randolph Myerson

Expertise

Please limit your inquiry to questions about orthodontics (braces) and children's dentistry. I am both an Orthodontist and a Pediatric Dentist, having been trained in both of these dental specialty fields. Orthodontics is the dental specialty that treats problems of tooth, bite and jaw alignment using braces and removable appliances. Pediatric Dentistry is the dental specialty also known as dentistry for children, which deals specifically with the dental problems of this special age group from infants to adolescents. I am also experienced in Forensic Dentistry, the application of dentistry to law enforcement and identification using dental records.

Experience

I have been in the private practice of orthodontics and pediatric dentistry for over 20 years. Prior to that I served for three years on the Cleft Palate and Cranio-facial Reconstruction team at Children''s Hospital of Philadelphia and was an Assistant Professor of Dentistry at University of Pennsylvania School of Dental Medicine. I also served as a dentist in the U.S.Air Force, stationed at Andrews AFB in Washington, DC.

Organizations
I am a Fellow in the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry, and a member of the American Association of Orthodontics, as well as a member of the American Dental Association and the Dental Society of the State of New York.

Education/Credentials
I received my BA in Biology from Frankin & Marshall College in 1969, and my dental degree from University of Pennsylvania School of Dental Medicine in 1973. In 1978 I received both my Certificate in Orthodontics from University of Pennsylvania School of Dental Medicine, and my Certificate in Pediatric Dentistry from Children''s Hospital of Philadelphia after completing a three year Teaching Fellowship in Orthodontics and Pediatric Dentistry in 1978.

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