As an orthodontist, I have the privilege of changing peoples’ lives for the better, allowing patients to have more confidence to reach for their dreams. Our patients have made a commitment to want to change their smiles, so I have made a commitment to provide the highest quality treatment and experience possible. Truly, in what other profession can you see the fantastic changes that a person goes through in a positive way? I get great satisfaction in being a part of that transformation. My work is fun!
I want patients to succeed in everything that they do, so I love seeing the excitement in patients’ eyes when we are talking about how their new smile will look. I get almost as excited as the patients on the day we are taking off braces or completing the aligners. I get excited because I know that he or she has just taken a huge step forward in reaching their dreams in life and I am lucky enough to be just a small part of that journey.
My Journey to Orthodontics
I have always known that I wanted to be in the healthcare field. Growing up, I had good experiences with my dentist and my orthodontist. I was lucky enough that my parents saw the value in what straightening my teeth would do for my self-confidence. I really looked up to those leaders in my community and saw that dentistry was the best fit for me. I pursued dentistry ever since I graduated high school and I know I made the correct career choice. I have been practicing since 2007 and plan on practicing until I physically can’t do it anymore. I want to give my patients the same opportunities that I had by giving them the greatest smile possible.
Education and Continuing Education
- University of Alabama in Birmingham, Doctorate of Dental Medicine
- University of Alabama in Birmingham Hospital, general practice residency
- University of Alabama in Birmingham Hospital, advanced education in general dentistry
- University of Alabama in Birmingham School of Public Health, Master’s in public health
- University of Pennsylvania, Orthodontic Residency and Master of Science in oral biology
As a specialist, I am constantly interacting with other dental professionals to best plan treatments of individual patients, as well as being better prepared for future patients that require other dental professional expertise. Each year, I actively pursue continuing education courses through seminars, lectures, and conferences. The rapid changes in technology, and treatment processes and options, mean that I must keep abreast of new developments in order to provide the best care available to my patients.
Professional Affiliations
- American Dental Association (ADA)
- American Association of Orthodontists (AAO)
- Southern Association of Orthodontists (SAO)
- Alabama Association of Orthodontists (ALAO)
- Alabama Dental Association (ALDA)
- University of Alabama Birmingham Alumni Association
- Alabama 3rd District Dental Society
In the Office
I’ve put together an amazing orthodontic team, who truly bring out the best in me. More importantly, though, is that they bring out the best in our patients. They are committed to each patient having an amazing experience and enjoy creating that while maintaining the highest levels of professional care. Our practice is always filled with laughter, as team members and our patients trade jokes and share stories. We are always smiling, and since we’re an orthodontic office, that’s a very good thing!
Personal life
I am an Alabama native, having grown up in Huntsville. My wife, Dr. Kristen Crowder, who is a pediatric dentist, and our three children, Mason, Riley, and Brooklyn, now call Dothan our home. Our family is rounded out by a wonderful dog named Peyton. My family is very important to me, so anything that they want to do, I’m up for it. We love traveling together, and I enjoy golfing, playing tennis, and skiing. I also keep busy coaching. That gives me the opportunity to be a positive influence on a young person’s life.
Something that not everyone knows about me? Cheesecake. I’m a sucker for it, plain and simple.