Meet Your Durham Orthodontist
Dr. Dempsey Smith is a native of North Carolina, valedictorian of his high school, top of his class in dental school, and lauded graduate of UNC. After earning his specialty degree in orthodontics, he served in the Navy for four years, achieving the rank of Lieutenant Commander.
Dr. Gavin Heymann graduated from Chapel Hill High School and pursued his undergraduate education at UNC Chapel Hill, where he earned a Bachelor of Science in biology. He attended the UNC School of Dentistry, from which he graduated with his Doctorate of Dental Surgery at the top of his class in 2005. He remained at UNC for his specialty training in orthodontics, and received the Andrew McArthur Brooks Fellowship, as well as earned a Master of Science and an orthodontic certificate from one of the most well-respected orthodontic programs in the world.
After earning her undergraduate and dental degrees at UNC, Dr. Katya Skillestad went on to study orthodontics at Texas A&M University in Dallas, where she won the prestigious award of Resident of the Year from an esteemed orthodontic journal.
Why an Orthodontist?
Orthodontist vs. Dentist
An orthodontist is a dentist, but a dentist is not an Orthodontist. All orthodontists are dentists first, but though not every dentist has the qualifications to be an orthodontist. Our doctors continued their formal education for 2 or 3 additional years before receiving the necessary license and certification. As orthodontists, our doctors have spent years studying nothing but how and why to move teeth. This includes what to do, how to plan, and how to execute the appropriate treatment plan.
Why does it matter if you see your Durham Orthodontist?
Specialists receive additional training to give them the skills needed to deal with more complex orthodontic problems. Dentists receive basic orthodontic training which allows them to perform root canals, extract wisdom teeth, and treat young children who do not need to see an orthodontist yet.
Seeing a specialist like your Durham orthodontist may change your experience in braces by:
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- Providing additional treatment options.
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- Giving you more efficient treatment and visits, because it is the office's primary area of care.
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- Knowing that you'll receive the best possible outcome on your treatment plan, especially if you have severe bite problems that need to be addressed.
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- Personal experience treating multiple cases that share your unique concerns
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- Being seen more quickly, as a family dentist will be focused on longer patient cases or emergencies throughout the day.
You may think it's easier to have your orthodontic work completed by your dentist. Convenience shouldn't be a concern, because you will only be stopping by your Durham orthodontist's offices every six to eight weeks.
And don't let price be a problem either! Smith & Heymann Orthodontics is proud to provide affordable treatment in the Durham area.
Testimonials from Durham orthodontist patients
Great from the first second we walked in. Wonderful patient care, great staff, everyone is so nice and caring. Very knowledgeable and great at what they do!
Great from the first second we walked in. Wonderful patient care, great staff, everyone is so nice and caring. Very knowledgeable and great at what they do!
We have always appreciated the time and attention we receive when we are in this office. We know that our treatment will be guided by what is best for my daughter and her dental needs. We smile every time we get to visit our friends at Smith and Heymann Orthodontics!