I feel like I was placed on earth to do just what I am doing. I love being both a student and a teacher, and being an orthodontist gives me the never-ending opportunity to do both. I don’t feel I have ever “gone to work”; it’s as if I get to practice my hobby every day!
I believe I can make a difference in the lives of my patients by being a good listener and asking good questions. Listening to what parents and patients say allows me to involve them in the treatment. Everyone is unique, and there is no such thing as an “ideal treatment” for everyone. I feel a team effort is necessary to achieve optimal treatment for each patient.
Loving what I do in our office gives me the energy and desire to study and improve myself. This way, I can deliver great results to those people who make my heart sing every day: our patients and their families.
Education & Continuing Education
I grew up in Gainesville, FL, and graduated from Gainesville High School before attending Florida State University for
my undergraduate degree. I completed dental school at the University of Florida College of Dentistry and underwent my
orthodontic residency at the University of Pennsylvania.
I am passionate about learning new things! After all, this helps me be more effective in giving you or your child a
beautiful smile and the confidence you need to succeed in life. I am fascinated at how true the statement “more than
just a smile” is for an incredible orthodontic result. I belong to several study groups and attend conferences regularly
in multiple fields, including:
- Orthodontics
- Children’s dentistry
- Growth and development
- Breathing disorders and sleep disorders and their effects on your growth and health
I also love to teach. I am an adjunct professor at the University of Florida College of Dentistry. You will notice I
love to teach patients and families what is involved in their treatments, too. I will always encourage your
participation in treatment decisions. There is no such thing as one “right” treatment plan; each person is different,
and I want your unique needs and concerns to play a role in your or your child’s orthodontic care.
Professional Affiliations
My professional memberships help me stay up-to-date on the most current research and advancements in the fields of
dentistry and orthodontics. I belong to the following organizations:
- American Association of Orthodontists
- Southern Association of Orthodontists
- Florida Association of Orthodontists
- American Dental Association
- Florida Dental Association
- Alachua County Dental Society
- American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry
- American Association of Sleep Medicine
- American Association of Dental Sleep Medicine
Outside the Office
I have a wonderful family. My wife, Dr. Judy Banks is a pediatrician, and my two sons, Dave and Paul are orthodontists
who work with me. The greatest accomplishment of my life is my family.
When I am not working, I enjoy spending time outdoors with my family, biking, hiking, climbing, fishing, and sailing the
oceans of the world.
I enjoy volunteering in charity dental clinics with my sons – the Gainesville Community Ministries and the Florida
Baptist Convention bus are two of our favorites. I am involved in Rotary, and our family has started a dental mission in
Ecuador. We spend spring break and a week every summer taking dental students from UF to work with indigenous people
with no access to dental care. I feel blessed to have been given a skill that can help people who are suffering from
tooth pain. I believe “to those who have received a lot, a lot is expected,” and I try to live my life accordingly.