20 Questions with Dr. M. Rogers DDS (Ortho edition)

While perusing the Articles and Interviews section of the Student Doctor Network, I came across an interview with Orthodontist Dr. Michael Rogers who describes the field of Orthodontics and pinpoints the reasons he chose the field and why he thinks the field is  the best specialty.
Some points mentioned are note worthy if you are thinking of specializing in Orthodontocs.

The article/interview:

Dr. Michael B. Rogers owns a private orthodontics practice with his colleague Dr. Andrews in Augusta, Georgia. He graduated from Emory University School of Dentistry before serving as a Captain and general dentist in the U.S. Army Dental Corps. Later, he returned to the Medical College of Georgia to specialize in orthodontics, earning his Certificate in Orthodontics from the Georgia Health Sciences University (Medical College of Georgia) School of Dentistry.

Dr. Rogers is currently on the orthodontic faculty at the Georgia Health Sciences University and is a Diplomate of the American Board of Orthodontics. He has received numerous professional recognitions, including those from Georgia Association of Orthodontists (Exemplary Service Award, 1991 and 2006), Oren A. Oliver Southern Association of Orthodontists (Distinguished Service Award, 2002), and Emory University School of Dentistry (Meritorious Service Award, 2009).

Dr. Rogers has been active in several professional organizations, including the American Dental Association, Georgia Dental Association, American Association of Orthodontists, Southern Association of Orthodontists, Georgia Association of Orthodontists, Medical College of Georgia Orthodontic Alumni Association, Georgia Health Sciences University School of Dentistry Steering Committee, College of Diplomates of the American Board of Orthodontics, Eastern District Dental Society, and Georgia Academy of Dental Practice. He has been published in the Journal of Clinical Orthodontics, Orthodontic Products, and the American Journal of Orthodontics.

When did you first decide to become an orthodontist? Why?
When I was a sophomore in dental school, we had an orthodontic lab and I enjoyed the challenge of bending the wires. In addition, I began to realize how orthodontics can improve a person’s self esteem by improving their appearance. It can make a difference in the job offers they receive, and even their selection of a spouse.

How/why did you choose the school you attended?
I lived in Augusta and selected Emory University (in Atlanta). Its dental school had an excellent reputation. Emory was also the only dental school in Georgia, South Carolina, or Florida at that time. My orthodontic education was at the Georgia Health Sciences University, formerly the Medical College of Georgia.

What surprised you the most about your studies?
I was surprised in dental school by the amount of lab work and dexterity that were involved. Being “good with your hands” is very important for a successful dental career.

If you had it to do all over again, would you still become an orthodontist? (Why or why not? What would you have done instead?)
Yes, if I had it to do all over again, I would still become an orthodontist. Orthodontics has been a rewarding career from all aspects. It has allowed me to influence many lives through improving their smiles.

Has being an orthodontist met your expectations? Why?

Yes, being an orthodontist has more than met my expectations, because it has allowed me to influence many lives by improving their smiles. In orthodontics there are no failures since everyone experiences some improvement. It is very rewarding to see the big smile when the braces are removed, and in many instances the improvement in self esteem.

What do you like most about being an orthodontist?
As an orthodontist, I most enjoy dealing with people and the many variations in orthodontic cases. Some cases involve jaw surgery while others require functional appliances (growth appliances). In addition, I enjoy seeing the “big happy smile” at the end of treatment.

What do you like least about being an orthodontist?
Like any business that depends on appointment keeping, I am sometimes frustrated with the way the schedule can become hectic if patients are running late. On occasion, the schedule is delayed by patients whose appliances are loose and in need of repair. In addition, some patients will not brush their teeth or cooperate in other ways, which can lead to a lot of frustration. Patients can compromise the results of their treatment if they do not keep up with home hygiene, diet recommendations and professional prophylaxis.

See the remainder of the Interview here.