Why should my treatment be provided by an orthodontist?
Once you make the decision to have orthodontic treatment, it becomes very important whom you choose to provide it. An orthodontist is a specialist in the diagnosis, prevention and treatment of dental and facial irregularities. All orthodontists are dentists, but only 6 percent of dentists are orthodontists. Admission to orthodontic programs is extremely competitive and selective.
It takes many years to become an orthodontist and the educational requirements are extremely demanding. An orthodontist must complete college requirements before starting a 3- to 5-year graduate program at a dental school accredited by the American Dental Association (ADA). After dental school, at least 2 or 3 academic years of advanced specialty in an ADA-accredited orthodontic program are required to become an orthodontist. The program includes advanced education in biomedical, behavioral and basic sciences. The orthodontic resident learns the complex skills required to manage tooth movement and guide facial development.
Only dentists who have successfully completed these advanced specialty education programs may call themselves orthodontists. Dr. Roehm and Dr. Stigall have both gone “a step beyond” in their professional development. Our doctors are board-certified orthodontists by the American Board of Orthodontics which means they have committed to the lifelong recertification process. On a periodic basis Dr. Roehm and Dr. Stigall must take recertification examinations to maintain board certification. When you trust Midwest Orthodontic Associates with your orthodontic treatment, you will receive dental treatment from the most qualified professionals around. You are smart to select a board certified orthodontist.
All the orthodontists in our office are Diplomates of the American Board of Orthodontics.
Meet our qualified doctors:
While Dr. Stigall has only been in private practice with her father Dr. Roehm since 2006, she’s been working in the office since she was 13 years old. She’s been around orthodontics her entire life and loves her profession. Dr. Stigall’s first, and foremost, a mom to four young girls- Berkeley, Annabelle, Sadie, and Sylvie and treats all her patients the way she’d want her daughters to be treated- with love, respect, and kindness. Dr. Stigall and her husband, John, enjoy traveling and cheering on the girls in their various activities. In her free-time she loves to cook and bake, does yoga, and plays with her kids.
Read more about Dr. Melissa K. Stigall's education, certification affiliations, and civic activities
Dr. Melissa K. Stigall