We are known as the “Hometown Orthodontist,” and this title couldn’t be truer! It is not uncommon for us to see our patients outside of the practice at any time of the day. Whether it is performing in a high school play, marching at a football game or all painted up in the student section of a basketball game, our patients shine!

Several times I’ve heard someone shout out “there’s my orthodontist lady,” at which time I turn to see a smiling face of someone who I know is benefiting from our orthodontic care. Taking the time to explain that I’m not the orthodontist, just the assistant, gives me an opportunity to interact with my patients and their friends. Connecting with the outside world allows us as a practice to see the bigger picture of how we fit in the picture of their lives.

Chatting with the five patients who recently returned from the Presidential Inauguration, I was reminded of how exciting life can be for a teenager: new perspectives to explore, important decisions to make, and how hard work pays off. One of the students was invited because he entered an essay contest and won the trip to Washington. The other four students were members of a local
marching band. They attended a festival in honor of the inauguration. Our patients consistently remind us as that while some consider braces just another part of growing up; we consider our work as an investment, an investment in the life of a person who matters.

-Sarah Whiting, Orthodontic Technician

Another year has passed and many changes have been made here at Wilson Orthodontics. The 2009 year has started off with a bang! We have finally taken down the caution tape and our remodeling is complete. This year we are introducing a new version of Wilson Orthodontics by replacing our paper charting system with a new technologically advanced paperless digital system. This new system requires a computer at every patient’s chair and in every room; and, with this system all of the information you need is only a few clicks away.

Along with our new “High-Tech” computer systems, we are also rebranding our practice as “Your Hometown Orthodontist!” Our office, though now more modern, still gives off a home-like feel. We have given the office more livelihoods with a little color here and there and a few television sets to make your wait a little more comfortable. To make things even more exciting, we will soon have PSPs for our patients to use at each chair. We’re really thinking of everything to make you feel welcome and right at home!

Looking back at 2008 there are so many things that should be mentioned; we tried out some new ideas to liven up the office and give the staff something to have fun with and enjoy while being at work. We had a Halloween Costume Contest and allowed the patients who came in to vote on the employee with the best costume. Sarah Whiting (dressed as a Rodeo Clown) and Cindy Briscoe (a life-size bag of M&M’s) won the contest and were given a pampering prize at a local spa. We also kept a tradition going with our annual Christmas open house. This past year’s open house was the largest we have had so far and it was a great success.

Our office would not be much without the wonderful patients that we are blessed to work with. In 2008 we had some patients that had great starts and even more with great finishes. Last year we had a local celebrity visit Gainesville, Martha Zoller and her daughter Suzanne both finished treatment with us and they both came out with fantastic smiles. We have had a great 2008 looking back, and we are now looking forward to an even better 2009. Stop by and see your hometown orthodontist!

-Cindy Briscoe, Records Coordinator