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Get to know orthodontist Amanda Wilson.
What made you want to become a Dental professional?
My parents were told I never needed braces, even though I kept begging for them! Turns out, my pediatric dentist was just uneducated about malocclusion. I had a slight class 2 div 2 bite with straight teeth but a 100% overbite intruding on the palate. Damage to my gums and roots was already present by the time I was 17 and since I had finished growing, the outcome was compromised. I decided that I wanted to dedicate my life to not only making more smiles in younger kids but also educating general and pediatric dentists on how to screen and treat kids at younger ages (ages 2-9) to prevent more kids from going through the unfortunate experience I had endured. Back in the 90's, it was pretty much unheard of to have GPs and pediatric dentists doing ortho! I think I was a trailblazer!
What is the hardest part about being an Orthodontist?
The profession has rapidly changed in a generation. We used to be the most elite specialty, and to be honest, the money was AMAZING when I first graduated in 2004 from residency! Things changed as CAD CAM technology was launched to help to straighten teeth instead of braces. The technology makes things much more efficient and easier to learn. Many of my colleagues are bitter and angry, but I decided to make lemonade out of lemons and jump "all in," and I stepped away from clinical practice about ten years ago to help launch my own company that supports general and pediatric dentists with airway-focused and comprehensive orthodontics. I've attended almost all courses that are available to general and pediatric dentists on the market, and I was either horrified at the erroneous information that is being taught or rather unimpressed at the lack of efficiency in the processes and procedures. I knew I could do better, and patients and doctors deserved better!
If you could give one dental hygiene tip, what would it be?
Teeth move more efficiently, and brackets and attachments stay on when teeth and gums are clean. Take the time to educate your patients on proper hygiene each visit and create an accountability loop, or you'll lose profit, and your patients will damage their health. While practicing, I always had a bottle of disclosing solution in my pocket. Patients knew I would "bust them" if they showed up with dirty teeth and gums, and I did give many "braces vacations" when they were repeat offenders! It's my license, so I had to be strict, and my staff really appreciated it! Nobody likes a stinky mouth and plaque in their eye and hair at the end of the day! For the most part, most parents were THRILLED that I was the "heavy" with OH, and it took the burden off their back.
What motivates you?
I love making educational content for YouTube reaching and educating a diverse audience, and getting feedback worldwide!
What is your favorite part about being an orthodontist? I don't like blood, and ortho is so FUN!
What is your favorite toothbrush?
My Sonicare, of course, for the facial and lingual surfaces of my teeth
What do you think is the most important thing about what you do?
The beauty of being an online educator/orthodontist is that you leave a positive thumbprint and can educate doctors worldwide. My company has brought me to several continents already, and I LOVE to teach and lecture!
What is one thing you would tell someone who wants to get braces but is worried about taking the leap?
Get aligners instead!
What is your favorite part about the Slate Electric Flosser? I first met the Slate Team in 2021 at SmileCon Las Vegas- it was Covid, and the exhibit hall was a ghost town, so we had a lot of great conversations! I invested in the Kickstarter campaign, and I got my first Slate I have used it 2x a day since then, and it still works 15 months later! I always got upset about the lack of sustainability with traditional floss. We all know what happens when you throw it away and flush it. Since I live in Hawaii, many ocean wildlife die from floss and so much litter with floss picks. I love that my Slate floss heads, when properly cleaned, last months (not sure if that's what we are supposed to do, but that's what I do!). It also saves me a ton of money! This year, I bought about 10-14 flossers, and everyone in my family got one from Santa, and they all love it!
Where can we find you?
www.straightsmilesolutions.com
@straightsmilesolutions