Dr. Wo Speaks

Orthodontics is truly a great profession and I feel so blessed to have treated over 16,000 cases in my career.  The obvious question is: “how long have you been doing this?”  I can hardly believe that I have been an Orthodontist for over 40 years.  To be honest, I did have a 2 year hiatus which came in 1997.  A friend was starting a new orthodontic management company and he offered me a position that was very attractive.  So I decided to sell my part of the practice to my partner and start a new career.  After 2 years I realized that I wasn’t suited for Corporate America and I wanted to get back into Orthodontics – my true calling.  

In addition, since I could do a lot of my corporate work at home, my wife, Camille, and I had lunch together almost every day, which we had never done during my 30 years of orthodontics. One day she said to me, “ you know, I married you for better or for worse …  but not for lunch!  

Fortunately for me, Invisalign came on the market in 1999.  I was totally amazed that there was a clear and removable appliance that would move teeth, so I went back into practice and became a part of the development team for Align technology and an Instructor on how to use Invisalign.  It was a true resurrection for me and the realization that I am first and always an Orthodontist. 

I no longer teach Invisalign domestically but I am still a workshop provider for Invisalign in Europe.  I am studying Italian because I have worked in Italy for the past 3 years and I am a visiting professor at the University of Ferrara in the orthodontic department.  Teaching is my “second calling” which is why I am on the faculty at the ATSU School of Dentistry – orthodontic department – in Mesa, Arizona. 

Today I share the most fantastic Orthodontic office with another dedicated orthodontist, Dr. Larry Davis.  Together we are providing cutting-edge technology orthodontic treatment for our patients with outstanding results.  I have been asked, “When are you going to retire… again?”  I can give a direct answer but it wont be any time soon.  With technology literally exploding in orthodontics, it is a fantastic time to be an orthodontist.  The future is so full of exciting developments, I just don’t want to miss any of it.