My absolute fascination and commitment to orthodontics makes me what some may consider to be an "Ortho Geek". What that really means is that I am truly dedicated to creating and caring for patients' amazing smiles.  Since all smiles come from the heart it is very important to find out what your goals are; what you think of your smile now and what you would like it to be. Then we begin working together to achieve a result that is beautiful and healthy.

Education

• Chemistry Major, Chemistry - University of Florida
• Doctor of Dental Surgery - University of Maryland Dental School
• Certificate of Orthodontics - University of Maryland Orthodontic Program

Continuing Education

Continuing education is the key to maintaining the highest level of excellence possible, and I am a staunch advocate of doing so. Study clubs, seminars and attending lectures are on my agenda often throughout the year so that I remain on the cutting edge of orthodontic technology.

In the Dental Community

I lectured in the pediatric department at Atlantic Coast Dental Research regarding the temporomandibular joint, as well as the Palm Beach Dental Hygiene Association and both Jupiter and St. Mary's Hospitals. I was also a consultant to St. Mary's Hospital Cleft Palate Team thus helping the special needs of craniofacial patients.

Professional Associations

• American Association of Orthodontists
• Southern Association of Orthodontists
• Florida Association of Orthodontists
• South Florida Association of Orthodontists
• Association of Airway Orthodontists
• American Dental Association
• Florida Dental Association
• Florida Cleft Palate Association
• Atlantic Coast Dental Association
• Gator Orthodontic Study Club
• Active in Dental Sleep Medicine

Outside the Office

I reside in sunny Palm Beach Gardens, FL, where I dedicate much of my time to family and friends. Scuba diving is a passion of mine along with fishing with my son, Jared. My daughter, Amber, and I also enjoy traversing the deep blue sea both above and below the water. I love to swim and enjoy riding my bicycle every chance I get. While I swing an occasional golf club with friends, hitting the ball is not always guaranteed! That's okay, because my heart is really in just enjoying the day with friends.

Questions to ask when selecting your orthodontist.

You have made a decision for either yourself or your child to make a wonderful smile even better. This decision was reached with much forethought and you have most likely asked the following questions:

• When is the right time to begin treatment?
• What expense for treatment should be expected?
• What is the right age to begin treatment?
• What length of time will treatment take?
• Are there different types of treatment and how will you know which is right for me/my child?

These are excellent questions and need to be addressed personally with your orthodontist. Every case is different, thus, there are no cookie cutter answers. HOWEVER... We would like to suggest asking these additional questions, which are CRUCIAL to proper treatment and choosing your orthodontist.

ASK YOUR ORTHODONTIST THE FOLLOWING:

** Definitions for each listed below.

1. Does he attend the South Florida Orthodontists Association meetings regularly?
2. Does he attend the Florida Orthodontists Association meetings every year?
3. Does he go to the American Association of Orthodontists annual meeting?
4. Does he understand the importance of and have active involvement in study clubs?
5. How many hours of continuing education has he acquired?
6. Does insurance influence the course of treatment an orthodontist will prescribe?
7. What percentage of his practice is two phases vs. one phase treatment?
8. IS HE BOARD CERTIFIED?

While compiling information regarding orthodontia, it is very important that you ask these questions, which should provide you with confidence in his/her ability to provide cutting-edge, cost-efficient and compassionate care. Feel free to ask any questions pertinent to your treatment in our office and you will receive confidence-inspiring answers.

1. Dr. King regularly attends all meetings on a continuing basis.
2. He is an active member of the Orange Coast Study Club.
3. To date, Dr. King has acquired 3,000 hours of continuing education.
4. Absolutely not. Insurance never determines course of treatment.
5. Dr. King is adept at one-phase treatment and employs two-phase treatment when the circumstances are severe and it is warranted.
6. Yes, Dr. King has his national board certification.

**DEFINITIONS OF ASSOCIATIONS AND PROGRAMS

• The South Florida Orthodontists Association - Three meetings are held regularly every year, which are available for South Florida orthodontists. Orthodontists who are interested in continuing their education and keeping up to date will regularly attend these meetings every year.
• The Florida Orthodontists Association - Annually, there is a meeting for all orthodontists in the State of Florida. This is the most important meeting in the State of Florida and all orthodontists should attend in order to stay current with the latest research.
• The American Association of Orthodontists - Once per year, the American Association of Orthodontists holds a national meeting for all orthodontists in the United States. They gather the absolute finest researchers to present at this meeting the latest research and advances.
• Study Clubs - This is a critical area of importance for orthodontists. An active study club, and I do not mean just an electronic study club, is one where cases are presented and the study club orthodontists evaluate those cases determining the effectiveness of your techniques and what improvements can be made. There is nothing like having other orthodontists evaluate your cases through a non-biased analysis. In my opinion, this is probably one of the most important aspects of increasing your knowledge in orthodontics.
• Continuing education - Continued education is a very important part of staying on the cutting edge of orthodontics. Graduating from orthodontic school gives the basis upon which to begin an orthodontic practice, but as research and technology change, one must keep up with the technological strides. In keeping abreast with the advances in orthodontia, I have to date acquired over 2,300 hours of continued education.
• Influence of Insurance on treatment - When an insurance dictates to the orthodontist what they will pay, you can be absolutely sure that it will also dictate, without your understanding, how the orthodontist will treat your child. This will NEVER happen in Dr. King's office.
• Two Phase vs. One Phase - Many years ago, numerous orthodontists utilized a two-phase treatment, but in the last 10 years, research has indicated that a one-phase treatment is better for the patient by providing the exact same result, while reducing cost and treatment time. There are exceptions where two-phase treatment is indicated, such as in the case of a cross-bite relationship. Thus, in my opinion, two-phase treatment should be kept to a minimum in order to reduce expenses and the extensive treatment time two phases usually incurs. Again, this is substantiated by the most current orthodontic research available.
• Board Certification - Being board certified indicates a certain level of desire for keeping current with orthodontics. More importantly though, after becoming board certified, does she/he continue to keep up with current education by going to the South Florida Orthodontists Association meetings, the Florida Orthodontists Association meetings, the American Association of Orthodontists annual meetings and maintain involvement with a active study club to evaluate his/her orthodontic cases? As we all know, you can pass one test, but if you do not keep up with the current research happening in orthodontics, you will fall behind in presenting the state-of-the-art treatment your patients deserve.