Our Clinical Standard

What this means for your treatment decision

Rather than publish an unverified biography, this page explains how to independently verify a treating clinician's credentials yourself, and what to ask for directly when you schedule.

Why we're not listing credentials here yet

A doctor's biography page is often the first thing a prospective patient reads, and it carries real weight in a decision about who performs dental or orthodontic treatment. Publishing degree names, residency programs, board certifications or years practicing without confirming each detail against the issuing institution or board registry risks either an honest mistake or, worse, an impression that we're embellishing. Until that verification is complete, we're leaving this page direct about the gap rather than filling it with assumed or unconfirmed details.

How to verify a dentist or orthodontist's credentials yourself

• Check your state dental board's public license lookup tool to confirm an active license, license type, and any disciplinary history
• Confirm board certification status directly through the certifying board's website (for example, the American Board of Orthodontics for orthodontists), not just a claim on a practice website
• Look up the dental school and residency or specialty program named, and confirm the clinician is listed as a graduate if the school publishes that information
• Search for the clinician's name alongside the state licensing board and any professional association membership to cross-check consistency across sources
• Ask the practice directly for the treating clinician's full name and license number so you can look it up yourself before your appointment

What a license lookup typically shows

California’s public license search can help confirm a dentist’s license status and published disciplinary information. A dental license is not proof of an orthodontic residency or board certification. Verify specialty training separately and check voluntary board certification with the certifying organization. Ask for the treating clinician’s full name and license number rather than relying on a product-provider badge.

Questions worth asking directly when you schedule

• Who exactly will be examining me and planning my treatment at the first visit?
• What is that clinician's license type and is their license currently active and in good standing?
• Is the treating clinician a specialist in orthodontics, or a general dentist providing orthodontic treatment?
• Who will actually be present at adjustment or check-in visits if treatment spans many months?
• If a case needs referral to a specialist, how is that decision made and communicated?

Why clinician identity matters more in ongoing treatment

Orthodontic and cosmetic dental treatment typically unfolds over months or years, with a relationship built across many visits rather than a single procedure. Knowing who is actually responsible for diagnosis, plan changes, and judgment calls along the way — and confirming that person's qualifications independently — is a reasonable and encouraged step before committing to a treatment plan, not an unusual or overly cautious one.

What we will publish once verified

• Confirmed educational background and graduation details
• Current license status and type, consistent with state board records
• Any verified board certifications and the certifying body
• Professional affiliations that can be independently confirmed

Questions patients ask