dental residency

YOUR SMILE IS AN expression of who you are. It is that special thing that greets a friend, celebrates all of life’s joyful moments, and makes someone’s day that much brighter. We know how important your smile is to you and those around you. That’s why Dr. Gorczyca is a member of the American Association of Orthodontists (AAO), so we can always provide the best and most up-to-date care to our patients!

What Is The AAO?

All orthodontists are dentists, but not all dentists are orthodontists. Orthodontists go to four years of dental school, and beyond that, two to three more years of a full-time graduate school residency program to specialize in orthodontics. Orthodontists are experts in straightening and aligning teeth to create healthy, beautiful smiles for all of our patients.

The American Association of Orthodontists is the world’s oldest and largest dental specialty organization. Only the orthodontists that have received a rigorous education at an accredited orthodontics specialty program can be granted membership in the AAO. Because Dr. Gorczyca is an AAO member, you can trust that all orthodontic treatment performed at our practice meets the highest standards of quality, ethics and aesthetics.

What Does Being An AAO Member Mean For Our Patients?

Providing orthodontic treatment is not just straightening teeth. Excellent and comprehensive orthodontic treatment requires a scientific and artistic working knowledge of functional occlusion (bite function), TMJ form and function, growth and development of the jaws and teeth, material science of the appliances used, and the biology of tooth movement bio-mechanics. It's not just gluing braces onto teeth. And, it can't be learned in a weekend course. This is why it is so important to have your orthodontic treatment done by an educated orthodontist who is a member of the American Association of Orthodontists.

Harm can be done by moving teeth too fast, moving teeth to an unstable position, or not maintaining teeth in a stable position for a long enough time prior to braces removal. This is especially true when teeth are moved in the direction of coming farther into the mouth (extrusion). Time needs to be given to allow the bone to remodel around the new tooth position. Full stability around teeth moved by orthodontics takes one year to reach it's maximum strength. This is why wearing your retainer when braces are removed is so important. Your orthodontist will monitor your teeth during this retention period.

Only graduates of orthodontic residency programs can be members of the American Association of Orthodontists. Only orthodontists can call themselves orthodontists. It is important for the public be aware that orthodontists receive extensive training and continuing educational training throughout their careers in order to be able to provide the best orthodontic care possible to their patients.

We Go The Extra Mile For Our Patients

Our number one priority is our patients’ safety and satisfaction. We’re always willing to go the extra mile to ensure that we are providing the best care to every single person who comes into our office!

As an AAO member, Dr. Gorczyca is constantly improving her skills and learning how to better serve you. Why? Because you deserve the smile of your dreams, and we’re here to make that dream a reality!

To find an orthodontists near you, visit the American Association of Orthodontists at www.mylifemysmile.org or call Gorczyca Orthodontics at (925)757-9000 in Antioch, California.

When it comes to braces, aligners, and retainers, an AAO orthodontist is the smart choice.

The content on this blog is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of qualified health providers with questions you may have regarding medical conditions.

I AM FREQUENTLY ASKED, how does one become an orthodontist?

I Was Inspired By My Orthodontist, Dr. Larry Olivera

In middle school and high school, it’s good to like dentistry, people, and orthodontics. I was inspired in 7th grade by my orthodontist, Dr. Larry Oliviera of New Bedford, Massachusetts to become an orthodontist. I thought his work was fun.

I loved his orthodontic office and looked forward to going there. His brother was our Monsigneur and his sister was one of my mother's best friends. I admired him as a person and thought that he was very nice. If you feel this way about going to your orthodontist, perhaps you should consider becoming one.

I Prepared For Dental School At Wellesley College

There will be several college classes you will need to take for your dental school application. These include: Biology (2) Chemistry (2) Organic Chemistry (2) Physics (2) Calculus (2) and English (2). During Junior year, you will need to take the Dental Aptitude Test (DAT) which will test these subjects.

You will need to have a good DAT score and good grades to get into dental school. At Wellesley College, I majored in Molecular Biology and Music.

Research Projects Strengthen Your Application

While in college, it is a good idea to do a research project. This will strengthen your dental school application. In college, I had a research grant and worked at Massachusetts General Hospital in the lab of a young oral surgeon, Dr. R. Bruce Donoff. My research project was “Collagen Synthesis in Wound Healing”.

I was with Dr. Donoff the day he paid off his student loans. Now he is Dean of Harvard School of Dental Medicine! I also had students loans. Don’t let money prevent you from following your dream of going to dental school.

Dental School Is Busy, But Exciting!

Once in Dental School, you will be working full time on your studies. Your classes are assigned. You will take Biochemistry, Physiology, Anatomy, Pathology, Neurobiolgy, Immunology, Pharmacology, Dental Anatomy, Nutrition, and other classes.

Then after two years you take the National Board Part I on these subjects. At Harvard School of Dental Medicine where I went to school, we also took the Medical Board Part I. During Third and Fourth years of dental school you will be treating patients full time. Then you take the National Board Part II Exam on clinical subjects and Regional Board exam on live patients.

Dental School is a lot of fun. You live in the dorm and spend a lot of time studying with your friends. The time passes quickly.

To Be An Orthodontist Requires Additional Training After Dental School

To become an orthodontist or any dental specialist, you must study hard and be near the top of your dental school class. I was the only orthodontist from my dental school class of thirteen students at HSDM '88 to become an orthodontist. After Junior year, you fill out your application for residency and go on interviews to these programs.

I did my residency at Northwestern University in Chicago, Illinois. I loved Chicago and lived two blocks from Oprah! My biggest surprise, however, was that I was the only female student! These guys were like my brothers.

Questions? Please Ask!

To learn more about orthodontics and how to become an orthodontist visit Dr. Ann Marie Gorczyca at Gorczyca Orthodontics www.clubbraces.com in Antioch, California or invite her to come and speak at your school. She would love to see you! At Gorczyca Orthodontics, we love orthodontics, braces, Invisalign, and retainers and being an orthodontist. You will, too!