I was born and raised in Tucson, Arizona, and currently reside in Southern Arizona with my wife Gina and our two children, nine-year-old Zia and six-year-old Zac. With two small children, free time is hard, so we spend most weekends with our little ones!! There’s nothing like seeing them explore and discover new things. We know this time will go by fast, so we want to enjoy every minute! We love to travel, cook, discover new restaurants in the area, and spend time outdoors.
And during our favorite time of year, I’ll be rooting for my Arizona Wildcats and my other favorite team, the Notre Dame Fighting Irish! We love Arizona and are so grateful we have been able to call it home!
I’m deeply thankful for the opportunity to work in a field I am truly passionate about. I completed my undergraduate studies in Tucson, my hometown, at the University of Arizona, then pursued training in dentistry with a specialization in orthodontics.
This journey has allowed me to offer my patients the highest quality of care. My orthodontic training began in July 2003 at Saint Louis University’s Center for Advanced Dental Education, one of the nation’s top programs.
During my residency at SLU, I had the privilege of learning from some of the country’s leading clinical orthodontists. I graduated from Saint Louis University in December 2005 with a Master of Science in orthodontics and dentofacial orthopedics.
Approximately 20% of orthodontic care in the U.S. is delivered by general dentists. While general dentists excel at treating cavities and maintaining gum health, orthodontists are specialists in aligning teeth and correcting bites. After completing dental school, orthodontists undergo an additional 2–3 years of full-time residency, concentrating solely on orthodontics. During this time, they manage a wide range of cases under the guidance of seasoned professionals, equipping them to handle both straightforward and complex cases with expertise.
Dr. Z’s Advice: “Even straightforward cases can become complex without an accurate diagnosis. For straight teeth and a healthy bite, trust an orthodontist!”
A board-certified orthodontist has successfully passed a challenging exam and shown advanced expertise in the field, demonstrating a commitment to continuous learning. On the other hand, a non-board-certified orthodontist has met the basic licensing requirements but has not undergone the additional process of certification to validate advanced skills.
Dr. Z’s Advice: “While not a guarantee of superior skills, board certification demonstrates a clinician’s dedication to achieving a high level of expertise.”
In a single-doctor private practice, the physician both owns the practice and provides care. In group private practices, ownership is usually shared among doctors who also treat patients, often with additional associate doctors employed. In contrast, corporate-owned practices are controlled by investors who employ associate doctors to deliver patient care.
Dr. Z’s Advice: “Continuity of care is essential for achieving excellent orthodontic results. However, in group private practices or corporate-owned practices, frequent turnover of associate doctors can result in multiple doctors managing a single case. I believe involving multiple doctors in a single treatment can negatively impact the outcome.”
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