Ouellette’s Among America’s Premier Dental Families

By  //  March 12, 2013

DOCTOR SPOTLIGHT

ABOVE VIDEO: After almost 40 years of practice in Brevard County, Florida, and treating over 15,000 patients, Dr. Ouellette and his staff at Dental Specialists have built a reputation for excellence and caring – and comprehensive general, cosmetic and pediatric dental treatment for all of their patients.

Board Certified Orthodontist, Paul Ouellette, DDS, MS, ABO, has dedicated his life to his profession as an educator, humanitarian, philanthropist, author, entrepreneur and leading proponent of the implementation of cutting edge technology applications in dentistry.

A TRUE FAMILY PRACTICE, Dr. Paul Ouellette shares ownership with his two sons, Drs. Jason (far left) and Jonathan (far right) of DentalSpecialists.com and practices out of their multiple locations. Dr. Paul’s daughter, Danielle (second from left), is a pre-dental student. (Image for SpaceCoastDaily.com)

As a teenager in the 1960s, he was interested in science and medicine and their growing involvement in revolutionizing how health was perceived.  He was a frequent first place science fair competitor.

“My orthodontist was the first health care professional to open my eyes to the world of dentistry,” said Dr. Ouellette.

“When I became an orthodontist in 1972, methods for orthodontia were still being refined. Since I began practicing orthodontics, technology has evolved in a way that has allowed not only for a more precise treatment, but also for a more personal interaction with patients. Because of this, my enthusiasm and desire to continue practicing has intensified. I want to put off retirement as long as possible to work with my children, lecture to colleagues and watch our practice as it advances into the 21st century.”

Always an inspiration to his children, Dr. Ouellette is now the patriarch of what could be America’s premier family of dentistry.

AMERICA’S PREMIER FAMILY OF DENTISTRY: Dr. Paul Ouellette, left, with his family at son Jason’s graduation from dentistry school. With Dr. Ouellette is wife Patricia, second from left, daughter Danielle and son Jonathan. (Image for SpaceCoastDaily.com)

“My wife Patricia has worked with me in our dental practice and we also raised our four children together,” said Dr. Ouellette. “We are truly a dental family as everyone in our family has pursued a career in dentistry. I guess we all have the ‘dental gene’ in our blood. In my mind, the true measure of a successful career is to be a role model for your children and patients.”

Dr. Ouellette’s two sons, Jonathan and Jason, have recently graduated from dental school.

“Jonathan and Jason are pursuing specialty training in orthodontics and implant dentistry, and complete their specialty training this year,” said Dr. Ouellette.

Dr. Ouellette and his sons launched a successful iPhone app in September 2010, iBracesHelp, with over 30,000 downloads each year since.

“Jason’s specialty is orthodontics, and he will take over the family practice in July.  Jonathan will complete an implant surgery residency in Birmingham, Alabama next year. My youngest daughter, Danielle, is currently in her fourth year of pre-dentistry at Rollins College in Winter Park, Florida.  She has always wanted to pursue a career in Oral Surgery. My oldest daughter, Cindy, has been our family’s chief clinical coordinator for more than 27 years.

“I am highly motivated to help my sons and daughter become successful in the family practice,” said Dr. Ouellette. “Their skill sets, caring personalities and positive attitudes will make my objectives a reality.”

Dr. Ouellette coauthored an iPad book on 3D Dentistry with his three children. The book is aimed at the general public and is available at EarnYourSmile.org.

Dr. Ouellette and his sons launched a successful iPhone app in September 2010, iBracesHelp, with over 30,000 downloads each year since.  Dr. Ouellette also recently coauthored an iPad book on 3D Dentistry with his three children.

“The book is aimed at the general public, and is available at EarnYourSmile.org,” said Dr. Ouellette.

In 2010 he completed the 375-hour GHSU AAID Maxi-Implant Residency learning to place endosseous dental implants as part of future dental services to his patients. In 2011 he attended every Maxi One session for a second year contributing orthodontic knowledge and teaching clinical techniques to the 2011 course participants.  Dr. Ouellette was an adjunct faculty member of the 2012 AAID MCG/Maxi Course Dream Team.

INTERNATIONALLY RECOGNIZED 

Dr. Ouellette has practiced for more than 40 years and received his college education and Bachelor of Science Degree at Texas A&M University.

Dr. Ouellette has published numerous papers on the subject Orthognathic Surgery (Orthodontic Surgery). Results of his research and several of his treated patients appear in professional publications, national magazines, and in the first edition of “CHANGE YOUR SMILE” by the world famous Atlanta clinician, Dr. Ronald Goldstein.

He studied dentistry at Loyola University in Chicago, Illinois where he earned his Doctorate of Dental Surgery, Certificate of Orthodontic Specialty and Masters Degree in Oral Biology.

One of the pioneers of sonographic analysis of TMJ sounds and results, Dr. Ouellette’s studies have been presented on numerous occasions, nationally and internationally. His masters thesis was on the subject of Temporomandibular Joint (TMJ), entitled “Electronic Auscultation and Sonographic Audio-Spectral Analysis of the Temporomandibular Joint.”

Dr. Ronald Goldstein

In addition to his TMJ research, Dr. Ouellette has published numerous papers on the subject Orthognathic Surgery (Orthodontic Surgery). Several orthognathic surgery patients that were treated by Dr. Louis Belinfante, Oral Maxillofacial Surgeon and Dr. Ouellette appear in professional publications, national magazines and in the first edition of “CHANGE YOUR SMILE” written by the world famous Atlanta clinician, Dr. Ronald Goldstein. Dr. Ouellette has also served as a contributing editor of the Journal of Clinical Orthodontics and a reviewer for the Journal of the American Association of Orthodontists.

Dr. Ouellette’s presentation, “3D Adjunctive Orthodontics and Implant Dentistry,” received first place honors at the 40th ICOI World Congress XXIX in Sept. 2012 in Orlando, Florida.

EDUCATOR & INNOVATOR

Early in his career, Dr. Ouellette taught full time in the Emory School of Dentistry Orthodontic Department.  “I was director of the clinic and had the pleasure of teaching and learning with the eight orthodontic residents,” said Dr. Ouellette.

Dr. Paul Ouellette

“Most of my residents were my same age at the time. Having to prepare lectures, continuing education courses, research grants and interact with the residents and undergraduate dental students really helped me ‘put it all together.’  They were my teachers.”

At Loyola School of Dentistry, orthodontic residents were exposed to every imaginable orthodontic philosophy and technique. “It was difficult to grasp and understand all the different orthodontic philosophies,” said Dr. Ouellette.

Dr. Larry Andrews

“Dr. Larry Andrews visited Loyola and the residents helped gather plaster study models of ideal dental occlusions for his early research.  Results of his research led to the evolution of the straightwire orthodontic appliance. This was one of the early ‘sea changes’ in orthodontics.”

In addition, Dr. Robert Ricketts often visited the school to present courses and lectures.  “Dr. Ricketts helped us better understand cephalometrics, bioprogressive mechanics and facial esthetics,” said Dr. Ouellette.

Dr. Donald Hilgers, Chairman of Loyola’s Orthodontic Department was Dr. Ouellette’s orthodontist when he was 14 years old. “I had the opportunity to work with him as a teenager when he was writing his Ph.D thesis,” said Dr. Ouellette.

When he graduated from Loyola School of Dentistry Dr. Ouellette’s former orthodontist, Dr. Hilgers, had become the orthodontic chair.  “I’m so thankful to Dr. Hilgers for being my role model and teaching me how to influence young people in a positive way,” said Dr. Ouellette.

DR. O’s ROLE MODELS

Dr. Ouellette moved to Atlanta in 1972 upon completion of his orthodontic residency.  During that time he had the opportunity to meet the Goldstein Dental Family.

Dr. Louis Belinfante

Drs. Irving, Ronald and Marvin Goldstein were outstanding role models for Dr. Ouellette.  In addition, Dr. Ouellette worked closely with Oral Surgeon, Dr. Louis Belinfante, a founding member of the Atlanta Craniofacial Team and past president of the American Association of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons (AAOMS).  Doctors Belinfante and Ouellette traveled domestically and internationally to present orthognathic surgery courses.

The Atlanta Craniofacial Team were early adopters of evolving orthodontic surgical and esthetic dentistry techniques.  Today, 3D CBCT technology is steadily advancing the dental knowledge base and is the latest ‘Sea Change’ in dentistry.

‘CARING FOR OUR PATIENTS IS WHAT WE DO BEST’

“When you come to Dental Specialists to improve the health and appearance of your smile, you truly become a part of our family. We treat each individual with personalized attention, and with the care we would expect to receive for ourselves. Our Merritt Island waterfront view provides a relaxing and unique experience.” (Space CoastMedicine & Active Living image)

Dr. Ouellette eventually started a part time private practice in metro Atlanta and it quickly grew, and over past 40 years he has practiced in the both the Atlanta area and also in Central Florida.

Dental Specialists offer a stunning view of the Indian River Lagoon, one of the most diverse ecosystems in the world. (Space CoastMedicine & Active Living image)

“After three years at Emory, I regretfully resigned as Assistant Professor to devote full time to private practice,” said Dr. Ouellette.  “During my early years, I continued to present numerous courses, lectures, table clinics and contributed to professional journals when time permitted.”

Presently in private practice, Dr. Ouellette has offices in Merritt Island, Florida; Satellite Beach, Florida; Viera, Florida; Titusville, Florida; Hunter’s Creek, Florida; and Kissimmee, Florida.

Dr. Ouellette was one of the founding members of the Atlanta Craniofacial Team involved in the correction of developmental deformities (severe orthodontic problems). He served as an Assistant Professor of Orthodontics at Emory School of Dentistry in Atlanta, and continues to treat patients with severe skeletal problems in concert with Oral Maxillofacial Surgeons.

“At Dental Specialists, we strive to incorporate the newest advances in technology in order to give you the greatest quality of care possible,” said Dr. Ouellette. (Space CoastMedicine & Active Living image)

“At Dental Specialists, we strive to incorporate the newest advances in technology in order to give you the greatest quality of care possible,” said Dr. Ouellette.

After almost 40 years of practice in Brevard County, Florida, and treating over 15,000 patients, Dr. Ouellette and his staff at Dental Specialists have built a reputation for excellence and caring – and comprehensive general, cosmetic and pediatric dental treatment for all of their patients.

“We implement the newest technology available to make your experience as fun and high-tech as possible,” said Dr. Ouellette.

“When you come to Dental Specialists to improve the health and appearance of your smile, you truly become a part of our family. We treat each individual with personalized attention, and with the care we would expect to receive for ourselves. Our Merritt Island waterfront view provides a relaxing and unique experience.

“Caring for our patients is what we do best!”

HUMANITARIAN FAMILY TRADITION

ABOVE VIDEO: The Ouellette family traveled to the remote village Cayambe, Ecuador where they served 395 poverty-stricken patients.

Dr. Ouellette makes the charitable aspect of paying it forward a part of his practice. For his motivation, he only has to look one generation back, as he credits his mother, Lanette, with starting the tradition of service in the family.

“We are all blessed with good health and have been afforded the opportunity to be professionally educated,” said Dr. Ouellette. “Each year our family goes on one or more healthcare missions outside the USA.”
Lanette Ouellette

“We are all blessed with good health and have been afforded the opportunity to be professionally educated,” said Dr. Ouellette. “Each year our family goes on one or more healthcare missions outside the USA.”

The Ouellette’s are currently traveling to Ecuador on medical missions, and launching a program that Paul hopes his sons will help him carry out.

“We traveled to the remote village Cayambe, Ecuador to serve 395 patients,” said Dr. Ouellette. “Our medical and dental team plans to return every year to serve another village near Quito, Ecuador.

For his outstanding charitable work, Dr. Ouellette was honored with a Space Coast Humanitarian Award in 2010.

After two mission trips to Ecuador, Dr. Ouellette launched the “Earn Your Smile” program to help those in this country who need financial help for orthodontic work. In addition to helping the charitable organizations obtain volunteers, the program seeks to instill a desire to volunteer in the young. Volunteers must fill out the vouchers and answer questions about what the experience meant to them.

Dr. Jason Ouellette, above left, during an Ecuador medical mission. (Image for Space Coast Medicine & Active Living)

“Earn Your Smile helps young patients get braces even if their families have trouble affording them,” said Dr. Ouellette.

Children can perform up to 100 hours of community service, preapproved by Dr. Ouellette’s office. The charity must sign a voucher, printed out by the patient, to verify the work was done. The patient then turns in those vouchers and gets $12 of orthodontic work for every community service hour. The Dental Specialists office subtracts the volunteer credits from the patient’s bill.

Dr. Ouellette started the program in 2010 and plans to do even more of his work pro bono as his sons can join the practice to keep the business running. He hopes other practices nationwide adopt the Earn Your Smile program and for more information log on to EarnYourSmile.org

DEDICATED CITIZEN

Born in the San Francisco Bay area, Dr. Ouellette’s family moved east when he was very young.

“I have lived and worked in Brevard County, Florida for more than 35 years,” said Dr. Ouellette.  “I currently live in Merritt Island with my wife, Patricia – the ‘Boss.’ We have four children and three cats – Sushi, Sake and Wasabi.”

Dr. Ouellette is a family man that has been involved in many civic activities.

In 1974, Dr. Paul Ouellette was honored by Mayor Maynard Jackson as one of the “Ten Outstanding Young People in Atlanta.”

In 1974, he was honored by Mayor Maynard Jackson as one of the “Ten Outstanding Young People in Atlanta.” In addition to being a member of the American Dental Association, Dr. Ouellette belongs to numerous professional organizations, including the American Association of Orthodontists. In Atlanta, he served as president of the Cobb County Dental Society.

“After 40-plus years of private orthodontic practice, my sons Jonathan and Jason Ouellette acquired the family dental specialty practice last year,” said Dr. Paul Ouellette.

In his spare time you can find Dr. Ouellette spending time with his family, playing tennis, enjoying water sports, or running in a 10K race – or a 26.2 mile marathon. He has completed 17 national and international marathons in the last 15 years. In 1996 he competed in the 100th running of the “Original Marathon” in Athens, Greece.

Dr. Paul Ouellette has completed 17 national and international marathons in the last 15 years. In 1996 he competed in the 100th running of the “Original Marathon” in Athens, Greece. (Image for Space Coast Medicine & Active Living)

“After 40-plus years of private orthodontic practice, my sons Jonathan and Jason Ouellette acquired the family dental specialty practice last year,” said Dr. Ouellette.

“I am the placeholder orthodontist as my two sons are complete their specialty training (Orthodontics and Implant Dentistry) and take over full time this summer. My next 40-plus years will be spent teaching Adjunctive Orthodontics to Implant Dentists, traveling to present continuing education programs, part-time faculty appointments (Atlanta and Miami) and spending more time with the family. I am also training for my 18th marathon.

“My Mantra: Continually re-Invent yourself and life will begin again!”