Orthodontics is so much more than straightening crooked teeth. Orthodontists are dentists with special training in the treatment of bite abnormalities, and many of our doctors are experts in craniofacial anomalies. This expertise makes them able to help patients who suffer from severe jaw and facial structure problems. Berkeley Orthodontics doctors follow a strong tradition of volunteering their time and expertise to help children and patients whose families could not otherwise afford treatment.
In 1972, Berkeley Orthodontics’ founding partners, Dr. Meyer and Dr. Nelson, established the orthodontic teaching clinic at La Clinica de la Raza, a low-income health clinic located in Oakland. Several thousand children have been treated in this clinic since 1972. It remains a tradition for Berkeley Orthodontics doctors to volunteer their time to teach and supervise clinical operations at this evening clinic. Find out more about La Clinica de la Raza here.
Our doctors also volunteer their time and expertise at other health service agencies, including Children’s Hospital Oakland, which helps provide orthodontic care for the underserved children in the East Bay, many of whom are being treated for severe craniofacial deformities.
Berkeley Orthodontics doctors are passionate about teaching the next generation of orthodontists. The founding doctor in our group, Dr. Gerald Nelson, is the program chair of the division of Orthodontics, and most of our doctors are on the faculty at the UCSF division of Orthodontics.
See some photos here.