Boyd Martin, DMD, MS

Architect of the smile

What can you tell us about your background?

I grew up in Newport Beach, California, and received my undergraduate degree from University of California (UC) San Diego. I attended Tufts University School of Dental Medicine in Boston for my dental degree. Following an Advanced Education in General Dentistry (AEGD) at the University of Southern California School of Dentistry (USC), I returned to the East Coast for my orthodontic residency at Case Western Reserve University School of Dental Medicine in Cleveland, Ohio.

At the time, Case Western was on the forefront of the development of the cephalogram, and each class contained only four people. The program was a 30-month certificate program combined with a Master’s degree. My Master’s thesis used cone beam (CBCT) technology to look at root morphology in three dimensions. I graduated residency in December 2007, returned to Southern California to get married, and have been at a practice supported by Pacific Dental Services® (PDS) since July 2008. In addition to clinical practice, I was fortunate to teach Phase I Orthodontics to USC Pediatric Dental Residents for 3 years at an offsite clinic in Garden Grove, California. In September 2015, I am entering an Executive Master’s Program in Public Health at the University of California, Los Angles (UCLA) Fielding School of Public Health.

When did you become a specialist and why?

I started residency in July 2005 following my AEGD. I was always drawn to the closer patient interaction that orthodontics offered and was inspired by my own orthodontics at age 17-19 to become an orthodontist. I loved continuing the learning process and wanted to focus on a more specific aspect of dentistry.  

Is your practice limited solely to orthodontics, or do you practice other types of dentistry?

My practice is solely limited to orthodontics, but I practice in a Dental Support Organization (DSO)-environment working for a PDS-supported owner-doctor and with other specialists, including an oral surgeon, pediatric dentist, endodontist, and periodontist. With the supported owner-doctor and their associate doctors on-site, I am able to discuss cases and referrals directly with the general dentist. I can also communicate directly to the other specialists when I need to refer my own patients.

Tell us more about your offices.

I work for the owner-dentists at two practices: Hamner Dental Group and Orthodontics and Menifee Dental Group and Orthodontics. Hamner Dental Group and Orthodontics has a three-chair bay and two separate operatories for overflow and consults. They employ four assistants, a practice coordinator, manager, and two front desk staff members. I have been practicing at this office since July 2008. Menifee Dental Group and Orthodontics has a four-chair bay and three separate operatories for overflow and consults. They employ five assistants, a practice coordinator, manager, and three front desk staff members. I have been practicing at this office since September 2009.

Why did you decide to focus on orthodontics?

Orthodontics is more of a patient-centered specialty. I think that orthodontics is fun, and it is very gratifying to watch my patients grow up and become more confident in themselves. Orthodontics is a thinking specialty. It is the consistent challenge and thinking about each case that is really exciting.

Do your patients come through referrals?

The majority of the patients are referred by the practice’s owner and associate doctors, but we are gaining more and more word-of-mouth referrals. As my practice grows, patients refer their friends and family to me for orthodontics, which I consider a great compliment. I have a reward/point system so patients can choose prizes, and I have monthly themes that the patients love. I even dressed up as Buzz Lightyear for Halloween.

How long have you been practicing orthodontics, and what systems do you use?

I have been practicing orthodontics for 6 years. I use brackets from American Orthodontics in the MBT prescription as well as Invisalign®.

What training have you under-taken?

I have earned CE credits at the annual Pacific Coast Society of Orthodontists (PSCO) and AAO meetings as well as during yearly seminars with Invisalign. I am a member of the Academy of Orthodontic Excellence (AOE) Study Club in Newport Beach, California, which is a group of orthodontists who meet quarterly and hear from  speakers on a variety of subjects.

Who has inspired you?

I am most inspired by Dr. Lysle Johnston, who was my instructor at Case Western Reserve University (CWRU). He taught seminars on Facial Growth at CWRU, as well as at the University of Michigan and St. Louis University. He really placed an emphasis on critical reading of the literature and thinking outside the box. He embodies the idea that orthodontics is really a “thinking” profession.

What is the most satisfying aspect of your practice?

The excitement of the final deband. Everyone in the office is excited, but the patients most of all. I give the patient a goody bag, and the office sings and claps on the patient’s way out!

Professionally, what are you most proud of?

I am very proud of the growth of the orthodontic programs in the offices in which I work and increasing the number of outside referrals. I am treating the general office staff and their children/friends/family, and they are my walking billboards. By striving for excellence in my clinical and professional interactions, my patients feel comfortable giving a referral.

What do you think is unique about where you practice?

I think that having multiple specialists and general dentists under one roof is a unique aspect of the DSO-supported practice. The general team are always on hand to discuss orthodontics with their patients and show them the orthodontic bay. The excitement of orthodontics rolls over to non-orthodontic days. Patients like not having to go to multiple offices for dental treatment and are happy with the communication between all members of the offices.

What has been your biggest challenge?

My biggest challenge was getting accustomed to a large practice environment immediately following residency. I had to learn a new paperless software system and treat in a large open bay with multiple chairs. It was definitely eye-opening compared to the days of residency.

What would you have been if you didn’t become a dentist?

I had always dreamed of becoming an architect. There was something about the creativity, structure, and beauty of buildings and their design. These are aspects that I also recognize in orthodontics. In a way, I am the architect of the smile and the occlusion of the teeth. The harmony of aligned teeth is very pleasing, much like a beautiful building.

What is the future of orthodontics and dentistry?

I think the future of orthodontics is going to include a larger emphasis on technology.Orthodontics will always be in demand due to esthetic concerns.

What are your top tips for main-taining a successful specialty practice?

It is important to have excellent communication with your staff and with the referring dentists. Make all patient encounters an experience, and make them feel at home in your office. Talk to the patients to establish a rapport with them, as well as with the parents, some of whom may become my future patients. Working in a DSO-environment, I have assistance on the administrative side, and I can focus my attention on my patients and on the clinical aspects of my practice.

What advice would you give to a budding orthodontist?

Work is different from residency. Shadow another dentist to help transition into a practice environment. Find the practice environment that works for you, and work hard to be successful. Don’t forget the work/life balance. Try not to take work home, and really focus on the balance of life, including hobbies and interests.

What are your hobbies, and what do you do in your spare time?

I love to spend time with my family and my two children, ages 2 and 4. I love to read, and I love architecture. As a family, we go skiing every year in Utah and love going out to Palm Springs for some sun.