Whether you’re a parent exploring options for your child or an adult ready to enhance your appearance and oral health, choosing a board-certified orthodontist is the best way to make sure you’re getting care that’s backed by rigorous standards and a lifelong commitment to excellence. At Kittleson Orthodontics in Mequon, board certification is a promise of high-level, patient-centered care.
What Does “Board-Certified Orthodontist” Mean?
Becoming an orthodontist already requires an extraordinary amount of training:
- 4 years of college
- 4 years of dental school
- 2–3 years of a specialized orthodontics residency
But board certification is a voluntary credential that goes beyond these requirements. Board-certified orthodontists are expected to complete additional testing, peer reviews, and clinical case evaluations through the American Board of Orthodontics (ABO). They become Diplomates of the ABO and must renew their certification every 10 years, proving their continued mastery of orthodontics.
Simply put, board-certified orthodontists hold themselves to the highest clinical and ethical standards, and that means better care for your family.
Your Expert Mequon Orthodontist: Meet Dr. John
Dr. John Kittleson is a board-certified orthodontist with over 25 years of experience helping families in Mequon and beyond. Every day, he brings passion and precision to his work — and it shows in the healthy, confident smiles of his patients.
Here’s what sets Dr. John apart:
- Over two decades of orthodontic experience
- A personal, friendly approach to every patient
- A commitment to continued education and modern technology
- A long-time educator at Marquette University
Dr. Kittleson believes in honest, ethical care and takes the time to explain your treatment plan, options, and costs clearly. With him, you’re not a number — you’re family.
The Inspiration of Dr. Russell Kittleson
Dr. Russell Kittleson helped co-found Kittleson Orthodontics and built a nationally respected reputation in the orthodontic field. A decorated educator and clinician, Dr. Russell:
- Co-founded the graduate orthodontic program at Marquette University
- Earned the Earl E. Shepard Distinguished Service Award
- Was honored as a Distinguished Alumnus in Dentistry by Marquette
Though retired from daily practice, he continues to provide support in emergency cases and remains an integral part of the Kittleson tradition.
Why Board Certification Matters to You
The greatest distinction of board certification appears in the quality of your care.
- Demonstrated Mastery: Certification includes real patient case reviews and in-depth testing over the years a practice has been open.
- Higher Standards: Board-certified orthodontists meet benchmarks for excellence beyond dental school.
- Ongoing Evaluation: They stay updated on the latest techniques and treatment protocols.
- Extra Accountability: They follow a strict code of ethics and maintain certification through re-examination.
This extra means of dedication means you can feel confident that you’re receiving high-quality, modern, and truly ethical care.
Avoiding Corporate Chains: A Word of Caution
You’ve probably seen ads for corporate orthodontic chains or mail-order aligners that promise fast results at low costs. But these models often fall short in one critical area: compassionate, personalized care.
Corporate chains can:
- Rotate providers frequently, so you rarely see the same doctor twice. This lack of continuity can make it difficult to build trust, and it may lead to inconsistent treatment outcomes when different doctors are handling different parts of your care.
- Prioritize speed and volume over precision and personalization. These models often aim to move as many patients through treatment as quickly as possible, which can compromise the quality of care and lead to less-than-ideal results.
- Rely on standardized, one-size-fits-all treatment plans rather than custom, carefully planned solutions. This approach may overlook subtle but important nuances in your case, resulting in longer treatment times or outcomes that don’t fully meet your expectations.
- Offer a limited time with a licensed orthodontist, meaning much of your treatment may be handled by assistants or other staff members. While team-based care can be efficient, it should not replace direct oversight from a trained, experienced doctor.
At Kittleson Orthodontics, you’ll always know who’s treating you. Dr. John and his trusted team know your medical history, track your progress, and personally manage every step of your treatment. You will never feel like just another name on the roster in our care.
The Advantage of Experience
Kittleson Orthodontics has been around for more than 60 years, and it shows in every single orthodontic case we take on. From treating young children to shaping adult smiles, our office is proud to be a staple of the Mequon community.
We invite you to explore our website and ask us questions to learn more about the work we do. You can also join us for a free consultation to get an idea of what treatment could look like for you. Come see us soon!