When you were little, what did you want to be when you grew up?
Believe it or not, I always wanted to be an orthodontist. It probably had something to do with the fact that my dad is a dentist, not to mention that I have had braces three times!
Is anyone else in your family in the dental community? Did they inspire you?
My dad is a retired pediatric dentist, and my sister is a general dentist in Athens. I grew up wanting to be like my dad, so he definitely inspired me.
Did you have braces?
I’ve had braces three times, although it should have only been once. I originally had them for two years in middle school—headgear, rubber bands, etc. Colored rubber bands weren’t an option back then.
Since I didn’t wear my retainers, I had braces again for nine months while I was in high school.
Apparently I’m a slow learner because I didn’t wear my retainer again and had braces for a third time in dental school. After six months, we placed a permanent retainer so I couldn’t forget!
What was your first job?
I worked as a lifeguard and swim team coach every summer in high school and college.
What job could you never do?
I’m terrified of snakes! I could never be a zoo handler that works with reptiles.
What’s the last book you read?
Cutting for Stone by Abraham Verghese. Great book!
What was your first concert? Best concert?
Drivin’ n’ Cryin’ at Six Flags over Georgia.
What is the best part about being an orthodontist?
Honestly, it’s the people. I know that is probably a cliché answer, but we have so many great patients and families. It is a lot of fun to watch our patients grow up, as we often follow them from elementary school all the way through high school. We have a real chance to make a positive impact on their lives through our work and interactions, especially while they are in treatment!
What celebrity has the best teeth?
Halle Berry.
What is your favorite thing about Charleston?
In Charleston, we get to live where everyone else goes for vacation! I love the history of the city, and the weather doesn’t hurt either. I also like that Charleston still has a small-town feel to me with all of the amenities of a bigger city.
What is your go-to restaurant during the week?
Senor Tequila—fast and easy with three kids!
What’s your favorite date night restaurant?
Langdon’s.
What aspect of Kelley Orthodontics makes you proud?
Technically speaking, I think we do a great job with our orthodontics. It’s very important to me to provide excellent care in a timely fashion. I’m also proud of our team and the way we interact with our patients and get to know them over the course of their treatment.
If you were invited to be on the show Shark Tank, what invention would you present?
I’ve said for years that I thought we could improve on the way we take dental impressions. I would love to see some sort of digital impression tray that creates a virtual mold of the teeth instead of a physical one.
There are ways of doing digital impressions right now, but they are still pretty expensive and very time consuming.
What is your favorite holiday and why?
Right now, it has to be Christmas. It is just so much fun experiencing the holiday through the eyes of our
children!
What is your favorite color or brand of toothbrush?
One that gets used! Seriously, I don’t have a favorite brand, much less color. However, I do think that a Sonicare is a great toothbrush for patients who are having trouble using a traditional one.
Do you have any pets? If so, what are their names?
We have a springer spaniel named Grace Kelley.
What is something surprising about you?
It may not be much of a surprise, but I am definitely a computer nerd!
