I believe that YOU are your best investment.
—Dr. Kathy Elias
As an orthodontist, there is daily gratification in working with people, and I’m honored when people share with me their experiences, goals, and stories. These interactions are what make each day different and enjoyable for me. During the course of treatment, I get to see people grow academically, personally, and professionally. It makes me so happy that I can play a small role in their journey.
My Education and Experience
My appreciation of health, beauty, and simplicity of a well-crafted smile was my reason to become an orthodontist. During my teenage years and through my own orthodontic experience, I learned how valuable a beautiful smile was and how it could affect one’s self-esteem, self-confidence, and overall quality of life.
I was fortunate to have a diverse academic career and training. I completed my undergraduate and graduate degrees in materials science and engineering at The Ohio State University. Motivated by an interest in research and dentistry, I went on to earn a Doctorate of Dental Medicine and a PhD in biomedical sciences from the University of Connecticut. My training has given me a unique understanding of the materials, mechanics, and bone biology involved in orthodontic tooth movement.
After dental school, I completed my postgraduate training and earned a Master of Science and certificate in orthodontics from Ohio State. This training was comprehensive and involved collaborative work with oral surgeons to treat orthognathic surgical cases, craniofacial teams to treat patients with cleft palate, and restorative dental specialists to give people the smile of their dreams.
Commitment to Continual Learning
I am active within the Macomb Dental Association and the American Association of Orthodontists, through which I consistently exceed state-mandated continuing education requirements. My CE selection keeps me current with a wide variety of dental topics as well as orthodontics. I actively learn about all developments in dentistry, because I want to develop treatment plans for the most complicated cases based on the most current technology.
I am also committed to contributing to the dental profession. In the past, I served as a part-time faculty member at the UTHealth School of Dentistry at the Universith of Texas Health Science Center at Houston. During this time, I taught the didactic coursework and oversaw all orthodontic care delivered by the pediatric dental residents. I enjoyed my experience and found that through this experience, I improved my own ability to effectively work with young patients.
My professional affiliations include:
- American Dental Association
- American Association of Orthodontists
- Michigan Dental Association
- Oakland County and Macomb District Dental Society
- Macomb Young Dental Group
- Great Lakes Association of Orthodontists
Outside the Office
Michigan always held a special place in my heart because of my large family and friends located here. When I moved back to Michigan, so many things fell into place. I met and married my wonderful husband Rob, and we are happy to make our forever home in Rochester/Rochester Hills. I am excited to become a part of the community in which I live and work.
In my spare time, I enjoy spending time with my husband, family, and friends. I love training for long runs and have run a marathon and several half-marathons. In addition, I enjoy biking, reading, traveling, and experimenting with new recipes.
