Since first walking into my orthodontist’s office at the age of eight, I have been interested in this field. For over ten years now, I have been an orthodontist in private practice. Before that, I was a dental assistant, a general dentist, and then orthodontist within the U.S. Navy for 18 years. The benefits I immediately saw, and that were very apparent to everyone in my life following the treatment I received as a youngster, went far beyond straighter teeth. I am very privileged in that I get to see those changes in patients I care for, every day.
Creating beautiful smiles makes a real and lasting difference in a patient’s self-esteem. It builds self-confidence. It changes the way we behave in the face of the endless challenges that life throws at us. As an orthodontist, I am entrusted with building smiles. I am so very blessed to love what I do and do what I love. Whether our team and I are working with the young or those who are young in spirit, our goal is always to develop the smile of their dreams. What is more, we get to build meaningful long-term relationships with patients. When we see them in our community, leading their lives with their loved ones, we get to see them happy and smiling with confidence!
Coming into contact with so many unique people has increased my understanding of what relationships mean. It is a blessing that I never take for granted. I cannot wait to meet you and your family and help you achieve the smile that will transform the rest of your life.
EDUCATION
My educational background includes:
University of Mississippi, Bachelors of Science
University of Alabama School of Dentistry, Doctorate of Medical Dentistry
Wilford Hall Medical Center, Alabama, Certificate in Orthodontics
CONTINUING EDUCATION
I regularly attend continuing education seminars at the national, regional, and local levels, as well as participate in the Invisalign® Study Club and Seattle Study Club. As a professional, I have a responsibility to make sure I have an understanding of everything that is currently happening within my field. The newest medical and scientific knowledge has to be incorporated into treatments. Proven and reliable improvements in technology have to be adopted as soon as they become available.
PROFESSIONAL MEMBERSHIPS
Active involvement with other practitioners, researchers, and educators in my professional community is invaluable. It affords me exposure to technological advances, best practices, and the widest collective understanding within the discipline. The knowledge and experience I obtain from working with others, attending seminars, and reading about others’ work, is something that I am then able to pass on to those I serve. As part of this community, I have also contributed written work that has appeared in the Journal of Orthodontics and Dentofacial Orthopedics, the official journal of the American Association of Orthodontists.
The organizations in which I participate include:
American Association of Orthodontists
American Dental Association
Mississippi Association of Orthodontists
Mississippi Dental Association
Southern Association of Orthodontists
FAMILY AND FUN
A Gulfport native, I have settled in north Mississippi. I am part of a close family, all of whom are central to my life. There is my mother, Rosa M. O'Bannon, brother, Louis H. O'Bannon III, sister-in-law, Christine O'Bannon, and nephews, Magruder and Corban O'Bannon. When I am not sharing time with my family or watching my nephews play baseball, I also enjoy fishing, golfing, scuba diving, and flying.
INVOLVEMENT
I strongly believe in dedication to faith and community. I am a member of Christ Presbyterian Church. I am also a vigorous supporter of many Reformed University Fellowship groups, in addition to Young Life and Fellowship of Christian Athletes. Our office also raises money for a different charity each month.