Pacific Coast Society of Orthodontists Bulletin Spring 2022 - 54

MyStyle
With the clinic only open to orthodontic patients
a few days a month, placing emergencies that involved
more than a wire clip with the general dentist
was not an option. Therefore, we became quite
proactive in seeking to avoid emergencies; e.g., by
tucking in ligatures, bending over wires as extraction
spaces closed, and using bite turbos to minimize
breakage. I examined every patient to ensure my
orders were properly executed and the rubber
bands accurate. I also tried to anticipate problems,
asking myself, " If I don't see this patient for 6 months,
what could go wrong? " I wanted to ensure treatment
would not be compromised by something I failed
to address. These practices aided in keeping our
emergencies to a minimum and now carry over to
my private practice.
care with the plastic surgeon and put forth creative
surgical approaches.
As orthodontists, we know the transformative
power of treatment. For patients with craniofacial
disorders, this transformation is magnified by the
dramatic facial and functional improvements that
help normalize speech, mastication, and breathing,
and even change the trajectory of their lives. The
orthodontist has an intimate and sustained relationship
with the patients and their families, probably
more than anyone else on the cleft team. What a
joy to be there as kids move through all stages of
life! We are there preparing for the quinceañera,
cheering on soccer stars, and encouraging college
and careers. It is humbling to witness how some of
these kids manage not only multiple surgeries but
also the psychosocial pressures of poverty, familial
mental illness, or addiction. We also witness the
families' commitment to provide as best they can
to see their kids succeed. We share in their success
as they go on to college and have amazing careers
and families of their own.
Dental clinic at the Anita M. Baldwin Hospital for
Babies in the 1920s
Working at Eisner Health has served to hone my
professional skills and give me a breadth and depth
of practice I cannot imagine any other orthodontic
practice would provide. The patients with craniofacial
disorders, multiple missing or malformed teeth,
and significant skeletal irregularities require creative
treatment planning. It is stimulating to coordinate
While working on a young boy to align his front teeth
after a bone graft, Dr. Wilson sent over a newborn patient
with cleft presenting with a neonatal tooth. We
rarely see infants before the lip repair, and my patient
asked if he could see the child. Graciously, the anxious
mother obliged. Smiling at this precious infant, the
young boy said " Don't worry, ma'am, your baby is
going to be just fine. "
I never thought I would still be commuting one week
a month to work in this community clinic 33 years
after I married and moved to Bend, Oregon, to join my
orthodontist-husband Vince Quas. The opportunity
has nourished me in countless ways and fulfilled my
lofty ambition to simply be of service.
54
PCSO Bulletin Spring 2022
Pacific Coast Society of Orthodontists Bulletin Spring 2022

Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of Pacific Coast Society of Orthodontists Bulletin Spring 2022
