What’s so special about an Orthodontist?

"Dentists, Orthodontists, they're all the same right?" We hear our patients asking this question as they wonder about the difference between an orthodontist and a dentist. Before becoming orthodontists, Drs. Erkis & Hickman started out in dental school and each earned a DDS (dental degree), just like your dentist. After dental school however, the doctors decided they wanted to learn more about orthodontics, which is one of nine specialties within the dental field. So they stayed in school for a few more years to become experts in orthodontics; which focuses on tooth and jaw alignment and bite problems like overbites and under bites.

Other dental specialties you may have heard of include endodontic (focusing on the soft tissue inside your teeth), periodontic (focusing on the gums and other tissues surrounding your teeth) and prosthodontic (focusing on restoring and replacing damaged teeth).

Isn't it nice to know there's a dental expert here to help you through any type of treatment your teeth, jaw and gums might need?

--Drs. Erkis & Hickman

Dr. Erkis & Dr. Hickman Around the Web

If you've ever visited our office, you already know that we love connecting with our patients. We love the ability to communicate with all of you online too! Besides our web site and our blog, Dr. Erkis & Dr. Hickman are now on several other social networks!

* Become a "fan" of Dr. Erkis & Dr. Hickman on Facebook

* View and comment on our photos on MySpace

See you around the web!

--Dr. Erkis & Dr. Hickman

Meet Our Doctors

Dr. Ron Erkis was born and raised in the Columbus area and is a graduate of Ohio State University and the Case Western Reserve University School of Dental Medicine. While he completed his orthodontic residency at the University of Pittsburgh, Dr. Erkis remains loyal to the Buckeyes when it comes to college sports. In his free time, he enjoys a round of golf and spending quality time with his family.

Dr. Erkis has been practicing orthodontics for more than three decades in the Columbus area and serves on the orthodontic and pediatric dental faculty at the Ohio State University College of Dentistry. He has also been teaching interceptive orthodontics at Nationwide Children's Hospital for over 25 years.

Dr. Lynnsay Hickman is originally from Wheelersburg, Ohio. A true Buckeye, she obtained her Bachelor of Science in Education from Ohio State University in 2000, graduated from the OSU College of Dentistry in 2004, and then went on to receive her Master of Science and Specialty Certificate of Orthodontics from Ohio State! She has completed her written examination for the American Board of Orthodontics, making her eligible for certification.

Dr. Hickman and her husband, Kyle, reside in Columbus. Her hobbies include reading, yoga, tennis, jogging, movies, fashion, shopping, and spending time with friends and family.

To stay current on the latest developments in orthodontics, both Dr. Erkis and Dr. Hickman are members of numerous professional organizations, including the American Association of Orthodontists, the American Dental Association, the Ohio Dental Association, and the Great Lakes Association of Orthodontists. They also enjoy staying involved in the community, contributing their free time and support to local schools and other organizations.