When you pick a provider for your children’s orthodontic care you ask your friends, read reviews and often you go in for a consult. All orthodontic practices have a unique personality that you often don’t get to know until you are a patient. Starr & Dickens Orthodontics is a local orthodontics practice that strives not only to provide the best care for their patients but also to offer a place where parents and kids feel at home and welcome. We asked both Dr. Starr and Dr. Dickens to share a little about themselves to help our readers get to know them as people, and also to offer a feel for the personality of the Starr & Dickens practice. We had so much fun learning about an MTV past, the real deal on their own kids and teeth brushing, (UNC fans may want to avoid question 4) and of course, we called in the office staff to tell us which Disney characters remind them of the doctors!
How did you decide to go into orthodontics?
Dr. Dickens~My first job out of college was doing research in the Orthodontic Department at UNC-Chapel Hill. I thought the field was fascinating and I had great experiences with the patients. It wasn't long before I knew that I wanted to be an orthodontist.
Dr. Starr~ Ever since I was about 10 years old I told myself I wanted to be a dentist, probably because of the good experiences I had with my dentist and orthodontist. When I got to dental school I was planning on going into general dentistry, but I found I really enjoyed Orthodontics. I loved that with Orthodontics we are always looking at the big picture, and having to not only diagnose a problem but to apply the correct forces over a period of time in an ever-changing environment.
What is your mission for Starr & Dickens?
Dr. Dickens~Our mission is to deliver the highest quality care in the best way possible.
Dr. Starr~Mission now determined by Dr. Dickens
What do you all do at Starr & Dickens that you think sets you apart from other orthodontists in the area?
Dr. Dickens~ Every patient in treatment sees the same Patient Care Manager. Our Patient Care Managers get to know their patients well and are better suited to anticipate each patient's needs because of their relationship. Also, it's rare these days to have only one location with multiple doctors. As doctors, we share with our patients which helps make it easier for patients to schedule and it's a big advantage to patients when more than one doctor is supervising cases.
What is something that may surprise your patients about you?
Dr. Dickens~I was on an MTV game show in the early 90's lip syncing.
Dr. Starr~Most people don't know that I was a manager for the Duke Basketball team my freshman year.
If you weren't an orthodontist what would you be?
Dr. Dickens~I definitely would not be a professional singer. It would be great to be a race car driver, but more realistically, I'd be in Information Technology.
Dr. Starr~If I wasn't an orthodontist I would be sad. But if I was in a different profession, I would probably be running some type of business and leading a team of incredibly motivated team members to help solve some type of societal problem.
Do your kids do a better job brushing because they know your an orthodontist?
Dr. Dickens~My kids are still young, so they get a headlock and we brush their teeth very well. It's hard for kids ages 8 and under to have the manual dexterity to brush their own teeth, so we brush after they do.
Dr. Starr~ My kids do not believe in brushing.
We all have a Disney alter ego, here are a few from the office staff of Dr. Starr and Dickens!
I guess Dr. Starr would be the Cheshire Cat from Alice and Wonderland b/c of the big grin he has all the time. Dr D. maybe Baloo the Bear from The Jungle Book b/c he's always singing and dancing and teaching Mowgli lessons. Dr. D is a teacher at heart.~Julie Golden
Dr. Starr is definitely Tigger! He is bouncy and fun fun fun!!! (As Tigger says) And full of energy!~Elizabeth Hilliard
The Starr & Dickens Difference
On behalf of all of us at Starr & Dickens Orthodontics, we welcome you to our family! We are so excited that you've entrusted us with your orthodontic needs! Both Dr. Steven Dickens and Dr. Gary Starr are well known not only for their excellence in orthodontics but also their genuine desire to help their patients and the community. They are widely recognized for their ongoing, generous support of several non-profit organizations, athletic groups, and local area schools. Our orthodontists and our team love what we do and we will offer you the best of the best!
A Practice You Can Count On
As the only full-time orthodontic office in Matthews, we have been delivering great care to our patients for over 25 years. We believe it is important to make each appointment as comfortable and relaxing as possible. The world of orthodontics can generate many questions, but rest assured that we are never too busy to ease your concerns! You are important to us and we want you to look forward to spending your time in our office, so don't hesitate to ask about anything you need - we are here for YOU!
A Passion for Creating Beautiful Smiles
We are proud to have a reputation for excellence in the local community. Dr. Dickens and Dr. Starr are strong proponents of personalized patient care and customized treatment plans that are tailor-made to each individual. We use the latest technology like the iTero scanner and digital x-rays to ensure your comfort and give you the best care possible. To us, orthodontics isn't just about straightening teeth; it's about creating beautiful, healthy smiles in a warm, nurturing environment. We are into the details!
A Warm & Inviting Atmosphere
We know that going to the orthodontist can be an intimidating experience for some, so we make our office unlike any other. Along with fresh coffee and warm cookies, we also offer two game rooms, iPads, a photo booth, a movie theater with family-friendly movies, and a computer area with two Apple desktops. We even have workspaces for parents to work on their laptops or kids who want to work on homework while they wait! We proudly go the extra mile to ensure our patients receive the best possible care, which includes a top-of-the-line office atmosphere.
Thank you again for choosing to become a part of the Starr & Dickens Orthodontics family. We will work hard to exceed all of your expectations and deliver a beautiful, new smile that will shine for a lifetime!
1326 Matthews Township Parkway
Matthews, NC 28105
(704) 845-0600
