MEET DR. MARTIN
Over 30,000 Happy Smiles Treated Since 1979 at Martin Kids Dental
I feel like I was placed on the earth to do just what I am doing. I love being both a student and a teacher, and being a Chiefland and Gainesville, FL, orthodontist gives me the never-ending opportunity to do both. I don’t feel I have ever “gone to work”; it’s as if I get to practice my hobby every day!
I believe I can make a difference in the lives of my patients by being a good listener and asking good questions. Listening to what parents and patients say allows me to involve them in the treatment. Everyone is unique, and there is no such thing as an “ideal treatment” for everyone. I feel a team effort is necessary to achieve optimal treatment for each patient.
Loving what I do in our office gives me the energy and desire to study and improve myself. This way, I can deliver great results to those people who make my heart sing every day: our patients and their families.
Education and Continuing Education
I grew up in Gainesville, FL, and graduated from Gainesville High School before attending Florida State University for my undergraduate degree. I completed dental school at the University of Florida College of Dentistry and underwent my orthodontic residency at the University of Pennsylvania.
I am passionate about learning new things! After all, this helps me be more effective in giving you or your child a beautiful smile and the confidence you need to succeed in life. I am fascinated at how true the statement “more than just a smile” is for an incredible orthodontic result. I belong to several study groups and attend conferences regularly in multiple fields, including:
- Orthodontics
- Children’s dentistry
- Growth and development
- Breathing disorders and sleep disorders and their effects on your growth and health
I also love to teach. I am an adjunct professor at the University of Florida College of Dentistry. You will notice I love to teach patients and families what is involved in their treatments, too. I will always encourage your participation in treatment decisions. There is no such thing as one “right” treatment plan; each person is different, and I want your unique needs and concerns to play a role in your or your child’s orthodontic care.
Professional Affiliations
My professional memberships help me to stay up-to-date on the most current research and advancements in the fields of dentistry and orthodontics. As a Chiefland and Gainesville, FL orthodontist, I belong to the following organizations:
- American Association of Orthodontists
- Southern Association of Orthodontists
- Florida Association of Orthodontists
- American Dental Association
- Florida Dental Association
- Alachua County Dental Society
- American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry
- American Association of Sleep Medicine
- American Association of Dental Sleep Medicine
Outside the Office
I have a crazy family! My wife, Dr. Judy Banks, is a pediatrician. I have two sons, Dave and Paul, who are dentists and doing their orthodontic residency at Georgia School of Orthodontics. My sister, Dr. Celia Martin, is also an orthodontist in Lake City – you might say that love for dentistry and orthodontics runs in my family! My wife and I also have a dog Shorty. Shorty and I went through extensive training to earn his certification as a Therapy Dog. He “works” in the office so you might get a chance to meet him!
When I am not working, you can find me volunteering in charity dental clinics with my sons – the Gainesville Community Ministries and the Florida Baptist Convention bus are two of our favorites. I am involved in Rotary, and our family has started a dental mission in Ecuador and have spent spring break and a week every summer taking dental students from UF to work with indigenous people with no access to dental care. I feel blessed to have been given a skill that can help people who are suffering from tooth pain. I believe “to those who have received a lot, a lot is expected,” and I try to live my life accordingly.