The Health Science Center opens its Orthodontic Clinic doors each day to provide quality orthodontics to patients of all ages. And with David Anthony Gonzales, D.M.D., M.S., retired Air Force Col., as the new program director of the orthodontic residency program, patients can expect first-rate service.
Dr. Gonzales joined the Health Science Center as a part-time program director in October 2005 while he continued to serve as the chairman and director of the Military Tri-Service Orthodontic Residency Program at Wilford Hall Medical Center. After spending more than two decades in general dentistry and orthodontics for the United States Air Force, he retired and came aboard full time at the Health Science Center on Jan. 1.
“My transition from retirement into this position was seamless,” Dr. Gonzales said. “Many of the professors here are retired military so a lot of the same camaraderie exists here as it does in the military. After getting to know staff and faculty members here in the Dental School, I understand why it is so highly-ranked.”
Dr. Gonzales is responsible for all aspects of the residency program – from the upkeep of equipment and supplies to the selection of patients each resident receives. He oversees the didactics, the clinical training and research requirements for the orthodontic residents.
“My goal is to provide high-quality education to the orthodontic residents so we can meet the orthodontic needs of the San Antonio community and surrounding areas,” Dr. Gonzales said.
The 2,500 square-foot clinic houses not only the orthodontic resident training program, but also the orthodontic faculty practice program. Patients have the option of treatment from either the residents or the faculty. The clinic features flat-screen monitors at each of the chairs. The monitors allow orthodontists to access and view a patient’s records, photos and X-rays without having to leave a patient’s side.
“Our state-of-the-art Orthodontic Clinic is open to anyone,” Dr. Gonzales said. “Anything that can be provided by a private dental practice, we can do here. We provide high-quality services for significantly lower prices.”
A wide array of treatment options exist in the program, including the normal metal brackets, ceramic brackets (tooth-colored) and Invisalign. Appointments are currently available at the clinic. For more information, call (210) 567-0072.
Dr. Gonzales entered dental school in 1980 where he graduated at the top of his class. In 1984, he received his doctorate from Washington University School of Dental Medicine in St. Louis, Mo. He also entered active duty in the Air Force that year and completed a general practice residency at Travis Air Force Base in California. His two-year orthodontic residency was completed at Baylor College of Dentistry where he also received a Master of Science in oral biology. Dr. Gonzales is licensed by the states of Texas and New Mexico, and he is board certified by the American Dental Board of Orthodontics.
