May 24, 2017 at 4:34 p.m.
Schmidt Orthodontics gets new partner, name change
Schmidt Orthodontics gets new partner, name change
By Kayla Thomason-
Bruce, who is one of 12 children, followed his two older brothers to Oklahoma State University where he earned a bachelor's degree in mechanical engineering, graduating at the top of his class.
For several years he worked in this field conducting energy efficiency building design analysis and research outside of Denver. He later went back to Oklahoma where he worked in the natural gas industry.
Bruce wanted to do more for people, and so he went with his next oldest brother on a medical mission's trip to Mexico where he got to work with a dentist and dental student. This encounter spurred Bruce back to the University of Oklahoma where he went to dental school.
In June 2010 he earned his DDS, graduating No. 2 out of 57 students. He then completed a one-year AEGD with a focus on implantology at the same college.
"During the time I had worked as an engineer in Denver, I also volunteered as a youth leader in my church," he said in a press release announcing the changes at Schmidt Orthodontics. "It was my love of youth, passion for meeting people, and my background in mechanical engineering and art that led me to explore orthodontics beyond general dentistry. So, while completing my AEGD, I applied to orthodontics residency."
In December of 2013, Bruce graduated from orthodontics residency at St. Louis University.
After his residency he worked as an associate orthodontist in New Mexico.
In March 2015 he became a Diplomat of the American Board of Orthodontics.
In July 2016 he discovered Dr. Darrell Schmidt through the American Association of Orthodontists practice matching website and gave him a call. After a visit it was decided Bruce would join the practice in the beginning of 2017.
"Coming to the Northwoods was the culmination of a long journey to find a community and practice where I felt I could make a real difference," Bruce said. "In this community, I found a practice where my values would be a continuation of the doctor preceding me. That practice is Schmidt Orthodontics. I am excited to explore the unique blend of scenic beauty and outdoor recreations that the Northwoods has to offer, which I love. I have always wanted to live in a place where others want to visit and where I can enjoy the adventure of life off the beaten path."
When he isn't in school he enjoys cooking, acting, gardening, photography, and artwork such as sculpture and photography. He writes sometimes and would enjoy publishing a series of fiction stories and writing an autobiography.
"I am very excited about the summers in the Northwoods and the adventure of the winters where I can show all my friends and family that I survived the snowpocalypse every year," he said. "I think the Northwoods offers a wonderful quality of life along with the opportunity to participate within the community and change lives."
Bruce noted he plans to remain active on dental missions throughout his career.
"I strive to stay active in my community and have a passion for medical missions," Bruce said. "I went on five medical mission trips with the Christian Medical and Dental Association while in dental school and was the dental coordinator for four of those trips."
Dr. Darrell Schmidt has been practicing in the Rhinelander, Eagle River and Minocqua/Woodruff offices since 1974 and has loved enhancing the lives of his patients.
"I have loved creating living legacies through my helping patients and giving confidence to thousands of young people," he said. "I have loved restoring lost function and vitality to adults through my work. I realized early on that I did not just fix teeth, I improved faces and enhanced the lives of my patients. Orthodontics is very unique in that it literally imparts great self- esteem to the patient upon completion and even initiation of the treatment."
With this type of passion and drive, he said he hoped to find a partner with similar values.
After five years of searching he finally found the right person in Bruce.
"Josh has the right mix of prior experience and temperament for the Northwoods and for our practice style which is what I would call 'casual and friendly excellence,'" Schmidt said. "He is technologically current and adept. He is very friendly and adaptable."
Bruce started April 3 and has been working hard, meeting the patients and learning the systems.
"Josh is continuing in the use of Sure Smile technology which I have used for over 12 years," Schmidt said. "I currently teach Sure Smile to new users worldwide over the (internet) and have taught it at both the Mayo Clinic and the University of Minnesota. Sure Smile shortens treatment time by about 40 percent on average and has been a tremendous boon to our patients. Josh, of course, brings a new perspective to our patients as every orthodontist has different approaches to various treatment problems. Two heads are better than one."
Bruce had post-graduate training with a focus on laser tissue re-contouring, aesthetics and interdisciplinary care, which he will be integrating into the practice. He is comfortable working with general dentists and other specialists on complex cases, according to the release.
Both Bruce and Schmidt stay abreast of new technology and changes in their field to provide the best care possible for their patients.
"We are continually upgrading our skills via continuing education and our professional equipment," Schmidt said. "Our convenient locations save our patients out of school time and travel money."
Families have trusted their services for so long that the staff is seeing multiple generations come in.
"We have thousands of successfully treated patients with second and even third generation families whom we have helped, with many references," Schmidt said.
They have set roots in Rhinelander and plan to continue to be involved in the community.
"We support area businesses and school organizations financially and with our time," Schmidt said. "We are available for emergencies and are integrated into the communities in which we serve. We are givers and plan to stay that way."
Bruce is thankful for the kind reception he has received from community members, is excited for adventures and would like the public to be aware of the Hope and Healing program.
"I want to say thank you to everyone who has so warmly greeted me," he said. "I welcome opportunities to give presentations about my area of expertise at any school or community venue. I also welcome a chance to join in camping trips, fishing, floating down a river, and community plays. I want to extend an invitation to the whole Northwoods community to participate in our Hope and Healing program. This is a twice a year (Christmas and July 4) thank-you card collection service that we are facilitating for the men and women of the armed forces who are recovering from injuries. We are extending this program currently to thank the first responders of our communities as well. We have thank-you cards available at all three of our offices in Rhinelander, Woodruff, and Eagle River, or people can create their own card and drop them off. We will ensure the cards get to their recipients."
The practice's website, email and web addresses are being updated to reflect the new name.
Kayla Breese may be reached at [email protected].
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