OCA’s relationship with its affiliated practitioners rests on the concept of freedom and respect. We affiliate with the highest quality practitioners who are dedicated to outstanding patient care. Without that dedication, our business model wouldn’t work. As a company, we recognize that, although we provide the management expertise, our affiliated practitioners are the experts at what they do: the practice of orthodontics or pediatric dentistry.
   We believe in helping affiliated practitioners create an environment where they can achieve their peak potential and feel secure about their business—not saddled by antiquated technology, arcane business processes and other distractions.
   We don’t tell our affiliated orthodontists how to practice orthodontics, nor do we dictate treatment mechanics or specific applications. We firmly support the patient-doctor relationship by allowing the practitioner to determine the proper treatment. Our goal is to provide state-of-the-art business management services and systems, clinical and office equipment, and practice environments in order to facilitate peak performance of our affiliated practitioners and their clinical staff.
   All OCA affiliated orthodontists are graduates of accredited orthodontic programs, licensed practitioners and specialists in their field. Orthodontics is a rigorous course of study. Typically, in order to be admitted to an accredited orthodontics program, students must be in the top 10% of their class. Most programs extend two to three years beyond dental school. In addition, on average, OCA affiliated orthodontists have over 15 years of experience, and about 25% of them have held teaching positions. They are among the best in their profession. They hold themselves to the highest quality standards and they are the foundation of OCA.