What is an Orthodontist?
An orthodontist is a dentist who completed an additional four years of full-time post-graduate study at a university and is therefore a specialist in providing orthodontic care (braces). This includes diagnosis, prevention, interception, and correction of malocclusion, as well as neuromuscular and skeletal abnormalities of the developing or mature facial structures. In other words, an orthodontist is a specialist in fixing your bite, improving your appearance and creating a perfect and most importantly, a healthy smile!
Our orthodontist – Dr Damstra
Dr Damstra was born and raised in Pretoria. He qualified as a dentist at the University of Pretoria. Whilst in private practice, Dr Damstra completed a Post Graduate Diploma in Dentistry (Cum Laude) and an Honours Degree in Dental Science (Cum Laude) at the Dental School of Stellenbosch University. He spent one year at New York University (NYU) and completed the Advanced Study Program in Orthodontics for International Dentists. During this time, Dr Damstra also completed his Masters of Science degree (Odontology) at the Department of Orthodontics, University of Pretoria. Dr Damstra qualified as an orthodontist after completing the four year specialist orthodontic training program at the Department of Orthodontics, University Medical Centre Groningen, Netherlands. In addition, after a successful defence of his thesis (regarding the application of 3D imaging in orthodontics), Dr Damstra was awarded his Doctorate Degree in Medical Science (PhD) from the University of Groningen. Dr Damstra is one of only a handful of orthodontists in South Africa with a Doctorate degree. Dr Damstra is registered as an Orthodontist in specialist practice with the HPCSA and is a member of SASO (South African Society of Orthodontists) and the WFO (World Federation of Orthodontists).
Dr Damstra maintains a strong interest in clinical research and has authored and co-authored 20 scientific international papers and articles. He has also reviewed papers for several international orthodontic journals including the American Journal of Orthodontics and Dentofacial Orthopedics, European Journal of Orthodontics, The Angle Orthodontist and the Journal of Orthodontics.
