Meet Parks and Schmit Orthodontists Staff Member,Charity Hutchens

Why did you choose this career?  What brought you to it, and what do you like most about it?

I chose this career because I love working with people.  But most of all, I love that I work in a place that makes beautiful smiles every day.

Why Parks and Schmit?  What is different about this office for you?

I worked at an orthodontic office in Cedar Falls, Iowa for many years, and needed to move to the Cedar Rapids area for my spouse’s career.  I knew I wanted to stay in the “ortho-world,“and had a few friends who had been patients at Parks and Schmit.  My friends had nothing but positive things to say about the doctors and staff at Parks and Schmit and I knew that if I worked anywhere in Cedar Rapids, I wanted it to be at Parks and Schmit!

Our office has a very up-beat staff and it’s such a fun environment to work in.  The staff is always smiling and having a good time together and with their patients.  Our office is paperless and always up-to-date with the latest technology which makes my job more enjoyable and less stressful!

What’s your favorite dental hygiene tip for keeping your smile looking great?

The best thing someone can do to keep their smile looking great is to brush two to three times a day.  You should also floss once a day, and if you’ve had orthodontic treatment, wear your retainers!

What do you do in your free time that allows you to share your smile?

I enjoy spending time with my friends and family – they are the best medicine in life.

Always remember that a smile is the best thing anyone can wear!

Getting Your Braces On is So Easy!

It's easy to get your braces on.  But, don't take our word for it.  Hear it from one of our happy patients!

Another New Home!

We are so excited to have broken ground on our next location of Parks and Schmit Orthodontics.  Our third location will be on Kirkwood Blvd. SW.  Take a look at the pictures of the site today and a photo of what you can expect in the summer of 2013!

Meet Parks and Schmit Orthodontists Staff Member,Chelsea Kach

Why did you choose this career?  What brought you to it what do you like most about it?

My mom worked in this profession and thought I'd enjoy it.... she was right!

Why Parks and Schmit?  What is different about this office for you?

My mom worked for the Sr. Doctors so I knew a few of the girls already and I knew they were really fun and super nice.  For me, that's our difference, our people!  We have the best staff!

What’s your favorite dental hygiene tip for keeping your smile looking great?

Always, always, always brush!

What do you do in your free time that keeps you smiling?

I enjoy playing with my niece, and being around friends and family!

Meet Parks and Schmit Orthodontist, Dr. Clayton Parks

Why did you choose this career?  What brought you to it what do you like most about it?

Orthodontics is a wonderful career that enables me to make a positive impact on others’ lives every day.  Helping patients achieve a healthy, beautiful, and functional smile is, ultimately, something I am proud of.  In addition, I enjoy interacting with so many unique children, teenagers and adults.  I love observing different parenting skills, and observing individual personalities.  It is amazing how much we can learn from one another!

Why Parks and Schmit?  What is different about this office for you?

I believe patients should be treated as individuals who deserve the finest care possible in an efficient, comfortable environment.  I expect our patients will interact with professional, knowledgeable team members throughout treatment.  Each team member is an integral part of our excellent customer and patient experience.

We make every effort to know our patients by name, schedule appointments efficiently and provide excellent communication and treatment.  For us, our patients are our number one priority.  We don’t just say it – we live it every day!

What’s your favorite dental hygiene tip for keeping your smile looking great?

Use water when you brush.

“The secret to pollution is dilution!”

Brushing with clean water to help dilute and rid plaque and bacteria is very helpful.  Rinsing and vigorous swishing before expectorating clear water during brushing is effective.

What do you do in your free time that keeps you smiling?

I enjoy time with my family, running, exercising, and just about anything outdoors!  Outside of the office, I volunteer for Waypoint Services, and Boys and Girls Club.  I also teach at the University of Iowa one day each week.

An Experience That Will Make You Smile!

Meet Parks and Schmit Orthodontists Staff Member,Lisa Krusie

Why did you choose this career? What brought you to it what do you like most about it?
I had a great experience as a patient with Dr. Purdie, did my job shadowing with him in high school and knew it was a definite interest to me. I love my work atmosphere and the girls I am privileged to work with daily. I have made incredible, life-long friendships, but most importantly, to see that what we do everyday can be a life-changing experience for our patients

Why Parks and Schmit? What is different about this office for you?
The positive energy we give out here! We want to be apart of our patients lives and our three orthodontists are amazing in both their personalities and skills. Their results are something I am extremely proud of and that's coming from 28 years of looking at smiles!!!!!:)

What’s your favorite dental hygiene tip for keeping your smile looking great?
For my patients, I can't stress the amount of water that needs to be used, to keep the brackets free of food and shiny! Water! Water! Water!

What do you do in your free time that allows you to share your smile?
Of course, spending time with my family, I am recently an empty nester so my husband and I are looking for new ways to spend our time, besides watching soccer and football games!  I'm learning to cook again, and spending time in my yard keeps me smiling too!

An Experience that Will Make You Smile

Learn why one of our patients felt like he was family in our office!

An Experience That Will Make You Smile

See what another of our patients as to say about getting her braces off!

An Experience That Will Make You Smile

See what one of our patients has to say about getting her braces off!

Meet Parks and Schmit Orthodontists Staff Member,Elissa Upah

Why did you choose this career? What brought you to it what do you like most about it?
I chose this career because I enjoy helping people, and interacting with others. It’s also a great place to work. I love the positive atmosphere and team approach.

Why Parks and Schmit? What is different about this office for you?
We have a very fast-paced office, and I love how we all work as a team to provide the best for our patients. 

What’s your favorite dental hygiene tip for keeping your smile looking great?
Brush and floss daily!  Also, get professional cleanings every six months.

What do you do in your free time that allows you to share your smile?
I love to play with my son and volunteer at his school events. I also enjoy marketing for the practice.

Why Mouth Guards are Important

A mouth guard is a soft plastic or laminate device used in sports to prevent oral injuries to the teeth, mouth, cheeks, tongue and jaw. According to the American Dental Association, one third of all dental injuries are sports related. They also estimate that the use of a mouth guard can prevent more than 200,000 oral injuries to the mouth each year.

Any athlete may be at risk for oral injury but mouth guards are mandatory in collision sports such as football, hockey and boxing where the risk of injury is likely.  The most common types of dental injuries without the use of a mouth guard include; chipped or broken teeth, fractured crowns or bridgework, lip and cheek injuries, root damage to the teeth, fractured jaws, and concussions.  In addition, a recent study showed that fifty-six percent of all concussions were suffered when mouth guards were not worn.

A mouth guard is essential for all athletes.  Contact us today to learn more!

Meet Parks and Schmit Orthodontist, Dr. Jason Schmit

Why did you choose this career?  What brought you to it what do you like most about it? 
When I was 13, I went through orthodontic treatment because my four front teeth stuck straight out.  The result of the treatment had a huge impact on my life.  Not only did it influence my smile, but I can remember how it affected my self-esteem as well.  Today, I enjoy seeing how our treatment has the same effect on kids! 

Why Parks and Schmit?  What is different about this office for you?  
We are the only group practice in the Cedar Rapids area.  For our patients this means extended hours, multiple locations, and flexible treatment times.  In addition, it means that we are able to get the best people who truly care about our patients! 

What’s your favorite dental hygiene tip for keeping your smile looking great?  
Brush your gum line when you’re done brushing your teeth.  This helps to keep your gum tissue pink and healthy, and adds to the beauty of a smile!

What do you do in your free time that keeps you smiling?   
If I’m not at the office or shuttling one of my three boys to a sporting event, you can find me on the golf-course!