Meet Dr. Andersen

On Orthodontics

I love orthodontics because it has the ability to change people’s lives and, unlike many medical or dental practice areas, I get to see my patients every month or so for several years.

Those regular visits are positive experiences and my patients look forward to coming in and seeing the progress they’re making. At the same time, I get to see each person change and grow, and I see the impact that my skill and service have on their lives.

That is truly enjoyable!

Education and Experience

I grew up here in Brigham City and spent a lot of my youth helping my father. He was an orthodontist and I worked in his office. There has been an Andersen practicing orthodontics in the same office for nearly 70 years!

After graduating from Box Elder High School, I served on an L.D.S. mission to La Paz, Bolivia; I speak both Spanish and Aymara (an Indiana dialect). Returning to Utah, I graduated from the University of Utah with my Bachelor’s degree. This was followed by dental school, where I graduated Cum Laude with my Doctorate of Dental Surgery (DDS) from the Medical College of Virginia at the Virginia Commonwealth University.

Next came a post-doctoral fellowship and residency at Yale-New Haven Hospital of the Yale University School of Medicine. I then returned to the Medical College of Virginia, where I undertook a rigorous orthodontic residency and obtained my Specialty Certificate in Orthodontics.

July 2022 will mark the start of my 32nd year of practice. What’s amazing, I think, is how I remain enthusiastic about my profession and, even more, the people I have the honor to get to know through their treatment.

I love getting to know my patients as individuals and appreciate all they bring to the office and my life. It is fulfilling to see a person, someone who has become a friend, blossom with happiness and confidence as they see the change in their appearance; I am fortunate as I see that happen every day!

Continuing Education and Professional Affiliations

Orthodontics is a constantly advancing specialty. I feel it is crucial to stay up-to-date with changing techniques and technologies in order to provide patients with the best of modern orthodontic care.

For example, we now rarely do traditional “gloopy” mouth impressions, because we have multiple 3D digital scanners. These digital images ensure the most detailed and accurate diagnostics, treatment planning, and treatment.

Continuing education (CE) keeps me at the forefront of the latest developments, trends, and emerging research. In addition to participate in study groups, I attend professional meetings and take a range of CE courses throughout the year.

I’m a member of the:

  • American Association of Orthodontists
  • American Dental Association
  • Utah Association of Orthodontists, past president
  • Utah Dental Association
  • Box Elder County Dental Society, past president

Through these organizations, I have access to the newest information in dentistry and the orthodontic specialty.

Beyond the Practice

It is a pleasure to live in and serve my hometown: seeing familiar faces, and smiles, around town keeps me smiling!

My wife Susan and I have been married for almost 40 years; we raised our family of five – four boys and one girl – here in Brigham City. Of our children:

  • Our oldest is getting his PhD in Chemistry
  • Our second works in finance and is a partner in a private equity firm
  • Our third is an architect who lives in Virginia
  • Our fourth has a degree in vocal performance and is currently attending law school
  • And our youngest is a senior at Julliard, studying violin performance.

We also have three marvelous grandchildren.

If I’m not in the office, and not with family, you’ll most often find me outdoors. I am an avid cyclist and runner, and have competed in many races and endurance events. I also love camping and hiking, mostly in and around Capitol Reef NP. I love college sports, as well, and am a University of Utah fanatic.

Giving Back

Being part of this community, and giving back through volunteer activities via church and community service, is core to who I am.

At this point I have coached every sport in the community. I was president of the Lacrosse Club and worked to get lacrosse accepted as a high school sport. I was also president of the Brigham City Recreation Commission and responsible for the construction of the community pool facility. Additionally, I was president of the Brigham City Main Street Commission, responsible for revitalization of our historic downtown, and am a long-term member and past-president of the Kiwanis Club. Oh, and I was a Scout Master for 20 years, too.

In my spare time, I recently wrote a book: It’s Not About the Braces. It covers the clinical aspects of orthodontic treatment, along with the personal, reflecting my insight, experience, and genuine love and appreciation for my profession and those I serve.

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