As a practicing Orthodontist, I have been providing adults and children of Boca Raton with beautiful, straight smiles since 1979 while continuing to study in many areas of interdisciplinary dentistry in order to expand my expertise as an educator and clinician. 

After graduating from Tufts University, School of Dental Medicine in 1973, I worked as a general dentist for a maxillofacial prosthodontist. The following year, while teaching in the Tufts Oral Diagnosis Department, I entered the postgraduate orthodontics department, and two years later received my certificate in orthodontics. 

I enjoyed the challenge that orthodontics provided: the age of the typical orthodontic patient, the thought process requiring biomechanics as an integral part of treatment, and the challenge of “full mouth reconstruction in the natural dentition on every patient.” 

Although my interest in treating children motivated me to pursue orthodontics, when I first opened my office, the inherent referral patterns did not allow me to build the adolescent patient referrals. I was treating more and more adult patients, and this led to my increasing interest in interdisciplinary dentistry. After years of practicing orthodontics, I began to interact with restorative dentists and re-educating myself in order to better communicate with my dental colleagues. I needed to learn and be able to effectively communicate in their language while also understanding their current concepts. 

I became involved with the craniofacial team at the University of Miami School of Medicine, where I was a clinical instructor in the Department of Plastic Surgery. I spent 10+ years on the craniofacial team learning to address the orthodontic needs of the craniofacial patient. This allowed me to get back to treating the adolescent patient, as well as infants and small children by helping in treatment of cleft lip and palate deformities. 

As an adjunct assistant professor at Nova Southeastern University, I utilize all of my experience to educate our students by emphasizing the diagnosis and implementation of treatment plans. I also guide post-graduate orthodontic residents by reviewing literature pertaining to adult treatment, periodontics, smile esthetics, interdisci plinary treatment, aligner therapy (Invisalign) craniofacial anomalies and guide them in their treatment of children. 

At my practice, we primarily cater to children and adolescents. I truly believe that what sets us apart from the rest is our desire to deliver the highest quality care, while fulfilling our commitment to service. This has been proved by our performance and recognition as one of the best in orthodontic practices in Boca Raton for the past 25 years. 

Looking back on my career, it is apparent that timing is everything. From my start as a dental student at Tufts, to the people and experiences that inspired me to learn all that I could about orthodontics and interdisciplinary dentistry, I have been able to make a difference in the lives of others—both students and patients alike. It is a great pleasure to go home at the end of the day when a patient thanks me for my help, or when a student learns something new, and I can say to myself, “A job well done.”

—Dr. Barry Matza is an adjunct assistant professor in the Department of Postgraduate Orthodontics, Nova Southeastern University, College of Dental Medicine. His professional accomplishments and academic appointments include: Diplomate, American Board of Orthodontics; clinical instructor, Department of Diagnosis, Tufts School of Dental Medicine; Clinical attending instructor, University of Miami, School of Medicine, Department of Plastic Surgery; Visiting lecturer, Post-Graduate Department of Orthodontics, Tufts University, School of Dental Medicine; Graduate of Tufts School of Dental Medicine and its postgraduate orthodontic residency pro gram (DMD and Certificate) He has a private practice in Boca Raton at 5100 Town Center Circle, Suite 106. He can be reached by calling (561) 368-3480 or via email at info@bmatza.com. Log on to www.bmatza.com for more information.