Meet Dr. Robert L. Thomas
In the years since I became an orthodontist, I’ve been able to meet many wonderful people, and see many children grow to adulthood. I’ve seen many great triumphs over those years and knowing I contributed to so many lives is really an incredible feeling. When people find out I’m an orthodontist in a social function, they will often ask me for an opinion on their teeth or their children’s but apologize for bothering me. I can honestly tell them it is never a bother; I really enjoy what I do.
Education and Continuing Education
I knew from an early age that I wanted to spend my life working with people and helping them directly. My father was an orthodontist, and while I was free to choose my own path in life, I was drawn into the fulfilling world of orthodontics by seeing the joy it brought my father.
I started working as a part-time general dentist in 1999, after graduation from dental school at the University of Illinois College of Dentistry in Chicago. I graduated with my orthodontic training in 2002 and was awarded a post-doctoral Master’s degree in oral biology as well as an orthodontic certificate. That same year I passed the North East Regional Board exam in orthodontics.
I’ve never stopped advancing my education in orthodontics and consider myself to be a lifelong learner. I regularly attend continuing education courses in order to stay on the cutting-edge of current technology to benefit my patients, both in providing a more comfortable experience as well as amazing results.
In the Office
It would be impossible to deliver quality orthodontics to as many people that need or desire it on my own. To do it well requires a special kind of team who has both the ability to work with adults and children, deliver quality care, and works well with each other, sometimes under pressure. I am blessed to have such a fantastic team that allows me to focus all my energy on the most important aspect of our office—the patients!
Professional Memberships
- American Association of Orthodontists
- Midwest Society of Orthodontists
- Illinois Society of Orthodontists
- American Dental Association
- Illinois State Dental Society
- Chicago Dental Society
Outside the Office
My wife and I have been together for more than 26 years. We have two (mostly) wonderful children. When not at work, I’m a technology enthusiast, and I’m working at bringing 3D printing and VR into the orthodontic field. When not being a nerd, I try my best to work out and stay healthy; it has been years since I missed a day at the office due to illness and I’m hoping to keep it that way as long as possible!
