Above photo by SAIL OFF PHOTOGRAPHY
Since taking over Salem Smiles in Winston-Salem in early 2022, Dr. David K. Woods has perfected – even further – the level of care and comfort patients experience at the popular orthodontics practice. The Salem Smiles team has their patient philosophy down to a science – the science of happy patients and beautiful smiles!
A fun mix of positive changes have taken place in the past year, including an exciting office remodel that included updating paint colors, wallpaper and cabinets to make a brighter space overall, with a calm, cool ambiance. Dr. Woods had a goal of making the space more personal and intimate, and not as plain as a typical medical office may appear! He’s definitely succeeded and even added new artwork from local artist Nico Amortegui, which will later be donated, enhancing the community and family feel that Salem Smiles has always fostered.
“Nico, an NC-based artist, born and raised in Bogotá, Colombia, completed an incredible mural based on the inspiration of our office,” says David. “It shows how we have an opportunity to share in a patient’s journey to greatness, no matter what age it starts. We are so humbled and grateful for the opportunity, and we strive to be an uplifting force – not just while we are treating patients – but for years to come! Our goal is to always give more than we get, by providing smiles for a lifetime, and we are there for touch-ups and both big and small life occurrences that come along the way – such as weddings or simply continued personal improvement. This art expresses how it takes a team, a shared vision and hard work to reach our God-given abilities!”
Now looking towards summer, Salem Smiles also has plans for expansions in the clinic that will include new staff, efforts to be even more accommodating for patient consultations, same-day starts and new clinical equipment to facilitate additional procedures.
“Some of those brand new procedures include gingivectomy and mini-surgeries, such as temporary anchorage devices (TADs) that allow for space closure with missing teeth or correction of ‘gummy’ smiles and skeletal expansion,” explains Dr. Woods. “Laser gingivectomy is geared towards soft tissue re-contouring and for uncovering short teeth or clinical crowns.”
The practice will also be adding a 3D printer for clear aligner fabrication – providing faster clear aligner therapy for patients – as part of its continued commitment to offering only state-of-the-art technology to its loyal clients. Offering both conventional braces and clear aligner therapy as options, Salem Smiles not only cares for young children and adolescents, but the practice sees a growing number of adult patients interested in the straightening process, as well.
“We want the practice to be accessible to patients of all ages as we continue to educate them on the many ways a beautiful smile can help boost your self-confidence, inspire overall proper oral hygiene and the often-overlooked importance of sound occlusion (the way your teeth fit together),” says Dr. Woods. “We feel very blessed to provide orthodontic services in this community and, hopefully, spread positive energy to the daily lives of our patients and our staff!”
You’ll also hear uplifting music – including popular Christian tunes – to provide a boost of positive energy for patients and to energize them throughout the rest of their day!
Patients describe Dr. Woods and the entire staff – from the initial greeting at the front desk to every technician – as attentive, detailed, comforting and reassuring. And, those are some of the best possible qualities to soothe a potentially stressful visit – especially for young patients!
This was only our initial visit, but we felt very welcomed and comfortable. I didn’t catch the name of the person who took my daughter’s X-rays but she was very pleasant, as well. Kim Langley is so sweet, patient and professional. Dr. Woods is very informative, kind and professional. We felt so at ease with everyone. A very uplifting environment. I’m thankful. ~ Missy
Dr. Woods is helping us decide on the best treatment options for a complicated ortho case for my daughter. He has been extremely thorough with his research and explanations for treatment planning. And Karen, the financial manager, sat in on each of our meetings to help us understand the financial aspects involved in treatment. We have been very pleased with the office so far, and look forward to starting treatment. ~ Sandie M.
I am very pleased with Salem Smiles! Great staff, clean and very affordable. They inform you of everything step-by-step. Thank you for all you have done to put me at ease financially. ~ Dalila R.
My consult was amazing! Dr. Woods made me feel comfortable with any choice I made regarding braces. He explained his process to me in a way that I could understand. He did not make me feel rushed when he started my evaluation, and even shared some jokes with me. He is an awesome orthodontist, and I hope others feel the same way I do! ~ Deidre C.
Dr. Woods studied at both the University of Connecticut School of Dental Medicine and the Maryland School of Dentistry, and is a member of The Johns Hopkins Craniofacial Clinic, where he gained experience with patients with craniofacial anomalies, such as cleft palate. He has been practicing as a specialist since 2015 and is board certified in orthodontics as well as pediatric dentistry.
While you may see some updates around the office, the Salem Smiles commitment will always be the same! Salem Smiles is conveniently located at 1063 W. Northwest Boulevard in Winston-Salem (easy to find, at the corner of Northwest Boulevard and Reynolda Road), where you can reach them for an appointment or more information on their services at 336.725.5757, or by visiting salemsmilesortho.com. Practice hours are Monday through Thursday 8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m., and the administrative side of the office is open to patients on Friday from 8:00 a.m. – noon.
