Business Spotlight: Baird Orthodontics

From Margaret, a News Team Contributor

What is the first feature that others notice about you? Is it the sparkle in your eyes or the clothes on your back? In fact, it is none of these. Interestingly, a study concludes that about one third of its responders affirm teeth are one of the most noteworthy facial features upon meeting someone new. For some, making a favorable first impression is of extreme significance and is something that they would not want to tarnish based off of the condition of their teeth.

Doctor Marta Baird (DDS, MSD) of Pleasanton’s Baird Orthodontics has created countless beautiful smiles in the Tri-Valley throughout the years. I had the privilege of interviewing her recently and learning more about her wonderful business.

1. Why and how did you become interested in orthodontics?  
My mother is a general dentist. Growing up, I had always considered going into dentistry. In 7th grade, I got braces and while I remember having to brush my teeth a lot, I remember getting them off even more. I was so excited that day and I loved my new smile. I knew that I wanted to share that experience with others.2. What education and first-hand experience would you say is necessary to mold someone into an excellent orthodontist?
To become an orthodontist, you must first become a dentist. After graduating from dental school, I worked as a general dentist for a while before going to orthodontic residency. To become an excellent orthodontist, you have to keep pushing and keep learning. I have never stopped learning and now I teach that same mindset as an adjunct faculty at the University of the Pacific to the orthodontic residents on Wednesdays.

3. What is the history of Baird Orthodontics?
I graduated orthodontic residency in 2011. I worked 6 days a week at 3 different offices while constructing Baird Orthodontics. In August 2013, Baird Orthodontics celebrated its grand opening. I continued to work at those other offices for about 2 more years at the same time as building Baird Orthodontics in order to support my dream of having my own practice.

4. How has your business changed since its establishment?
When I opened Baird Orthodontics, I had only two employees. One of them is still with me as my scheduling coordinator to this day. I now have two front office employees and 5 assistants! Another big change has been to take a leap into the digital world. We no longer use traditional dental moulds and stone models. All of our patients are scanned with 3D imaging technology and we are on the forefront of integrating 3D printing technology into our practice.

5. Is there anything in particular that you can attribute to your success both as an orthodontist and business owner throughout the years in Pleasanton?
I am constantly motivated to change if it can bring improvement and move us forward. Improvement in clinical outcomes, patient experience, employee satisfaction, treatment efficiency. At least once a week (usually Thursdays!) I burst in with the next idea and I’m grateful that I have a team that goes right along with it.

Read more about this establishment here.