Kyle Childers, DMD
I am in this field to help change people’s lives by providing them with a new smile. Because I enjoy this work, I feel truly blessed to be an orthodontist. I have found my profession to be a perfect blend of art and science. Further, practicing orthodontics allows me to bring out people’s inner and hidden beauty and teach them how to keep that sparkling smile healthy for the rest of their lives.

Education and Continuing Education
I obtained a Bachelor of Science degree at Southern Illinois University and then received my Doctorate of Medical Dentistry at the University of Kentucky. After, I attended the University of Tennessee to complete my Master of Science in Orthodontics degree.

I consider every minute of continuing education to be vital for my patients and myself. Staying current with the latest trends, techniques, and technologies within my field allows me to improve treatment efficiency and provide higher quality results for each person I treat. Through my career-long commitment to staying on the cutting edge of orthodontics, I have been able to implement the most proven and advanced treatments to my patients. For instance, I was at the forefront of providing patients the benefits of SureSmile®, and I embraced the use of i-CAT® diagnosis technology very early on. In addition to these advanced treatments, I also offer my patients the cutting edge self-ligating Damon® System brackets, and I have worked very hard to become an Invisalign® Elite Provider.

Professional Affiliations
Professional collaboration is one of the most important ways to stay current with all of the latest advancements within the ever-evolving field of orthodontics. For this reason, I hold active membership in a number of professional affiliations, including:

American Board of Orthodontics
American Association of Orthodontics
American Dental Association
Midwestern Society of Orthodontics
Southern Illinois Dental Society, Past President
Schulman Study Group
St. Louis Invisalign Study Group
In addition to my active involvement in these groups, I am committed to visiting at least two high-quality, state-of-the-art orthodontic offices each year. There, I learn from the practitioners and exchange ideas on how to improve patient treatment and office management.

Further, I am a Diplomate of the American Board of Orthodontics (ABO). The ABO is the only organization for the specialty of orthodontics that is recognized by the American Dental Association and sponsored by the American Association of Orthodontists. Currently, only 25% of the nation's orthodontists are Board Certified. This is a recognition that reflects my passion and commitment to providing my patients nothing but the most rewarding orthodontic care available.

Sincere Interest and Care
I believe strongly in doing work that has life-long effects, and I place the utmost value on the lasting relationships I have formed with my patients over the years. I have been a practicing orthodontist for over 20 years, and I can say that watching a patient's positive development and transformation over time is one of the most rewarding parts of the profession. As your orthodontist, I am dedicated to being as gentle, compassionate, and efficient as I can during your orthodontic journey.

Through My Doors
I approach each patient with an eye to detail. I view orthodontics as a fine tuned science that is practiced by medical professionals who also have an artist’s touch. I improve smiles both visibly and behind the scenes. My artistic talents aid my work as much as my scientifically technical skills do. The technology, knowledge, and legwork are purely scientific, but my instinct to deliver an amazing smile that perfectly fits your inner and outer beauty is an art.

In the Community
I am a firm believer in giving back to my community. I founded the Southern Illinois chapter of Smile for a Lifetime. It appealed to me because it is a nonprofit organization that provides orthodontic treatment to patients who would otherwise not be able to receive orthodontic care. I also support others in their pursuit of higher education by offering academic scholarships to two Southern Illinois students each year. I am also a sponsor of the Rend Lake College Theater.

Outside the Office
I am currently settled down in Marion, IL, where I grew up, and I am happy to call this place home. My wife, Deidre, is a dentist who teaches in the hygiene program at John A. Logan College. Together, we have four children: Mason, Kate, Alec, and Tessa. We also have four dogs that round out our busy household. I have enjoyed being active in my children’s lives, whether it has been through coaching their baseball teams, cheering them on at sporting events, or attending their plays and concerts. I also enjoy hunting, golfing, and painting.