I was, too. I grew up in the home of an orthodontist — my dad — and thought I might want to do that too, but architecture grabbed my attention and I pursued that instead. I went to college for architecture and even practiced for almost a decade, but I began to feel incomplete and dissatisfied. I was missing out on the relationships that I loved and knew orthodontics could provide.
So, I switched careers and haven’t looked back!
“I absolutely love being an orthodontist. It’s a dream job for me. I’m grateful for the relationships I get to build with this career. That gratitude is something I carry to work with me each and every day.”
-Dr. Datwyler
Actually, before I left my career in architecture, I had to convince myself that I wasn’t throwing away a great career and the education that went with it…
…but finally, I took the leap and did it anyway. Two more years of undergrad pre-reqs, four years of dental school, and two years of orthodontic school later, and I was opening an orthodontic practice.
It’s hard to believe, but that was 17 years ago! The last 17 years have been some of the most rewarding of my professional life. I can honestly say it was the right decision. I wake up every single day grateful I get to do this for a living!
Why Change?!?
I know it might sound crazy to you, but I love life, and I want to get better at it. I want to live a great life. I want to improve all the time.
I want to be a better orthodontist, a better businessperson, a better employer and leader. I want to be successful in my career, provide well for my family and live a happy and abundant life.
This mindset drives me to balance work, family and personal enrichment. Without happiness at home, professional life will falter. Without enriching myself through consistent education, soul enrichment, and maintaining physical health, I won’t be as focused or productive or successful in any of the other areas.
I’m driven to get everything I can out of the time I have on this earth and to give back as much as I get.
What was your weirdest hobby?
I played the keyboard/synthesizer in a band during college in the 80’s.
Which character from The Simpsons is most like you?
I’d say I’m a cross between Milhouse and Smithers.
What was the craziest thing you ever did to get the attention of your wife?
I scare her all the time. I’ll hide around a corner or behind a door… And all I do is say, “Hi,” but it gets her every time!
Have you ever kept a New Year's Resolution? What was it?
Yes! A few years ago, I decided that I would really commit to my personal fitness and riding my bike. So for the “12 days of Christmas,” I rode my bike every single day of my Christmas break. Then I made a New Year’s Resolution to ride my bike 400 miles in the month of January. And I did it!
If you could pick a new first name, what would it be?
I would go with my middle name — Reed.
What was the most embarrassing hairstyle you ever had?
In years past, I used to cut my own hair. One time, I asked my girlfriend to trim the back… Well, that was a mistake! She had never used electric clippers before. So she didn’t have the guide on the blade and ended up cutting a huge streak from my neckline to the middle of the back of my head… All the way down to the scalp!
Favorite 80s band.
Depeche Mode
How much can you bench press?
I can usually lift the bar…
