Today we’d like to introduce you to Patrick Brady.
Patrick, can you briefly walk us through your story – how you started and how you got to where you are today.
I grew up in Westchester in the western suburbs. I attended Fenwick High School and Davidson College in North Carolina. My wife and I met at while at Davidson. I played baseball and she played field hockey. While the school was very small, we actually didn’t meet until two of our teammates set us up on a blind double date. Somehow it all worked out, and we hit it off, even though I let my buddy plan the date, which included a dinner at a restaurant connected to a gas station! I knew I wanted to help people with my career. After considering a few option in the medical field I landed on Dentistry. I attended the University of Louisville for dental school. After seeing the amazing transformations that take place during orthodontic treatment, I was privileged enough to continue my education at the University of Iowa for orthodontic training. Thanks to some amazing faculty the program is considered among one of the top in the nation.
Throughout our travels from North Carolina, to Louisville, and Iowa we could never decide where to live. I always wanted to move back home. However, Misty is a southerner from Virginia Beach, so she just wanted to move someplace warm. I finally convinced her to move to Chicago after our first year in Iowa. Her only stipulation was that she got to pick the area. It needed to have field hockey and beautiful trees. After visiting New Trier for a field hockey tournament one fall, she knew she had found the perfect place. So, I started to send emails to every north shore orthodontist in a town with field hockey, and I got lucky enough to meet Dr. John Ford.
We’re always bombarded by how great it is to pursue your passion, etc – but we’ve spoken with enough people to know that it’s not always easy. Overall, would you say things have been easy for you?
Nothing outside the normal obstacles that any orthodontist has faced. Getting into dental school and orthodontic residency requires high grades and test scores. My wife was very supportive throughout the process. Even though she wasn’t a big fan of all my studying, she knew it would allow me to do something I loved. Being in practice presents its own obstacles, but I don’t have to sit at the dining room table for several hours a night studying, which is nice. Misty is actually working at the office as our marketing and treatment coordinator. While in dental school and residency I had to work through most of my challenges alone, I now have Misty as an amazing teammate to help with all the challenges we face. Actually treating patients is the easy part of orthodontics. I received an amazing education and feel very comfortable tackling the most challenging cases. Running a business is what’s difficult now. Luckily I have a great mentor in Dr. John Ford. He’s done an amazing job imparting his wisdom from over 30 years of practice.
So, as you know, we’re impressed with Brady and Ford Orthodontics – tell our readers more, for example what you’re most proud of as a company and what sets you apart from others.
I am an orthodontist. I straighten kids’ and adults’ teeth using braces and clear aligners like Invisalign. Dr. Ford has been practicing in Winnetka for 30 years. He is a third generation orthodontist. His grandfather practiced down town and his dad opened up an office in Winnetka about 60 years ago. All together the practice has been around for over 100 years. After Dr. Ford’s children decided to pursue other career paths he started interviewing candidates to carry on his family’s legacy. I was fortunate enough to meet Dr. Ford during this time and we really connected. Dr. Ford has been great taking me under his wing and teaching me all that he knows. He’s an institution around here. It’s amazing how many families have had multiple generations treated by Dr. Ford and his family. I feel honored to carry on the tradition of excellence. Our practice is unique in that we’re a relatively small office. Most orthodontic offices will have several chairside assistants that do most of the work with patients. Dr. Ford and I still delegate a fair amount of work, but we do more hands on work than most orthodontists. We also make every effort to touch base with parents during each visit. If we’re not able to parents can always call our cell phones any time day or night and get an update on their child’s treatment.
We know orthodontic treatment is a big investment, and we want to make sure that each family knows that we value them, and care about their comfort, as well as the final result. At Brady & Ford we also know that research and best practice show that almost 90% of orthodontic cases can be treated with just one phase of treatment. For most, one phase of treatment, timed appropriately with a child’s growth, results in the same excellent finish as multiple rounds of braces with an expander. Less time I braces is better for the patient’s comfort and oral health. Less time in braces is also good for the parents because it offers less time spent at office visits, and a lower final cost.
So, what’s next? Any big plans?
My wife and I are new to the North Shore so we don’t have that many deep connections that typically come with an extended network of family and friends. We’re looking forward to getting more involved in the community as we establish our roots and raise our family here. We’re always on the lookout for local organizations that we can participate in and give back to.
Contact Info:
- Address: 585 Lincoln Ave.
Winnetka, IL
60093 - Website: bradyandford.com
- Phone: 847-446-2245
- Email: frontdesk@bradyandford.com
- Instagram: bradyandfordorthodontics
- Facebook: @BradyFordOrtho
Image Credit:
Classic Kids Winnetka
Natalie Hartung
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