Wall Orthodontics is owned by Drs. Marie and Michael Wall. The award-winning practice focuses on patients first because those patients are what bring them the most joy.
Dr. Michael Wall grew up in Columbus, Georgia and attended Clemson University on a U.S. Army scholarship. Upon graduation, he served the United States Army for five years in the combat arms branch as an Army officer. He was stationed for a time in Texas and Louisiana, and finished his tour in South Korea.
After completing his service, he attended the Medical College of Georgia School of Dentistry, where he not only was awarded his Doctorate of Dental Medicine and graduated top of his class, but he also met Dr. Marie Wall, a native of Savannah.
After she graduated with her Doctorate of Dental Medicine in 2002, Marie worked at the Gracewood State Hospital in Augusta, caring for the dental needs of mentally and physically handicapped patients.
After four-time dental class president Michael completed his DMD, he applied and was accepted into the highly competitive military Tri-Services Orthodontic Residency Program in San Antonio, Texas. Following his residency, he and the family spent three years station in Heidelberg, Germany.
“Working full-time as a dentist while my husband was in the Army,” Marie said, “I cut back to part-time in order to be with my daughters once they were born.”
The Walls have three daughters: Sophie, an incoming freshman at Clemson University; Camille, a rising senior at Bulloch Academy, and Lucy, an upcoming eighth-grader at Bulloch Academy.
When not working, the Wall family can be found at church or exploring and experiencing other cultures with trips abroad.
Business Development coordinator Anita Brown said, “Dr. Wall bought Dr. High’s practice in 2009 and Dr. Fortson’s practice in 2010. He built the current location in 2014.”
The family has enjoyed its 14 years in Bulloch County and enjoys giving back to nonprofits through the business and personally.
The staff of 20 at Wall Orthodontics all agree that their patients are the priority, whether it’s Amanda helping to maximize your insurance benefits, or Alena answering the phone with a cheerful tone, each employee is dedicated to a pleasant experience for the patient.
Brown works closely with office coordinators and Dr. Wall to ensure that the entire team is well supported with the technology, training and protocols that will keep the patient first.
Certified Orthodontic Assistant Ashton May is one of the luckier employees at the practice because she’s the one who gets to see patients’ post-treatment smiles first. May “loves the lifelong learning that’s encouraged at work,” and says she is never bored.
Dr. Wall said, “I feel truly blessed to be an orthodontist. It allows me to live by the adage, ‘Love what you do and you won’t have to work a day in your life.’ That’s how I feel as I come into my practice. Orthodontics combines two of my passions: working with my hands and talking with interesting people. Even better, my work brings about positive, lasting changes in the lives of my patients.”
While all the employees enjoy their work with patients of all ages, the patients (and parents of patients) obviously love the Wall Orthodontics family as well. The business won best Small Business from the Statesboro Bulloch Chamber of Commerce in 2015.
Dr. Michael Wall maintains membership to the American Association of Orthodontists, American Dental Association, Southern Association of Orthodontists, and the Georgia Association of Orthodontists and also serves as a board member on the Georgia Association of Orthodontists.
“He was invited to join the prestigious study club, Schulman Group, in 2019,” said Brown.
“Dr. Wall is also a PACE approved provider through the Academy of General Dentistry, which means he’s certified to provide continuing education credits to other dentists.”
Dr. Wall isn’t only certified to provide continuing education for other dentists, but he continues his own education.
“Orthodontics is a constantly changing profession. The ongoing developments in technology and new approaches to treatment mean a better care experience for our patients and even more amazing smiles, he said. “By actively pursuing continuing education, locally and nationally, I ensure I’m always current on the newest options.”
Orthodontics can benefit everyone, so Dr. Wall treats patients of all ages. He works with both traditional braces and Invisalign. In his 20-year orthodontic career, he has treated approximately 10,000 comprehensive cases.
Invisalign recognizes its providers with rankings based on the number of cases they have handled. Dr. Wall has handled more than 1,500 cases and Align Technology has distinguished him as a Diamond Provider. Dr. Wall is in the country’s top 1% of Invisalign providers.
Dr. Wall doesn’t work for his patients for the prestige and awards— he works with them to build partnerships in their care.
“Each day I spend time with engaging, fascinating people from a variety of backgrounds. They all have stories to tell, and we often end up laughing together. This laughter builds a special rapport, and we become partners, working together toward the shared goal of a beautiful, healthy smile. One that will last a lifetime,” he said.
Wall values professionalism and honesty while having fun with his patients. He wants his patients to enjoy coming to the office. He wants them to have fond memories of their time in braces or aligners, so he makes sure his team is well equipped to go the extra mile for patients and their families.
Even with a large staff, you’ll see the teamwork that the employees have with each other. Marketing coordinator Shelby Akins will step into the treatment coordinator role to help out when needed.
In addition to Drs. Wall, Brown, May and Akins, the staff includes Lynn Byrd, Teri Beasley, Taylor Vasilatos, Mandi Williams, Courtenay Carter, Emily Jackson, Ashley Lamb, Paige Lee, Brenda Overstreet, Amanda Lanier, Lindsay Boyett, Carolyn Couch, Chelsea Sikes, Alena Horton and Dawn Lindsay.
With a busy office, you might think that the staff doesn’t have time to build relationships with patients, but that’s one of their favorite things collectively. They each have their own roles within the practice, but they all do their part to make patients feel welcome and appreciated.
Brown said, “From special treats in the lobby and rewards for complaint patients to contests, prizes, at our annual Patient Appreciation Party at Splash in the Boro, Wall Orthodontics is about giving back to the people who make coming to work so enjoyable — our patients!”