Dr. Parag Soni grew up in Etowah, Tennessee and graduated from McMinn Central high school.
His parents were well known physicians in the community. From his parents, Dr. Soni learned the importance of providing superior care and treating every patient individually with different desires and concerns. As a legacy to his parents, Dr. Soni set out to create a practice environment in which each patient is treated as a member of the family. Dr. Soni moved to Dalton, GA. In the winter of 2008 and opened the Dalton location of Soni Orthodontics in July 2009. Dr. Soni opened a secondary location in Fort Oglethorpe, Ga in the summer of 2011.
For optimal patient treatment, Dr. Soni considers it imperative to be up to date on the latest technology and orthodontic techniques, therefore continuing education is an important part of his life. To share his passion for education and orthodontics, Dr. Soni provides continuing education to dental professionals in Dalton and Fort Oglethorpe areas to both hygienists and dentists.
Dr. Soni is an honors graduate from the University of Tennessee Dental School. He started his residency at the University of Florida Advanced Education in General Dentistry. While in the residency program, Dr. Soni taught at the St. Petersburg school of dental hygiene. He then continued perusing his dream at Saint Barnabus Hospital, an affiliate of Weill Medical College of Cornell University, to complete his 3 year orthodontic residency. Dr. Soni is one of the few board certified orthodontist’s in the country. Dr. Soni is affiliated with the ADA, AAO, GAO, GDA, and ABO.
Dr. Soni is an active member in the Dalton Community. He is a member at First Presbyterian Church and an active member in the Boy Scouts. Dr. Soni is married to Ashley Reed Soni, from Chatsworth, Ga. They have a three year old daughter, Neela and two dogs, Ruby and Cooper.
Three Categories of Orthodontics
Because of the rapid technological advances in the various fields of dentistry, it is virtually impossible for any one dentist to be proficient in all of them. That is why most patients seek out an orthodontic specialist to treat dental problems. There are three categories of practitioners:
- General Dentists
The general dentist may perform orthodontics as part of his or her practice, but does not limit specialization to orthodontics. - The Orthodontic Specialist
Just as medical doctors may specialize in a certain area (obstetrics, pediatrics, surgery, etc.), a dentist may specialize in orthodontics by completing an intensive 2 or 3 year residency at an accredited university or hospital. - Diplomate of the American Board of Orthodontics
Board certification is the highest level an orthodontist can aspire to; less than 20% nationally achieve it. Dr. Soni is proud to be a Diplomate of the American Board of Orthodontics. To earn this certification, an orthodontist must demonstrate broad experience, exceptional skill and in-depth knowledge. The certification process involves a thorough written examination covering all areas of information on which an orthodontist should be knowledgeable. Successful passage allows the orthodontist to present treated cases which will be evaluated by expert examiners of the Board during a clinical examination.