Dr. Parag Soni, a Board Certified Orthodontist, studied on the undergraduate level
at the Georgia Institute of Technology and Florida State University. He graduated from the University of Tennessee College of Dentistry with honors. After completing his dental degree, he went on to attend the University of Florida Advanced Education in Dentistry program. While in the program, Dr. Soni taught at the St. Petersburg School of Dental Hygiene. Following his interests, Dr. Soni completed a three-year orthodontic residency at Saint Barnabas Hospital, which is affiliated with Weill Medical College of Cornell University.
As an active member of the orthodontic community, Dr. Soni is affiliated with several professional associations. Among them the American Association of Orthodontists, the Southern Association of Orthodontists, the American Board of Orthodontics, the American Dental Association, the Georgia Dental Association, and the Northwestern District Dental Society.
Outside of the office, Dr Soni spends time with his wife, Ashley, Daughter, Neela, and family.
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.