270. Are clicking and popping joints healthy? With Dr. Drew. McDonald

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Dr. Drew McDonald is a board-certified orthodontic specialist renowned for his expertise in airway and temporomandibular joint (TMJ)-focused treatment planning, surgically facilitated orthodontic therapy (SFOT), and complex interdisciplinary care. He is based in St. Petersburg, Florida, where he leads McDonald Orthodontics, a practice dedicated to comprehensive, patient-centered orthodontic solutions. 

🎓 Education & Training

• Undergraduate: University of New Mexico (B.S. in Biology, Minor in Chemistry, 2008).

• Dental School: Creighton University School of Dentistry (D.D.S., cum laude).

• Inducted into Omicron Kappa Upsilon (National Dental Honor Society) and Alpha Sigma Nu (Honor Society of Jesuit Universities).

• Served as class president and student body president.

• Orthodontic Residency: University of Missouri-Kansas City (Certificate in Orthodontics and M.S. in Oral and Craniofacial Sciences, 2016).

🦷 Clinical Focus

Dr. McDonald specializes in integrating airway and TMJ considerations into orthodontic treatment, emphasizing the importance of addressing underlying functional issues alongside dental alignment. His approach often involves the use of advanced imaging techniques, such as CBCT and MRI, to inform diagnosis and treatment planning. 

🎤 Lectures & Publications

An international lecturer, Dr. McDonald shares his insights on topics including airway-focused orthodontics, TMJ disorders, and interdisciplinary treatment planning. He has contributed to various professional publications and educational programs, collaborating with organizations like The Breathe Institute and ACT Dental. 

👨‍👩‍👧 Personal Life

Originally from Tucson, Arizona, Dr. McDonald’s passion for baseball led him to play as a catcher for the University of New Mexico Lobos from 2006 to 2008. He met his wife, Emily, during his time in Albuquerque. Outside the office, he enjoys spending time with his two daughters, grilling, and golfing.