Ever feel like every orthodontist claims to be “the best?” When it comes to your family’s smiles, you want more than just five-star Yelp reviews and a shiny, new office. You want to know the credentials behind the care! That’s where board certification comes in, and it’s something Dr. Ken and Dr. JK proudly bring to every appointment. Let’s take a closer look at what that means and why families across Wichita and Derby trust their teeth to Dillehay Orthodontics.
What Does “Board-Certified” Actually Mean?
It’s not just a fancy title. Being board-certified means that Dr. Ken and Dr. JK went above and beyond their orthodontic training. After dental school and orthodontic residency, they voluntarily completed a rigorous process through the American Board of Orthodontics to prove their skill and knowledge. Think of it as the orthodontic version of passing the bar, but with extra credit.
To earn board certification, orthodontists must:
- Complete hundreds of hours of additional study
- Pass a tough written exam
- Present real cases to expert reviewers
- Commit to ongoing learning and recertification every ten years
It’s a big deal, and only a small percentage of orthodontists in the U.S. hold this distinction. So when you’re in a chair at Dillehay Orthodontics, you’re being treated by pros who’ve proven their expertise time and time again! Next up, let’s see how that advanced training benefits your family from day one.
How Board-Certified Care Benefits You
Getting care from board-certified orthodontists like Dr. Ken and Dr. JK comes with more than just bragging rights. It shows up in the way treatment feels: thorough, thoughtful, and tailored to your needs.
Care Built Around You
Board-certified orthodontists are trained to think critically about each patient’s case. Instead of defaulting to the same treatment plan over and over, they look at bite patterns, facial symmetry, and growth stages to craft a plan that fits.
Sharper Diagnostic Skills
Because of their advanced training, Dr. Ken and Dr. JK are skilled at spotting things that others might miss. That means they can catch potential problems early or offer solutions that work better in the long run.
A Smoother Treatment Experience
From the way brackets are placed to how adjustments are made, board-certified care often leads to better results in fewer visits. That means less time in the chair and more time doing what you love!
Coming up next, we’ll look at the two highly trained experts who bring skill, heart, and hometown care to every appointment at Dillehay Orthodontics.
Meet the Experts – Dr. Ken and Dr. JK
Behind every confident smile at Dillehay Orthodontics is a team that blends experience with fresh perspective. Dr. Ken and Dr. JK Dillehay work side by side to bring thoughtful, personalized care to families across Wichita and Derby, with a shared focus on quality and relationships.
Leadership That Sets the Bar
Dr. Ken Dillehay is a nationally recognized orthodontist and former president of the American Association of Orthodontists. With decades of experience and a reputation for excellence, he continues to lead by example, helping shape the field while caring for patients close to home.
A Modern Approach to Trusted Care
Dr. JK Dillehay earned his DDS and Master of Science in Orthodontics from the University of Tennessee after graduating from Ole Miss with a degree in Biology. He combines advanced clinical training with a down-to-earth, hometown approach that puts patients at ease.
Board-Certified for a Reason
Both doctors are board-certified, which reflects their commitment to high standards, continued education, and top-level outcomes.
Next, we’ll explore how their expertise helps kids, teens, and adults enjoy smoother, more effective treatment from the very first visit.
Why It Matters for Every Age
Every smile has a different story, and board-certified care adapts to meet patients where they are. Whether it’s your child’s first orthodontic visit or your own long-overdue smile upgrade, Dr. Ken and Dr. JK know how to make each phase count.
For Kids
Timing can make all the difference in early orthodontic care. With a trained eye for growth and development, board-certified orthodontists can:
- Spot bite issues before they become complex
- Recommend monitoring vs. treatment when appropriate
- Keep things simple and stress-free for young patients
For Teens
Teen years are busy enough without added complications. That’s why families appreciate the thoughtful, efficient care that comes with experience. Dr. Ken and Dr. JK work with:
- Clear aligners and low-profile braces that fit active lifestyles
- Treatment plans are designed around school schedules and sports seasons
- Personalized support that helps teens feel confident throughout the process
For Adults
It’s never too late to improve your smile, and board-certified care makes the process feel approachable, not overwhelming. Adults benefit from:
- Options that fit work and family life
- Honest conversations about timing and results
- A team that respects your goals and keeps things practical
Next, let’s take a closer look at the local experience and personal touches that make Dillehay Orthodontics a trusted choice in Wichita and Derby.
Trusted by Wichita and Derby Families
Orthodontic care is more than just the tools and technology; it’s about who’s behind it! Families across Wichita and Derby keep turning to Dillehay Orthodontics because they know they’ll get care that’s experienced, thoughtful, and always centered on them.
Here’s what sets the team apart:
- Board-Certified Expertise – With advanced training and certification, Dr. Ken and Dr. JK bring top-tier knowledge to every treatment plan.
- Modern, Comfortable Options – From shape-memory NiTi wires to clear aligners and lingual braces, treatment feels smoother and fits your lifestyle.
- Same-Day Starts – Once questions are answered and the plan is clear, you can begin treatment that very day.
- Flexible Financing – Low down payments, zero-interest plans, and insurance handling make it easier to say yes.
- Community Connection – As a family-run practice, Dr. Ken and Dr. JK value long-term relationships and know their patients by name.
It all adds up to a care experience that feels consistent, reassuring, and genuinely built around your family.
Certified Smiles For All!
When it comes to your smile, credentials count, but so does connection. With board-certified care from Dr. Ken and Dr. JK at Dillehay Orthodontics, you’re getting a team that knows your name, understands your goals, and takes the time to do things right. Schedule your free consultation in Derby, East Wichita, or West Wichita today and see where board-certified care meets hometown comfort.