Meet Dr. Rowe

As an Orthodontist

Over the years I have learned we all must play a role in helping others have a better life. That may be as parents, friends, or professionals: we all need to be part of each others support systems.

As an orthodontist, I feel I have a role to play beyond creating smiles.

I frequently interact with younger patients and remind them of the importance of paying attention to what they learn in school, of being active members of their own families and helping their siblings and parents, and of taking responsibility for their success in life.

When working with adults, I’m often helping them to take control of their oral health. I find that educating older patients on the relationship between dental health and overall lifestyle can have a significant impact on an issue the person has been ignoring or didn’t know much about.

Becoming Partners

Going through orthodontic treatment takes a significant commitment and really is a team effort. The best and most enduring results require patients to be active participants in the process, from the initial visit through the finished smile.

In the best situations, my patient, their family if they’re young, my team, and I form a partnership. We all work toward the goal of a functional, beautiful smile, and each play an essential role in making the treatment process enjoyable and successful.

The partnerships we form, as we achieve those incredible smiles, mean the world to me!

Education and Experience

• Bachelor of Science in Biology, Georgetown University
• Doctorate of Dental Medicine, Harvard School of Dental Medicine
• Masters in Public Health, Harvard School of Public Health
• Master of Science in Orthodontics, University of Michigan School of Dentistry

I am currently a Clinical Instructor in Orthodontics at the Harvard School of Dental Medicine. Teaching at Harvard keeps me in touch with the next generation of orthodontists. Each of those future practitioners challenges me to stay at the forefront of the profession in order to help them strengthen and expand their clinical skills.

Continuing education is integral to all I do. I am an active member of the Seattle Study Club, which allows me to meet and interact with multiple general and specialists dentists from many of the top practices in Central Massachusetts. This study club is the best way I have found to stay current with dentistry outside of orthodontics and helps me craft better treatment plans that relate to the total dental care of our patients.

I am also a member of the New England Damon™ Study Club and attend the Yankee Dental Annual Meeting.

Professional Memberships and Activities

• American Association of Orthodontists
• American Dental Association
• Massachusetts Association of Orthodontists, Executive Board
• Wachusett Dental Society, Executive Board
• Massachusetts Board of Registration in Dentistry, Dental Practice Act Task Force

Beyond the Practice

My dad worked for a Canadian bank while I was growing up, so my family moved frequently: Newfoundland and Toronto, Canada, Montclair, NJ, and San Juan, Puerto Rico were all “home” at one time or another.

I’ve now lived in the Fitchburg/Lunenburg/Leominster, MA area for over 30 years and consider this my home.

My wife Susan and I met when we were both in graduate school at Harvard. She taught in elementary school for years and now helps at the practice, handling marketing and inventory.

Susan and I have two sons: our oldest, Garrett, graduated from Northeastern University with a degree in Business and works for Atlantic Distributors. Our younger son, Jamie, graduated from the Berklee College of Music and is a recording engineer and music producer in Boston.

Sue loves cats: as such, we currently have three. They seem to tolerate me, unless Sue is out of town, and then they love me! I know I shouldn’t play favorites, but I do adore Stinky Pete, our grey tuxedo feline.

Beyond work and family, I have loved playing golf since I was a teenager. I still love and hate it, simultaneously.

At age 40 I started to ski: my golfing buddies would ski in the winter and finally convinced me to give it a try. I loved it immediately! Starting late makes me a cautious skier, but I’m still trying to get better. I enjoy New England skiing and  also try to get out west every year, or to the big mountains.

When home I like to read: primarily non-fiction, but I do make a point of at least one novel each summer.

My most recent addiction is Sudoku, a type of number puzzle. This might be what finally drives me crazy!

I think, at heart, I am a teacher. This is probably one of the things that initially attracted me to Susan. I like to learn and I like to share what I know with others. Whenever I encounter a new idea or experience, I am immediately drawn to thinking of how I can share it with someone else.