Anderton Orthodontics - Serving With Passion

Dr. Kirk J. Anderton is passionate: about work, about family, about youth, about orthodontics and about rock & roll. He believes anything you work hard at should be fun, done well and serve others. Perhaps this is the secret to his successful orthodontic office where as he says “We try to create an atmosphere where clients feel relaxed, welcome and happy and have a good experience every visit, not occasionally but every visit,”

“Brace Rock” is the logo for this office that exudes an energetic and friendly vibe. And it flashes in neon from the walls that also house images of The Eagles, The Beatles and more Rock and Roll paraphernalia signed by famous musicians. No sterile vanilla walls in this space; every space in Anderton’s office is designed to make braces a fun experience for both his patients and his staff. While his treatment area displays his love of rock and roll, each room in the office has a different theme that reflects his passions: skiing, cars, Hawaii.

It’s typical to go into a dentist office and it is a vanilla shell. It’s a flat environment and it creates anxiety in people,” he says of his decision to amp up the décor in his work space.

 “I bring my passions to my office because this is stuff I know about and it gives patients a chance to know a little bit about me,” he says. But Anderton takes his passion for rock and roll a step further by giving back to his patients. He and his staff interact with their patients on a more personal level by involving them in monthly contests or donating to their school events or causes. After all, patients with braces are seen monthly. The experience could become tedious and anxiety ridden. So, each month one of his new patients wins a Fender electric guitar. And he can often be heard giving them tips on how to get started with their new instrument. After all, he has been an amateur guitarist since the third grade. He also has drawings for t-shirts and movie tickets each month along with an annual party.

But Anderton implements additional methods for running a successful business and it starts with creating a team environment with his staff. Office Manager Melanie Dustin mentions that “He is not a holier than thou doctor. He will sanitize stations, vacuum or mow the lawn if it needs to get done.” Everyone on the Anderton team is dedicated to the concept of creating a positive experience for the patient. Friendly front desk personnel, short wait time and cheerful workers all contribute to less tension in the work space.

Anderton also only prescribes the treatment needed, as an Orthodontist for 20 years he has had time to observe his industry. He spent the first 18 of those years in Arizona and has only recently come to Cedar in the past two years. His observations and experience have left him concerned with the decline of ethical morals in the workplace as other orthodontists and dentists throughout Utah and Arizona become more interested in how much money and treatment they can get from their patients. To combat this “ethical decline” Anderton is giving back to his industry in two ways.

He is currently working on a writing a book targeted to students in dental school. The book’s premise deals with the practical aspects of running a business along with the philosophical advantages of becoming passionate about providing a service. It will encourage dentists and orthodontists to “find their passion in providing an experience instead of keeping their hands in their patients’ pockets (or pocketbooks)” he says.

His second goal is to help establish a stronger Dental Board in Utah that “has some teeth (or guts.)” He wants patients to have a stronger recourse for bad or unethical treatment. He also wants to raise awareness of patients’ rights.

 When Anderton is not at work he pursues his hobbies and passions with his family and wife whom he has been married to for “27 fun filled years.” He loves to be outside and can be found spending time on the slopes as an avid skier, learning new songs on his guitar or visiting his favorite tropical paradise, Hawaii.

"Dr. A," as he is known by patients and staff embraces everything he does whether it is at work or at home and this is the secret for his contagious enthusiasm and successful orthodontist office.

Dr. Anderton's Office is located at 1751 W Royal Hunte, Cedar City Utah.