Dr. Christine Mills

Dr. Christine Mills retired in February 2009 after selling her practice to Dr. Brian Hong in 2008.

I have been a certified specialist in orthodontics for many years and truly enjoy this most interesting and rewarding aspect of dentistry. The art and science of orthodontics is a wonderfully creative field that provides the opportunity to not only straighten crooked teeth and correct functional problems, but also to mould the growth and development of the jaws to achieve dramatic facial and profile changes as well. As orthodontists, we not only change peoples’ teeth – we also change their lives. Giving a patient a beautiful smile and watching their self-esteem and confidence grow is what makes my occupation so enjoyable.

In order to do the type of work we do, many years of education are required. After graduating from the University of Toronto with my Doctor of Dental Surgery degree, I spent a year at Michael Reese hospital in Chicago where I did a general practice residency. I then received my orthodontic specialty training at the University of Chicago and also earned a Master of Science degree.

Being a student was a lot of fun for me, mainly because of the wonderful teachers who ignited my interest in orthodontics and helped make this field a lifelong passion for me. I have tried to emulate those teachers by sharing my own enthusiasm for orthodontics and my years of clinical experience with the dental students at the University of British Columbia where I have been a clinical instructor and lecturer for many years.

Having an orthodontic practice where patients are carefully monitored over several years of treatment and retention has provided me with a wealth of clinical data to do research. With the assistance of some marvelous grad students, I have been able to publish several articles in leading North American orthodontic journals and also write a couple of textbook chapters. This research has given me the opportunity to lecture to University students and orthodontic groups across Canada, as well as in several cities in the U.S.

My primary area of research has been related to studying the growth and development of young children with significant overbite problems and measuring the impact of fixed and removable orthodontic appliances on the growth pattern. It has been very gratifying to know that all the effort and thousands of hours of time that went into this research has had an impact on the way orthodontics is practiced and taught in North America and around the world.

Thank goodness I have a supportive husband who has tolerated my workaholic tendencies and helped me raise two fine teenagers, a son in Medicine and a daughter who is studying to be a Naturopath. My husband is an oral and maxillofacial surgeon, so he can help me out when treatment planning for those patients whose bite problems are beyond the scope of routine orthodontic correction.

When I am not engaged in orthodontic activities, I am at home baking pies and cakes for my staff. It’s a good way to show them how much I love them – they are all great people and I couldn’t have a successful practice without their combined talents!

When I do manage to tear myself away from the office, I enjoy outdoor activities such as wilderness canoeing and backpacking, boating, and scuba diving. You will also see me walking my dog along the beach and catching the sunset whenever I can!

In 2009, Dr. Mills will retire after practicing for 30 years. It is time to enjoy her Japanese garden and do some adventure travelling. We all wish her relaxation and good health.

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