About Us

Dr. Karan Patel

Where It All Began

Some of my earliest experiences in
dentistry started long before I
understood what a career was. Most
afternoons after school and many
weekends were spent in my dad’s
offce, helping wherever I could.


I fed charts, cleaned chairs, and helped
set up operatories. As I grew more
comfortable, I became my dad’s
right-hand help on weekends, jumping
in when he needed support, even if it
meant simply helping comfort
patients

I had no experience and no real understanding at the time. I just remember thinking:

I get to be

like Dad!

My Journey Into Orthodontics

The real reason I chose orthodontics is simple:

It Changed My life....

...sometimes, the best way to understand how powerful something can be is to experience it yourself.

     That experience began in 2004, during Holi — a celebration of
color, movement, and joy. I was running full speed, laughing,
trying to avoid getting covered in color, when I tripped over a
low-hanging chain and fell face-first onto the pavement.
I remember the sudden stillness. Family and friends rushed
toward me as my dad ran over to comfort me and assess what
had happened.

We went straight to his office. My teeth were stabilized, I was
stitched up, and for a while all I could do was wait for the
swelling to come down. Physically, I healed quickly.
Emotionally, something shifted.

My teeth had moved dramatically. I struggled to close my lips and
became acutely aware of how I looked. I avoided attention, not
because of pain, but because of how visible it felt.

When my parents brought me to an orthodontist, I didn’t
know what to expect. The office felt different — welcoming,
energetic, and reassuring. Braces were recommended, and
within weeks, I began to see change.

At the time, I didn’t fully understand what orthodontic treatment
was giving me. But I felt it. Confidence returned quietly.
Something I had been ashamed of became something I no longer
thought about.

People started complimenting me for something I was once ashamed of:

My SMILE!

That realization stayed with me. Something that felt so negative had become something positive.

Orthodontics didn’t just change my smile. It changed how I saw myself.

At such a young age I felt this strong passion to help others feel the same transformation I experienced. It was from this moment I knew my goal:

Become an Orthodontist!

As I grew older, I became intentional about
preparing myself for that future.


I leaned into design, art, and technology,
knowing they would shape how I think and
solve problems. Through graphic design,
architecture, and my time at Apple, I developed
a sharp eye for detail, strong communication
skills, and a deep appreciation for thoughtful,
human-centered design.

At the same time, I continued working in
my dad’s practice, staying hands-on and
learning everything I could about
dentistry from the inside out. I wasn’t just
watching anymore. I was studying.
Listening. Absorbing what it truly meant
to care for people day in and day out.

Each experience sharpened a different skill:

Attention to detail. Problem-solving. Empathy. Communication. Design-driven thinking.

I earned my Doctorate in Dental Medicine from
Nova Southeastern University

I continued my education at Saint Louis University to earn my Master’s Degree in Orthodontics!

I returned home to Florida with one clear goal: to bring that
same transformative experience to the community.

That vision became:

Discover The Ortho Co.