Becoming an orthodontist wasn’t always what Dr. Elizabeth “Nikki” Dockerty Smith had in mind.

While a pathology major in graduate school at Indiana University-Indianapolis, she started a class with orthodontic residents. With the over-crowding of her teeth, one of the residents took her on as a patient, she said.

The experience convinced her to start dental school at the age of 24.

After a recent move from a large practice in South Bend, Smith opened the doors to a new full-time orthodontic practice called Harmony Orthodontics in Logansport on Nov. 1.

After 12 years of schooling, including two years of orthodontics at the Indiana University School of Dentistry, Smith received her MSD and Orthodontic Certificate in 2005. She also became certified by the American Board of Orthodontics in 2005.

Smith said she enjoys her line of work and helping other people.

“I just think it is the greatest thing in the world,” she said. “It can be life-changing for people. I enjoy seeing the life-changing experience and knowing that I helped with it.”

Some people may not think of orthodontics in this way, but for Smith the dental work she received allowed her to smile and gain self-confidence.

After working with one the facility members from Indianapolis in a large setting in South Bend for almost two years, Smith said she decided it was time to come back to Logansport, where she grew up.

“I just decided it was time to be close to family and friends,” she said. “I got some experience outside of Logansport. This is a smaller community where I could be really involved.”

She said the desire to come back to the community where she grew up factored into her decision to work in Logansport.

After attending three local elementary schools and graduating from Lewis Cass High School in 1992, Smith is appreciative toward those who taught and supported her.

“I feel the people that invested so much in my future are still here,” She said. “It feels great to come back and invest in it.”

In addition to South Bend, Smith also gained general dentistry experience in Fishers and Kokomo.

The new practice offers a full range of orthodontic treatments, including metal and clear braces. Treatment is offered to children and adults.

There are several reasons why Smith feels her practice is beneficial to the community.

Smith said she offers flexible hours, pay plans and a friendly environment. The office is also equipped with state of the art technology, she said.

Some people may be hesitant to go to the orthodontist for several reasons.

A lot of people are concerned with the cost of dental work, which Smith said can be expensive. She likes to reassure people that she is flexible with payments.

There are also misconceptions about braces, according to Smith.

“I hear a lot of people say ‘I’m too old for braces,’” she said. “You are never too old for braces as long as your gums and bones are healthy.”

During her residency, Smith said she even put braces on a 64-year-old woman.

Others may be hesitant to get braces because the equipment might hurt.

While there may be some minor discomfort, braces tend not to be too painful, Smith said.

With the opening of the new office, Smith has had help of her husband, Jaime, a computer software developer.

Her mother, Carol Forlow, a registered nurse in Kokomo, also helps out two days a week.

Among future goals for the practice, Smith hopes to see continual growth. Mainly though, she hopes to see the community benefit from the services she offers.

Denise Forsberg can be reached at (574) 732-5113 and via e-mail at denise.forsberg@pharostribune.com