Orthodontists Explain Their Work To Nanuet Students

Marissa and Nicole Clemente love their careers. The two sisters work in the family’s New City orthodontic practice started by their father 30 years ago. 

The sisters shared their enthusiasm for being orthodontists with fourth graders at Nanuet’s Highview Elementary School on Friday.   In response to students’ questions both said they knew at a young age they wanted to join their father in the Clemente family business. 

“I always wanted to be an orthodontist,” said Nicole, a Ridgewood, NJ resident.

“I really love what I do. It’s a really great profession.

Marissa spoke about the number of years the children would have to go to school before they could become orthodontists – about 20 more years. She said she enjoyed working with her hands and listed some of the subjects such as biology they would have to study. 

The sisters alternated explaining the differences between what dentists do and what orthodontists do.  They talked about how orthodontists straighten teeth for patients with problems such as overbites, under bites and open bites by using retainers and braces. 

Students wanted to know if the sisters had worn braces and found out they had along with their three other siblings. As part of their Career Program preparation students researched the work of orthodontists and dentists so they could ask questions.

The children wanted to know who gets braces, how they are put on and how long it takes. 

“They’re glued on just like stickers,” said Marissa, a Valley Cottage resident. “As orthodontists we are trained to know exactly where to put each bracket.”

Nicole added it takes about 20 minutes to put on braces. The typical patient is 12 years old and returns for adjustments about every six weeks.

Nicole who began practicing orthodontics in 2003, said the favorite part of her job is when children who do not like their smiles leave loving their smiles.

Marissa became an orthodontist in 2006.

Krisha Anant asked about using gold in filling teeth. She learned although it was compatible with teeth and been common, it was no longer regularly used. 

The Clementes, who grew up in West Nyack, visited Highview Elementary as part of its Career Day Program. Other speakers included a forensic toxicologist, kindergarten teacher and pediatrician.

Emma Links, 10, enjoyed hearing what the various presenters had to say.

“I like that you can find out about different careers and find out what you what to be when you grow up,” she said.  

Anthony Binetti, 9, said” I liked it because different people with different jobs told me about what they do.”