Michael Dougherty Dentistry is a thirty-five-year-old private practice for the provision of general and family dental care. This dental health care setting was founded on the premise that optimal dental care begins with education about preventive habits and interventions. Furthermore, optimal dentistry includes a comprehensive evaluation of the health and function of the teeth, gums, jawbones, jaw joints, and associated muscles and glands of the head and neck. The founder, Dr. Michael Dougherty, realized early in his career that there was an inevitable relationship between dental health and the physical and emotional well-being of his patients. Recent research has borne out this relationship. The treatments this office provides to bring a patient back to health include biocompatible materials, validated methods of treatment from past years, and the latest in dental technologies and materials. Beyond physiological and physical health the appearance of the smile and lower face of the patient is assessed to offer treatments and care designed to enhance the patients' appearance and social confidence.