Dr. Michael McLaughlin, or “Doctor M” as his patients and staff know him, is quite possibly the happiest orthodontist in the world. His genuine love and excitement for the art and science of orthodontics is highly contagious! This enthusiasm combined with his desire to help and improve the lives of those he meets, has created an environment where our patients and staff truly become friends and family.

Dr. McLaughlin has been living in Flagstaff, creating beautiful smiles for 25 years. Born and raised in Southern California, he graduated with honors from the University of Southern California receiving his Doctor of Dental Surgery degree in 1983. Knowing he wanted to spend his life working with children, he planned to specialize in Pediatric Dentistry, but after a rotation in Orthodontics, found his true calling. The necessary precision and aesthetics were an ideal prescription for his technical skill and artistic eye. As an orthodontist who helps to change lives as he creates patient confidence with a great smile, he consistently meets his own demanding challenges for perfection with absolute joy and delight.

Dr. McLaughlin has exceeded the standards set by the Board of American Orthodontics and received Board Certification for his outstanding treatment results, joining a select group of orthodontists worldwide and becoming the only Board Certified Orthodontist in Northern Arizona.

As an active member of the orthodontic community, Dr. McLaughlin is affiliated with several professional associations, among them the American Association of Orthodontics, the Pacific Coast Society of Orthodontists and the American Dental Association.  Dr. McLaughlin has also helped to institute the Gold Crown Ball – a local charity event, as well as the Northern Arizona Network for Dental Excellence – an interdisciplinary study group comprised of dentists and dental specialists.

Dr. McLaughlin also serves Flagstaff Medical Center as the orthodontist on their Children’s Rehabilitative Services Team. Working with the team comprised of physicians and surgeons, Doctor M addresses the orthodontic needs of children with cranio-facial concerns, such as cleft lip and palate.

An avid skier and aspiring surfer, Dr. McLaughlin also enjoys spending his free time relaxing on Lake Powell with his wife Jan and children Madison and Taylor, and lifting weights with a vengeance.  Be sure to ask what the latest scoop is with “the twins”, he loves to talk about his family – maybe even more than he loves to talk about teeth!  The McLaughlin’s deeply value their family time and usually center their fun around outdoor or physical activities.