Meet Dr. David Coleman
Why I Love Being an Orthodontist
One of the things I love about being an orthodontist is that I often get to work with adults who are motivated to make a positive change in their own lives. There's something energizing about that enthusiasm, and I feel fortunate to be part of the process.
Working with children is rewarding in a different way. Sometimes I'm one of the first doctors to help a child understand what it means to take responsibility for their own health and hygiene. I enjoy helping young patients develop healthy habits, become more independent, and feel good about taking care of themselves.
At the same time, I'm very conscious of how we talk about appearance, especially with children. I never want a patient to leave my office feeling that something about them is wrong or needs to be fixed. Every person has features that make them unique, and I believe orthodontics should respect that individuality rather than encourage everyone to fit the same ideal of how a smile should look.
My goal is to create healthy, balanced, and stable results that complement each patient's natural appearance—not to give everyone the same smile.
I also believe in being straightforward about treatment. Not everyone needs braces, and not every orthodontic concern needs to be addressed immediately. I want patients and parents to understand their options, including the option of doing nothing for the time being, so they can make decisions with confidence.
Ultimately, I want the people who come into my office to feel comfortable asking questions, confident that they're getting an honest assessment, and reassured that their well-being will always come first.
My Path to Orthodontics
I grew up in Manhattan, Kansas, and eventually made my way east to attend Columbia University College of Dental Medicine, where I earned my dental degree in 2015.
After dental school, I spent four years serving as a commissioned officer and general dentist in the United States Air Force. During my first year, I completed an Advanced Education in General Dentistry (AEGD) residency at Mike O'Callaghan Federal Medical Center at Nellis Air Force Base in Nevada. It was an incredible opportunity to broaden my clinical skills, work alongside talented colleagues, and discover what would eventually become my professional interest: orthodontics.
I was later stationed at Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst in southern New Jersey, where I worked as a dentist and had the opportunity to take on several leadership roles. I finished my military service at the rank of Captain and was honored to be recognized as Company Grade Officer of the Year for my medical group.
During those years, I also met the love of my life. Despite growing up in the Midwest, I began to realize that the East Coast was becoming home.
After completing my military service, I pursued my specialty training in Orthodontics and Dentofacial Orthopedics at NYU Langone Hospital in Brooklyn. I've been fortunate to work with patients of all ages and a wide range of orthodontic needs, from young children who may benefit from early, growth-guided treatment to adults with more complex cases requiring coordination with other dental specialists.
I'm always looking for ways to expand my knowledge and improve the care I provide. Orthodontics is a field that continues to evolve, and I enjoy learning about new techniques and technologies. At the same time, I believe that excellent treatment starts with careful diagnosis, sound clinical judgment, and understanding the individual needs of each patient.
Outside the Office
These days, my wife and I are busy raising two energetic little girls and one emotionally needy pitbull mix.
Like a lot of families with young children, our days can be a little chaotic, but there's never a dull moment. When we manage to find some extra time and energy, we love getting outside for a family hike.
Having a family of my own has also given me an even greater appreciation for the trust parents place in the people caring for their children. It's a responsibility I take seriously, and one of the things I value most about being part of this community.