Let’s start with the family connection – how did growing up in a dental family shape your decision to pursue orthodontics?
Oral health was a part of our everyday lives growing up. Whether we were visiting our dad’s oral surgery office or listening to him talk about cases over dinner, we were immersed in the dental world from a young age. That early exposure gave us a deep appreciation for the profession and the meaningful role it plays in people’s lives. While we each found our own path to orthodontics, the foundation was there from the beginning. Seeing firsthand how a smile can transform someone’s confidence was incredibly inspiring – and ultimately led us both to this specialty.

You each took different educational paths but ended up in the same specialty. Did you ever imagine you would work together?
Working together has always been a dream of ours! Even as kids, we talked about opening a practice together one day. Now that the dream is a reality, it’s even better than we imagined. Sharing this journey as sisters and as professionals has been one of the most rewarding and fun parts of our careers!

College sports were a big part of each of your lives. How did the experiences of being high-level college athletes shape your professional mindset or leadership style?
Playing college sports taught us lessons that continue to shape how we lead and how we work every day. From discipline and time management to resilience and teamwork, those experiences built our ability to handle pressure and think strategically, as clinicians and as business owners. Most importantly, sports instilled a deep commitment to team culture, which is something we’ve carried into our practice. We believe a strong, supportive team directly leads to the best patient care.

You and your siblings grew up in Michigan. What drew you to the Centennial State? And, what made you decide to build your practice and lives here?
We fell in love with Colorado’s natural beauty, active lifestyle and sense of community. After spending time here during school and early in our careers, we knew it was where we wanted to build both our lives and our practice. Highlands Ranch felt like the perfect fit – it’s family-oriented, growing and filled with people who truly care about their community. We’re grateful we get to live and work in such a vibrant place.

How does working with a sibling enhance your patient care and practice culture?
Working with your sister means there’s a built-in trust and understanding that’s hard to replicate. We know each other’s strengths, we communicate easily and we share the same core values when it comes to patient care. That connection sets the tone for our entire team and creates a cohesive, supportive environment where everyone feels valued. Our patients often tell us they can feel that energy the moment they walk through the door.

Running a practice with a family member has to come with unique dynamics. How do you balance being sisters and colleagues?
Honestly, it’s a blast! We’ve always had a strong bond, so running a practice together just feels like an extension of that. We are each other’s biggest cheerleaders and strongest supporters. The key is mutual respect – and a shared sense of humor. We know when to be serious and when to have fun and that balance keeps things fresh. At the end of the day, we know we’re lucky to be on this journey together.

What’s something each of you has learned from the other professionally?
We learn from each other constantly. One of us may bring a more analytical approach, while the other brings creativity and outside-the-box thinking. That balance helps us make stronger decisions and grow in ways we might not have on our own. We push each other to keep evolving, and we always have each other’s backs, which is an incredible gift in a profession that can be both demanding and deeply personal.

What advice would you give to other dental professionals thinking about going into business with family? Or, to aspiring orthodontists in general?
For anyone considering working with family: make sure your values align, define clear roles and communicate openly. It can be incredibly fulfilling when it works, but it requires mutual respect and a willingness to grow together. For aspiring orthodontists: stay curious, seek mentors and always put your patients first. Orthodontics is a blend of art, science, and service, and it’s an amazing profession if you lead with heart.

Your practice has a unique team member – Dr. Schiro’s golden retriever, Culper. How did she become part of the office, and what kind of impact does she have on patients? Any memorable or funny stories about having him around?
With her wagging tail and calm demeanor, Culper quickly became more than just a lovable golden retriever – she’s a trusted emotional support companion and a favorite team member among our patients. Her natural intuition helps calm nerves, especially for kids or anyone feeling anxious and her gentle presence brings comfort and reassurance. Patients often request to have Culper in the office during their appointments, and now with the addition of Oakley, our second golden retriever, the duo brings both calm and cheer. Whether resting their heads in a patient’s lap, welcoming the endless belly rubs, lounging nearby during treatment, or just being a happy distraction, Culper and Oakley create a warm, welcoming environment that truly makes our office feel like home.

What new trends or technologies in orthodontics are you excited about in the profession?
We’re excited about the continued advancement of digital orthodontics. From 3D scanning and virtual treatment planning to customized clear aligner systems, the technology allows us to deliver more precise, comfortable and efficient care. It’s also fun to see how innovation continues to improve patients’ experiences, from shorter treatment times to more seamless communication.