Smarties, I’m honored to introduce you to a very special father/son duo. This pair has worked side-by-side for six years and are carrying on a family business legacy in Charlotte that dates back four generations. I’m talking about Jim and Turner Hull of Hull & Coleman Orthodontics.
When you hear the name “Hull” in this town, you immediately think of teeth and orthodontics. That’s because the Hull family has been serving our community for over 88 years. You could say dental work runs in their veins. Almost as if it’s what they were born to do. One thing is certain, the Hull family has created a legacy that will likely carry on for four more generations!
I don’t want to steal the thunder, so I’ll let Jim & Turner share their story today…
The Hull Smarty Stats:
Years in Charlotte: Their entire lives! Both born and raised as true Charlotteans!
Hoods: Jim – Arboretum, Turner – Dilworth
Occupation: Orthodontists
High School: Jim – Myers Park High School, class of ‘65, Turner – Charlotte Latin
College Alma Mater: Jim – Erskine College + UNC Chapel Hill Dental & Ortho, Turner – UNC Chapel Hill all the way through!
Tell us about the history of dentistry and orthodontics in your family.
Jim (& Turner)
My great uncle opened a dental practice in Charlotte in 1926. My grandfather, uncle and dad (PC Hull) opened an orthodontics practice in 1950. He worked until the early 1980’s. I joined his office on Randolph Road near uptown in the late 1970’s. We then opened our Arboretum office in the early 1990’s and this is still our main location. My uncle was a general dentist in Charlotte for many years and his son (my cousin) is a general dentist in Charlotte now. Turner joined my practice in 2009.
What made each of you decide to go into orthodontics and at what age did you decide?
Jim:
I worked in my dad’s office and lab for as long as I can remember. That’s all I ever wanted to be.
Turner:
I was exposed to orthodontics at a young age through my grandfather and father, but wasn’t sure that it was a profession that I wanted to pursue until I was in college. I spent a lot of time around the dental school when I was an undergrad at Chapel Hill and really grew to like what I saw. Once in dental school, I was quickly drawn to the orthodontic specialty, mainly because of the positive impact that orthodontic treatment was having on my patients. To be honest, no one enjoys getting fillings, extractions, root canals, etc., but almost all of my patients come to me because they want to…whether it’s to improve function, oral health, or self esteem, everyone is thrilled to see to results of orthodontic treatment!
What is it like working side by side with your dad/son?
Jim:
I worked with my Dad for four years and now my son for six years. It’s a very proud and rewarding feeling. Turner and I have lunch at least once a week where we can talk about both family and business.
Turner:
I am honestly blessed to be able to work side by side with my dad! I’m one of the few people I know who looks forward to work. I actually enjoy coming back to work from vacation. My dad and I make sure to eat lunch together at least once a week, so even when we’re working next to each other all day we can take time to catch up and talk about our lives.
What is your favorite part of running your practice in your hometown?
Jim:
All the people who come in with a need for some type of correctional treatment and treating the kids of many of my friends.
Turner:
One of best things about working in my hometown is being so close to my family! My entire immediate family (parents and brother) live in Charlotte and many of my aunts/uncles and cousins are in town. We still are able to spend every holiday together. Even though, it’s really the only place I’ve lived for an extended period of time. I love Charlotte and all that it has to offer.
What is your favorite thing about working with children?
Jim:
Watching them grow and mature and getting to know them so well over the years.
Turner:
I love their enthusiasm towards orthodontic treatment (it seems that braces have now become the “cool” thing in middle school!). It’s really enjoyable interacting with kids all day at work and being able to “act like a kid” myself talking about the latest movies, music, cool fads, etc.
Tell us about Hull & Coleman Orthodontics Rewards program?
We put together our rewards program a few years ago as a way to encourage our patients to play an active role in their orthodontic treatment. Our patients receive rewards points for brushing, maintaining their braces, seeing their dentist for cleanings, wearing their rubber bands, etc. These points can then be redeemed for prizes available for purchase online. We’re created a system that allows pretty much any patient who follows just our basic requests to win some sort of prize.
When should we take our child to the orthodontist for the first time?
Here’s a link to a brochure provided by the American Association of Orthodontists, the governing body for Orthodontists in the US. It is recommended that the first orthodontic evaluation occur around age 7…the brochure explains why.
http://www.mylifemysmile.org/sites/default/files/Your_Childs_First_Checkup-hl.pdf
How important is it to wear a retainer and for how long?
This link is a perfect reference:
https://www.aaoinfo.org/system/files/media/documents/Retainers-14-hl.pdf
How do you feel about Teen/Adult Invisalign?
Invisalign is an amazing product and we have taken it upon ourselves to seek advanced training so we can utilize it to it’s fullest extent. It can treat a wide variety of orthodontic needs but it still has quite a bit of limitations. Invisalign Teen is not really any different from the adult version (it just has a wear indicator to make sure the tray is being worn for the appropriate amount of time), but definitely can be useful for our teenage patients who want a less visible option.
Tell us how you fold your community into your practice?
As an office, we try to take an active role in the community, whether it’s sponsoring school fundraisers, festival, holiday parades, or organizations such as Samaritan’s feet. The doctors make every attempt to be involved in the activities and enjoy seeing our patients out at these events.
What is the #1 thing you want Smarty Moms to know about Hull & Coleman Orthodontics?
We do what we do because we genuinely care about our patients and want the best results for them. We are a family oriented practice that strives to treat our patients like one of our family. We never recommend unnecessary treatment and always attempt the most conservative treatment modalities. We do not support “fad” treatments that aren’t proven by reliable evidence (i.e. special types/names of braces, six months smiles, fast braces, etc.). Our motto is treat people the way you want to be treated. Our dad/granddad was the same way and we’re proud to carry on his legacy.
You can find Hull & Coleman Orthodontics at:
Arboretum Office
7800 Providence Road, Suite 201
Charlotte, NC 28226
704-334-7203
Wesley Chapel Office
5941 Weddington Road
Suite 103
Wesley Chapel, NC 28104
704-684-8080
You can always find them on facebook.
