Dr. Sean K. Carlson

Dr. Sean K. Carlson received his dental degree (DMD) from Harvard University in 1994. He received both his orthodontic specialty training and his Master of Science degree in Oral Biology from the University of California at San Francisco in 1998.

In 2015, Dr. Carlson and Dr. Quintero launched the first-of-its-kind 'CBCT in Orthodontics' course aimed at educating orthodontists in incorporating 3D imaging and airway-centered treatment into their practices. More information can be found at www.cbctortho.com.

Currently, Dr. Carlson is an Associate Professor of Orthodontics at the University of the Pacific School of Dentistry and maintains a private practice in Mill Valley, CA. He has received several academic research awards including two AAOF Awards and has published numerous articles in the orthodontic literature. He lectures nationally on a variety of clinical and theoretical subjects. His current lectures focus on 3D imaging in orthodontics, airway-centered orthodontic treatment, early orthodontic intervention and the treatment of complex dental impactions.

Since 1998, Dr. Carlson has served as a Senior Investigator in the Craniofacial Research and Instrumentation Laboratory at the University of the Pacific School of Dentistry. His primary focus is on using computer technology to improve the way we study, teach and practice orthodontics. As a result of his research, he has been at the forefront of 3-D imaging technology since it was first introduced to the orthodontic profession. He installed Marin County’s first i-CAT 3-D CBCT x-ray machine in 2008.

Building on his background of cephalometric teaching, in 2011 Dr. Carlson introduced the Visual Craniometric Analysis (VCA), which aims to move orthodontics beyond its traditional 2D cephalometric analysis into 3D imaging. Dr. Carlson developed the VCA to aid all clinicians in designing more appropriate treatment plans and to improve their understanding of treatment success.