If you’ve ever wondered what led someone to become an orthodontist, Dr. Matt Joosse’s path is a great reminder that careers don’t always follow a straight line. As the founder of Joosse Family Orthodontics in Williamsburg, VA, Dr. Joosse brings together science, service and creativity in a way that reflects his deep passion for orthodontics and shapes his approach to patient care. Here is his story:
A Path That Wasn’t Planned
Dr. Joosse didn’t grow up knowing he would become an orthodontist. In fact, like many people, he wasn’t entirely sure what direction his career would take after college. His early academic journey led him into a PhD program in neuroscience, driven by a fascination with biology and how the human brain works.
While he loved being on the forefront of science, he eventually realized that research alone wasn’t the right long-term fit. He wanted something that combined intellectual challenge with something just as important to him—helping people directly, which is where his passion for orthodontics began to take shape.
That experience brought him back to Williamsburg, where he took a position working in college admissions at William & Mary. There, he discovered how meaningful it was to support people through stressful and confusing processes. Helping others feel more confident and informed became a theme that would later grow into a defining part of his career.
Discovering Dentistry and His Passion for Orthodontics
A turning point came when Dr. Joosse participated in a mission trip to Southwest Virginia, where he was introduced to dentistry in a hands-on way. To him, dentistry seemed like the perfect way to bring together his passion for science with his passion for helping others.
Dr. Joosse made the decision to attend dental school while concurrently also making a decision to join the United States Air Force. As the son of a career Army officer, service to country had always been important, and, now, the Air Force provided a way to pay for dental school. Dr. Joosse attended the University of Pennsylvania on a full Air Force scholarship. The Air Force’s 3 pillars of integrity, service, and excellence shaped Dr. Joosse both personally and professionally; those 3 pillars remain the core values of Joosse Family Orthodontics.
After dental school, Dr. Joosse served five years in the United States Air Force. That experience shaped him deeply, not only professionally, but personally. It reinforced his belief that dentistry is truly about service and excellence.
It was also during his time in the Air Force that he discovered orthodontics. What started as simple exposure to different procedures quickly became more meaningful as his passion for orthodontics grew through seeing how treatment could combine precision, transformation and confidence-building for patients.
A Passion for Creating Confidence
Today, Dr. Joosse describes orthodontics as the best job in the world. Every day, his passion shows up in the way he helps patients transform their smiles and confidence.
For him, it’s about much more than straight teeth; his passion for orthodontics is rooted in helping people feel comfortable showing who they really are.
He believes orthodontic care is a partnership. Each patient brings a unique story, and each treatment plan is designed with that individuality in mind. One of the most rewarding parts of his work is seeing patients grow throughout treatment.
Those transformations, both big and small, are what make the work so meaningful. For Dr. Joosse, his passion for orthodontics is reflected in the opportunity to make a positive impact in someone’s day.
Life Outside the Office
Outside of orthodontics, Dr. Joosse enjoys keeping things simple and active. He loves to be outside. He loved to run but biking, soccer, and ultimate frisbee are also regular activities. The Joosse family also spends at least one week each year on the ski slopes.
Family is very important to Dr. Joosse. He’s been married to his wife for 17 years and they have three kids, who keep them very busy. They attend the Williamsburg Community Chapel and are actively involved in both church and community events.
A Practice Built on Trust
From the very beginning, Dr. Joosse has focused on creating an environment where patients feel comfortable, informed and supported throughout every step of treatment. He believes the best orthodontic results come from strong communication and a shared understanding between doctor and patient. That commitment to trust and transparency is a reflection of his passion for orthodontics, and it’s something that guides how care is delivered at Joosse Family Orthodontics in Williamsburg, VA every day.
Dr. Joosse’s Passion for Orthodontics
What stands out most about Dr. Joosse is his focus on people. Whether he’s helping a patient through orthodontic treatment or simply talking about life outside the office, his approach is always grounded in his passion for orthodontics and connection.
He believes that orthodontics is about more than treatment; it’s about trust, communication and helping people feel seen and supported throughout their journey. That belief continues to define his passion for orthodontics every day at Joosse Family Orthodontics. Request your complimentary consultation with Dr. Joosse today!
