HEALTH MATTERS: Physician Spotlight: Dr. Andre Baptiste, Baptiste Orthodontics

Dr. Andre Baptiste has practiced orthodontics for nearly two decades, but there’s more to him than his medical degree. He loves to spend time in the kitchen cooking his favorite meals with ingredients obtained from hunting, fishing or harvesting from his “food forest,” which is his backyard garden. His favorite meal to cook is Thai curry wild boar.

He goes by the name andrethefarmer on TikTok, Instagram and YouTube, and he invites the community to follow him, as he posts useful tips on what plants are good to grow in this area and shares some of the amazing uses for them.

When did you first decide you wanted to become a doctor? Why?

Probably in my early 20s. At first it was just a curiosity, but once I learned more, it became a passion.

What is your medical specialty, and how did you choose this?

I chose orthodontics because it is a very stress-free way to improve the lives of large numbers of people.

What are some of the advancements in your particular specialty about which you are particularly excited?

Clear aligners and digital scanners make treating patients so much more simple and effective. Each of our three offices has the latest digital scanning technology. The digital scans allow us to diagnose orthodontic problems and develop the best treatment plans. We are able to show patients the current state of their teeth and then the final result based on the digital scan. Digital scans allow us to do away with messy, uncomfortable impressions. We are one of the leading providers of clear aligners in the country. The use of aligners is the clear and simple alternative to braces. It’s a series of clear, custom-made, removable aligners that gradually straighten your teeth as you wear them. Each aligner moves your teeth just a little bit at a time until you eventually get straight teeth. Clear aligner treatment tends to have faster results than traditional braces. This type of treatment is perfect for people who do not want the look of traditional braces and need quick results. This also allows the patient to have better control over their oral health during their orthodontic treatment because they can remove their aligners to eat and brush their teeth.  

What is the most rewarding aspect of your work?

Seeing people change as their teeth change is very rewarding.

What do you love most about serving patients in the West Orange community?

I think it’s the people; we have such a diverse and friendly community. I think it’s because most of the people here are from somewhere else, so they have the courtesy and respect of a guest.

What are your hobbies? How do you relax? 

I have tons of hobbies — gardening, fishing, bowhunting, golf, basketball, table tennis.

Describe your earliest memory of going to the doctor.

My earliest memories of the dentist are painful. That’s why I try so hard not to give young people the same experience I had.

Who are some of your most important influences and role models, and why?

The most important role model in my life was definitely my father. My father was a really cool guy; he enjoyed every moment of life to the fullest. He was a dental technician. He was born in Grenada. He lived in England and finally settled in Canada, where I was born.  

What are some of your favorite TV shows or movies?

Top three favorite movies of all time: “Kung Fu Hustle,” “Guardians of the Galaxy Part 1” and “The Princess Bride.”

What are some of your favorite local restaurants or cuisines?

I like to cook, but if it’s a special occasion I love the Chef’s Table in Winter Garden.

If you were stranded on a deserted island, what three books would you want with you?

“The Selfish Gene”; “Guns, Germs and Steel”; and The Dark Tower Series by Stephen King

What are you most proud of in your personal life? 

My two sons. Weston is 18 and currently a freshman at Georgia Tech on a track scholarship. Lincoln is 16 and a sophomore in high school.