Goltz’ say they found right location for Slidell Orthodontics
By KEVIN CHIRI
Slidell news bureau
SLIDELL – Finding his way to what Dr. Jason Goltz considers “the best place ever” here in Slidell to operate his orthodontic practice wasn’t something that came quickly or easily to the local orthodontist.
Jason and his wife, Dr. Chandler Goltz—also a dentist—went through their share of trials and decisions that began when Jason first went to college at LSU. Now, after several years of practicing in several different states, the couple heads Slidell Orthodontics at 1251 Seventh St., in the former practice of Dr. Michael Guevara.
Unlike many other professionals who go to school certain of their career choice, Jason didn’t even think he was going to be a dentist when he first started in college, even though he listed “pre-dentistry” as a possible career on his entrance paperwork.
Instead, he ended up graduating from LSU with an undergraduate degree in Economics and passed several financial exams that prepared him to become a financial services professional.
But somewhere along the line the consideration for dentistry drew him back in after he decided finances and economics didn’t seem right. That began a road around the country as he finished in Dental Medicine at the University of Alabama, graduated with his Master’s of Science at the University of Washington, then tried dentistry in Tampa, FL, back in Alabama, and then finally in Slidell when he and his wife purchased the longtime practice of Dr. Michael Guevara in 2019.
The road of testing finally led them to the place the couple agrees is perfect for the business they are now building.
“We’ve been other places where the culture was so different, and not as pleasant to operate a business,” Jason said. “But once we got to Slidell, it’s really been incredible. The patients here are the best I’ve ever had the pleasure of treating.”
Chandler agreed, noting “the Louisiana culture is so welcoming. The patients here are easy to work with and seem to appreciate what we are trying to do.”
And for Dr. Jason Goltz, that is to bring what he believes is his own unique talent for orthodontics to the patients in St. Tammany Parish.
“It was interesting that I didn’t originally think dentistry was the field for me,” he said. “But once I tried it, I found that I really loved it, and truthfully, I think that I’m good at doing this. I get to be creative and interactive with my patients and help improve their self-esteem by giving them a healthy, beautiful smile. It’s very satisfying.”
After he and Chandler lived several other places in the country, they found—like many others—that the North Shore of Lake Pontchartrain is a great place to live and work.
“We love it here for all the reasons everyone talks about,” Jason said. “It’s a great family environment, good schools, low crime, and we especially love the way people seem to appreciate and recognize how hard we are trying to do a great job for them. That’s not the way it is other places.”
When the couple purchased the business a little more than two years ago they inherited Dr. Guevara’s staff, one that had a reputation for excellence with their patients.
“No kidding, so much of the success here is about having a great staff,” Jason said. “We matched up great with them, and in over two years there has hardly been a change in anyone.”
Jason said he believes the final decision for orthodontics was the right one for him since he has “an eye for aesthetics when I look at a patient. It’s about seeing what will create a naturally stunning smile, but also one with optimal oral health and longevity.”
Jason grew up in Tallahassee, FL, and spent much of his younger life in the water as a competitive swimmer. He was so good that LSU offered a scholarship in swimming, where he competed for four years and qualified for the National Championships, finishing as high as eighth in the nation in several butterfly events. Even after college, he continued to use swimming to stay in shape and competed up until recent years when he had the fastest time in the country in the 35-year-old age division for the 50 and 100 butterfly.
“I’ve always loved swimming, particularly the competition of it,” he said. “I think that’s what made orthodontics right for me. It’s a challenge to create something just right for an individual and I love getting to do that.”
Now with 13 years in orthodontics, he said he approaches every case individually, asking questions such as what would be important to the patient, consideration of missing teeth, and ultimately, what the goal is for a look the patient wants. He continues to stay at the forefront of orthodontic research, emerging trends and new approaches to diagnostics and treatment planning.
Chandler also works in the practice, both as a dentist aiding in the delivery of orthodontic care and as the office manager. She heads other services at Slidell Orthodontics such as Botox, dermal fillers and Kybella.
“Our goal here is to offer the best in personal service with our experienced staff. One difference for us is that I see every patient who comes in, and we make sure you get in at your appointment time. I even provide my personal cell phone to every patient,” Jason added.
Jason and Chandler have been married for nearly seven years and have two young daughters.
For more information, call the office at 985-641-3587 or check them out online at:
Slidellortho.com