Our Founder
Sean K. Carlson, DMD, MS
Dr. Carlson brings you and your little one unmatched expertise in early prevention. We use modern technology to treat young patients with hyper-efficiency.
Education
Bachelor of Science degree
U.C. Santa Barbara
Doctor of Dental Medicine (DMD)
Harvard
University Master of Science degree in Oral Biology
University of California, San Francisco
Participated in groundbreaking three dimensional research in orthodontic imaging
Awards & Recognition
Following graduation, Dr. Carlson was recruited to an academic position at the University of Pacific School of Dental Medicine. While there, he went on to receive two prestigious AAOF awards, and publish numerous scientific papers and abstracts.
He soon solidified his position as a notable thinker in the field of progressive orthodontics and the future-facing world of healthcare at large.
Clinical Practice Experience
In 1998, he joined his dream practice in Mill Valley California and soon acquired it from his mentor, a clinical icon in the industry. He grew the practice three-fold and soon established Carlson Orthodontics as a recognized brand in the community, all while maintaining his academic positions and speaking commitments. He would transition out of Carlson Orthodontics in 2019 and later go on to form Simple Orthodontics in 2024.
Global Lecturing
In 2005, Dr. Carlson’s love for teaching grew beyond the classroom. He began to grow his reputation as a powerful speaker and influencer on an international scale. He was soon giving talks at conferences and symposiums across the globe, as far away as Russia, Europe and Brazil.
Dr. Carlson created the first-of-its-kind course on ‘CBCT in Orthodontics’ which went on to teach over 500 orthodontists how to incorporate three-dimensional imaging into their practices. Today, he is a Global Speaker in high demand all over the world.
Entrepreneurial Accomplishments
In 2017, Dr. Carlson founded the health-tech company OrthoScience, securing millions in private funding. OrthoScience was a case-sharing platform for doctors allowing them to share successful orthodontic treatment solutions on a global scale.
It used evidence based data to help patients receive optimal care regardless of their location in the world. The best treatment solutions to patient problems could be shared securely in real time allowing for better care. It grew to over 10,000 doctor users by its peak in 2022. However, the company was forced to close its doors in the fall of 2022 due to lack of funding.
Outside of the Office
Dr. Carlson’s journey began in humble circumstances in a town called El Cerrito in a tiny apartment by a freeway. Raised by a single mom, he struggled early in school, but excelled in art and creative endeavors.
In high school, he joined a punk band called Unskilled Labor with close friends Tom Hamma and Richie Bucher. Their band shared stages with young east bay punk musicians like Billie Joe Armstrong of Green Day and Tim Armstrong of Rancid. Many in his peer group would go on to become punk rock music legends. The bass player of his band, Richie Bucher, drew the cover artwork for Green Day’s breakout album Dookie.
