Orthodontist – Huntington, NY
Get to Know Dr. Justyna Balicka
As a true expert in the field of orthodontics and dentofacial orthopedics, Dr. Justyna can’t wait to help children and adults alike smile brighter with the help of braces, Invisalign, and other quality treatment options. Her warm and friendly demeanor will also be sure to help everyone feel right at home in the treatment chair. To learn more about her background, keep reading below:
Why Did You Decide to Become an Orthodontist?
Dr. Justyna was born in Poland and did not receive the best dental care as a child. Thankfully, upon moving to the United States, she started seeing an orthodontist who was extremely personable and made her feel comfortable. This experience completely changed her outlook on dental health. As a result, she became very intrigued about the dental field and believed it was a place where she could excel! Later, in college, she started working for an orthodontist, becoming a licensed dental assistant and then a certified orthodontic assistant. By then, she knew that she wanted to apply to dental school and become an orthodontist as well – and she hasn’t looked back yet!
Where Did You Study Orthodontics?
Dr. Justyna originally graduated from Stony Brook University, where she received her Bachelor’s in Biology with a specialization in Neuroscience and a minor in Women’s Studies. She then chose to pursue her doctorate at the New York University College of Dentistry, where she was inducted into the Omicron Kappa Upsilon Dental Honor Society and awarded multiple service distinctions. After a year of general residency, she also underwent three years of an orthodontic residency program at St. Barnabas Hospital. There she was awarded Resident of the Year and completed the necessary schooling to become a true specialist.
Today, Dr. Justyna is a Diplomate of the American Board of Orthodontics, which is a rare honor that involves the successful completion of multiple written and clinical examinations, as well as a strong commitment to continuing education. She is also a clinical professor for post-graduate residents at NUMC.
Outside of the Orthodontic Office, What Do You Like to Do?
When she isn’t busy at work, Dr. Justyna loves spending quality time with her husband Chris and their son Lucas, daughter Natalia, as well as nine nieces and nephews. Her hobbies include gardening, kickboxing, Pilates, hiking, boating around Long Island, and fishing. She is also very passionate about giving back and regularly participates in international dental outreach programs to provide care to underprivileged populations in Grenada and Jamaica.