Michael Reed's career is a testament to the importance of young people finding mentors and positive role models. While still in high school Michael developed a close relationships with Dr. Richard Howells, a local orthodontist and former school board president. "I knew I wanted to have a career in the health care field, and Dr. Howells gave me the opportunity to learn about his job and what he does. He's had an enormous influence in my life," Michael says. After graduating from Northern Bedford County High School in 1987, Michael spent the next 10 years in school - first at Juniata College and then at West Virginia University at its School of Dentistry for his Doctorate in Dentistry and orthodontist residency. He joined Dr. Howells in practice in 1997, and now treats patients at offices in Bedford, Altoona and Huntingdon.

Orthodontists work to establish a good functional bite - they straighten teeth. Michael says most of his patents come to his office knowing what to expect, and most are very cooperative. "There's very little discomfort today," he says. "The introduction of titanium into wires to make them light and flexible allows us to exert much less force, greatly lessening any pain."

His biggest reward comes when he sees the end product of his work. "It's great when you start out with someone who has major problems - and may even be reluctant to smile at all - and end up with a fantastic smile," he says. Michael always intended to return to Bedford County to practice. He and his wife, who is a dentist with a practice in New Paris, have two young daughters. "It's a great place to live and work and an especially great place to raise children," he says. "The people in the community care about each other and the schools treat children as individuals - they're not just numbers here, everyone wants to see them succeed."

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