Meet Dr. Charles Ruff
Dr. Charles Ruff is incredibly passionate about the art and science of orthodontics. In fact, one local dentist recently stated that “He loved referring to Dr. Ruff because he is so enthusiastic about orthodontics.” For many years Dr. Ruff has dedicated his time and energy to mastering the profession of orthodontics as well as developing an office culture that ensures that you will have a great experience while your fabulous, new smile is under construction.
College Years
Let's face it: Dr. Ruff was a science geek. He loved everything connected with science and math and majored in chemical engineering while in college. He graduated with honors and was elected to Tau Beta Pi, the National Engineering Honor Fraternity. To avoid being labelled a total geek, he was involved in fraternity life and ultimately was elected president of his fraternity. He was commissioned a 2nd lieutenant in the Air Force upon graduation. Dr. Ruff met Rebecca Gass of Augusta, ME, while at college in New York. They dated all through college and have been married since 1971.
Dental School
After serving four years in the Air Force, Dr. Ruff started Tufts University Dental School in July 1975. Tufts offered a three-year program that was very intense. Dr. Ruff excelled in both academics and student government winning the OKU Award for the top grades in the first year class. He also was elected the student representative to the dental school admissions committee and served for two years.
After Dental School
As soon as possible, Dr. Ruff moved back to Maine after dental school and opened his practice on 73 Pleasant Street, Waterville in August 1980. He practiced there for about 6 years before building his own facility designed strictly for orthodontic care at 12 Park Street. In 1995 Dr. Ruff was certified a Diplomate of the American Board of Orthodontics, at the time, one of only six ABO Diplomates in the entire state of Maine.
Dr. Ruff has been active in both the Maine Dental Association and the Maine Association of Orthodontists, serving as president in 1995. Since then he has been the Permanent Chair of the Continuing Education Committee which is responsible for bringing in speakers for advanced education opportunities for the Maine orthodontists.
Speaking of professional education, his greatest professional joy comes from furthering his skills and sharing that with his colleagues. Since 1995 Dr. Ruff has spent several days each month in Boston, first at Harvard and now at his alma mater, Tufts, serving as a clinical professor. This means he spends part of the day lecturing on different orthodontics subjects as well as supervising dentists who are back in school to learn to be orthodontists while they treat patients at Tufts Orthodontic Department. Naturally, you learn all the time you are teaching. This past year Dr. Ruff won the Margolis Award which is given by the graduating class to the Outstanding Clinical Instructor.
In 1984 Dr. Ruff, Dr. John Melling and Dr. Neal Fried of Massachusetts founded the New England Orthodontic Study Club now recognized as the premier orthodontic study club in the New England area. Three times per year speakers come in from all over the world to talk on advanced orthodontic techniques. This has been an invaluable professional experience. Dr. Ruff has served as its president for an extended period of time at the request of the members.
The state of Maine requires 40 hours of continuing education every two years for dental license renewal. Dr. Ruff regularly achieves in excess of 200 hours each year both because of his love of learning and because of his desire to provide the best treatment options and techniques for his patients. Please ask us for a current list of the courses Dr. Ruff has recently taken.
Memberships
American Association of Orthodontists
On this site, you can learn about orthodontists—specialists in the diagnosis, prevention and treatment of dental and facial irregularities. The correction of tooth and jaw alignment results in a healthy, attractive smile that's good for life.
The American Board of Orthodontics
The mission of The American Board of Orthodontics is to establish and maintain the highest standards of clinical excellence in orthodontics.
American Dental Association (ADA)
The ADA is the professional association of dentists committed to the public's oral health, ethics, science and professional advancement.
