Robert "Big Bob" Gerety DDS

AOS Straight Wire Instructor 1978 - 2009

Dr. Robert "Big Bob" Gerety started his Orthodontic journey in 1970 by enrolling in a Straight Wire Orthodontic course offered by the IAO, International Association for Orthodontics. He was an acolyte of Dr. Norm Cetlin and became known for his dedication to non-extraction orthodontics.

Throughout his years of teaching for the American Orthodontic Society, he instructed over 12,000 doctors.

Key Facts and Timeline:

  • 1965: Graduated from University of Tennessee Dental School
  • 1965: Established dental practice in Henryetta, OK
  • 1978: Taught first comprehensive orthodontic program in Dallas, TX with the American Orthodontic Society
  • 2009: Retired from classroom teaching due to dementia diagnosis
  • 2017: Dr. Gerety passed away after a lengthy battle with the debilitating disease of dementia.

Dr. Gerety was known as a big personality and was a pragmatic but sometimes controversial figure. During his time as an AOS Instructor the conflict between hands-on, in clinic instruction vs. in classroom instruction was a constant discussion. Eventually Dr. Charlie Yates who founded the AOS decided to leave to start the AGPO to follow his passion for an in clinic orthodontic course.

After his retirement, a small group of Dr. Gerety's followers joined to continue his course education through an eponymous organization known as Gerety Orthodontic Seminars.

Dr. Dave Jackson took over the clinical instruction of the Straight Wire Orthodontics program for the AOS.