About Dr. Ahlin

Jeffrey H. Ahlin, DDS

Academic Background

Dr. Ahlin grew up in Reading, Massachusetts and graduated from Reading Memorial High school in 1961. He graduated from Tulane University in New Orleans, Louisiana in 1965, and Temple University School of Dentistry in 1969. He served two years on active duty as a naval dentist in Vietnam on board the USS Kitty Hawk, CVA-63.

 After his tour of active duty in the US Navy, Dr. Ahlin entered a dental specialty program at Boston University, School of Dental Medicine and specialized in Pediatric Dentistry and Orthodontics. He later became board certified in Pediatric Dentistry by the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry. He is also board certified in Orthodontics by the American Orthodontic Society and is a Diplomate of both societies.

 In 1991, he was called up to active duty in the Naval Reserve to serve as a dentist during Operation Desert Shield and again in 1992 to serve during Operation Desert Storm.

Dr. Ahlin has practiced Pediatric Dentistry and Orthodontics in Gloucester since 1973. During this time he has also taught part-time at Tufts University School of Dental Medicine for 5 years and Harvard University School of Dental Medicine for 15 years.

During his dental career, Dr. Ahlin has published 42 articles in orthodontic, medical, and dental journals. Two textbooks on orthodontic technique were published in 1984 and 1997. His first textbook, Maxillofacial Orthopedics, A Clinical Approach for the Growing Child, has been re-printed in paperback in 2003. 

In 1982 he started a company to develop and market medical devices for patients with temporomandibular joint related headache and clicking. This company, Research Information Services is head-quartered in Boston, Massachusetts. Orders for their products or a brochure can be obtained at 888-574-7865.
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Orthodontic Philosophy

Dr. Ahlin's orthodontic philosophy is based on creating fabulous facial esthetics with a smooth functioning temporomandibular joint. Since extraction of teeth is rarely suggested, his patients are given beautiful, full smiles. Treatment time can vary between 6 months and 1 to 3 years. All orthodontic patients may have a COMPLIMENTARY teeth whitening at the end of treatment.

Early treatment is suggested (ages 6 —8 years) if the patient has a cross bite or open, anterior bite. Overbites (deep bites, no lower teeth showing on closure) and over jet (top teeth stick out) are treated between 8 and 10 years of age: toward age 8 if the patient complains of headaches or earaches; age 10 if no obvious symptoms are present. Because of the danger of fracturing front teeth, especially if they stick out, Dr. Ahlin likes to treat over-jet early. All of his patients receive a COMPLIMENTARY sports mouth guard for school sports.
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 Civic Responsibilities

Dr. Ahlin has served on the board of directors of the American Orthodontic Society for 4 years and served as its president in 2006. The AOS is a committed group of generalists, pediatric dentists and orthodontists who are dedicated to continuing orthodontic education. He has also served as president of the American Orthodontic Society Foundation. The Foundation sponsors AOS clinicians from America and worldwide to provide orthodontic care to patients who would not normally have access to quality care. Donations for this worthy foundation are made by AOS members, orthodontic suppliers, corporations and private donors. For more information on the AOS Foundation, call the AOS Executive Director, Mr. Tom Chapman, at 800-448-1601.

 Dr. Ahlin has, in the past, served as Chairman of the Board of Trustees at the First Parish Church in Manchester and as a Deacon at the Lanesville Congregational Church in Gloucester. Also, he has served on the Board of Directors of Covenant Christian Academy, a private Christian school (PreK-12) serving Boston's North Shore. His current novel Overrun, The Battle for Firebase 14 was published in late 2016. His newest novel “ Traitors in the Gastapo” will be published in the summer of 2020.


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