Dr. Carter received his dental degree from the University of Tennessee and proudly served in the Army Dental Corps for two years. After practicing general dentistry for four and a half years, Dr. Carter went on to study orthodontics. He received his graduate degree in orthodontics in 1973 from Fairleigh Dickinson University in Teaneck, New Jersey. He has practiced orthodontics exclusively since then. Originally from Washington, D.C., he and his wife, Mary Nell, have four sons. Dr. Carter is an active member of the American Association of Orthodontists, the American Dental Association and the Alabama Dental Association. Over the years, he has been awarded numerous Certificates of Appreciation for Scientific Contributions in the areas of dentistry, orthodontics and TMJ by the American Dental Association and the American Association of Orthodontists. Outside the office, Dr. Carter enjoys golfing, running (including several marathons), reading and family activities. But he also holds a special interest in many other areas inside the office. Dr. Carter embraces an interest in children with special needs. Since training to become an orthodontist, Dr. Carter has been involved in treating these children. He was a member of a cleft lip and palate rehabilitation team at a New Jersey hospital, which was composed of plastic surgeons, maxillofacial surgeons, ear, nose and throat specialists and speech pathologists. Another special interest since the early 1980s has been TMJ disorders. Dr. Carter is a Fellow of the American Academy of Craniofacial Pain. Membership in this organization requires numerous hours of continuing education and treating numerous patients with this problem. Self-ligating braces are one of the latest treatment techniques that Dr. Carter practices. Teeth can be aligned more quickly, easily and with less discomfort, and it also works for both children and adults. Dr. Carter also uses two-stage treatment and functional appliances. He is a member of the American Academy of Functional Orthodontists. Functional appliances improve the relationship of upper and lower jaws, allowing more normal future growth and development.