Dr. Jean-Daniel (JD) Castonguay
An interview with Dr. Castonguay, by Dr. Corinne Nicolas
Question 1. Can you tell us a little bit about yourself? Where are you from, what program are you at, and what year are you in residency?
My name is Jean-Daniel (JD) Castonguay. I worked for 6 years as a general dentist in Québec, Canada, and now I’m a 2nd year ortho resident at the Université de Montréal.
Question 2: What was your favorite part about NESO this year? What do you like most about being a member in general?
The best part about NESO this year was getting to meet new people and having the “water cooler” type conversations about how they practice orthodontics. These chats often educate me about new, or at the very least different, techniques and strategies for treating patients or running a future office. I think NESO is intimate enough a setting that it’s easy to strike up a conversation with a stranger and make a new friend. Orthodontics can be a solo experience, but the best inspiration comes from talking to others, in my opinion.
Question 3: What lectures did you enjoy the most at NESO?
Anything that was technique or science related. There were some good lectures on MARPE, autotransplantation, and surgical outcomes, to name a few. As a resident, it’s interesting to be exposed to topics outside those taught through the specific lens of our school.
Question 4: Can you tell us what your favorite activity was at NESO this year?
Easy. The pool-side welcome reception was a blast. Great music, great food, great ambiance. One of the best events at a conference I’ve attended.
Question 5: What are you looking forward to for next year’s meeting?
Honestly, a repeat of last year. The speakers all seem really good this year. I’m eager to meet back up with the friends I made last year. And I’m sure the events will be great too (it’s Boston!).
Question 6: What would you say to someone who doesn’t know if they should attend a NESO meeting or not?
The way I see it, NESO offers both a community of open-minded life-long learners and the opportunity to build one’s orthodontic toolbox. I think that for those people like me who are starting out and trying to achieve the best for ourselves and our patients, it’s important to attend meetings like NESO. If the past few years have taught us anything, it’s that there’s nothing that can replace the experience of the real thing.
As they say, nothing ventured, nothing gained.