Backus Smiles and Dr. Dominique Backus have been named Homewood's Best Orthodontist 2026 and Homewood's Best Orthodontic Practice 2026 by Homewood Life, an annual recognition determined by community voting. The awards, announced in a recent press release, celebrate top local businesses and professionals as chosen by residents. For Backus Smiles, the recognition is not just an honor but a validation of its patient-centered approach and its status as a private, non-corporate practice.
The significance of this award lies in its source: the community. Unlike industry awards judged by panels or associations, Homewood's Best is decided directly by the people who receive care. This makes the recognition a powerful testament to the trust that families in Homewood and Birmingham have placed in Dr. Backus and her team. In a healthcare landscape increasingly dominated by large corporate chains, a small business owner receiving such an award highlights a growing consumer preference for personalized, relationship-based care. "Being named one of Homewood's Best means so much to us because it comes directly from the people we get to serve every day," said Dr. Dominique Backus, owner and founder of Backus Smiles. "Our whole team works hard to make every visit comfortable and every smile something to be proud of, and this recognition lets us know that effort is being felt by our patients and their families. As a small business owner in a private (non-corporate) practice, this award is truly one of the greatest compliments we can receive!"
Dr. Backus's credentials further reinforce the practice's commitment to excellence. She earned her Doctor of Dental Surgery in 1997 and completed her Specialty Certificate in Orthodontics in 2000, building on undergraduate studies in microbiology completed with summa cum laude honors. She is a member of the American Association of Orthodontists, the American Dental Association, the Alabama Association of Orthodontists, and the Birmingham District Dental Society, and maintains alumni ties to both LSU School of Dentistry and UAB. These affiliations ensure that patients receive care grounded in the latest standards and techniques.
Backus Smiles offers comprehensive orthodontic care for children, teens, and adults, including traditional and clear braces, Invisalign clear aligners, and custom retainers. The practice's focus extends beyond treatment to creating an office culture where patients feel like family from the moment they walk through the door. This emphasis on comfort and personalized treatment plans is likely a key factor in the community's decision to honor the practice.
The implications of this award extend beyond Backus Smiles. It signals that local residents value and actively support independent healthcare providers who invest in their communities. For prospective patients, the recognition serves as a trusted recommendation, simplifying the search for quality orthodontic care. For other small businesses, it demonstrates that community engagement and patient satisfaction can yield meaningful recognition. As the demand for personalized healthcare continues to rise, awards like Homewood's Best highlight the enduring importance of local, patient-focused practices. Backus Smiles welcomes new patients and offers complimentary consultations. To learn more, visit backusbraces.com.
