Our Orthodontists

Col. Bradley Pierson’s family and work in orthodontics are two of the greatest sources of joy in his life. He is grateful for the opportunity he has every day as an orthodontist to give his patients something to smile about.

He has always enjoyed the technical aspects of orthodontics, but the most rewarding part of his profession is getting to know his patients and building relationships with them. Spending individual time with each patient to understand his or her needs and goals is an important part of Dr. Pierson’s approach as an orthodontist. He partners with his patients in helping them achieve their ideal smile. Seeing their happiness and beautiful smiles as a result of their diligent efforts is what he loves to do.

Education

After completing his Doctor of Dental Surgery degree from Virginia Commonwealth University in 2003, Dr. Pierson entered the U.S. Air Force. During his advanced education in general dentistry residency (AEGD), he was exposed to all the dental specialties and made the decision to pursue orthodontics.

He was accepted into the Tri-Service Orthodontic Residency Program (TORP) at Lackland Air Force Base. Not only did this residency educate him in the art and science of orthodontics, but it also helped him gain appreciation for the value of dentists and specialists working together to provide optimal care in achieving patients’ goals.

One year after the completion of his orthodontic residency, he was fortunate to become a diplomate for the American Board of Orthodontics, a distinction bestowed upon only a small percentage of orthodontists in practice today.

Following specialty training, Dr. Pierson served as chief of orthodontics at Yokota Air Base, Japan, for three years. During this time, he was able to enhance his orthodontic treatment skills and gain valuable leadership experience that has helped him in his profession and many other aspects of his life.

He also had the opportunity to serve as the director of orthodontics for the oral maxillofacial surgery residency at Wilford Hall Medical Center. This allowed him to build upon his knowledge and treatment techniques in the areas of surgical orthodontics, craniofacial anomalies, cleft lip and palate.

Dr. Pierson is happy to continue to enhance that knowledge and share what he knows with residents of the orthodontic residency program at the University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio. Within this capacity, he serves as a member of the craniofacial anomalies board at The Children’s Hospital of San Antonio.

Dedication

In an effort to stay current with the latest innovations and technology in orthodontics, Dr. Pierson attends study clubs and maintains membership with the American Association of Orthodontists®, World Federation of Orthodontists, Southwestern Society of Orthodontists, American Dental Association®, Texas Dental Association and the San Antonio District Dental Society.

He and his family stay actively involved in the community and hope to make each patient feel like they are part of their family.

Dr. Kristin Saunders grew up in beautiful San Diego, California. Her interest in orthodontics began there as she worked part time for an orthodontist.

She attended Mississippi State University, where she received a bachelor’s degree in biological engineering. Dr. Saunders then completed her dental training at Tufts University School of Dental Medicine in Boston, Massachusetts. She finally made her way down to Texas, where she completed her orthodontic residency at the University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio.

During her orthodontic training, she also received her master’s degree along with serving as chief resident and acquiring a list of outstanding educational achievements. Upon completing her professional training, she became board certified in the specialty of orthodontics along with accepting a part-time faculty position at the UT Health San Antonio orthodontic residency program.

Dr. Saunders has been involved in numerous outreach activities in the community, including screenings for athletes at the Special Olympics, oral health care to homeless veterans, cooking and serving food to the homeless, and even traveling to Ghana, Africa, where she volunteered at a school for the deaf at an orphanage.

Dr. Saunders is eager to continue learning even after her training in order to stay up to date with new technologies and treatment modalities to better treat her patients. She serves as a board member to her alumni association as well as being involved with numerous organizations and study clubs, including the American Association of Orthodontists®, Southwestern Society of Orthodontists, American Dental Association® and Texas Dental Association.

She met her husband while attending college in Mississippi, and they have been enjoying their life together with their daughter, Leila, and son, Leo. Outside of her professional life, you can find her out on the golf course, traveling and experiencing new places, and enjoying the company of her family, friends and two sweet Maltipoos.