Founder & CEO
Dr. Anas Athar has nearly two decades of experience in dentistry. Today, he is a highly sought-after orthodontist with advanced training in several specialties, including (but not limited to) advanced dental imaging, interceptive orthodontics, clear aligners, and dental sleep medicine. He also has the unique distinction of being the only dual-trained orthodontist and oral and maxillofacial radiologist in all of Texas.
In addition to founding and leading Plus Orthodontics, Dr. Athar has provided Bringing Smiles orthodontic services to Smile Brands, Inc. locations throughout the Dallas-Ft. Worth, Texas area for over a decade. And he works part time as an oral and maxillofacial radiologist with BeamReaders, a provider of diagnostic imaging services with comprehensive radiology reports for CBCT and MRI scans.
Dr. Athar first started studying dentistry at Baqai Dental College in Pakistan. He then pursued oral maxillofacial radiology training at the University of Missouri in Kansas City (UMKC) and orthodontic training at Saint Louis University. Today he is a visiting Clinical Assistant Professor at UMKC, and he is an active member of several dental organizations, including:
Dr. Athar regularly pursues continuing education and enjoys honing his vast skillset whenever possible. In 2022, he completed the AAO comprehensive business and leadership program in partnership with Wharton, the #1-ranked business school in the United States. His publications have also been showcased in a wide variety of acclaimed journals, such as the OOOOE.
Throughout his years in practice, he’s received various distinguished awards, including:
• Orthodontist of the Year in 2016
• Distinguished Teacher of the Year 2007
• Dental Specialist of the Year 2016
In addition to his clinical and business acumen, Dr. Athar is known by patients, dentists, and dental teams for his enthusiasm, encouragement, and passion for improving the lives of others and sharing his knowledge. This passion extends to personally giving back to his local community through volunteer work, donations, and education programs.
Co-Founder and Chief Clinical Officer
Dr. Melissa Shotell DMD, is a Board Certified Orthodontist and practices in a multi-specialty practice in Sonora, CA focusing on the interplay of Orthodontics and restorative treatment. Dr. Shotell received her DMD at Nova Southeastern University and a General Practice Residency Certificate from Ohio State University.
After spending years in general practice treating a broad range of patients, Dr. Shotell returned to complete a certificate and master’s degree in Orthodontics from Loma Linda University. At Loma Linda University, Dr. Shotell focused her training on cutting-edge three dimensional imaging technology for diagnosis and treatment planning for interdisciplinary dentistry.
Dr. Shotell considers education to be her passion and regularly consults and lectures on dental technology, clear aligner therapy, orthodontics, in-office clear aligners, office efficiency and workflow, and teamwork. Dr. Shotell shares tips and tricks on orthodontics and clear aligners on social media as alignerbee.
Co-Founder and Chief Clinical Officer
Dr. Melissa Shotell DMD, is a Board Certified Orthodontist and practices in a multi-specialty practice in Sonora, CA focusing on the interplay of Orthodontics and restorative treatment. Dr. Shotell received her DMD at Nova Southeastern University and a General Practice Residency Certificate from Ohio State University.
After spending years in general practice treating a broad range of patients, Dr. Shotell returned to complete a certificate and master’s degree in Orthodontics from Loma Linda University. At Loma Linda University, Dr. Shotell focused her training on cutting-edge three dimensional imaging technology for diagnosis and treatment planning for interdisciplinary dentistry.
Dr. Shotell considers education to be her passion and regularly consults and lectures on dental technology, clear aligner therapy, orthodontics, in-office clear aligners, office efficiency and workflow, and teamwork. Dr. Shotell shares tips and tricks on orthodontics and clear aligners on social media as alignerbee.
