Academic Background

Dr. Ahlin grew up in Reading, Massachusetts and graduated from Reading Memorial High school in 1961. He graduated from Tulane University in New Orleans, Louisiana in 1965, and Temple University School of Dentistry in 1969. He served two years on active duty as a naval dentist in Vietnam on board the USS Kitty Hawk, CVA-63.

After his tour of active duty in the US Navy, Dr. Ahlin entered a dental specialty program at Boston University, School of Dental Medicine and specialized in Pediatric Dentistry and orthodontics. He later became board certified in Pediatric Dentistry by the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry. He is also board certified in orthodontics by the American Orthodontic Society and is a Diplomate of both societies.

In 1991, he was called up to active duty in the Naval Reserve to serve during Operation Desert Shield and again in 1992 to serve as a Navy Dentist for Operation Desert Storm.

Dr. Ahlin has practice Pediatric Dentistry and orthodontics in Gloucester and Reading for 30 years (since 1973). During that time he has also taught part-time at Tufts University School of Dental Medicine for 5 years and Harvard University School of Dental Medicine for 15 years.

Over the past 30 years, Dr. Ahlin has published 37 articles in orthodontic, medical, and dental journals. Two textbooks on orthodontic technique were published in 1984 and 1997. His first textbook, Maxillofacial Orthopedics, A Clinical Approach for the Growing Child, has been re-printed in paperback in 2003.

In 1982 he started a company to develop and market medical devices for patients with temporomandibular joint related headache and clicking. This company, Research Information Services is head-quartered in Brookline, Massachusetts. Orders for their products or a brochure can be obtained at 800-239-6646.

Orthodontic Philosophy

Dr. Ahlin’s orthodontic philosophy is based on creating fabulous facial esthetics with a smooth functioning temporomandibular joint. Since extraction of teeth is rarely suggested, his patients are given beautiful, full smiles. All patients may have their teeth lightened (bleached) at the end of treatment. Treatment time can vary between 6 months and 2 or 3 years.