A : s orthodontists we have spent many years studying human growth and know that factors such as age, sex, race, facial and body type all affect the amount and direction of growth and development. The growth and development of your orthodontic practice is also affected by many factors. Dr. Jim Hilgers often starts his lectures by depicting the growth and development of an orthodontist. He shows the growth curve and factors that often make up the life style of the "typical" orthodontist. His humorous sequence of events does sh~w that we all mature along with our practices. !Having worthy goals helps make a practice grow and develop in a positive direction. One such goal for all Orthodontists is to become certified by the Americari