Work Ethic
Dr. Steven M. Guelff is originally from the small town of Marquette in Michigan’s scenic Upper Peninsula. This “yooper” has lived in Florida since 1979, and worked his way through college with many jobs. He was a janitor for the family-owned laundry business, bellman, union concrete finisher, middle school teacher, worker with the developmentally disabled and test preparation specialist for Stanley H. Kaplan, Inc. These jobs taught him the fundamentals of building and construction, hard work, commitment to excellence, attention to detail, and empathy.
Always Learning
Dr Guelff received both his bachelor’s degree (History of Science, Medicine and Technology) in 1987 and his Doctor of Dental Medicine degree in 1992 from the University of Florida. He graduated in the top 5 of his dental school class, received the Pierre Fouchard Award for Outstanding Student in Periodontology and completed research for the University of Florida Department of Orthodontics.
Love of Country
Dr. Guelff completed his general practice residency in 1993 at the Veterans Administration hospital in Gainesville, Florida. The chance to serve those who have given so much for our country was a life-changing experience for him. During his residency, he completed postgraduate courses in dentures and implants, root canals, TMJ/facial pain, and advanced head/neck anatomy.
Influencing Change
Dr Guelff’s specialty training in orthodontics was completed during his residency in 1995 at Howard University in Washington, D.C. His original research project, Orthodontic Resident Profile, was published in the American Journal of Orthodontics at that time. In July of 1995, he presented his project to the American Association of Orthodontists Educational Committee. His influential project changed the way that prospective orthodontic students are admitted to orthodontic residency programs throughout the United States.
Dental Community Involvement
Immediately after receiving his certificate in orthodontics, Dr. Guelff moved to Highlands County and purchased the orthodontic practice of Dr. Richard Karlson. He has been practicing orthodontics full-time since 1995 and is a member of over 10 dental and orthodontic associations. His leadership positions include two past presidencies of the Highlands County Dental Association, an original and current board member of the Dental Assisting Program at South Florida State College, a member of the Florida Association of Orthodontists Educational Committee since 2004, and president of The Guelff Group, a certified continuing education provider for the Florida Board of Dentistry. In addition, Dr. Guelff has published articles on clear ceramic braces and orthodontic practice management software, and he has created numerous continuing education programs for general dentists, dental hygienists and orthodontists. He has been a CPR instructor for the American Heart Association for nearly 20 years and has completed nearly 1,000 re-certifications for his dental colleagues. Moreover, he is a member of numerous orthodontic and dental study clubs, including the Spear Study Group and the prestigious Schulman Study Group.
Family First
By far, Dr. Guelff considers his greatest accomplishment to be his family. He is happily married to his wife, Lori. Originally from Pittsburgh, Lori is a dental hygienist and aesthetician with a bachelor’s degree in health-related professions from the University of Pittsburgh, and she is the owner/creator of The Studio of Health and Beauty in Sebring. She is currently pursuing her doctorate degree in Naturopathy. Steve and Lori have three boys — Harrison, Stephen and Taylor, who all attended Lake Placid elementary, middle and high schools. In addition, all three are graduates of South Florida State College. Harrison will be graduating from UCF with a degree in biology and plans to attend dental school. Stephen is a recent graduate of the massage therapy program at Manatee Technical Institute. Taylor is pursuing a degree in cardiac science at Santa Fe State College.
Outside Interests
Outside of the office, “Dr. G” enjoys playing ice hockey, snowboarding, weight training, fishing and riding his John Deere tractor. His other interests include Elvis, cowboy boots, reading non-fiction books and watching action/adventure movies. He also enjoys spending time with the “dynamic dog duo,” his golden retrievers, Jewel and Lex.
