Chicago practice opened by Black orthodontist to address lack of representation in the field.

Dr. Yvette Battle is not just making people smile at her orthodontic practice on Chicago's South Side - she's also making a powerful statement about representation and entrepreneurship. As a graduate of Howard University, she is well aware of the lack of diversity in the field of orthodontics, especially among Black professionals.

That's why she decided to open Bronzeville Orthodontics in 2021, right in the heart of the historically Black Bronzeville neighborhood. From the moment you step inside the practice, you can see the influence of Black culture. The walls are adorned with beautiful artwork and there's even merchandise on display, all carefully chosen to create a warm and familiar atmosphere for patients.

This is something that was important to Battle - she wanted her patients to feel at ease and welcomed in a space that celebrates their culture. The fact that Battle is a Black orthodontist is significant, given the limited number of Black professionals in the field. According to a 2026 study, only 3.1% of practicing orthodontists in the US are Black, which is a shocking statistic.

And it's not just about representation - the study also found that Black and Hispanic children are less likely to visit an orthodontist compared to their white counterparts. One of Battle's patients, Kosi Amor, shared her own struggles in finding a Black orthodontist. "I found a lot more Black dentists than orthodontists; the hunt, it started off a little rough," she said.

This highlights the importance of Battle's presence and the impact she is making in her community. Battle's journey to becoming a successful orthodontist has not been easy. After earning her dental degree from Howard University in 2008, she served in the US Air Force for four years before pursuing further education in orthodontics and oral biology.

Despite her qualifications and expertise, she felt that she wasn't fully appreciated while working for others. This led her to take the leap and open her own practice. For Battle, owning her own practice is not just about being appreciated - it's about visibility.

She wants to show that Black professionals are just as capable and deserving of success as anyone else. "I will say Howard did prepare us for that - to know that this, this is rare," she said. But Battle's impact goes beyond just her patients.

She hopes that her legacy will inspire the next generation, including her own daughter, to see that they don't have to wait for opportunities to be handed to them. "I would hope for that to be my legacy," she said. Her accomplishments have not gone unnoticed - Battle was even offered a $150,000 deal on "Shark Tank," a popular TV show where entrepreneurs pitch their business ideas to a panel of investors.

This further solidifies her status as a successful and influential Black orthodontist. Dr. Yvette Battle is more than just a skilled orthodontist - she is a trailblazer, a role model, and a symbol of empowerment for the Black community.

Through her practice, she is not only straightening teeth but also breaking barriers and paving the way for a more diverse and inclusive future in the field of orthodontics.