Backus Smiles and Dr. Dominique Backus have been named Homewood's Best Orthodontist 2026 and Homewood's Best Orthodontic Practice 2026, an annual recognition compiled by Homewood Life that celebrates top local businesses and professionals chosen by residents. The awards, decided entirely by community voting, signal strong patient trust and satisfaction with the practice's approach to orthodontic care.
For Dr. Dominique Backus, the founder and owner, the recognition carries particular weight because it comes directly from the community. "Being named one of Homewood's Best means so much to us because it comes directly from the people we get to serve every day," she said. "Our whole team works hard to make every visit comfortable and every smile something to be proud of, and this recognition lets us know that effort is being felt by our patients and their families. As a small business owner in a private (non-corporate) practice, this award is truly one of the greatest compliments we can receive!"
The honor reflects a practice built on personalized treatment plans, advanced technology, and a welcoming environment for patients of all ages. Dr. Backus earned her Doctor of Dental Surgery in 1997 and completed her Specialty Certificate in Orthodontics in 2000, following undergraduate studies in microbiology completed with summa cum laude honors. She is a member of the American Association of Orthodontists, the American Dental Association, the Alabama Association of Orthodontists, and the Birmingham District Dental Society, and maintains alumni ties to both LSU School of Dentistry and UAB.
Backus Smiles offers comprehensive care for children, teens, and adults, including traditional and clear braces, Invisalign clear aligners, and custom retainers to help patients maintain their results long after treatment ends. This range of services positions the practice as a one-stop destination for families seeking orthodontic care in Homewood and the greater Birmingham area.
The recognition matters beyond a single award. In an era when corporate dental chains and direct-to-consumer aligner companies are expanding rapidly, a community-voted honor for a private, non-corporate practice highlights the enduring value patients place on personalized, relationship-driven care. It also reinforces Homewood's identity as a community that supports local businesses and professionals who invest in their neighbors.
For residents considering orthodontic treatment, the award may serve as a trusted signal of quality. Backus Smiles has focused on creating an office culture where patients feel like family from the moment they walk through the door, an approach that likely contributed to the community's vote of confidence.
As the practice looks ahead, the recognition could help attract new patients and strengthen its standing in the local market. More broadly, it demonstrates that even in a competitive healthcare landscape, small, privately owned practices can thrive when they prioritize patient experience and community engagement.
Backus Smiles provides comprehensive orthodontic care for children and adults throughout Homewood and Birmingham, AL. The practice welcomes new patients and offers complimentary consultations for anyone considering braces, clear aligners, or other orthodontic treatment. To learn more or schedule an appointment, visit backusbraces.com.
