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 by community voting, underscore the practice's deep-rooted connection to the Homewood, Alabama, community and its commitment to personalized orthodontic care.
For Dr. Backus, the recognition is especially meaningful because it comes directly from the patients and families she serves. "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," said Dr. Dominique Backus, owner and founder of Backus Smiles. "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 dual honors reflect a practice built on years of dedicated service and a patient-first philosophy. Dr. Backus earned her Doctor of Dental Surgery in 1997 and completed her Specialty Certificate in Orthodontics in 2000, building on 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. The practice's office culture emphasizes making patients feel like family from the moment they walk through the door, a factor that likely contributed to its strong showing in the community vote.
The recognition matters beyond a single award cycle. In an era where corporate dental chains and direct-to-consumer aligner companies are increasingly prominent, a community-driven accolade for a private, non-corporate practice signals that local patients still value personalized, relationship-based care. It also reinforces Homewood's identity as a community that supports its small businesses and independent professionals.
For residents considering orthodontic treatment, the award may serve as a trusted endorsement. Backus Smiles welcomes new patients and offers complimentary consultations for anyone considering braces, clear aligners, or other orthodontic treatment. Those interested can learn more or schedule an appointment by visiting backusbraces.com.
The practice's success also highlights the broader impact of community recognition on local healthcare. Awards like Homewood's Best can help patients navigate their options and choose providers who are not only clinically skilled but also deeply embedded in the community. For Dr. Backus and her team, the 2026 honors are both a validation of their approach and a motivator to continue delivering care that prioritizes comfort, technology, and lasting results.
