orthodontist albuquerque

Meet Dr. Drew McDonald, DDS, MS

Dr. Drew McDonald is a board certified orthodontic specialist with a strong focus on airway and temporomandibular joint-focused treatment planning, surgically-facilitated orthodontic treatment, and providing complex interdisciplinary care for patients. He lectures internationally on these topics and has contributed to literature and textbooks in these areas. Dr. McDonald is dedicated to advancing the profession of Orthodontics and Dentistry as a whole.

Born and raised in Tucson, AZ, Dr. McDonald’s love of baseball brought him to Albuquerque where he played as a catcher for the Lobos from 2006-2008. While attending the University of New Mexico he met his wife, Emily, a New Mexico native. He also fell in love with the Sandias, green chile, and the near perfect weather. He graduated from the University of New Mexico in 2008 with a Bachelor of Science degree in biology and a minor in chemistry.

No stranger to orthodontic treatment, young Drew spent five years in orthodontic treatment correcting his under-bite. It was his time spent in an orthodontic chair that spurred his desire to pursue orthodontics as a career one day.

Dr. McDonald attended dental school at the prestigious Creighton University in Omaha, Nebraska. Known for it’s rigorous academic curriculum and intense clinical training, Dr. McDonald received many academic accolades while at Creighton including inductions into Omicron Kappa Upsilon (National Dental Honor Society) and Alpha Sigma Nu (Honor Society of Jesuit Universities). He also served in leadership positions as class president and student body president and on alumni relations committees.

After graduating Cum Laude from Creighton, Dr. McDonald was accepted as one of only three residents nationwide into the University of Missouri-Kansas City Orthodontics program, a renowned two-and-a-half year, full-time residency known for its clinical excellence. Dr. McDonald graduated in December of 2016 with his certificate in orthodontics and master’s degree in Oral and Craniofacial Sciences.

When away from the office, Dr. Drew is a “girl-Dad” to two daughters, a self-proclaimed grill master, and minimally talented yet enthusiastic golfer, you can find him taking in a Lobo game, and spending time outdoors with his family.