Dr. Henry Zaytoun, Sr.

"Orthodontics is not simply lining up teeth. It goes way beyond that. It improves overall health of the teeth and body, and further, it enhances the patient's self-esteem. This is why orthodontics is so rewarding."  Dr. Henry Zaytoun, Sr.

Dr. Zaytoun's list of contributions and honors over the years is endless. He is a Board-Certified Diplomate of the American Board of Orthodontics; past president of the North Carolina Association of Orthodontists; a member of the Southern Association of Orthodontists, the American Association of Orthodontists, the Raleigh-Wake County Dental Society, and the American Dental Association; and a Diplomate of the International College of Dentists. He is past president of the Dental Foundation of North Carolina, Inc., and served during its large fundraiser to build Tarrson Hall, the new building housing the School of Dentistry on the UNC Chapel Hill campus. Honors include being named one of "33 of America's Most Distinguished Orthodontists" recently published in the prestigious Journal of Clinical Orthodontics. In addition, he was presented with the UNC Dental School's Distinguished Alumni Award in 1994. In 2004, Dr. Zaytoun was named by Governor Michael Easley to the Order of the Long Leaf Pine.

Dr. Henry Sr. completed his predental studies at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, afterward attending the University of Maryland School of Dentistry. Upon graduation, he was commissioned and served in the United States Navy. After returning to the University of Maryland School of Dentistry for postgraduate studies, he then began practicing general dentistry in Rocky Mount. In 1958, he returned to the UNC Chapel Hill School of Dentistry to earn a Master of Science degree in orthodontics.

In 1960, the Zaytouns moved to Raleigh and established Zaytoun Orthodontics. Today, Dr. Henry Sr. and two of his children, Henry Jr. and Mary Paula, who also graduated from the UNC School of Dentistry, practice together as Zaytoun Orthodontics, with offices in Raleigh, Cary, and Garner with a staff of 22.

Indeed, Dr. Henry Sr.'s love of education and his tireless energy have allowed him to serve as an excellent role model to many in the field of orthodontics. Over the past many years there have been more than 25 young men and women who have worked with Dr. Zaytoun and Zaytoun Orthodontics who have gone on to become dentists and physicians.

Dr. Zaytoun and his wife, Martha, in 2000 established an award at the UNC School of Dentistry to recognize the senior student who had exhibited through his or her four years the highest qualities of professional demeanor and ethics.

Dr. and Mrs. Zaytoun have raised 9 children; all have graduated from college, and many have earned graduate degrees. They presently have 22 grandchildren. Six of their children live in Raleigh, two in Florida, and one in New York. Both Dr. and Mrs. Zaytoun are native North Carolinians and are proud to call themselves Tar Heels.