Meet Dr. Todd Connell
When he's not at work, you'll catch him outdoors, at the lake, in the air, or with is dog Ivy. Learn more about Dr. Connell Below.
Dr. Todd Connell
ABOUT ME
Dr. Connell completed his BS at UW Madison, majoring in medical microbiology and immunology. He followed that with a DDS and MS from Marquette University School of Dentistry, earning a specialty certificate in orthodontics. Since then, Dr. Connell has become a diplomate of the American Board of Orthodontics and a member of the ADA, WDA, AAO, and OKU. He also serves on the board of the Wisconsin Society of Orthodontics. In addition, he is committed to lifelong learning and has served as an adjunct professor at Marquette University’s highly regarded dental school for more than 25 years.
Dr. Connell’s treatment recommendations are based on an understanding of peer reviewed scientific literature and a realistic approach toward novel advances in technology. His concerns regarding overtreatment have been published in the Journal of the American Dental Association (JADA) and the American Journal of Orthodontics & Dentofacial Orthopedics (AJODO).
When he isn’t working, Dr. Connell is quite the outdoorsman. He often spends his weekends up north with his family where they fish, swim, and waterski. If he’s not in the water he is in the air, piloting small planes and taking photos of stunning views. It also has to be said that Dr. Connell is very much a dog person. He has a beautiful copper lab named Ivy who also enjoys the outdoors and a good bonfire!
Education
- UW Madison BS --Medical Microbiology and Immunology
- Graduate of Marquette Dental School
- Masters- Marquette Orthodontic Program
Honors | Memberships
- Past President of the Wisconsin Society of Orthodontists
- Member, Omicron Kappa Upsilon Dental Honor Society
- Member, Orthodontic Study Club of Wisconsin
- Member, Trinity Study Club
- WDA Wisconsin Dental Association
- ADA American Dental Association
- AAO American Association of Orthodontists
- Member, Milwaukee Study Club (the local component of the Seattle Study Club)
- Diplomate, American Board of Orthodontics – The American Board of Orthodontics is the only certifying organization for the specialty of orthodontics that is recognized by the American Dental Association and sponsored by the American Association of Orthodontics.
Latest Achievements
After nearly two decades of criticizing the clinical guidance in the 1997 Kokich and Spear article, Dr. Connell formally petitioned the American Board of Orthodontics to reconsider its inclusion on the Written Examination reading list. Following correspondence, review of additional evidence, and discussion with the Chair of the Written Exam Committee, the article was removed from the ABO reading list.
Featured Professional Recognition: Published in the AJO‑DO
Dr. Todd Connell was formally published in the American Journal of Orthodontics & Dentofacial Orthopedics (AJO‑DO), the leading peer‑reviewed journal in orthodontics. His published commentary called for stronger reporting standards and greater transparency in orthodontic outcomes for obstructive sleep apnea treatments—reinforcing his commitment to patient safety, ethical care, and clinical excellence.
This recognition places Dr. Connell among a select group of orthodontists contributing to national discussions that shape the future of the profession.
Read the full letter and author response in the American Journal of Orthodontics and Dentofacial Orthopedics: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ajodo.2014.11.007 (doi.org in Bing)
Professional Recognition: Published Multiple times in the Journal of the American Dental Association
Dr. Todd Connell’s clinical perspective was published in JADA, the flagship peer‑reviewed journal of the American Dental Association. His commentary addressed treatment planning for deeply impacted mandibular molars and emphasized the importance of balancing risks, long‑term prognosis, and patient‑centered decision‑making.
Being featured in JADA places Dr. Connell among a select group of clinicians contributing to national discussions that shape modern orthodontic standards. His publication reflects a commitment to evidence‑based care, conservative treatment when appropriate, and protecting patients from unnecessary risk.
Connell, T. (2015). Greater transparency needed when reporting orthodontic outcomes of obstructive sleep apnea treatment. American Journal of Orthodontics and Dentofacial Orthopedics, 147(1), 159. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ajodo.2014.11.007 (doi.org in Bing)
Dr. Connell challenged speculative claims about “chewing as therapy,” emphasizing the need for evidence‑based conclusions and caution when presenting physiologic mechanisms to the public.
His published critiques demonstrate a long‑standing commitment to scientific rigor, patient safety, and responsible clinical communication—values that guide his orthodontic treatment philosophy today.
Connell, T. (2015). Greater transparency needed when reporting orthodontic outcomes of obstructive sleep apnea treatment. American Journal of Orthodontics and Dentofacial Orthopedics, 147(1), 159. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ajodo.2014.11.007 (doi.org in Bing)
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