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Dr. Michael Koufos is a licensed and certified orthodontist. Dr. Koufos’s practice is limited exclusively to orthodontics. Since 1988, his practice has treated more than 15,000 smiles! His true passion has been in education through learning, teaching, and coaching.
EDUCATION
Dr. Koufos was born and raised in Munster, Indiana where he attended Munster High School. After high school, he continued his education at Indiana University, Bloomington, and earned a BS in biological sciences. After graduation from college, Dr. Koufos continued another six years at the Indiana University School of Dentistry.
Dr. Koufos earned his four-year DDS (Doctorate of Dental Surgery) with distinction and was privileged to continue an additional two years of dental education in the orthodontic program to earn his certificate of specialty in orthodontics.
In 1988, Dr. Koufos began his career with one of the premier orthodontic practices in the state. Orthodontics Inc. was founded by Dr. Joseph R. Jarabak (est. 1968), who was one of the most published and world-renowned orthodontists of his time. Dr. Koufos recalled, “Dr. Jarabak was an incredible inspiration and reason for me to return to northwest Indiana to practice orthodontics.” Other retired Ortho Inc. colleagues include Dr. Donnie Rooksberry, Dr. Tom Cavanaugh, Dr. Sheldon Altschul, Dr. Ken Hyde and still practicing is Dr. Chuck Hurst and Dr. David Albright. Now the legacy continues to move forward with Dr. Emily. She is the first female orthodontist to join the group practice!
Dr. Koufos currently serves as an adjunct visiting clinical professor for the Department of Orthodontics and Oral Facial Genetics at Indiana University School of Dentistry where he teaches the graduate students in the Orthodontic Department. He has been active in teaching at Indiana University since 2009.
Dr. Koufos was a guest lecturer for the McLaughlin program in San Diego, California for 4 years. Dr. Rick McLaughlin was known throughout the world for his orthodontic education courses and books utilized in many university orthodontic programs.
Dr. Koufos recently developed the Learning Exchange for teaching and co-partnering with dental colleagues to communicate beneficial dental exchanges on treatment planning and various topics of learning through academic dental education. He is certified by the state of Indiana to provide continuing education credits for courses he teaches to dental staff and colleagues.
In line with his love for teaching, in 2014 Dr. Koufos was invited to speak at the Conferinta Dental Focus in Paltinis, Romania, where he served as a conference lecturer to peer orthodontists. He also served as a speaker at the prestigious biennial Burstone Symposium, hosted by the IU School of Dentistry in Indianapolis.
Dr. Koufos is a member of the Spear Study Club for Interdisciplinary Treatment, and the Northwest Indiana Dental Study Club on Interdisciplinary Treatment Planning. He and a group of local dentists were named the top recipients for the Seattle Study Club (SSC) International Case Study Competition. These doctors were recognized for their case study on the front cover of the SSC Journal Magazine.
Being a part of a local community has afforded Dr. Koufos many wonderful experiences. As a soccer enthusiast, he has earned both a D and E Coaching Certificate from the US Soccer Federation. Dr. K continues to play locally on several men’s recreational soccer teams in both indoor and outdoor soccer. He also shares the love of soccer with his daughters and the Lady Mustangs soccer team. During the season, Dr. Koufos assists with training and was previously the public address announcer for the Lady Mustangs.
He also served as the team dentist for Munster High School Athletics, and for over 25 years has volunteered his time to make mouthguards for the high school sports l teams. Dr. Koufos has been a strong supporter of many community athletic programs, including Lake Central, Crown Point, and local private schools.
Lastly, Dr. Koufos’s pride and joy will always be his family. He and his wife Amy have been married for over 35 years. Together they share the love of their four daughters: Sophie, Olivia and Emily (twins), and Samantha. He now has three amazing sons-in-law: Noah, Matthew, and Michael John who all enjoy watching sporting events, making jokes, and traveling together for large family events,
The entire family is proud to call themselves “Hoosiers,” since they all have attended Indiana University and share the tradition of many family tailgates.
Dr. Koufos is especially thrilled that his daughter Emily is following in his footsteps as an orthodontist. In 2019, Dr. Emily received her DMD, Doctor of Dental Medicine degree at Midwestern University in Chicago. In 2021, Dr. Emily joined our practice and has quickly demonstrated her love for caring for patients and working with our staff. She has quickly added her female perspective to treating patients and injects her youthful energy to our practice!
