Dr. Manuel J. Sousa, Orthodontist

After graduating from Boston University in 1967 with a B.A. in psychology and double minor in chemistry and biology, Dr. Sousa and his new bride and high school sweetheart, Francine, embarked on a 10 year journey that would eventually lead to the opening of their orthodontic practice in Aug. 1977. The journey began with Dr. Sousa serving his country in the United States Air Force from 1967-1971. He received an honorable discharge in 1971 having achieved the rank of Captain and was awarded The Air Force Commendation Medal for Meritorious Service. During these years the two older Sousa sons were born - Manuel and Christopher.

From Sept. 1971 to May 1977 Dr. Sousa studied at Loyola School of Dentistry where he graduated cum laude in 1975 receiving his dental degree. At this time he was elected to the Blue Key National Honor Fraternity and the Omicron Kappa Upsilon Honorary Dental Society - Pi Chapter.

Dr. Sousa received a teaching fellowship in anatomy at Loyola and taught gross anatomy while studying as an orthodontic resident. He received his Certificate of Specialty in Orthodontics in May of 1977. Dr. Sousa is a post graduate of the Roth Williams Center for Functional Occlusion, the Mid-America Advanced Orthodontic-TMJ program and is currently certified as an Invisalign Premier Provider. Through the years Dr. Sousa has completed numerous continuing education courses frequently, earning over 100 hours of CE credit each year. His practice is limited to adult and children orthodontic treatment as well as the diagnosis and treatment of Temporo-Mandibular (TMJ or jaw joint) Disorders. Dr. Sousa has also lectured to several component dental societies, the NH Tech Dental Assistant program and the Salem High School Health Vocations program on a number of dental health subjects. He is also considered a leader in the region in the use of the newest dental radiology technology - the Volumetric Cone Beam Head and Neck Cat Scan presenting several lectures on the subject.

Dr. Sousa is a member of the American Association of Orthodontics, The Northeast Region of Orthodontics, The American Dental Society, The Greater Salem NH Dental Society of which he is a co-founder and past president. He is also a member of the Roth Williams International Society of Orthodontists.

Dr Sousa and Francine were blessed with their youngest son, Nathan, shortly after opening their orthodontic practice in Aug of 1977. Family has always been the important theme in Dr. Sousa's life and he has dedicated his practice to serving those families entrusting themselves and their children to his care. His goal and that of SCO is to have his patients and their families feel that they are extended family. Indeed, in the early years as Francine worked the front desk it was not uncommon to find a patient's mom feeding Nathan his bottle or a dad rocking him to sleep for an afternoon nap. Day care for infants was rare then, so Nathan spent his early years greeting patients while sitting in his mechanical swing. Nathan and his brothers are now grown with wives and children of their own. Dr. Sousa and Francine have 5 grandchildren (four boys and one princess) to keep them smiling. It is they who frequently visit the office and bring smiles to our patients, parents and the SCO TEAM. The Sousa's also love animals and currently have a chocolate Labrador - Kobi and an orange tabby cat - Flicka entertaining them at home.

Dr. Sousa and Francine have lived in Salem, NH since June of 1977 and have been active in the community since. From little league and cub scouts in the early years to civic organizations such as Dollars for Scholars, The Salem Boys and Girls Club, The High Hopes Foundation and the Greater Salem Chamber of Commerce in the latter years, Dr. Sousa has tried to give back to the community that has supported him through the years. He continues to serve on the Salem Boy's and Girl's club board of directors. He is also an annual participant in the "Read to Lead" program at the junior high level and the annual Salem High School Sophomore Career Day at Northern Essex Community College. Dr. Sousa and Francine are also very active in their church community both having served on the pastoral council as well as participating at various ministry levels. Other interests include theater - Dr. Sousa has enjoyed acting in and directing community theater productions through the years - golfing, ballroom dancing with Francine, piano and most of all spending leisure time with his family.