Our office is dedicated to providing a warm and welcoming environment for all our patients. Our team is highly trained and friendly, ensuring that you feel comfortable and at home during your visit. We prioritize your needs and strive to provide efficient and comprehensive treatment in a supportive atmosphere. We are committed to being transparent about treatment options, risks, costs, and we work together to address your individual needs as a patient.
Our team is made up of highly trained professionals with multiple certifications and years of experience in providing top-quality care to patients. We make it a priority to stay up-to-date on the latest advancements in technology and medical practices by attending continuing education courses and seminars regularly. Our dedication to ongoing learning ensures that we can always provide the best possible care to those we serve.
When you visit any of our offices, you will notice familiar faces as our staff commutes between locations. This means that you can expect to see the same team members regardless of which office you visit. Additionally, our three doctors collaborate on cases, ensuring that all patients receive consistent and high-quality care.
Joseph R. Karam, DMD
Orthodontics and Dentofacial Orthopedics
Dr. Karam, born in Scranton, Pennsylvania, attended Abington Heights High School before pursuing a Bachelor of Science degree in Neuroscience at the University of Pittsburgh. He completed his undergraduate studies in just three years before furthering his education at the University of Pittsburgh School of Dental Medicine. There, he successfully earned his Doctor of Dental Medicine (D.M.D.) degree, and graduated as valedictorian. Dr. Karam's hard work and dedication were honored when he was chosen to join the prestigious Omicron Kappa Upsilon honor society. Additionally, he was awarded for his exceptional leadership and professionalism by The International College of Dentists. Dr. Karam also received recognition from the Pierre Fauchard Academy for his outstanding moral and ethical service to both his community and the dental profession. After finishing his three year residency, Dr. Karam received a Certificate of Advanced Study of Orthodontics and Dentofacial Orthopedics from the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center (UPMC). Dr. Karam, along with his wife Emily, have raised four sons and a lovable Great Dane, Lewes. Together, they love to travel and explore the great outdoors, as well as working on restoring their historic home in NEPA
Dr. Jeffrey Pace, DMD, MS
Orthodontics and Dentofacial Orthopedics
Dr. Pace is a Dallas, PA native, and after graduating from Dallas High School, he decided to purse his undergraduate studies amongst the Rocky Mountains at the University of Colorado at Boulder. He then returned to his home state for his dental degree, graduating from the University of Pennsylvania School of Dental Medicine in Philadelphia. Going a little further west this time, Dr. Pace decided to further his education by completing his orthodontic training at the Oregon Health and Sciences University in Portland, Oregon. After spending his first few years of practice working for Kaiser Permanente in Oregon, he made the decision to move back home to Northeast PA and join Karam Orthodontics.
Dr. Pace is a lover of outdoor activities like skiing, backpacking, and mountain biking. He has traveled to five continents and is always looking for new adventures. In his free time, he enjoys karaoke, playing various musical instruments, and attempting to improve his golf game. Dr. Pace and his girlfriend Megan share their home with two sibling cats named Po and Lala, who were named after the Teletubbies!
Dr. Annika Wessel, DMD, MS
Orthodontics and Dentofacial Orthopedics
Dr. Wessel, born in Drums, Pennsylvania, graduated from MMI Preparatory School. She earned her undergraduate degree from the University of Scranton while shadowing Dr.Karam, which sparked her passion for orthodontics. She attended the University of Pittsburgh School of Dental Medicine and was inducted into the prestigious Omicron Kappa Upsilon honor society. Following dental school, Dr. Wessel completed her orthodontic residency at Seton Hill University, where she earned a Master's degree and Certificate in Orthodontics and Dentofacial Orthopedics. As of May 2024, Dr. Wessel is officially a board-certified orthodontist.
Dr. Wessel is excited to be back in NEPA and be a part of the Karam Orthodontics team. During her free time, Dr. Wessel enjoys traveling to different countries and visiting her family in Germany and Poland. She enjoys working on house projects and growing her collection of 33 house plants. She and her family also enjoy taking care of their many animals, which include horses, dogs, cats, chickens, and peacocks.
Heidi
Office Manager 2010
Heidi graduated from the University of Scranton with a major in English/Communications and a minor in Business Management. She is dedicated to volunteering at the local community center and holds a position on the board of directors. Heidi loves spending time outdoors, and enjoys many activities such as kayaking, quilting, and cooking. During the Covid pandemic, she found a new passion for fishing and was immediately hooked on the sport! Heidi also works alongside her niece, Lindsey!
Fun fact: Heidi ran a total of 3 half marathons!
Melinda
Treatment Coordinator 2021
Melinda is one of the first of many friendly faces you will meet at Karam Orthodontics. She joined our practice in 2021, but has been working in the field since 1996, bringing years of experience to our team. Outside of work, she enjoys crafting, baking, and spending quality time with her family.
Fun fact: Melinda put Dr. Karam's braces on when he was a kid!
Joelle
Treatment Coordinator 2013
Joelle joined the Karam Ortho team in 2013. She is one of the first of many friendly faces you will meet at our office as a new patient. She enjoys traveling, spending time with her kids, and supporting her daughter in softball!
Fun fact: Joelle loves the beach!
Joanne
Financial Consultant 2013
Joanne joined the Karam Ortho team in 2013 after working in the field since 1990. She and her husband have been married for 46 years and have 4 children. She loves to spend time with her grandson and furry grandpets.
Fun fact: Joanne enjoys being semi-retired and traveling the world.
Julie
Clinical Coordinator 2010
Julie has been a loyal employee at Karam Orthodontics for 14 years. She was the inaugural staff member at the Scranton office. In her free time, Julie enjoys doing yoga and going on walks with her two golden retrievers, Tucker and Scout. Julie and her husband, Brian, have raised two boys and are now enjoying the experience of being grandparents to their two grandchildren.
Fun fact: Julie is a licensed manicurist!
Kristen
Clinical Assistant/Social Media Coordinator 2014
Kristen enjoys renovating and decorating her home, as well as caring for her plants. She, along with her husband Zach and their son Jax, recently welcomed a baby girl named Emmie in May. Kristen also enjoys spending her night relaxing on the couch with her black lab mix, Lacey.
Fun fact: Dr. Karam officiated Kristen's wedding in 2019.
Eileen
Scheduling Coordinator 2017
Eileen loves shopping, going for walks, and visiting her dad's beach house in New York. She and her husband have been married for 39 years and have four daughters. Eileen enjoys spending time with her granddaughter and her dog, Chance.
Fun fact: You can catch Eileen frequently snacking on M&Ms!
Lori
Clinical Assistant 2013
Lori joined the Karam Orthodontics team in 2013. During her free time, Lori enjoys tending to her garden, camping, and going on walks with her furry friend, Chip. Lori has been happily married for 36 years.
Fun fact: Lori loves to ride on her Harley Davidson motorcycle!
Jessica
Clinical Assistant/Social Media Coordinator 2017
Jessica has a bachelor's degree in Healthcare Management and Administration. She loves to travel, shop, and spend time with her husband and daughter. Jessica is also bilingual and can speak both English and Spanish fluently.
Fun fact: Jess is a sucker for a good iced coffee!
Bri
Clinical Assistant/Social Media Coordinator 2020
Bri enjoys various activities including traveling to new places, skiing down snowy slopes, capturing moments through photography and videography, and creating unique apparel.
Fun fact: On weekends, Bri can often be found at the motocross track, where she helps out as the pit crew for her boyfriend, Angelo!
Jordan
Clinical Assistant 2020
Jordan enjoys shopping, working out, and sleeping. She often travels with her fiancé and always spends quality time with her dog, Maverick.
Fun fact: Her dream is to one day open a hotel for dogs!
Rachel
Clinical Assistant 2018
Rachel has a variety of hobbies that she enjoys. She loves to bake delicious treats, read books, and go for leisurely walks. In addition to these activities, she is also a dedicated basketball mom, supporting her child's passion for the sport.
Fun fact: She loves the beach!
Lindsey
Clinical Assistant 2019
Lindsey has a variety of hobbies that she enjoys, such as golfing, camping, antiquing, visiting flea markets and yard sales, and recently has taken up gardening. During the summertime, she likes to ride ATV's. Lindsey also loves going for walks with her dog, Otis.
Fun fact: Lindsey collects vintage Pyrex.
Allie, RDH
Clinical Assistant 2020
Allie graduated from dental hygiene school in 2019 at Fortis Institute. Allie is happily married to her husband, Cody, and they have two children, Wyatt and Lainey. They also have two dogs, a Great Dane named Duke and a German Shepherd named Blake. On the weekends, you can find Allie bartending at a country club where she has worked for nearly a decade, serving guests at weddings and events.
Fun fact: Allie is certified in party, event and wedding planning!
Marlena, RDH
Clinical Assistant 2020
Marlena graduated from Pennsylvania College of Technology with a degree in dental hygiene. In her free time, she enjoys Yoga, baking, swimming, and going to the beach. Marlena also cherishes spending quality time with her husband, two sons, and their dog, Buster!
Fun fact: She is a hot yoga instructor!
Jennifer
Scheduling Coordinator 2020
Jen has a variety of hobbies that she enjoys, such as cooking, singing, decorating, and spending time outdoors. Jen is also bilingual and can speak both English and Spanish fluently.
Fun fact: Jen loves to cook and Decorate for special Occasions
Sabrina
Clinical Assistant 2020
Sabrina finds joy in baking delicious treats, tending to her bees, and exploring the great outdoors. Sabrina and her husband enjoy going on hikes with their two golden retrievers, Tucker and Barnaby. They are also excitedly awaiting the arrival of their first baby boy in December 2024!
Fun fact: Sabrina is working on visiting all 66 U.S. National Parks, 11 down so far!
Jill
Financial Coordinator 2021
Jill is committed to assisting patients in understanding and managing their financial obligations. Outside of work, Jill enjoys playing billiards, exploring new destinations, and cherishing moments with her husband and children, Caleb and Carly.
Fun fact: Jill has competed in the APA World Pool Championships in Las Vegas several times!
Obdulia
Clinical Assistant/RDH 2021
Obdulia enjoys spending time with her husband and going on walks with their two German Shepherds, Oso & Ace. They are also eagerly anticipating the arrival of their first baby girl in October 2024!
Fun fact: After graduating high school, Obdulia enlisted in the Army National Guard.
Emily
Clinical Assistant 2021
Emily recently graduated from Bloomsburg University with a Bachelor of Science in Biology. During her free time, she enjoys reading, spending time with her family, going to Phillies games, and exploring new places through travel.
Fun fact: She can read a 500 page book in one day.
Kayla
Clinical Assistant 2023
Kayla has a passion for the outdoors, traveling, running 5ks, country music, CrossFit, and plants. In her free time, she enjoys spending time with her husband and 3 German Shepherds, Albert, Bailey, and Rooster. Kayla graduated from LCCC with a degree in Medical Office Specialist and previously worked as a phlebotomist.
Fun fact: Kayla and Assistant Allie have been friends for over 20 years!
Katie
Scheduling Coordinator 2021
Katie is one of the many friendly faces that will greet you at our northern offices. Katie enjoys shopping, reading, and traveling. When Katie is not at work, you can find her spending time with her daughter, Avah, and their dog, Ace.
Fun fact: Katie had the privilege of meeting former President Obama and current President Biden.
Jazmyn
Scheduling Coordinator 2023
Jazmyn enjoys content creating, dancing, singing, and creating art. Jazmyn is also a licensed cosmetologist who loves to bring her creativity out on her clients makeup and brow needs. She is also fluent in English and Spanish.
Fun fact: Jazmyn is an avid collector of coffee mugs!
Michelle
Scheduling Coordinator 2024
Michelle is a busy mother with four children and two golden retrievers. She likes to take walks and hikes with her husband and dogs, and also enjoys going out for coffee. Michelle also enjoys cheering her kids on in their sports activities.
Fun fact: MIchelle grew up on a dairy farm!
Serafima
Clinical Assistant 2024
Serafima is a talented individual who has a passion for photography, going to the gym, writing, traveling, and playing the piano. In her free time, she enjoys having bonfires with her family and her dog, Logan.
Fun fact: She dedicated a year and a half to studying midwifery and had the opportunity to be present at over ten births, including the delivery of her youngest sister.
