Pittsburgh Orthodontic Group has named Dr. Ashley Arnao as a new partner, less than two years after she joined the practice as an associate.

The group was co-founded by Dr. George Deme, Orchard Drive, and Dr. Richard Gobbie, who recently retired. It operates five offices throughout the region, including a Mt. Lebanon location at 750 Washington Road. That office has served patients since 2000 and remains a cornerstone of the group’s patient-focused approach.

Arnao earned her undergraduate degree from Kean University in New Jersey, a Doctor of Dental Medicine from the University of Kentucky and a certificate in orthodontics and a Master of Dental Science from the University of Pittsburgh. She is board certified, a credential that distinguishes her in the field.

“She’s extremely down to earth and a strong person,” Deme said. “We complement each other like yin and yang.”

Arnao said her approach emphasizes accessibility and strong relationships with patients. Patients are encouraged to call the doctors’ cell phones when there is an emergency.

“If there’s ever an emergency or even just a concern over the weekend or late at night, we want people to feel they can reach out,” she said. “We want everyone to feel like family.”

That commitment to personal care is central to the practice’s philosophy.

“Every patient is seen by the doctors, even if they are being worked on by an assistant. If that’s the case, we still see the patient,” Deme said.

Arnao agreed.

“We’re hands-on with every single patient,” she said. “The name might sound like a big corporate practice, but it’s just the two of us.”

The team works to ensure a seamless patient experience from the first appointment forward.

“From the moment they walk in, to the moment they leave, whether they’re seven and starting phase one or an adult who’s never had orthodontics, we want them to feel comfortable and confident,” Arnao said.

Deme, a Mt. Lebanon resident since 2013, previously practiced in Greece and remains committed to a relationship-based model.

“Our goal has never been just treatment,” he said. “It’s to build relationships.” For more information, visit pittorthogroup.com.