Dr. J. Michael Hudson
Dr. Hudson was born and raised in central Illinois. Both his parents are retired teachers. His father also coached and had Dr. Hudson actively involved in basketball, baseball, and tennis. (That's why he limps some days.)
Dr. Hudson came to Decatur in 1985, bringing his wife and two daughters. The oldest, Hillarie Ryann Hudson, joined the practice in December 2010.
His youngest daughter, Heather, is another doctor in the family. After getting her Bachelor"s Degree at Eastern Illinois University and a Master's Degree at University of Illinois Springfield, she earned her PhD at Southern Illinois University. She is now an associate professor in the Department of Health Education at the University of Central Arkansas.
The family teaching tradition is continued with Dr. Hudson as well. He has been an instructor in the orthodontic department at Saint Louis University (where he did his orthodontic training) since 1996. He also has given seminars around the nation to family dentists and orthodontists alike.
Dr. Hudson has been a lifelong student of orthodontics who is passionate about creating beautiful, functional smiles in a family-like atmosphere. His goal is to create an orthodontic office that delivers a standard of care than is matched only by the finest orthodontic offices in the world. Dr. Hudson considers Drs. Jeff Okeson and Pete Dawson among his many mentors. Included in the numerous organizations he is a member of are the Academy of Orofacial Pain and the American Equilibration Society. He was the President of the Decatur Society 2007-2008 and 2017-2018.
Outside the office, he enjoys hiking with his wife, playing with his two and four-legged grandchildren, most forms of music, and all things fascinating.
"I consider myself one of the most blessed men in the world. I have a beautiful and loving family-both at home and at work. And I have the honor of practicing in the fascinating profession of orthodontics with some of the greatest patients anywhere."
Thank you for your interest.
Dr. Hillarie Ryann Hudson
Dr. Ryann grew up in Decatur and Mt. Zion. When she attended Johns Hill, she was involved in cross country, poms, and Staley Striders. In highschool, she was involved in Mt. ZionSwingsations, soccer, and math team. She attended classes at Richland Community College, Olivet Nazarene University, Millikin University, and Ball State University to get her prepared for early admission to dental school. She started in her dad’s footsteps by attending Southern Illinois University-Edwardsville to obtain her dental degree. Then, she attended Saint Louis University to study orthodontics and received a Masters of Science in Dentistry in 2010.
At dental school, Dr. Ryann’s research on the effects of soft drinks on fillings won several awards. She was asked to give presentations at several meetings around the country about her research. She was also voted as having the "Best Chair Side Manner" in dental school by her peers and won awards in oral biology and treating special needs patients.
Dr. Ryann did additional research and specialized patient care during her orthodontic residency at Saint Louis University. Her research tested the level of understanding between general dentists and orthodontists on how best to treat orthodontic patients. In addition to her normal studies, she also did a fellowship with Washington University’s Cleft Palate and Craniofacial team. In 2017, Dr. Ryann finished a week long mini-residency with Dr. Jeff Okeson learning more about TMD and Facial Pain.
Dr. Ryann has always wanted to be an orthodontist since she was 7 years old. She started working at the office at age 15 and has been a receptionist, lab technician, and chair side assistant over the years. Working at this office has been a lifelong dream of hers! Now, she is very active in the local and state dental societies since 2011. She was the President of the Decatur Society from 2014-2015.
Some things people might not know about Dr. Ryann is that she LOVES criminal and science related t.v. shows. When possible, she walks with her family or anyone who is willing to talk with her! She has been married since 2014 to Joey Mize and has a 4-legged Coonhound-mix, Harley. Dr. Ryann has two squeezable children, Knox and Monroe. She is still learning how to live with 2 toddlers!! Also, she tries to spend time with her sister (Heather), brother-in-law (Eric), Juliet Babycakes (Boxer) and Diesel (Pitbull) who lives in Arkansas.