Dr. Hicks has been practicing orthodontics for more than 28 years and had dreams of opening his own practice. He has worked for Castle Dental since 1991 as an independent contractor.  When he decided to open his own practice in Pearland, Texas, he was referred to the Houston Center SBDC to receive business assistance and guidance.

Dr. Hicks received one-on-one business assistance from LeeVera Smith, Houston Center SBDC Advising Director. Smith helped Dr. Hicks create a business plan, gather costs associated with equipment and supplies, as well as financial projections to secure funding for his venture.

Dr. Hicks was able to secure funding from Amegy Bank to open his practice.  He opened New Image Orthodontics in November 2018. 

“LeeVera and SBDC’s resources helped bring my dream to fruition,” said Dr. Hicks. “The invaluable advising made it possible for New Image Orthodontics to take off in the right direction. I cannot recommend their services enough.”

Creating economic impact, Dr. Hicks has hired a total of 4 employees: 3 full-time employees and 1 part-time employee. New Image Orthodontics’ mission is to treat everyone like family.

“The key focus is the patient,” said Dr. Hicks.

Dr. Hicks attended Meharry Medical College, School of Dentistry, where he received his Doctor of Dental Surgery in 1986. Following graduation, he completed his residency program in emergency dentistry at Montefiore Hospital in Bronx, NY in 1987. Dr. Hicks decided to pursue a career in orthodontics after training in TMJ, obstructive sleep apnea and facial abnormality. He completed his orthodontic residency program in June of 1989 and moved to Texas in 1991. Dr. Hicks is a member of the American Association of Orthodontics.

New Image Orthodontics celebrated its grand opening March 30, 2019.