In early August 1966, Dr. Robert E. Matlack opened the doors to his new orthodontic practice in a newly constructed suite located in Building F of the 550 Water Street medical/dental complex. Dr. Matlack had just moved to Santa Cruz from Chicago, after completing his graduate orthodontic training at Northwestern University.

In 1978, the Santa Cruz practice was relocated within the Water Street complex to a new and bigger office in Building L, Suite 2. A second office in Aptos opened on Soquel Drive in 1993.

Throughout his long and active career, Dr. Matlack became a highly respected orthodontist in Santa Cruz County. In 2004, Dr. Matlack announced his retirement.

The practice was named North Coast Orthodontics in 2006, under the direction of Dr. Schabel and Dr. Chan. Along with all the patients who are new to our practice, we continue to see children and grandchildren of former patients of Dr. Matlack. The current state-of-the-art Capitola office opened in May 2011 and is centrally located on 41st Avenue. A second office on Mount Hermon Road in Scotts Valley is set to open in early 2025.

Having served the Santa Cruz area since 1966, our offices have provided orthodontic care to generations of families from the following communities: Aptos, Aromas, Ben Lomond, Bonny Doon, Boulder Creek, Brookdale, Capitola, Carmel, Corralitos, Davenport, Felton, Freedom, Gilroy, Hollister, La Selva Beach, Los Gatos, Marina, Monterey, Pacific Grove, Pajaro, Rio Del Mar, Salinas, Santa Cruz, Scotts Valley, Seacliff, Soquel, and Watsonville.

When you’re looking for an orthodontist in your area, ask around; it’s likely that someone you know has been treated by our office.

Dr. Matlack passed away in August 2021. He was an invaluable mentor and is remembered for his steady support and generosity in sharing his wisdom, his enduring passion for orthodontics and its technological advances, and his genuine concern for his former patients and practice.