For nearly four decades, Dr. Richard Boyd served as one of Columbia, South Carolina's most respected orthodontists. He founded Boyd Orthodontics in 1984 and built it into a trusted institution, providing braces, Invisalign, and comprehensive orthodontic care to thousands of children, teens, and adults across the Midlands from two locations in Northeast Columbia and the Downtown Devine Street corridor.

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Education and Training

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Dr. Boyd earned his undergraduate degree from the University of South Carolina, graduating cum laude. He then attended the Medical University of South Carolina, where he earned his Doctor of Dental Medicine degree as an honor graduate with the Class of 1982. Dr. Boyd completed his orthodontic residency and Master of Science degree at the University of North Carolina, one of the most respected orthodontic training programs in the country.

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A Career Defined by Excellence

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After completing his specialty training, Dr. Richard Boyd returned to the Columbia area and opened Boyd Orthodontics in 1984 with a straightforward mission: deliver the highest quality orthodontic care in a comfortable, personal environment. Over the course of his career, Dr. Boyd earned recognition as a Top 1% Invisalign Elite Provider — at the time, the only orthodontist in South Carolina to hold that distinction. He remained at the forefront of the profession, offering patients of all ages advanced treatment options including Invisalign, the Damon System, digital impressions, and traditional braces.

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Dr. Boyd's commitment to clinical excellence was matched by his dedication to teaching and advancing the specialty of orthodontics. He served as Clinical Assistant Professor of Orthodontics at MUSC for more than six years and holds an ongoing faculty appointment at the MUSC James B. Edwards College of Dental Medicine. He is also an Adjunct Faculty member at Tufts University School of Dental Medicine. A frequent guest lecturer for the American Association of Orthodontists, Dr. Boyd has shared his expertise with orthodontic professionals across the country.

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Within the state, Dr. Richard Boyd served as President of the South Carolina Orthodontic Association, further establishing his role as a leader in South Carolina's orthodontic community.

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Giving Back

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Dr. Boyd's impact on the profession extends beyond the operatory and the lecture hall. In 2025, the MUSC James B. Edwards College of Dental Medicine dedicated the Dr. Richard and Stacy Boyd Lobby — a complete renovation of the college's main entrance, which had not been updated since it originally opened in the late 1960s. The gift from Dr. Boyd and his wife Stacy transformed the space into a modern gathering area for students, faculty, and visitors. At the dedication, Dr. Boyd spoke about the philosophy that guided their generosity, describing his commitment to investing in the future of dental education in South Carolina.

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A Legacy of Mentorship

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Dr. Richard Boyd's influence extends well beyond the patients of Boyd Orthodontics. He mentored the next generation of orthodontists both in the classroom and within his own practice. Dr. Mallory Scott, who went on to lead the practice as Indigo Orthodontics, began her career working alongside Dr. Boyd in 2010 — an experience she has credited with inspiring her to build her own orthodontic practice. Dr. Boyd's son, Dr. Richard E. Boyd Jr., grew up at Boyd Orthodontics, earned his DMD from MUSC in 2020, and completed his orthodontic residency at Tufts University before launching his own practice in Virginia.

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Continuing the Tradition

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Boyd Orthodontics has changed hands over the years but never changed its values. Dr. Boyd and Dr. Justin Garrett have been friends for over a decade — a relationship that goes well beyond professional respect. Dr. Boyd introduced Dr. Garrett to his wife, Amanda, making him not just a mentor and colleague but someone whose influence has shaped Dr. Garrett's life both personally and professionally. When it came time to entrust the future of the practice he had spent 40 years building, Dr. Boyd's confidence in Dr. Garrett was rooted in that longstanding friendship.

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Today, Garrett Orthodontics is proud to carry forward the standard of care, personal attention, and community commitment that Dr. Boyd established at Boyd Orthodontics over his four decades serving Columbia-area families. Patients who trusted Dr. Boyd with their smiles can expect the same level of excellence from our team.

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If you were a patient of Dr. Richard Boyd or Boyd Orthodontics, we welcome you to Garrett Orthodontics. Whether you're looking for braces, Invisalign, or orthodontic care for your family in the Columbia, SC area, we are honored to continue the legacy Dr. Boyd built.