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  4. /Dean J Murphy DDS
AAO MemberAccepting new patients

Dean J Murphy DDS

Orthodontic Specialties provides orthodontic care for children, teens, and adults with treatments including Invisalign, clear braces, and modern braces.

2835 McFarland Rd suite a, Rockford, IL 61107
4.1(18 reviews)
Call Now(815) 636-2992WebsiteDirections
Dean J Murphy DDS

About Dean J Murphy DDS

Dr. Dean J. Murphy treats whole families across generations, with reviews describing corrected underbites and elongated palates in young children.

Many reviews come from families who have brought multiple children through treatment with Dr. Dean J. Murphy over the years, describing early fixes for problems like elongated palates from thumb sucking and underbites. Most describe positive outcomes, including confidence-building smiles for kids, though a couple of reviews note a leftover misaligned tooth or asymmetrical grinding after treatment. The office is noted for a kid-friendly play area, and staff in the back are called out as helpful, even as a couple of reviews raise concerns about billing and insurance handling.

Summary of 14 patient reviews, January 2016–October 2025, updated September 2026

Orthodontic Specialties provides orthodontic care for children, teens, and adults with treatments including Invisalign, clear braces, and modern braces.

Dr. Dean J. Murphy emphasizes early intervention for children and teens to optimize facial development, and offers comprehensive treatment planning with latest diagnostic technology.

Treatments offered

InvisalignInvisalignEarly TreatmentEarly TreatmentTMJ TreatmentTMJ TreatmentClear AlignersClear AlignersTraditional BracesTraditional BracesClear BracesClear BracesRetainersRetainers
GuidesHow much does Invisalign cost? →Clear aligner costs explained →Adult braces cost guide →

Who They Treat

Dean J Murphy DDS provides orthodontic treatment for the following age groups:

Children
Ages 6–11
Teens
Ages 12–17
Adults
Ages 18+

Orthodontists at this office

provider
headshot

Dr. Dean J. Murphy, D.D.S.

NPI verified · no bio or photo on file

Lead OrthodontistNPI VERIFIEDAccepting New Patients20 yrs experience

Insurance accepted

We accept insurance.

What patients say

Latest review 13 months ago

What patients praise

  • Several reviews describe multiple children in the same family treated here, including early intervention for palate and bite issues.
  • Reviews mention notable results such as corrected underbites and improved smiles for children treated young.
  • A kid-friendly play area in the office is called out as a nice touch for younger patients.

Things to know

  • A couple of reviews describe billing and insurance frustrations, including delayed paperwork and a large upfront payment demand.
  • A couple of reviews mention treatment issues that persisted after braces came off, including a misaligned tooth and uneven tooth grinding.

Who it suits

  • Families with several kids in treatment
  • Young children needing early intervention
  • Teens getting braces

Doctors patients mention

  • Dr. Dean J. Murphy · 14 reviews
Last 12 months
1 review
averaging 3.0★
Reviews per month
1
Oct 2023Sep 2026
Reviews per month
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Star ratings
  • 5★11
  • 4★3
  • 3★1
  • 2★0
  • 1★3
Average rating by year
  • 20135.0
  • 20165.0
  • 20175.0
  • 20194.8
  • 20204.0
  • 20224.8
  • 20235.0
  • 20241.0
  • 20251.7
1★5★
Treatments patients mention
  • Braces5
What patients talk about
PraiseCriticism
  • The orthodontist10 / 2
  • Friendly staff10 / 1
  • Treatment results8 / 2
  • Great with kids6 / 1
  • Scheduling & wait times2 / 1
  • Clear explanations1 / 1
  • Cost, insurance & financing0 / 2
  • Responsiveness1 / 1
What patients talk about
ThemePraiseCriticism
The orthodontist102
Friendly staff101
Treatment results82
Great with kids61
Scheduling & wait times21
Clear explanations11
Cost, insurance & financing02
Responsiveness11

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Recent reviews from Google

4.1
18 reviews
Book Obsessed
Book Obsessed
11 months ago
“

I would go lower in the stars, but I do like Dr. Murphy a lot as a person and as an orthodontist as well as the tech's in the back were always so wonderful. However, his billing team member does need some work in the professional department. I have a medical disorder, which they do not file under medical insurances - which most dentist offices do not. However, in order for my insurance to accept the claim fully, they needed to have Dr. Murphy physically sign off on it as well as call a specific number to finish filing the claim. First, it was email arguing with me regarding they do not do this and to deal with it myself which I did all the paperwork that was requested already and sent it in. Then it was 4 months when she finally sent it into my insurance company after much resistance on her part. Since I had already begun service for this issue, my insurance didn't fully approve it. They stated that if the issue would have been handled before service or when service started it would have been a different story but since it took too long for the office to send them the requested information, they didn't deem it medically necessary. Which is definitely an issue with the insurance company which I am handling with separately. I had been going for about 8 months before my life took a turn. I started going through a divorce, moved out, switched jobs, and ended up changing my phone number due to safety concerns. I did have my mail forwarded, they had already had my email address on file so not having my address or phone number reachable they could have just sent me an email. There was no, "this is your final notice before discharging" notice. I received a discharge notice, a final bill before they either A release me into a different office care or B final bill to take off my braces. However, I am unable to be seen until the final payment is taken care of. A bracket has already fallen off, one of the wires is poking the inside of my mouth and I have to pay the full remaining balance for them to even see me. I am currently waiting on proof of delivery of final requests prior to them discharging me to see if maybe I did miss something. I already know it's my fault for not reaching out for an appointment during this time and putting it on the backburner until I got things figured out, but my biggest issue is the complete unprofessionalism from their billing team member. I would LOVE to give 1 star, but the rest of the office and Dr. Murphy himself do not deserve that. So, if you are having things that are just not "braces" for young adults and are going for things you'll need to have constant contact with their billing department on, I would recommend elsewhere. Also, unlike most medical offices, they do NOT take care credit. I was aware prior to going, but after calling around after being discharged they are the only ones that do not. If this was a review without including her, even with the issue of being discharged due to moving and forgetting to schedule an appointment I would give the office 5 stars. He cares and his ladies in the back, care.

Review from Google

El Urb
El Urb
a year ago
“

As an adult I am still upset about what Dr Murphy did to my teeth as a child. They excessively ground my teeth as instead of actually getting my bite confirmation correct and now as an adult an having to get Invisalign to fix my bite (this place did poorly) in order to correct my already quite heavy thinned enamel (from the excessive grind this place did) Also the way they ground my teeth was not aesthetic, they shortened my teeth and made them asymmetric and not straight. It would take veneers to truly fix what happened at the hands of Dr. Murphy but at this point I'm just trying to preserve my natural teeth as they last the longest despite the aesthetic damage. So now I'm paying to straighten my teeth (again) that have been filed down in a way they cannot really look straight or correct ever again just so that I can stop them wearing through the enamel. I also believe my two brothers had similar outcomes with overzealous grinding of teeth.

Review from Google

Joseph Mueller
Joseph Mueller
Edited a year ago
“

I had a rather disappointing experience with Dr. Dean Murphy's Orthodontic Specialists based out of Rockford, IL. Despite having insurance coverage that explicitly outlined the full payment for my orthodontic treatment aside from $200, the office refused to accept the Explanation of Benefits from the insurance companies. Instead, they demanded an upfront down payment of $800, which was $600 more than the total cost after insurance coverage. To add insult to injury, after reluctantly agreeing to the down payment and commencing a two-year monthly payment plan, I was informed halfway through the plan that the office would no longer accept my preferred form of payment, American Express, citing a slight increase in credit card transaction fees. It's baffling that they would penalize customers for their internal operational issues rather than ensuring a smooth payment process. Moreover, the rationale provided by the office, claiming they had been "burned" by previous clients, did little to justify their draconian payment policies. It's evident that their practices prioritize profit over customer satisfaction and convenience. Overall, my experience with Dr. Dean Murphy's Orthodontic Specialists left much to be desired. The lack of transparency, insistence on unnecessary down payments, and arbitrary changes to payment methods create an atmosphere that is far from family-friendly. I would caution others to thoroughly explore their payment policies and consider alternative orthodontic providers before committing to treatment with this practice.

Review from Google

Harrison Krebs
Harrison Krebs
Edited 2 years ago
“

I’ve been working in the healthcare industry for over a decade, and this establishment is by far the worst I’ve been involved with. Like most of Dr. Murphy’s customers, I sought his services to have my teeth straightened. Dr. Murphy and his staff managed the alignment of my teeth for about two years. The amount of disservice and disrespect I received during that time was appalling. Anytime I asked questions regarding the care of my teeth, I was met with eye rolls and rarely the answer to my questions. I once arrived at one of my appointments “too early” to check-in. So I asked the receptionist if she could check me in. She informed me that she could. Then, 30 minutes after my scheduled check-in time, I asked the same receptionist how long the wait would be. She informed me that she forgot to check me in. I ended up having to wait another 30mins to be seen. Needless to say, I never came to another appointment early again. The biggest frustration was after 2years of braces, one of my teeth was still misaligned. Dr Murphy noticed this fact after he removed my braces. In an attempt to remedy his error, he filed down the enamel on my tooth. Then, when he realized this wasn’t working, he shrugged his shoulders and walked away. I was appalled that not only did he fail to complete the service I had requested of him. He also caused permanent damage to my tooth. At the very least, he should have offered me treatment options before causing physical and permanent damage. Edit: As a response to Dr. Murphy. As a reminder, after you took off my braces and were informed that my bite was still misaligned, you shrugged your shoulders and walked away.

Review from Google

Rachel Lewandowski
Rachel Lewandowski
3 years ago
“

Dr. Murphy's work is phenomenal!! My oldest son had an elongated palate from sucking his thumb for years. Dr. Murphy was able to fix that and his teeth. Now my youngest son is in his care with an underbite. Dr. Murphy is fixing that as well. As a mother in very pleased with the work he has done on both of my sons. Plus, his staff is amazing as well!!! Wouldn't take my kids to anyone else!!!

Review from Google

Read all 18 reviews on Google →

Questions about this practice

What orthodontic treatments does Dean J Murphy DDS offer?+
Dean J Murphy DDS offers: Invisalign, Early Treatment, TMJ Treatment, Clear Aligners, Traditional Braces, Clear Braces, Retainers.
Does Dean J Murphy DDS offer free consultations?+
Yes, Dean J Murphy DDS offers a free initial orthodontic consultation. Call (815) 636-2992 to schedule.
Is Dean J Murphy DDS accepting new patients?+
Dean J Murphy DDS is currently welcoming new patients in Rockford, IL. Call (815) 636-2992 to schedule.
Where is Dean J Murphy DDS located?+
Dean J Murphy DDS is located at 2835 McFarland Rd suite a. Get directions: https://maps.google.com/?cid=15568365487042932689&g_mp=CiVnb29nbGUubWFwcy5wbGFjZXMudjEuUGxhY2VzLkdldFBsYWNlEAIYBCAA
What are the office hours for Dean J Murphy DDS?+
Dean J Murphy DDS office hours: Mon 8:00 AM–5:00 PM, Tue 8:30 AM–5:00 PM, Wed 8:30 AM–5:00 PM, Thu 8:30 AM–5:00 PM, Fri 8:30 AM–4:00 PM, Sat Closed–Closed, Sun Closed–Closed.
Who are the orthodontists at Dean J Murphy DDS?+
Dean J Murphy DDS is staffed by Dr. Dean J. Murphy. The practice is a member of the American Association of Orthodontists (AAO).
What is the patient rating for Dean J Murphy DDS?+
Dean J Murphy DDS has a 4.1-star rating based on 18 patient reviews on Google.

Other Dean J Murphy DDS locations

Orthodontic Specialties
2835 McFarland Rd suite a, Rockford · 4.6 (29)
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Orthodontic Specialties (Dean J. Murphy, DDS)
1670 Henry Luckow Ln, Belvidere · 2.9 (7)
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2835 McFarland Rd suite a
Rockford, IL 61107
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Mon8:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Tue8:30 AM – 5:00 PM
Wed8:30 AM – 5:00 PM
Thu8:30 AM – 5:00 PM
Fri8:30 AM – 4:00 PM
SatClosed
SunClosed
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