MeetDr. Bonham Magness
Orthodontist
“Helping people achieve beautiful, confident smiles has been one of the greatest joys of my life. Every patient I meet reminds me why I chose this profession so many years ago — because changing smiles truly changes lives.”
Why Did You Decide to Become a Dentist?
Initially, Dr. Pham wanted to be a businessman, but his mother told him that anyone can do business, but only a few can help people as a healthcare provider. He saw that being a dentist would allow him to do a little of both, but he says he didn’t truly decide to become a dentist until his third year of dental school.
There was a particular patient that he gave a denture to, and she ended up coming back to the office to thank him in person. Her renewed confidence completely changed her personality, and for Dr. Pham, this let him know he was on the right path.
Where Did You Study Dentistry?
Dr. Magness was part of the early graduate orthodontic program at the University of Texas School of Dentistry–Houston, where his dedication and skill quickly stood out. Upon graduation, he was invited by the program’s founder, Dr. A.P. Westfall, to stay on as a faculty member — a commitment that began as a two-year promise and has grown into over five decades of teaching and mentorship. Today, Dr. Magness continues to serve as a Full Professor, having helped train more than 300 orthodontic residents.
What Do You Like to Do Outside of the Dental Office?
When he’s not treating patients, Dr. Magness enjoys mentoring the next generation of orthodontists at the University of Texas School of Dentistry–Houston, where he continues to teach and guide residents. He also enjoys staying involved in professional study clubs and orthodontic organizations, sharing ideas and innovations that help advance the specialty. Above all, he finds fulfillment in using his experience to make a lasting difference—in the profession and in the lives of his patients.
