If you’ve ever stepped into Sturbridge Orthodontics, you know it doesn’t feel like your typical ortho practice. There’s rock music on the walls, laughter echoing through the clinic, and a lead singer – well, orthodontist – who might just break into guitar mid-appointment.
That energy comes from Dr. Ferdinand Sabelis and his incredible team of 6, who’ve been building smiles (and riffs) for 25 years. After buying his practice back in 2009 and moving into a custom-built space in 2017, he’d grown Sturbridge into a thriving, modern office with a tight knit team. But after years of soloing, 2025 brought a new kind of encore: joining the Corus Orthodontists network.
From Solo Act to Supergroup
When Dr. Sabelis first heard about Corus back in 2023 from a classmate and fellow orthodontist, he was intrigued. He’d already looked into a few DSO and OSO options but wasn’t convinced they could offer what mattered most to him – partnership, integrity and a focus on patient care.
That’s where Corus came in. What stood out to Dr. Sabelis wasn’t the structure on paper, it was the philosophy. A doctor-owned model where every partner has a real stake in shaping the future of the organization wasn’t just a selling point. It was the whole point. “It was the best match for me in regard to culture,” he says. “Being doctor-owned and guided means excellence in patient care and not compromising quality or integrity. That’s what really stood out.”
In other words, he wasn’t looking for a buyout. He was looking for a partnership. One that protected the values he built his practice on, while helping his team grow and connect to something bigger.
In a world where consolidation can sometimes mean conformity, he found that Corus offered something refreshingly different: community without compromise.
Behind the Scenes: A Smooth Transition
Of course, even the best partnerships need a little tuning at first – new faces, new rhythms, new soundboards to figure out. For the Sturbridge team, the early days of onboarding were a mix of excitement and adjustment.
Having Corus’s support team on standby made all the difference. “Trying to keep up with the meetings, emails, and new platforms was a bit overwhelming at first,” admits Sherri, Sturbridge Orthodontics’ Practice Manager. “But Corus really had everything mapped out. They could point us in the right direction almost before we knew what we needed.”
And that guidance didn’t stop after week one. With a dedicated Regional Manager, easy access to Home Office experts, and clear onboarding roadmaps, the Sturbridge team never felt like they were navigating change on their own. Every step came with a guide, a check-in, or a friendly voice ready to jump in.
The Culture That Hits All the Right Notes
Once the dust settled, something clicked. “There’s someone happy and eager to help at every corner,” says Sherri. “And it’s usually someone who’s been in your shoes.”
Dr. Sabelis agrees. The Corus model didn’t just connect him to a network, it connected him to a community of peers who get it. “I’m most excited about the support from that community,” he says. “It feels like joining a band where everyone’s playing for the same cause.”
At her first network Practice Manager meeting, Sherri got to see that in action. “It was super encouraging,” she recalls. “Everyone had the same questions, the same challenges, and we were all feeding off each other’s ideas.”
That sense of shared rhythm is exactly what makes Corus different, it’s collaboration that actually feels collaborative.
Encore: A Future in Harmony
For Dr. Sabelis, joining Corus isn’t about changing his tune, it’s about amplifying it. “It’s important that we continue to grow, stay involved in our community, and provide an amazing place of employment,” he says. “Corus gives us the support to do all of that, without changing who we are.”
He also believes models like Corus are the future of orthodontics. “I hope doctor-owned partnerships like this become more prominent. They preserve the integrity of the profession.”
Sturbridge Orthodontics is proof that when you find the right partners, you don’t lose your sound, you make it louder.
Meet Dr. Ferdinand Sabelis
Dr. Ferdinand Sabelis is an experienced orthodontist with advanced training from Tufts University, where he completed both his Doctor of Dental Medicine and a two-year orthodontic residency. Originally from Toronto, he holds an Honors Degree in Pharmacology from the University of Toronto.
Dr. Sabelis is dedicated to delivering personalized, high-quality orthodontic care and is passionate about the confidence and transformation that treatment brings to his patients. He has experience in family-centered practices and takes pride in guiding patients through their journey to a healthier, straighter smile.
He is an active member of the American Association of Orthodontists, American Dental Association, and several regional dental societies.
Interested in learning how Corus can help your practice grow without missing a beat?
Reach out to discover what a doctor-led partnership could look like for you.
