Meet Our Doctors
Carl Drake, DDS, MS
Dr. Carl Drake grew up in El Paso, Illinois and is a graduate of the Gies College of Business at the University of Illinois. Carl continued his education at Indiana University School of Dentistry and received his DDS degree, graduating with highest honors. He then completed a three-year orthodontic residency at the University of Florida and received his MS degree and certificate of Orthodontics and Dentofacial Orthopedics.
Dr. Drake’s research has been published, and he has completed multiple research projects, most notably studying the effects of clear aligners on tooth movement.
Dr. Drake is dedicated to providing his patients with the highest quality of care. He is committed to participating in continuing education as a way to further develop his skills and knowledge in orthodontics and to stay current with the latest advances being made in his field. He maintains several professional affiliations that provide opportunities for continuing education, including:
- American Association of Orthodontists
- American Dental Association
- Central Illinois Orthodontic Study Club
- Illinois Society of Orthodontists
- Illinois State Dental Society
- McLean County Dental Society
- University of Florida Orthodontic Alumni Association
- University of Illinois Alumni Association
- McLean County Chamber of Commerce
Dr. Drake and his wife, Kristen, a Gridley native and University of Illinois graduate, reside in Bloomington with their children, Ben, Ella, Dylan and Owen. In his free time, Dr. Drake enjoys outdoor activities, including hiking and golf, music, sports, church, and spending time with family and friends.
Dr. Hannah Watson
Born and raised in Bloomington, Illinois, Dr. Hannah Watson is a proud graduate of University High School and Illinois State University. Her journey in orthodontics actually began at Drake Orthodontics, where she worked as an assistant for Dr. Drake! That experience inspired her to pursue her Doctor of Dental Medicine degree and orthodontic specialty training at Southern Illinois University School of Dental Medicine. She couldn't be more thrilled to return to the practice where it all started—this time as an orthodontist.
For Dr. Watson, orthodontics is the perfect blend of creativity, complex problem-solving, and building long-lasting relationships with patients. Beyond the clinic, she values organized dentistry and works alongside her colleagues to advocate for the profession through groups like the American Association of Orthodontists, the American Dental Association, the American Association of Women Dentists, and the Illinois State Dental Society.
Dr. Watson is happy to be back home in Bloomington, surrounded by her family and friends, and serving the community that raised her. Outside of work, she stays active outdoors with hiking, running, archery, disc golf, and sand volleyball. At home, she enjoys reading, knitting, and baking elaborate cheesecakes!
