A smile is such a simple gesture. Yet, there are few simplicities in life more transformative. A smile can make someone’s day, ease a tense situation, or light up an entire room. It is a universal expression of happiness, hope, and love.
Despite the incredible attributes and positive effects of smiling, thousands of children, adolescents, and adults hide their smiles due to crooked, missing, or decaying teeth. I was one of them when I was younger. I quickly went from being a carefree kid to an incredibly self-conscious middle-school boy due to a very large gap between my front teeth. My orthodontist gave me two things that I am forever grateful for: a smile that I am still proud of and a love for the profession that has brought me to this point. I cannot wait to give back to my community and hopefully make the same meaningful impact on their lives, improving their confidence and oral health.
Education and Continual Learning
- University of Missouri, Columbia – Bachelor of Science (BS)
- University of Missouri, Kansas City – Doctor of Dental Surgery (DDS)
- University of Missouri, Kansas City – Specialty Certificate in Orthodontics
Continuing education offers a chance at honing and improving one’s craft, learning from some of the best minds in your field to then be applied in your own practice for the benefit of your patients. My participation in the Aligner Intensive Fellowship has allowed me to learn from some of the top aligner doctors in the country and see the techniques and philosophies they have developed treating hundreds and hundreds of cases and seeing the advantages and disadvantages of aligners first hand. Building a network of incredible, like-minded doctors is another great benefit of conferences and study clubs that can ultimately result in improved patient outcomes.
Professional Affiliations
- American Association of Orthodontists
- American Dental Association
- Missouri Dental Association
- Southeast Dental Society
- Midwestern Society of Orthodontists
Family and Community
I have been married to my incredible, high school sweetheart Jessica for seven years now. We have a beautiful yet rambunctious two-year-old daughter Noella and are blessed to have another on the way due in March who we can’t wait to meet.
When not in the office, I love spending time with family and going to the lake to ski, wakeboard, and tube. I am a sports fanatic and enjoy playing and watching just about any sport there is. One of my wife and my favorite activities though, is watching movies at the theater. I mean, who doesn’t love movie theater popcorn?!
Being active in the community is very important to me. This area has given my family and I so much and I look forward to being able to pass it on to others through my profession, time, and resources. My older brother was born with Down syndrome. His life exposed me to the tremendous value of investing in young people and those in need. Volunteering at Coyote Hills Christian Children’s Home and being involved with Special Olympics events has taught me first-hand how a little encouragement can make a profound difference in a child’s life and in a community.