My dad opened Bauer Orthodontics in 1969. Its been a family affair ever since. As I was growing up, my dad would always come home and tell amazing stories about his patients and the authentic friendships he built with their families. With similar passions and a strong desire to work in the field of healthcare, I knew I would be content following in my dads footsteps.
Anative ofSpringfield, I graduated from Kickapoo High School and continued on to complete an undergraduate degree split between Missouri State University and Southwest Baptist University. Duringmy time in college, I had the privilege to play basketball at both universities. After completing my undergraduate studies, I continued on to dental school at the University of Missouri-Kansas City and receivedmy Doctorate of Dental Surgery.
My favorite part of my job is the chance to connect with and learn about my patients. I find value in creating an environment where patients feel comfortable to share about their daily lives, their hobbies and passions, their successes and adventures, and their dreams for the future. I love having the music blasting, extreme sports videos on the TVs, and Bear (our office dog) running around. Because I see patients regularly, we have time to build a relationship that goes beyond provider and patient: they become my friends.
My team and I are a tight-knit group who work extremely well together, both professionally and personally. We love to laugh, joke around, pull pranks, but still go all-out to provide the most efficient, comfortable treatmentwithout sacrificing quality of care. We all share the same belief: that its a blessing to work in orthodontics and make positive, lasting changes for people.
In order to ensure top-notch care for my patients, I actively participate in continuing education to stay abreast of advances in technologies, techniques, and new materials. Im a member of Invisalign Superior Customer Service. I also study clinical orthodontics and current and trending topics in the field, as well as attend informational conferences to maximize my efficiency as a provider.
Im grateful to live and work in our wonderful community, and find great value in giving back. We support Isabels House, the Breast Cancer Foundation of the Ozarks, and the Springfield Dental Foundation, whichcontributes to the Ronald McDonald Tooth Truck and the Childrens Smile Center.
I was born and raised here in Springfield, and am grateful to still call it home. I met my wife Karie at the YMCA and have now been married for 21 years. We have four kids: Drew, Gus, Millie, and Xander. Recently, we made an adorable addition: a Bernedoodle named Barrett, or Bear for short. Bear loves to roam the office,greet patients in the waiting room, and play with patients chairside. He truly is the star of the show around here.
When Im not working, Im with my family. Between four active kids, I usually find myself at a basketball or soccer game after work. I also coach basketball, love to work out with my family, and a day golfing out on the green never hurts. As a family on the weekends, we love going down to Table Rock Lake in the summer and enjoying the sun and water. My boys and I also like to go hunting and fishing on our time off in the fall and winter.
My sister was and continues to bea strong influence in my life. Her physical disability does not keep her from doing what she had a passion for: Art! One of the most wonderful things she told me was, It is not what you dont have, its what you do with what you have. I am grateful for a life where I have the opportunity to live out this wise quote.
We are a team thats passionate about our patients and are incredibly thankful to be able to play a role in a life-changing smile.We truly are a family and are ecstatic to welcome you into it and enjoy this process with you!
I love that my job doesnt feel like a job: Its a pleasure to work in a positive and supportive environment, where we make smile dreams come true! Working at the front desk, I answer questions about orthodontic care and schedule visits at times that work with patients and families busy lives.
My husband and I have been married for more than 30 years. We have three grown children along with a daughter in law and son in law. Best of all, we have an AWESOME grandkidsthat keeps us very busy exploring life!! In my spare time, I love spending time on our farm, out in the barn with the horses and all kinds of outside projects.
My passion is to make each and every new patient feel at ease and happy about their smile. I will take the time and dedication to helping you understand the complexity of your treatment and make it as easy as possible.
I moved to Springfield in the summer of 2018 after I married my dream guy, Tim! I was a professional ballet dancer before I went to dental assisting school. Tim and I are actively involved in our church and enjoy participating in community outreach. I love Jesus, my husband/family, teeth, ballet, animals, tacos and movie nights!
For us, orthodontics starts with caring for and building a connection with the person who owns the smile. Rather than a one-treatment-for-all approach, Dr. Bauer takes time to learn what you need, what you want, and about your personal situation. Then he designs a fully customized orthodontic solution thats comfortable, affordable, and delivers the incredible smile you desire.
At Bauer Orthodontics, were all about big smiles, intentional conversations, and getting to know you and your family. We want to hear about your life and interests, celebrate your accomplishments at school or work, and support your many activities and dreams.