Dr. Anderson graduated with a DDS degree from Loyola University of Chicago, School of Dentistry in 1984. Following dental school he joined the United States Air Force and completed a General Practice Residency at Erhling-Bergquist Hospital, Offutt Air Force Base. His next duty station was a small base in Michigan (Wurtsmith AFB) where he practiced general dentistry for 5 years.
Dennis completed 3 years of specialty training in periodontics with completion of a Masters Degree in Periodontics from the University of Texas Health Science Center, San Antonio, Texas, and a Certificate in Periodontics from Wilford Hall Medical Center, Lackland Air Force Base, Texas.
Following completion of his specialty training, he then returned to Offutt Air Force Base and became part of the teaching staff for the Advanced Education in General Dentistry Residency for four years. Dr. Anderson became a Diplomate of the American Board of Periodontology in 1996. He begain his career in private practice in September of 1997. In 2004, LTC Anderson retired from the USAFR.
Dr. Anderson currently serves on the Omaha District Dental Society Board, is a Delegate to the Nebraska Dental Association House of the Delegates and is a Member of the Board of Dentistry for the State of Nebraska. He is also a member of the advisory board for the Dental Hygiene Program at Iowa Western Community College. Dr. Anderson provides guest lectures for UNMC School of Dentistry, Creighton University School of Dentistry and the IWCC Dental Hygiene Program.
Dr. Anderson and his wife Terry have two children, both grown and out of the house. When time allows the Andersons find themselves busy at home gardening and restoring/remodeling their old Dundee home.
Esthetic Crown Lengthening: In certain patients, during tooth eruption, the gum tissue does not recede away from the teeth. These patients typically have the appearance of a 'gummy' smile. In most circumstances, the teeth appear short and square because the remaining tooth structure is covered underneath the gum tissue. The extra gum tissue can be removed to enhance smile esthetics. In other circumstances, a periodontist can surgically lengthen the teeth which will allows the restorative dentist to fabricate new crowns and veneers of the proper shape and size for a highly esthetic result.
Tissue Grafting: Thin tissue around teeth predisposes the patient to gum recession which may expose the restorative margins of crowns and bridges or roots of teeth. Thickening the tissue can help to prevent soft tissue recession.
Contour Augmentation: Following tooth extraction, the bone where the tooth once existed resorbs and the contour of the jaw bone can collapse (see lower left photo) resulting in shadows and un-esthetic contours of the gingiva. Soft tissue may be augmented surgically with connective tissue or other donor grafts to restore the ridge to the proper dimensions and enhance the results obtained in combination with cosmetic dental work.