I love helping my patients and building relationships while doing so. Each patient has their own clinical needs and goals, as well as a unique personality. Working one-to-one with a patient to ensure all their dental and emotional needs are met is challenging and rewarding.
We have a practice full of wonderful people. I really love seeing someone transform from a patient whos scared to death of seeing the dentist to someone who actually looks forward to their visits. Here, we put a patients concerns at the forefront and proceed at a pace where the person is comfortable. We educate, encourage, and support our patients, helping them take control of their oral health and smile.
I graduated from dental school in 2004 and opened my own practice in 2006. My father is a dentist and I grew up seeing the fulfillment he found in helping others and the friendships he made. Hes been a dentist since 1975 and now we work together.
I have received advanced, post-graduate dental training. This allows me to comprehensively treat every patient, rather than referring them to multiple specialists. By offering treatment here at the practice Im able to provide care in a reassuring, familiar environment.
Ive completed the full curriculum at the Dawson Academy and received The Concept of Complete Dentistry Award from Dr. Pete Dawson and Dr. John Cranham. Ive also completed Implant Residency training at the McGarry Implant Institute. Additionally, Ive completed an IV Sedation certificate at Oregon Health & Science University School of Dentistry, along with an Advanced Airway Management certificate from Solis Surgical Arts Center.
I grew up in Carrollton, MO and have lived in the Liberty area with my wife, Kelly, since we were married in 2004. Kelly grew up on Liberty, graduating from Liberty High School and then William Jewell College. We have four young daughters: Lilly, Ella, Lucy, and Nora. We also have three dogs: Lola, Miles, and Coco. We adopted both Miles and Coco after they showed up at our house as strays.
It has been my honor to meet and care for so many patients in the Liberty community during the past 33 years. My goal as a dental professional is to motivate my patients to achieve good dental health. Helping when patients are in pain and dealing with their fear is my top priority. Earning my patients trust is what inspires me every day.
Over the years, I have taken many continuing dental education courses, which enable me to stay informed of the latest trends in dentistry and offer my patients treatments based on current dental information. Dentistry is a fascinating field that encourages me to learn everything I can to provide the highest possible level of care.
I was born in Brooklyn, NY and grew up on Long Island. Liberty, Missouri has been my home since I graduated from dental school. My wife Darlene and I have three children and four perfect grandchildren. We also have two feline roommates.
Most of my free time is spent coaching lacrosse, attending my grandchildrens sports, and doing family activities, though Darlene and I do enjoy finding time to travel and attend musical theatre together. I am also active in our churchs choir and inquiry program.
What excites me most about my work is transforming a patients smile, and in doing so, enhancing a patients confidence. Nothing motivates me more than helping patient transform from someone who was anxious to smile in public, to an individual who cant stop smiling once treatment is completed.
Having the ability to work and interact with and treat such a wide array of unique individuals has allowed me to experience all the great and diverse qualities that each person brings to the table. I love getting to know my patients as an individual person, rather than a patient in a dental chair. I believe that relationships are built through dentistry, and I love the process of addressing a patients concerns and working together cooperatively to get the results that they are looking for.
I am very excited to join a practice already full of wonderful, caring people. The Highland Dental team treats patients as individuals, and in doing so, builds relationships with each individual based on mutual trust. Patients who come to Highland Dental will experience personalized dental care at a pace at which they are most comfortable.
Dentistry is a profession that continues to grow every day with new advancements in treatment techniques and technology, and I love being on the forefront of all the innovative advancements and applying them to my work. I have received advanced, post-graduate dental training in the areas of implant placement and restorations, complex comprehensive and aesthetic treatment, and digital dentistry. Most recently, I received a certificate in the Advanced Education in General Dentistry program after a one-year residency at the University of Missouri Kansas City School of Dentistry.
When Im not working, theres a good possibility that you can find me outside doing something active. I love the outdoors, exercising, exploring everything Kansas City has to offer, and am an avid sports fan, especially basketball and Iowa Hawkeye football.
In addition to my work in the office, I am an active member in the Mission of Mercy, which is an independent nonprofit organization that annually provides free dental care to those individuals not financially able to seek routine dental treatment.
Dental anesthesia is an art. Each patient is different, but most share a commonality of a phobia or anxiety when it comes to dentistry. I like making patients feel comfortable during procedures, but what I enjoy most is seeing them wake up asking if weve started yet!
When not working, I enjoy spending time with family and being a good role model and father for my kids. I try to lead an active, healthy lifestyle by going to gym and spending time outdoors, but I also enjoy watching movies and sports, particularly KU basketball!