Dr. LaFerlais proud to be the first board-certified orthodontist in the Joplin area. Hebecame a Diplomate with the American Board of Orthodontics after completing the necessary requirements of oral and written exams, case studies, and extensive research.

Originally from St. Louis, Dr. LaFerla moved to Carthage when he was a young boy in grade school. After graduating from Carthage High School in 1985, Dr. LaFerla began his journey toward becoming an orthodontist, and he is still creating smiles with style right here in Joplin!

Dr. LaFerla is involved in several orthodontic and dental associations, and through these connections, he is able to participate in a variety of continuing education opportunities that enablehim to offer his patients the most current treatment options.

Dr. LaFerla has served in numerous positions within his profession, including trustee to the Missouri Dental Association, president of the Missouri Society of Orthodontists, and president of the Southwest Missouri Dental Society.He has served on the boards of several local organizations and volunteered with numerous local charity organizations, including Missouri Mission of Mercy (MOMOM), which providedcharitable dentistry in Joplin,MSSU Lionbackers, Big Brothers Big Sisters of the Ozarks (Jasper and Newton counties), MSSU Alumni Association. He currently serves on the school board for Joplin Area Catholic Schools and is Director for the state of Missouri to the Midwest Society of Orthodontists.

After returning to Missouri and opening his own practice, Dr. LaFerla met his wife Bre. Family is important to Dr. LaFerla, and he enjoys spending most of his free time with his wife and their daughterJadyn. They are parishioners of St. Marys Catholic Church in Joplin. Dr. LaFerla also enjoys traveling, landscaping, water and snow skiing, playing golf, and cheering on his favorite sports teams: the Cardinals, Lions, Huskers, Trojans, and Seahawks.

We recognize that all our patients are unique and deserve to receive orthodontic care that reflects their individual needs. Our experienced and talented team is committed to working with you and your family to create a comfortable, stress-free, and rewarding orthodontic experience every time you visit our practice.

Annie may be one of the first faces you will see in our practice. Sheworksas our treatment coordinator. She traveled around the Midwest the last few years but made it back to work for LaFerla Ortho a second time.

Cheryl is both a certified dental assistant and a certified orthodontic assistant, and now works as our business and treatment coordinator. She began working with Dr. Cook in 1990 and has been with our team ever since!

Glendas hobbies outside of the practice include traveling, reading, and finding secret treasures and great bargains by shopping at flea markets and rummage sales. She also enjoys spending time with family, especially her grandkids.

Since the very beginning of his practice, Dr. LaFerla has made quality results his number-one priority. He is the first lifetime board-certified orthodontist in Joplin. As a sign of that quality, Joplin-area dentists have voted Dr. LaFerla the best orthodontist in Joplin every year since the Top Dentist Awards have been given.

In addition to quality treatment, LaFerla Ortho focuses on being responsive and proactive to our customers needs on a daily basis. As a result, LaFerla Ortho has been recognized by the Joplin Area Chamber of Commerce as Small Business of the Year, as well as received the Outstanding Health Care office award fromthe Joplin Business Journal. Andwas recently voted Joplin Globe 's 'Best Orthodontist' by our community.

LaFerla Ortho is on the cutting edge of all new orthodontic techniques to makeyour treatment results better and more comfortable with less-frequent visits and in some cases faster treatment time. Dr. LaFerla regularly attends three to four times the required continuing education to keep up on all the new techniques and information available for his patients.

LaFerla Ortho is an integral part of Joplin and the surrounding community. Dr. LaFerla grew up here and believes it is important to give back to the community. As part of that philosophy, LaFerla Ortho sponsors numerous area events, including a college scholarship program. As a result of his time and dedication, Dr. LaFerla has been recognized as an outstanding alumnus ofMissouri Southern State University.

Dr. LaFerla is a leader in the dental profession and the Joplin community. He previouslyservedas a trustee representing the Southwest Missouri Dental Society at the Missouri Dental Association meeting quarterly in Jefferson City.He was twicethe President of the Missouri Ortho Society. Hehas served as the president of the Southwest Missouri Dental Society and the Missouri Orthodontic Association.In addition, hehas served on the boards of numerous community organizations. He currently serves on the board of the Joplin Area Catholic schools and is the Director for the state of Missouri to the Midwest Society of Orthodontists.

LaFerla Ortho shares our faith in a higher power. We start every day with a prayer and play Christian-based music as part of that philosophy. We have taken that faith outside the office and donatedtime and energy to many causes, including a recent trip to Jamaica to serve at an orphanage.

You, your son or daughteris special, so choose the best specialist to design that smile you have always wanted. Oral health is an integral part of a healthy body. Have confidence in your choice with LaFerla Ortho.