I grew up with a love and knowledge of the oral healthcare field, as my father and my uncle both practiced dentistry in the Altoona area for many years. As an orthodontist, I have the great opportunity to help the people in my community improve not only the appearance of their smiles, but their confidence and self-esteem as well.

I have put together a team of professionals who are sincere in their devotion and compassionate about our patients and their families. With over 70 years of combined experience working in the dental field, there is nothing we wont do to make your experience with us exceptional.

Since I have been in practice, I have enjoyed establishing close relationships with many different people who come into my office, some of which have developed into long-lasting friendships. It is always a great thing to see my patients leave happier than when they entered because of their beautiful smiles!

Excellence in orthodontics requires dedication to keeping up-to-date with ever-changing technology and treatment methods. I regularly participate in a variety of continuing education classes in order to give the highest quality of orthodontic care to my patients, who deserve nothing less than the best.

As a native of Altoona, I am so proud to have the chance to make such a positive difference in my home town. My wife, Karen, and I raised our two children, Paige and Joe, here. I enjoy spending time outdoors, so when Im not in the practice or with my family, I can be found hunting, fishing, hiking, and taking our dog, Natasha, out for walks.

My commitment to my community spreads beyond my practice. I believe it is very important to serve those in need and I have been active in the Easter Seals of Central Pennsylvania, of which I am a Past President and Board Member for over 20 years. I have also served as a volunteer with the American Cancer Society and other community organizations. I am on various committees in my church, and am a member of the Jaffa Shrine and Masonic Brotherhood.

I graduated from Hollidaysburg Area High School in 2005. I thereafter graduated with distinction from Penn State University where I majored in Mathematics while a student in the Schreyer Honors College. I was inducted into the Phi Beta Kappa Honor Society while in college. In 2015, I graduated from the University of Pittsburgh Dental School, where I was the recipient of the Dental Medicine First Professional Scholarship. While in dental school, I performed free dentistry in Honduras, and volunteered for the Give Kids A Smile free dentistry program. I also worked part-time as an assistant in a private practice, and worked as a research assistant for the Center for Craniofacial and Dental Genetics. After graduating from dental school, I completed a 30-month course of further study, and earned a Master of Science in Dentistry with a Certificate in Orthodontics from Saint Louis University. As part of my residency training, I was educated in the latest treatment modalities and techniques, including Invisalign.

In my free time, I enjoy being physically active. In high school, I played soccer and was on the cross-country team. I have also participated in various races. While I was in dental school, I completed a half marathon and participated in intramural soccer. I am an animal lover, and especially like spending time with my dog.

After working in the orthodontic field as an assistant for over 30 years, I joined Dr. Pfeffer and his team in 2004 as his treatment coordinator and receptionist. I am responsible for greeting patients and making them feel welcome, assisting with new patient exams, setting up financial arrangements, and organizing patient contests and activities, which is the most fun part of my job! It is great meeting new people and seeing the amazing transformation that takes place when a patient becomes more confident with a beautiful smile. We provide excellent care for our patients but like to have fun as well. Just wait until Halloween rolls around!

I have two grown sons and an adorable Boxer, Winston, who sometimes visits the office. My pastimes are knitting, quilting, cross-stitch, decorating and home improvement projects. I also like to read, especially historical fiction. I am active in my church, singing in the church choir and serving on the church council and am on the board of the Brian Morden Foundation, which advocates for children with cancer, and funds research and scholarships.

I started working in the dental field in 1980 and was excited to join Dr. Pfeffers team in 1995. I assist Dr. Pfeffer chairside with all aspects of patient care and make sure that each patient is comfortable and well informed about their treatment. I love to see a patient take that first look in the mirror the day they get their braces off! It is truly a magical experience. Dr. Pfeffer is fun-loving and very easygoing. We like to joke around and have fun while providing excellent care to our patients.

I married my husband, Gary, in 1992. My daughter, Jess, graduated from Penn State Altoona and is now a working woman. I enjoy gardening, reading, music, movies, and doing DIY projects with my husband around our home. Our latest project was installing oak hardwood flooring, and I learned to use a miter saw. Fortunately for Dr. Pfeffer, I still have all ten fingers!

I have been married for almost 25 years. My husband and I have two children: a son and a daughter. We run a Black Angus operation and also own herding German Shepherds and competition Coonhounds. We are very active in our church, and when I have a free moment, I enjoy cooking and baking.

Don't worry! Braces aren't nearly as scary as you may think. In fact, braces today come in a variety of styles, materials, and colors, making life with braces much easier, more comfortable, and even more stylish than in the past.

Orthodontic braces are a big part of life for many people your age. While braces may have had a bad reputation in the past, today's braces make it easy to look good and feel good! Please contact our practice to schedule your next orthodontic checkup.

Orthodontic treatment is no longer just for teens. In fact, the American Association of Orthodontists states that one in five orthodontic patients is over the age of 21. Many adults are choosing to receive treatment because they understand the importance of maintaining their health, and they want to feel better about their appearance. Adults everywhere are taking advantage of the opportunity to receive orthodontic care, and now you can too.

For many adults, the thought of having metal braces is enough to discourage them from receiving treatment. However, today's orthodontic treatment options offer a variety of braces and appliances that are comfortable, aesthetic, and customized to meet your needs. Types of braces include:

The main difference to remember when treating adults or children and teens, is that in younger patients the jawbones are still developing. For adults, these bones have stopped growing, which may mean the possibility of orthognathic surgery to align the jawbones. Other differences include:

Our practice also recognizes that adults and children have different needs, and require a different level of attention and care. We will work with you to ensure that you receive the most appropriate treatments, and that your needs are met with understanding and respect from us.