My undergraduate work was completed in 1977 at the University of Colorado in Boulder where I earned a bachelors degree in Molecular, Cellular and Developmental Biology (MCDB). I received my Doctor of Dental Surgery (DDS) degree in 1981 from Loyola University at the Medical Center in Maywood. After 4 years of general dental practice, I earned a Master of Science degree along with my orthodontic certification in 1987 from the University of Illinois in Chicago. I then completed the specialty board exam that was required in order to receive an orthodontic specialty license in the state of Illinois. My orthodontic career path has been somewhat unique. After UIC, I started as an associate with a Pediatric Dentist in Denver, CO. I then worked as an associate in a private practice in a suburb of Frankfurt, Germany called Bad Soden. I returned to Chicago in 1993 and joined a group practice at Loyola Medical Center following the closure of the Dental School. Here I met my current office mate, Dr. Diane Talentowski. We opened the Western Springs office in 2005 and have enjoyed being part of the community ever since.

I have always found the work with patients who have congenital or acquired facial differences to be of special interest. My training at UIC included a rigorous curriculum based on the work of Dr. Sam Pruzansky and expertly taught to the residents by Dr. Alvaro Figueroa. I participated in cleft palate team care while practicing in Denver and at Loyola. In 2009 I worked with the team at the Craniofacial Center at UIC and continue to hold a position in the Department of Plastic Surgery at the medical school. In 2016 I earned staff privileges and joined the cleft palate craniofacial team at Shriners Hospital for Children in Chicago.As an orthodontist on the team, I work closely with the plastic surgeons to prepare for reconstructive procedures. The patients also benefit from other specialty care including pediatric dentistry, prosthodontics, ENT and audiology, speech therapy, genetic counseling, psychology, and social work.

My interests these days are focused on the application of 3D technology to improve the quality of patient treatment outcomes. This includes both diagnostic tools as well as devices used for facial reconstruction that are created using three dimensional imaging.

Since 2015 I have worked closely with a group from the First Congregational Church to assist with the placement of refugee families in the Chicago area. Through our affiliation with an organization called Refugee One we have helped families from Syria, Africa and Myanmar transition to a new life.

Our friendly and talented staff members contribute greatly to the success of the practice. Their individualized care and attention to our patients and their families makes the treatment experience a pleasant one on all levels.

Years of working in the orthodontic field have provided the staff with all necessary certifications along with clinical skills that are gentle and efficient. Their easy and confident approach to patient care helps keep our patients relaxed and comfortable during their time with us. Their focus also includes informing patients and their parents and answering any and all questions regarding treatment progress.

In our practice, value-added means that Dr. Runge actually does the work on each patient at every adjustment visit during active treatment. He believes that this hands-on approach maximizes efficiency in the treatment progress and usually results in the braces coming off within 18 months.