It was not Dr. Andersons original plan to become a dentist. While pursuing his interest in science and music at The University of Missouri, a friend encouraged him to apply to dental school. After attending his first several classes, his love and passion for dentistry quickly became evident. I knew right away it was what I was meant to do. It was the perfect balance of all the things I was good at, I just never saw it, Dr. Anderson says.
Dr. Anderson grew up in Kansas City as an outgoing middle child that loved to tinker with things. He has always loved music, but it was his interest in how things worked that steered him towards science. After graduating from Center Senior High School, he enrolled at MU in Columbia Missouri to complete his undergraduate studies, then graduating from The School of Dentistry at the University of Missouri-Kansas City in 1986.
Growing up, going to the dentist was not a pleasant experience, he says, and I have set out to change the way people feel about visiting the dentist. First, we have highly trained friendly dentists and a top notch dental team that provides first rate care. Secondly, we designed our dental offices to be more comfortable and less clinical feeling, so the patient starts the visit feeling relaxed as soon as they walk through our doors. All of this helps to create a relaxing environment built to provide the best dental care available. One of the things I am most proud of is many of our patients say that we make going to the dentist fun.
Outside of his profession, Dr. Anderson is constantly on the go. I was a youth baseball coach for nearly 15 years and have coached teams all the way from t-ball up through high school. Baseball is the perfect game for teaching kids the lessons of life. With three boys of his own, Dr. Anderson used baseball as a way to exercise, communicate and teach them many of the life skills they will need to be well adjusted and highly productive men in the future.
Two organizations that Dr. Anderson is proud to be involved with are Waterfall Canyon Academy and Oak Grove School in Ogden, Utah. They help kids with severe learning and social deficiencies overcome these barriers in a loving and nurturing environment. Dr. Anderson is acting president of both their PTAs. He is also the fundraiser and social event planner. We want them to have a Homecoming and a Prom and everything in between, he says. I never thought I would be a PTA President for a schools half way across the country, but it is the most rewarding thing I have ever done. Dr. Anderson also enjoys traveling; taking his sons on an annual boys trip with their grandfather, fly fishing and social gatherings with family and friends. His quieter pursuits include reading and working the land on his farm with his headphones on enjoying music.
I was originally was born and raised in Kansas City, Missouri where I graduated from Rockhurst High School. I attended Marquette University in the fall of 2007. While attending Marquette, I earned my Bachelors degree in Construction Engineering and Management. Pushed by a desire to change lives in the medical field, I found my passion in dentistry. I attended the University of Missouri Kansas City (UMKC) School of Dentistry where I earned my Doctorate of Dental Surgery degree in May of 2018. I enjoy multiple areas of dentistry and make patient comfort my number one priority. Outside the office, I enjoy spending as much time as possible with family and friends, and participating in all types of sports, especially golf. I look forward to building future relationships and becoming a part of the community.
Reviews
Rating 3.8 out of 5 based on 17 reviews
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newest oldest highest lowestOliver Johnson
2 years ago
Best dentist in town!
Manon Halliburton
2 years ago
Went to this dentist after North Kansas City Dental no longer accepted my insurance, which I was informed of in an abrupt rude way after years of being a patient. Not only did I find out my rather new crown was too big, had leakage and needed to be replaced... but my even more recent root canal had failed and needed work due to an infection.. Dr. Garner is fantastic and I'm so happy I found them.
Jamie Carroll's Neighborhood
2 years ago
Hands down best dentist I've seen. Dr. Garner was very good at communicating and was also confident and friendly. The Hygienist Divine was great too! I wish I could remember Dr. Garners assistants name because she was great too! Never felt better about going to the dentist!
Chad Johnson
2 years ago
Can't recommend more highly. Dr. Anderson solved ALL of the long-term issues I'd been struggling with. He also happens to be a great human being who genuinely cares about me as a patient.
Matthew Bilmes
3 years ago
I've been a patient of this location for 2 years at the time of writing this review. On June 26th of this year I went in for my regular cleaning and was charged a $30.00 copay, which I paid in cash at the time of the appointment. At the beginning of August, I got a bill in the mail for $30.00, claiming I still owed that money from the June 26th appointment. Confused, I called the office. The lady I talked to on the phone was also confused and said she had a record of payment. She apologized for the mistake and told me not to worry about the bill. I chalked it up to an honest mistake and quickly forgot about it. Tonight, I got home from a week-long road trip to find yet another bill in the mail from them for the same appointment, except this time it had an additional $5.00 late fee added for a total of $35.00. It's a Sunday so no one was at the office, but I left a voicemail and expect a prompt reply in the morning. The fact that this has now happened twice either means this office is grossly incompetent, or they are deliberately trying to charge me twice. Either way, it is completely unacceptable to me and I plan on going elsewhere for future dental needs.
Manon Halliburton
3 years ago
Went to this dentist after North Kansas City Dental no longer accepted my insurance, which I was informed of in an abrupt rude way after years of being a patient. Not only did I find out my rather new crown was too big, had leakage and needed to be replaced... but my even more recent root canal had failed and needed work due to an infection.. Dr. Garner is fantastic and I'm so happy I found them.
Jamie Carroll's Neighborhood
3 years ago
Hands down best dentist I've seen. Dr. Garner was very good at communicating and was also confident and friendly. The Hygienist Divine was great too! I wish I could remember Dr. Garners assistants name because she was great too! Never felt better about going to the dentist!
Chad Johnson
3 years ago
Can't recommend more highly. Dr. Anderson solved ALL of the long-term issues I'd been struggling with. He also happens to be a great human being who genuinely cares about me as a patient.
Matthew Bilmes
3 years ago
I've been a patient of this location for 2 years at the time of writing this review. On June 26th of this year I went in for my regular cleaning and was charged a $30.00 copay, which I paid in cash at the time of the appointment. At the beginning of August, I got a bill in the mail for $30.00, claiming I still owed that money from the June 26th appointment. Confused, I called the office. The lady I talked to on the phone was also confused and said she had a record of payment. She apologized for the mistake and told me not to worry about the bill. I chalked it up to an honest mistake and quickly forgot about it. Tonight, I got home from a week-long road trip to find yet another bill in the mail from them for the same appointment, except this time it had an additional $5.00 late fee added for a total of $35.00. It's a Sunday so no one was at the office, but I left a voicemail and expect a prompt reply in the morning. The fact that this has now happened twice either means this office is grossly incompetent, or they are deliberately trying to charge me twice. Either way, it is completely unacceptable to me and I plan on going elsewhere for future dental needs.
Katie Funk
3 years ago
They told me I had over 26 "micro" cavities that would be $160 each to fix, the sooner the better so they didn't turn into real cavities. Sounded like bs to me, so I went to another dentist and had 1 cavity! I've been to my other dentist every 6 months since and haven't had a single cavity since. This is a dishonest place that tries to take advantage of people
Katie Funk
4 years ago
They told me I had over 26 "micro" cavities that would be $160 each to fix, the sooner the better so they didn't turn into real cavities. Sounded like bs to me, so I went to another dentist and had 1 cavity! I've been to my other dentist every 6 months since and haven't had a single cavity since. This is a dishonest place that tries to take advantage of people
Nicole Stewart
4 years ago
I love it here
Kristin Kent
4 years ago
I needed an emergency root canal today and this office was able to accommodate me. Dr. Thigpen was professional and concise and explained every step to me even though I was pretty out of it. Oh yeah, you can choose a movie to watch while you're getting dental work done!
Nicole Stewart
4 years ago
I love it here
Samantha Schrader
4 years ago
If I could leave 0 reviews I would. I use to work there years ago and I was basically fired because I refused to do illegal work meaning work I am not licensed for. They never had hygienist and they finally got in trouble and had to hire hygienist. They will tell and recommend composite on every tooth that has a dark spot ( no decay) just to bring the income. Very much of a scam office...
Samantha Schrader
5 years ago
If I could leave 0 reviews I would. I use to work there years ago and I was basically fired because I refused to do illegal work meaning work I am not licensed for. They never had hygienist and they finally got in trouble and had to hire hygienist. They will tell and recommend composite on every tooth that has a dark spot ( no decay) just to bring the income. Very much of a scam office...
Paul Hancock
5 years ago
Ever had horrendous tooth pain? I did and went straight to their office. They got me in that moment and relieved the pain, had multiple back up dr's as well if needed. Never had to redo their work. Dr. Garner is the dentist I'll stick with for many many years. They implement all procedures on site. Highly recommend. They also have hand parafin wax, loads of dvds, it's just a relaxing experience.
Kristin Kent
5 years ago
I needed an emergency root canal today and this office was able to accommodate me. Dr. Thigpen was professional and concise and explained every step to me even though I was pretty out of it. Oh yeah, you can choose a movie to watch while you're getting dental work done!
Ty'Isha Moore
5 years ago
Dr. Thigpen is awesome. Great staff, I never have a bad day at the dentist. They pride themselves on making the patient comfortable and knowledgeable about dental care.
Marie Strohl
5 years ago
First visit; great experience!! Dr. Anderson is extremely friendly and helpful. Loved my dental hygienist Divine. Will look forward to this being my new dental practice!!
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