Many patients can benefit from treatment by a trained specialist with a greater understanding and higher level of expertise. This is increasingly the case as more patients are exhibiting signs of periodontal disease, coupled with research that suggests a relationship between periodontal disease and other chronic diseases of aging.

At Ward Periodontics, we work closely with your general dentist, providing specialty expertise in the diagnosis and treatment of the periodontium (oral soft tissue and bone). We believe the team approach provides the best possible oral health care of our patients. We treat both pediatric and adult patients with a focus on education and lifelong follow-up

We recommend treatment with your very best interest at heart. We strive to provide you with our best health care every day. In return, we ask that you do your best to commit to the plan we agree on. We also ask that you maximize your investment by keeping up with daily oral hygiene. We understand that you want as little dentistry done in your lifetime as possible. Help achieve that goal by committing to your dental plan.

The staff are professional, courteous and focused on providing safe patient care. This is evidenced by the pleasant clean environment, hand washing practices and willingness/capability to answer questions about their sterilization processes.

This is the driving force behind Ward Periodontics new campaign to support charities and homeless shelters as well as raise awareness by bringing biodegradable and eco-friendly toothbrushes to impoverished areas and homes worldwide.

At Ward Periodontics, we donate biodegradable, bamboo toothbrushes for every toothbrush that is purchased. We are committed to improving the oral health of not only our patients, but also the people in our community and the world. To date, we have donated more than 1,000 toothbrushes to those who need them; and this number continues to grow with the help of people just like you who partner with us!

Ward Periodontics works with shelters, nonprofits, and organizations dedicated to helping the homeless, in-need, and at-risk communities. By donating biodegradable, eco-friendly toothbrushes to impactful organizations, we are able to get toothbrushes into the hands of those who need them most.

Emily serves a dual role here at Ward Periodontics. She first joined the Ward Perio team in November 2014. She began one day a week as one of Dr. Wards dental hygienists. Then in 2016, she took on the role of our practice administrator as well. We joke that Emily wears all the hats in our office, because you never know where you will find her in the office on any given day - be it at the front desk, in her office, or chair-side.

Emily is a Kansas City native. She attended the University of Kansas where she received her bachelors degree in Human Biology. She later attended the University of Missouri - Kansas City School of Dentistry where she graduated Summa Cum Laude with a bachelors degree in Dental Hygiene.

Emily has a passion for learning and considers herself a lifelong student. She takes many continuing education courses throughout the year to stay on top of the latest research and techniques available to help our patients become healthy and to maintain their health. Clinically, Emily believes in a gentle but thorough approach. And, more than anything, she wants her patients to be comfortable and to feel well cared for while in her care. Emily can be found chair-side on most Wednesdays when she sees hygiene patients.

On the administrative side, Emily enjoys working with our patients to help them make their treatment goals become a reality. She has many years experience navigating the nuances of dental benefit plans and works with our patients to help them understand and maximize their dental benefits.

Emilys favorite part about working at Ward Periodontics is the wonderful people that she has gotten to know - both colleagues and patients alike. And she says you will not find a more friendly, caring team anywhere else. When you walk into our office, you immediately feel like you are among friends. Its a great place to be.

In her free time, Emily loves spending time with her husband, their two young children and their rescue dog. They love entertaining and regularly host friends and family. She also loves watching Friends reruns, seeing movies, doing yoga, and walking.

Audra S. Ward DMD, MS earned her undergraduate degree in biology from Southern Illinois University at Edwardsville. She then attended Southern Illinois University School of Dental Medicine in Alton, Illinois, where she earned her Doctor of Dental Medicine Degree in 2003. After completion of her General Practice Residency at St. Johns Mercy Medical Center in St. Louis, Missouri, Dr. Ward moved to Kansas City, Missouri. She then taught general dentistry at the University of Missouri-Kansas City School of Dentistry for two years prior to entering the Periodontics residency at that institution. Dr. Ward completed this program and obtained her Certificate in Periodontics in 2008. Dr. Ward earned her Diplomate status of the American Board of Periodontology in May 2010. A Diplomate of the American Board of Periodontology is a periodontist who has made significant achievement beyond the mandatory educational requirement of the specialty.

To be educationally qualified for Board certification requires certification as a dentist, including basic college education and completion of dental school. Certification as a periodontist is achieved after 3 years of a program approved by the American Dental Association. The period of study concentrates on the diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of periodontal disease; regeneration of supporting tissues of the teeth and their substitutes; and maintenance of health, function, and esthetics. Additionally, comprehensive oral and written examinations covering all phases of periodontal disease and its treatment, including dental implants, are required. Recertification of continued competency in periodontics is achieved through continuing education and participation in self-study programs.

Dr. Ward is an active member of the American Academy of Periodontology, American Academy of Implant Dentistry and is a Diplomate of the American Board of Periodontology. She is also a practitioner of the prestigious Bale Doneen Method which focuses on the connections between periodontal diseases and systemic disease. . She has been voted a Top Dentist by her peers for four consecutive years and is currently serving as an adjunct faculty at University of Missouri-Kansas City, School of Dentistry in the Department of Periodontics.