A Family Tradition:
My dad opened Bauer Orthodontics in 1969. I was fortunate to join Dr. Bill Bauer in 1999. Now, after over 55 years of creating amazing smiles, all of us at Bauer Orthodontics continue to carry on a family tradition. Although my dad retired in 2015, I have been blessed with a desire to carry on this family tradition. I recently started my 25th year in orthodontics!
A native of Springfield, I graduated from Kickapoo High School and continued to complete my undergraduate studies split between Missouri State University and Southwest Baptist University. During my time in college, I had the privilege to play basketball for both the MSU Bears and SBU Bearcats while attending each university. After completing my undergraduate studies, I continued to dental school at the University of Missouri Kansas City and received my Doctorate of Dental Surgery. From there I moved across the state to complete my orthodontic residency; I obtained my Masters of Science in Dentistry at Saint Louis University. Quickly returning home to Springfield, I began practicing orthodontics alongside my dad.
My favorite part of my job is the chance to connect with and learn about my patients. I find value in creating an environment where patients feel comfortable to share about their daily lives, their hobbies and their passions, their adventures and plans for the future. I love having the music blasting, outdoor adventure videos streaming on our TV's, and observing Bear (our office dog) entertaining all of our patients and parents. I participate in all aspects of treatment, which allows me to build a relationship that goes beyond provider and patient: they become my friends!
My team and I are a tight-knit group who work extremely well together, both professionally and personally. We love to laugh, joke around, pull pranks, but still go all-out to provide the most efficient, comfortable orthodontic treatment without sacrificing quality of care. We all share the same belief: that is a blessing to work in orthodontics and make positive lasting changes for people.
To ensure top-notch care for my patients, I actively participate in continuing education to stay abreast of advances in technologies, techniques, and new materials. I recently completed a course at Duke University addressing new strategies and delivery of digital orthodontic care. The adoption of Invisalign, and my commitment to provide quality treatment no matter what appliance system we use (Invisalign or Braces), separates us from many other orthodontic offices. I also continue to study clinical orthodontics and current and trending topics in the field, as well as attend informational conferences to maximize my efficiency as a provider.
I am a proud member of the American Association of Orthodontics, American Dental Association, Missouri Dental Association, and the Greater Springfield Dental Society and Foundation. I have been a lifetime member of all these organizations since I started my practice.
I am grateful to live and work in our wonderful community, and find great value in giving back. We support numerous charities, including Isabelle’s house, Champions Committed to Kids, Breast Cancer Foundation of the Ozarks, Camp Barnabas, Eden’s Village (for the homeless), and the Springfield Dental Foundation, which contributes to the Ronald McDonald Tooth Truck and the Children's Smile Centers.
I was born and raised here in Springfield, and I am grateful to still call it home. I met my wife, Karie at the South-side YMCA and have now been married for over 25 years! We have 4 kids: Drew, Gus, Millie, and Xander. We are also proud owners of a dog: Barret (aka Bear), a Bernedoodle, is a big part of our office! Bear loves to run the office, greet patients in the waiting room, play with patients throughout the office, and do tricks for treats, and pose for pictures with our patients at the beginning and end of their orthodontic journey. He truly is the star of the show around here!
When I'm not working, I'm with my family. Between 4 active kids, I usually find myself at some sporting event, or some activity involving the kids! I also coach basketball, love to workout with my family, and spend as much time outdoors. As a family on the weekends, we love going to Table Rock lake in the summer and enjoying the sun and water. My kids and I like to go hunting and fishing on our time off in the fall and winter.
My sister was and continues to be a strong influence in my life. Her physical disability did not keep her from doing what she had a passion for: Art! One of the most wonderful things she told me was, “It is not what you don't have, it's what you do with what you have!” I'm grateful for a life where I have the opportunity to live out this wise quote.
