I am a very lucky individual to be able to do what I do. I truly enjoy working with such a wonderful staff and such great patients. Whether those patients are 6 or 76, I feel like we develop a lasting friendship with each and every one of them. Sometimes you luck out and end up in an occupation that you really love. I am very grateful because that has happened to me. Our goal is to make your orthodontic experience an enjoyable and rewarding one. If we can meet your expectations, it makes you smile. If we can exceed your expectations, it makes us smile!
Education
My path to orthodontics is an interesting one. I began studying agriculture at Brigham Young University. From there, I wanted to be a chiropractor and later, pre-med, but my wife, a dental assistant, suggested orthodontics. After I had a chance to explore orthodontics, I fell in love with it.
- Bachelor of Science – Brigham Young University
- Doctor of Dental Surgery – University of Nebraska
- Master of Orthodontics – University of Nebraska
- Continuing Education and Professional Memberships
I am currently serving as the Chief Delegate for the Rocky Mountain Society of Orthodontists in the AAO House of Delegates. I have also served as the President-elect for the Rocky Mountain Society of Orthodontists, which is made up of orthodontists located in Montana, Eastern Idaho, Wyoming, Utah, Colorado, and New Mexico. As a board member, I am involved in annual national, regional, and state meetings. These meetings give me an opportunity to learn the leading treatments in orthodontics. Technology in the field of orthodontics is constantly improving, which makes continuing education a must for any orthodontist.
I am a member of the American Association of Orthodontists, the American Dental Association, Idaho Dental Association, and Omicron Kappa Upsilon, which is the national dental honor society.
At the Office
I am passionate about the quality of orthodontic care my patients receive. Whenever we deal with Mother Nature and patient compliance, we introduce challenges to overcome, but with help from our fantastic patients, we will achieve great results. I get most excited about seeing the beautiful smile on a patient’s face when the braces have been removed. We get to see and chat with patients during their appointments, as well as outside the office. I love the long lasting friendships that we develop.
I have one of the most experienced orthodontic teams in the area. Our most seasoned veteran has 38 years of experience in the same office, and together, my staff averages 16 years of experience per person. We meet every morning to discuss ways in which we can be the best orthodontic team for our patients. We are grateful for each patient, and each member of my team treats them as if they were the most important patient we have for that day.
At Home
I was born in Burley, Idaho, and my family moved to Nebraska when I was a year old. We lived there for ten years before moving back to Mountain Home, Idaho. I’ve been living in Idaho Falls with my beautiful wife, Karrie Jo, since my graduation from the University of Nebraska in 1992. We have four children: Shantay, who married Zach Taylor, a former patient of mine; Brittany, who married Dr. Benton Perry, a Pediatric Dentist; Austin, who married Catherine Lewis; and our youngest, Ashtyn, who married Riley Mickelsen. We have a 4 grandsons named Kingston, Maverick, Ford, and Thatcher and a 5th grandson joining our family any day now! We also have 2 granddaughters, Scout and Mary. When not in the office, you can find me playing golf or spending time with my family. The majority of my time is spent with my family whether it be indoors or out.
I believe in giving back to the community in which we live. I coached youth ice hockey for 12 years. I started the Idaho Falls Youth Lacrosse Association and coached boys for six years. Now I am the assistant coach for the new girls program. I have coached Grid Kid Football for six years. I have served in a church leadership position at BYU-I since summer of 2008. We also donate thousands of dollars to youth-related activities each year.
