Dentistry is about more than just clean teeth. I have been fortunate to have mentors who have been fixtures in their community in addition to caring for their patients. These dentists were always people who could be depended on to help others both in and outside of their practices. The ability to help people in need is what first interested me in dentistry, and this is the standard that I hold myself to. I graduated from the University of Iowa with a Bachelor's in Science Education and a Doctorate of Dental Surgery. While in dental school being part of that community meant working with faculty members on research projects. This lead to a position on the board of the National Student Research Group and a fellowship through the American Dental Education Association. I continue to stay engaged with the teaching and the college of dentistry by serving as an Adjunct Professor in the college's restorative clinic. Every year I spend over a hundred hours of continuing education. Through relationships with other educators and local dentists I have been able to help local study clubs bring national thought leaders to not only help our practice but others in our community. Outside of the office, I enjoy spending time playing board games and pickleball with my wife Katy. I regularly have about three different books going at a time, often one on history, another on health, and some fiction for fun (I have a particular soft spot the Harry Potter series). We have been blessed by our son Carter and three yellow labs that keep us on the move. When we do find free time we support the various groups we belong to by volunteering with our church and various health care initiatives.