Meet Dr. Jerry Huerter

I believe it is a privilege to be an orthodontist. Each person who comes to my office is here because they want to make a lasting change in their life. They understand the role a healthy, confidence-filled smile plays in every interaction and are excited to develop that smile!

I care about my patients as people, first and foremost, and want only the best for them. Following my father’s example, I treat each person as I would a family member: professionally, and with respect for their unique situation. Instead of dictating a specific treatment approach, I take time to learn what they need and want, and then work with them to design their orthodontic plan.

It is important that patients and parents are knowledgeable and engaged with treatment. By designing the treatment plan and executing it, together, we become partners. Those partnerships are the most rewarding aspects of my career: while I love the finished smiles, I am happiest about the friendships that are a natural outgrowth of the orthodontic experience!

Education and Professional Activities

I grew up in Kansas City, graduated from Rockhurst High School, and received my Bachelor of Arts degree from Kansas University.

I then attended the University of Missouri Kansas City School of Dentistry, where I was awarded my Doctorate of Dental Surgery (DDS). This was followed by my orthodontic education at the St. Louis University Center for Advanced Dental Education, where I completed a Master of Science (MS) in Orthodontics.

Orthodontics is an ever-changing specialty. While dental school and the post-graduate orthodontic degree gave me a solid understanding of tooth movement, technologies and treatment modalities are constantly changing the ways we approach care.

It is imperative that I remain up-to-date on the latest research and advancements in orthodontics: doing so ensures I am providing patients with proven, advanced solutions that deliver the best treatment and results.

I am an active member of the:

• American Association of Orthodontists
• American Dental Association
• Southwestern Association of Orthodontists
• Kansas Association of Orthodontists
• Kansas Dental Association
• First District Kansas Dental Association (past president and board eligible)
• Tweed Study Club of the Midwest (past president)
• Orthodontic Education Research Foundation (board member, secretary/treasurer, president elect)
• Kaw Valley Dental Study Club
• Greater Kansas City Orthodontic Society
• Local, Regional and National Orthodontic Conferences

These organizations offer a range of continuing education opportunities, from online courses to classes at conferences and seminars. I learn from the leaders in orthodontics and general dentistry in order to deliver the best care. My patients deserve the best: to provide anything less is unacceptable.

Beyond the Practice

Except for my orthodontic residency, in St. Louis, MO, I have lived in this area my whole life and am happy to be raising my family in Shawnee.

Paula, my wife, and I married in 1990; we were high school sweethearts. We have four kids and two dogs: yes, our home is quite busy! Family is my top priority, so most of my weekends are spent at sporting events, where I watch my kids do what they love.

I also love to play golf, scuba dive, and travel with my family, along with enjoying many church-related activities. I’m a sucker for James Bond movies, too, and am an avid Kansas Jayhawks fan.