• Call Us 417-887-1220
  • Make An Appointment
  • Visit Us
  • 417-887-1220
  • Make An Appointment
  • Dental Services
    • General Dentistry
      • Gum Disease
      • Tooth Extractions
      • Fillings
      • Root Canals
      • Dental FAQs
    • Orthodontics
      • Two-Phase Treatment
      • Early Orthodontic Treatment
      • Adult Orthodontic Treatment
      • Orthodontics for Teens
      • Retainer Instructions
      • Emergency Care
      • Life with Braces
        • Types of Braces
        • Traditional Braces
        • Clear Aligners
        • Clear Ceramic Braces
    • Dental Implants
      • Implant-Supported Dentures
      • X-Guide Imaging Machine for Dental Implants
    • Pediatric Dentistry
      • Dental Care for Your Baby
      • Thumb Sucking
      • Tooth Decay
      • Cavities
      • Tooth Extractions
      • Pediatric Dental FAQs
    • Cosmetic Dentistry
      • ICON White Spot Treatment
      • Botox
      • Teeth Whitening
      • Invisalign
        • Invisalign at Parkcrest
        • Teen Invisalign
      • Bridges
      • Crowns
      • Veneers
      • Dentures
      • Cosmetic Dentistry FAQs
  • New Patients
    • Tour Our Office
    • Financial Information
    • Parkcrest Dental Group Testimonials
    • Patient Forms
  • Sedation Dentistry
  • Preventive Care
    • Parkcrest Dental Group Brushing & Flossing Tips
    • Orthodontic Dentistry: Brushing & Flossing with Braces
    • Parkcrest Dental Group Radiology
    • General Dentistry & Oral Cancer Screening
    • Sealants at the Parkcrest Dental Group
    • General Dentistry & Fluoride
  • About Us
    • Meet The Team
    • Community Involvement
    • What Sets Us Apart
    • 50th Anniversary
  • Contact Us
  • Blog
    • Braces
    • Cosmetic Dentistry
    • Dental
    • Dental Care
    • Dental Education
    • Dental Implants
    • Dental Products
    • FAQ
    • Floss
    • Guides
      • After Oral Surgery
      • Botox in Springfield
      • Calcium Deposits
      • Caregiver’s Guide
      • Choosing a Dentist
      • Dental Care
      • Dental Emergencies
      • Our Offices
      • Porcelain Veneers
      • Your Child’s First Visit
    • Pediatric
    • Teeth Whitening
  • Dental Services
    • General Dentistry
      • Gum Disease
      • Tooth Extractions
      • Fillings
      • Root Canals
      • Dental FAQs
    • Orthodontics
      • Two-Phase Treatment
      • Early Orthodontic Treatment
      • Adult Orthodontic Treatment
      • Orthodontics for Teens
      • Retainer Instructions
      • Emergency Care
      • Life with Braces
        • Types of Braces
        • Traditional Braces
        • Clear Aligners
        • Clear Ceramic Braces
    • Dental Implants
      • Implant-Supported Dentures
      • X-Guide Imaging Machine for Dental Implants
    • Pediatric Dentistry
      • Dental Care for Your Baby
      • Thumb Sucking
      • Tooth Decay
      • Cavities
      • Tooth Extractions
      • Pediatric Dental FAQs
    • Cosmetic Dentistry
      • ICON White Spot Treatment
      • Botox
      • Teeth Whitening
      • Invisalign
        • Invisalign at Parkcrest
        • Teen Invisalign
      • Bridges
      • Crowns
      • Veneers
      • Dentures
      • Cosmetic Dentistry FAQs
  • New Patients
    • Tour Our Office
    • Financial Information
    • Parkcrest Dental Group Testimonials
    • Patient Forms
  • Sedation Dentistry
  • Preventive Care
    • Parkcrest Dental Group Brushing & Flossing Tips
    • Orthodontic Dentistry: Brushing & Flossing with Braces
    • Parkcrest Dental Group Radiology
    • General Dentistry & Oral Cancer Screening
    • Sealants at the Parkcrest Dental Group
    • General Dentistry & Fluoride
  • About Us
    • Meet The Team
    • Community Involvement
    • What Sets Us Apart
    • 50th Anniversary
  • Contact Us
  • Blog
    • Braces
    • Cosmetic Dentistry
    • Dental
    • Dental Care
    • Dental Education
    • Dental Implants
    • Dental Products
    • FAQ
    • Floss
    • Guides
      • After Oral Surgery
      • Botox in Springfield
      • Calcium Deposits
      • Caregiver’s Guide
      • Choosing a Dentist
      • Dental Care
      • Dental Emergencies
      • Our Offices
      • Porcelain Veneers
      • Your Child’s First Visit
    • Pediatric
    • Teeth Whitening

What It Takes To Become A Great Orthodontist

  • February 19, 2019
  • 10:50 am
  • Dental Care
  • Dr. Harrison, Orthodontist
  • Parkcrest Dental Group

There may be a lot of orthodontists out there, but there are only a select few that are truly great. So, what is it that sets these orthodontists apart from the other? Dr. Harrison’s team discusses what qualities make an orthodontist exceptional.

A Passion For The Job

Passion is one of the most important traits to look for in an orthodontist. It is what will drive your dentist to continue bettering themselves in the field and what will make them excited to come in and work with patients. This is the kind of person that you want working on your smile.

Great People Skills

Orthodontists work with patients all day long, so it’s important that they have good people skills. This will help them adapt to each individual patient and their needs. Some people get really nervous in a dentist’s chair, so a good dentist will be able to use their people skills to put their patients at ease. Whatever the patients’ needs, a dentist with good people skills should be able to make them feel more comfortable.

A Good Listener

As a medical professional, it’s important to be attentive to your patients. Listening to a patient’s’ thoughts and concerns can help them know what to look for during an exam. It also builds necessary trust between medical professional and patient. Listening is important!

Attention To Detail

Orthodontic work requires a great deal of attention to detail. So, a great orthodontist will be a highly focused individual who is able to make minute adjustments and changes. This will ensure a great outcome for the patient. The smallest things can make the biggest difference!

Come See Dr. Harrison At Parkcrest Dental

If you’re looking for a truly exceptional orthodontist, then come see Dr. Harrison at Parkcrest Dental in Springfield, MO. His passion and attention to detail make him one of the premiere dentists in the area. Contact us today to learn more or make an appointment!

Meet Some Dentists in Springfield, MO

Dr. Stuart Scott (top left) is our pediatric dentist. He earned his degree from the University of Nebraska Medical Center College of Dentistry before completing a two-year residency at the University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio.

Dr. Steven Harrison (top right) is board-certified by the American Board of Orthodontics. Dr. Harrison, our orthodontist, graduated from the University of Missouri-Kansas City School of Dentistry. He’s been with Parkcrest Dental Group since 1986.

Dr. Chanin Ropka (center left) attended UMKC before joining the United States Navy, where she served as the only dentist on board the USS Germantown and at Balboa Naval Hospital in San Diego. Dr. Ropka began at Parkcrest Dental in 2001.

Dr. Daniel Fannin (center right) graduated from UMKC School of Dentistry in 1997. He completed an Advanced Education in General Dentistry Residency in 1998 before joining Parkcrest Dental Group that same year.

Dr. Steven C. Sponenberg (bottom left) has been a Springfieldian his entire life. He graduated from Creighton University School of Dentistry in Omaha, Nebraska, in 2004 before joining Parkcrest Dental Group immediately after.

Dr. Jason Hall (bottom right) is also a native Springfieldian. He earned his DDS from the University of Missouri at Kansas City Dental School in 1997. He came to Parkcrest Dental Group in 2010. Dr. Hall’s father, Stan, is also a dentist.

More to explore

Smiling woman holding a clear Invisalign aligner tray before orthodontic treatment

Braces or Invisalign? What Every Patient Should Know

November 4, 2025

Are braces or Invisalign right for you? Parkcrest Dental Group in Springfield breaks down the differences. Your perfect smile starts here!

Before and After Calcium Deposits

How to Get Rid of Calcium Deposits on Teeth

November 4, 2025

Parkcrest Dental Group explains what causes calcium deposits on teeth and how to prevent buildup for a cleaner, brighter smile!

Happy father holding a mirror while son is looking at his teeth after a dental appointment at a trusted dentist’s office.

Springfield’s Trusted Dentist for Families, Kids, and Smiles That Last

October 18, 2025

Table of Contents Looking for a trusted pediatric dentist in Springfield, MO? Families choose Parkcrest because we make visits positive, educational, and

Archives
Search
Categories
  • Braces (60)
  • Cosmetic Dentistry (32)
  • Dental (16)
  • Dental Care (146)
  • Dental Education (137)
  • Dental Implants (15)
  • Dental Products (56)
  • FAQ (132)
  • Floss (10)
  • Guides (12)
  • Pediatric (62)
  • Teeth Whitening (27)
  • 540 W LaSalle St, Springfield, MO 65807
  • (417) 887-1220
  • Follow Us:
  • Dental FAQs
  • Cosmetic Dentistry FAQs
  • Pediatric Dental FAQs
  • Privacy Practices

Web Design: BigPxl