We are thrilled to announce that Dental Lifeline Network (DLN) is partnering with Delta Dental of Missouri to celebrate an incredible group of Donated Dental Services (DDS) volunteers. Thanks to a generous grant from Delta Dental of Missouri, we’re spotlighting 10 outstanding dentists who have been in their professional careers for 10 years or less. Combined, these DDS volunteers have donated over $85,000 to 21 patients.
Meet the 10 Under 10 Honorees
- Education & Graduation: A.T. Still University-MOSDOH, 2018
- Practice: Ruopp Family Dentistry – Cape Girardeau, MO
- DDS Volunteer Since: 2019
“I enjoy being able to give back to individuals in my community through the DDS program.”
- Education & Graduation: Southern Illinois University School of Dental Medicine; University of Louisville (GPR)
- Practice Location: Festus Smile Center – Festus, MO
- DDS Volunteer Since: 2021
“I volunteer for the DDS program because I enjoy helping the people of our community and the surrounding areas improve their oral health!”
- Education & Graduation: West Virginia University School of Dentistry (DDS); University of Kentucky (MD & OMFS Residency)
- Practice Location: Missouri Center for Oral Surgery and Implants – St. Charles and Wentzville, MO
- DDS Volunteer Since: 2024
“Growing up in a small town in West Virginia, I witnessed firsthand the profound challenges many face in accessing quality dental and healthcare services. Volunteering with the DDS program allows me to give back in a meaningful way.”
- Education & Graduation: UMKC School of Dentistry, 2015
- Practice Location: Guthrie Family Dental – Grain Valley, MO
- DDS Volunteer Since: 2019
“I have a passion for giving back to people in need. Volunteering with the DDS program allows me to bridge the gap for those who have fallen through the cracks of the traditional healthcare system.”
- Education & Graduation: UMKC School of Dentistry, 2016
- Practice Location: Broadway Dental – Columbia, MO
- DDS Volunteer Since: 2018
“My Christian faith inspires me to give back to my community. Through the DDS program, I am able to help people who may be in a tough spot and make a meaningful difference in their lives.”
- Education & Graduation: Missouri School of Dentistry and Oral Health (DMD); Case Western University (MD & OMFS)
- Practice Location: Midwest Oral Maxillofacial & Implant Surgery – St. Louis, MO
- DDS Volunteer Since: 2025
“I absolutely love oral surgery and feel privileged to work with Dental Lifeline Network in improving access to care and changing patients’ lives. It is some of the most meaningful work we do.”
- Education & Graduation: UMKC School of Dentistry, 2015
- Practice Location: Pyle’s Smiles Family Dentistry – Seymour, MO
- DDS Volunteer Since: 2022
“The program identifies and connects us with patients who truly need our help, and I am grateful for the opportunity to give back.”
- Education & Graduation: Missouri School of Dentistry and Oral Health (DMD, MPH), 2019
- Practice Location: Knox County Dental – Edina, MO
- DDS Volunteer Since: 2022
“I volunteer with the DDS Program because they make sharing my skills with those in need easy and fulfilling!”
- Education & Graduation: University of California, San Francisco (DDS)
- Practice Location: Oak Hills Family Dental – Kansas City, MO
- DDS Volunteer Since: 2019
“I choose to volunteer with Dental Lifeline Network to help those in need get the smile back they deserve.”
- Education & Graduation: UMKC School of Dentistry, 2019
- Practice Location: Carron Family Dental – St. Louis, MO
- DDS Volunteer Since: 2020
“I volunteer with the DDS program to help those who otherwise would not have an opportunity to receive the dental care that they need to live healthier and happier lives.”
Thank you to our incredible 10 Under 10 volunteers and to Delta Dental of Missouri for helping us change the lives of those most in need of dental care. If you are an early-career dentist looking to change lives in your community, consider becoming a DDS volunteer today. Your skills can provide lifechanging care to vulnerable adults who need it most. Visit WhyIDental.org to sign up or learn more.
