Dr. Charlie Arthur
I became a dentist because I love to smile and I want others to as well. From an early age, I knew I wanted to help people in a medical career and always enjoyed working with my hands. Having been a patient of Dr. Bill’s since I was 10 years old and seeing his interactions with patients and overall philosophy of the profession, becoming a dentist quickly went to the top of my list. I graduated from Rolla High School and then went on to Truman State University on a full academic scholarship as a Harry S. Truman Leadership scholar where I graduated with honors in Biology. I received my Doctor of Dental Surgery degree from University of Missouri Kansas City School of Dentistry where I was inducted into Omicron Kappa Upsilon National Dental Honor Society and was in the Oral Surgery Advanced Studies program. After dental school, I was commissioned as an officer in the Dental Corps of the United States Air Force where I attended a one-year Advanced Education in General Dentistry at Eglin AFB, and then went on to general dentist assignments at Incirlik AB, Turkey and the United States Air Force Academy in Colorado Springs, CO. I consider myself very fortunate to have had the opportunity to serve and for the invaluable personal and professional experiences the Air Force provided.
The Advanced Education in General Dentistry residency allowed me to expand my knowledge in aspects of dentistry to include root canals, crown/bridge, oral and periodontal surgery, sleep apnea, and implants. I was able to work alongside specialists in all aspects of dentistry on complex cases and develop an expanded skill set beyond routine general dentistry. I pride myself on being able to offer patients multiple treatment options and help them to decide the best dental care for their specific needs.
I am a member of the American Dental Association, the Missouri Dental Association, and the Central Dental Society. I have completed well over the minimum continuing education hours for the state of Missouri including courses in the Dawson curriculum, implant placement and restorations, periodontal therapy, dentures, and oral surgery. I have also presented at the Hinman Dental Meeting in Atlanta, GA where I received an award for my presentation on Medical Emergencies in General Dentistry.
Through all the different locations I’ve lived for schooling and assignments, I always felt that I was missing the sense of community and togetherness that Rolla provided me growing up. Being a third-generation Rolla resident, nothing gives me greater pleasure than the opportunity to come home and provide for the town and people that gave so much to me. It is humbling to be able to join Dr. Bill and Dr. Stephen in a practice that epitomizes what dentistry should be about, the whole person concept with a health-oriented focus.
I have been married to my lovely wife Emily, also a Rolla native, for 13 years and we have three wonderful children: Lucy, Graham, and Emma. We love being in Rolla and could not think of a better place to raise a family. Outside of dentistry, I enjoy being a dad, spending time with family and friends, hunting, fishing, golf, traveling, and community events.