It was not Dr. Anderson’s original plan to become a dentist. While pursuing his interest in science and music at The University of Missouri, a friend encouraged him to apply to dental school. After attending his first several classes, his love and passion for dentistry quickly became evident. “I knew right away it was what I was meant to do. It was the perfect balance of all the things I was good at, I just never saw it,” Dr. Anderson said.
Dr. Anderson grew up in Kansas City as an outgoing middle child that loved to tinker with things. He has always loved music, but it was his interest in how things worked that steered him towards science. After graduating from Center Senior High School, he enrolled at The University of Missouri in Columbia to complete his undergraduate studies. He then graduated from The School of Dentistry at the University of Missouri-Kansas City in 1986.
After working with his mentor for a few years after completing dental school, Dr. Anderson started his own dental practice in the late 1980’s. The first office was, and still is, in downtown Kansas City, Missouri in the Commerce Bank Building. He then opened a second location, which is still located on The Country Club Plaza. In the mid 90’s, a third location was opened in Independence, Missouri, just south of Independence Mall near 40 HWY and HWY-291. Learn more about the history of our practice by going to Our Story.
“Growing up, going to the dentist was not a pleasant experience and I have set out to change the way people feel about visiting the dentist. First, we have highly trained friendly dentists and a top-notch dental team that provides first-rate care. Secondly, we designed our dental offices to be more comfortable and less clinical feeling, so the patient starts the visit feeling relaxed as soon as they walk through our doors. All of this helps to create a relaxing environment built to provide the best dental care available. One of the things I am most proud of is many of our patients say that we make going to the dentist fun.”
– Dr. Thomas L. Anderson
Outside of his profession, Dr. Anderson is constantly on the go. He said, “I was a youth baseball coach for over 15 years and have coached teams all the way from t-ball up through high school. Baseball is the perfect game for teaching kids the lessons of life.” With three boys of his own, Dr. Anderson used baseball as a way to exercise, communicate and teach them many of the life skills they will need to be well adjusted and highly productive men in the future.
Two organizations that Dr. Anderson is proud to be involved with are Waterfall Canyon Academy and Oak Grove School in Ogden, Utah. They help kids with severe learning and social deficiencies overcome these barriers in a loving and nurturing environment. Dr. Anderson wass acting president of both their PTA’s. He was also the fundraiser and social event planner. “We want them to have a Homecoming and a Prom and everything in between”, he says. “I never thought I would be a PTA President for a schools half way across the country, but it is the most rewarding thing I have ever done.” Dr. Anderson also enjoys traveling; taking his sons on an annual boy’s trip with their grandfather, fly fishing and social gatherings with family and friends. His quieter pursuits include reading and working the land on his farm with his headphones on enjoying music.
