5/22/2009 8:01:00 AM 2009 40 Under 40 Honoree: Todd K. Buzbee
Take Two
Tell us about your supporting cast, aka your family.
I am married to Danielle Vanelli Buzbee, and we have three children, daughters Carson Kelly, 9, and Parker Marie, 7, and a son, Cooper Lynn, 5. We also have a new addition to our family, a Whippet puppy named Devo. Danielle is a probation officer for the state of Missouri. Carson and Parker attend Field Elementary, and Cooper will join them next year.
Which movie character do you most identify with? Why?
With so many superheroes to choose from ... I would like the strength and visionary powers of Superman, the technological capabilities of Batman and the rejuvenation capabilities of Wolverine.
Hollywood icons are sometimes viewed as role models. Who are yours?
My first role model would be my dad, Gary Buzbee. From a very early age, I learned the importance of having a good work ethic and finishing a task that was put before me. He also taught me the importance of volunteerism and giving back to a community that has been good to me. Another role model would be my grandfather H.O. Buzbee. He taught me the importance of family. There was never anything he enjoyed more than having all of his grandchildren - all 13 of us - around. He had the amazing ability to make each of us feel special.
Dr. Todd Buzbee credits a high school experience with putting him on the path to leadership. While a junior, Buzbee began volunteering with Special Olympics.
"I coached soccer and basketball teams and nurtured their interest in these sports," he says. "My leadership in these areas afforded me the opportunity to travel to the summer Special Olympics International Games in Minneapolis, Minn."
His contributions were recognized his senior year when he received the first Gift of Time Award in the organization's youth division.
Now a dentist practicing with his family's Buzbee Dental Clinic PC, he serves on the board of directors for A Sporting Chance, a not-for-profit group that offers amateur sports training, competition and recreational programs to anyone 3 years or older who has a disability. The group also serves disadvantaged, abused or neglected youth, at-risk teens and senior citizens. Buzbee also volunteers his time to perform dental screenings for Springfield Public Schools, but his leadership isn't limited to civic involvement.
Since graduating from the University of Missouri Kansas City School of Dentistry in 2000, he has joined the Greater Ozarks Dental Society, the Missouri Dental Association and the American Dental Society.
"Having grown up in a dental family, I learned early how important it is to serve the organizations of my profession," Buzbee says.
He says his leadership skills were tested in 2001 when he was elected to the board of the Greater Springfield Dental Society and named chairman of Children's Dental Health Month. He went on to serve as program chairman in 2002, editor of the newsletter in 2003, alternate delegate to the Missouri Dental Association from 2004 to 2006 and delegate to the Missouri Dental Board from 2006 to 2008.
Amid all of his volunteering, Buzbee also has played an instrumental role in the success of his family's business. He stays on top of the latest technological advancements in dental health and takes post-graduate courses at the Las Vegas Institute for Advanced Dental Studies.
"What I've accomplished to date and new goals I strive to obtain all began by others believing in me and setting an example for me to follow," he says.
Buzbee says his proudest accomplishment lies in seeing his patients smile with newfound confidence after a smile makeover or relief from pain.
"By carefully listening to my patients' unique concerns, hopes and aspirations, I'm able to customize a treatment plan that meets their needs and desires, which enables them to have a healthy and perfect smile," he adds.
