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.[[In-content Ad]]
Moseley’s Discount Office Products was purchased; Side Chick opened in Branson; and the Springfield franchise store of NoBaked Cookie Dough changed ownership.
