Colorado Springs / Colorado / United States
Dr. Bentele was a National Merit Scholar at the University of Missouri (MIZZOU) and received his DDS from the UMKC School of Dentistry. He subsequently graduated from a hospital based residency gaining additional expertise in all dental specialty areas but particularly in oral surgery, anesthesia and periodontics. He practiced a full spectrum of dentistry with an emphasis on oral surgery and IV sedation in the Air Force for 10 years. Dr. Bentele continued his education at The Ohio State University College of Dentistry receiving his Certificate in Orthodontics and Master of Science. His residency included participation in Ohio State's Dentofacial Deformities surgical program and also at Nationwide Children's Hospital Center for Complex Craniofacial Disorders treating children with cleft lip/palate and other congenital defects. He published research in the American Journal of Orthodontics and Dentofacial Orthopedics on assessing orthodontic treatment need. At RAF Lakenheath in England he was the head of a 3-orthodontist practice and a member of cleft palate and craniofacial deformities teams for orthognathic surgery. He was the Chief of Orthodontics at the US Air Force Academy where he was a member of a dental implant team, the craniofacial deformities board and a faculty member for the Advanced Education in General Dentistry Program. Dr. Bentele also served on the Health Education Board to advise and select cadets for careers in the health professions. Dr. Bentele retired as a Colonel from the Air Force in 2007. His military accomplishments include acting as CENTAF Forward Dental Surgeon, OPERATION Desert Storm and as hospital commander for Al Udeid AirBase during OPERATION Enduring Freedom. He continues his association with the military and special interest in orthognathic surgery by continuing to treat patients with the Oral-Maxillofacial Surgery department at Evans Army Community Hospital at Ft. Carson. He is a member of the American Dental Association, the Colorado Dental Association, the Colorado Springs Dental Society, American Association of Orthodontists, the Rocky Mountain Society of Orthodontists and the American Cleft Palate-Craniofacial Association. He is the orthodontist on the Children's Hospital Colorado Cleft Lip & Palate Team which also includes a plastic surgeon, oral- maxillofacial surgeons, pediatrician, pediatric otolaryngologist, speech therapist, audiologist, social worker and occupational therapist. He is a faculty member, Department of Otolaryngology, University of Colorado School of Medicine. The Difference: Unlike at high volume corporate dentistry clinics, Dr. Bentele sees each patient at every appointment for a personal touch. He is truly an orthodontic specialist and not a general dentist who dabbles in orthodontics. His name is on the door, he is solely responsible for patient treatment and it is a signature event when a patient completes treatment. His orthodontic philosophies are to consider the best facial aesthetic outcomes, enhance the health of the mouth, and ultimately, provide the best bite and smile reasonably achievable for each unique patient. Evaluation of children ages 7 -11 and managing the erupting teeth can limit tooth extractions due to crowding but early treatment before all the permanent teeth are in (Phase 1), should be limited in scope to reduce the overall time and cost of treatment. Our approach is conservative and patient centered but utilizes the latest technology such as low exposure digital x-rays. Approximately 1/3 of our patients are adults interested in the improvement in dental health, confidence and career boost that a great smile can provide. Dr. Bentele is board certified by the American Board of Orthodontics.
