AUDRA WARD

Audra S. Ward DMD, MS earned her undergraduate degree in biology from Southern Illinois University at Edwardsville. She then attended Southern Illinois University School of Dental Medicine in Alton, Illinois, where she earned her Doctor of Dental Medicine Degree in 2003. After completion of her General Practice Residency at St. John’s Mercy Medical Center in St. Louis, Missouri, Dr. Ward moved to Kansas City, Missouri. She then taught general dentistry at the University of Missouri-Kansas City School of Dentistry for two years prior to entering the Periodontics residency at that institution. Dr. Ward completed this program and obtained her Certificate in Periodontics in 2008. Dr. Ward earned her Diplomate status of the American Board of Periodontology in May 2010. A Diplomate of the American Board of Periodontology is a periodontist who has made significant achievement beyond the mandatory educational requirement of the specialty.

To be educationally qualified for Board certification requires certification as a dentist, including basic college education and completion of dental school. Certification as a periodontist is achieved after 3 years of a program approved by the American Dental Association. The period of study concentrates on the diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of periodontal disease; regeneration of supporting tissues of the teeth and their substitutes; and maintenance of health, function, and esthetics. Additionally, comprehensive oral and written examinations covering all phases of periodontal disease and its treatment, including dental implants, are required. Recertification of continued competency in periodontics is achieved through continuing education and participation in self-study programs.

Dr. Ward is an active member of the American Academy of Periodontology, American Academy of Implant Dentistry and is a Diplomate of the American Board of Periodontology. She is also a practitioner of the prestigious Bale Doneen Method which focuses on the connections between periodontal diseases and systemic disease. She has been voted a Top Dentist by her peers for four consecutive years and is currently serving as an adjunct faculty at University of Missouri-Kansas City, School of Dentistry in the Department of Periodontics.

Dr. Ward lives in Leawood with her husband Derrick, their children Barrett and Quinn, and their adopted retired racing greyhound Olive.

Fun Fact: Dr. Ward loves all things ice cream and loves traveling around the country riding roller coasters.

The American Board of Periodontology

American Academy of Periodontology

Bale Doneen Method

American Academy of Implant Denistry

435 Top Dentist

15 Reasons to See a Periodontist

You might think that by brushing, flossing, and seeing your local dentist, that you’re destined to maintain your perfect smile for years to come. But even great oral home care and twice-yearly checkups aren’t always enough to prevent periodontal disease. Do you need to see a periodontist? Let’s find out!

What is a Periodontist?

Periodontists are experts in the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of periodontal disease, as well as the placement of implants. They receive an additional three years of extensive training and education focused on treating diseases of the supporting structures of the teeth.