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Specialists
Premier Orthodontist in the St. Louis area
With four orthodontic specialists and four convenient locations, we are family-owned, family-focused, and dedicated to bringing personalized smile transformation for children and adults in Oakville, Sunset Hills, Eureka, and Columbia.
“I highly recommend the team at Bankhead & Firth Orthodontics! Everyone is so kind and helpful. Dr. Firth and Dr. Kaiser provided great care and communication throughout all stages of my treatment plan.”
Thomas K.
Dr. John R. Firth
Board-Certified Orthodontist
President, Missouri Society of Orthodontists
Adjunct Professor of Clinical Orthodontics, Saint Louis University
Education
- B.S., Brigham Young University
- D.D.S., Creighton University School of Dentistry, Omaha, NE
- M.S. in Dentistry, Saint Louis University
- Certificate in Orthodontics and Dentofacial Orthopedics, Saint Louis University
Professional Excellence
Dr. Firth is the current President of the Missouri Society of Orthodontists and serves as an Adjunct Clinical Professor of Orthodontics at Saint Louis University. He is dedicated to advancing the field through leadership and education.
Memberships
- Greater St. Louis Dental Society
- American Dental Association
- American Association of Orthodontists
- World Federation of Orthodontists
Personal Life
Raised on a farm in Utah, Dr. Firth remains passionate about the outdoors and enjoys pheasant hunting. He and his wife have four children and four grandchildren. His favorite pastimes include boating, wakeboarding, and cheering on the St. Louis Blues.
Dr. Kevin C. Kaiser
Board-Certified Orthodontist
Adjunct Professor of Clinical Orthodontics, Saint Louis University
Education
- B.S. in Biology, University of Missouri, Columbia (Mizzou), University Honors
- D.D.S., Magna Cum Laude, University of Missouri, Kansas City School of Dentistry
- M.S. in Oral and Craniofacial Sciences, UMKC
- Certificate in Orthodontics and Dentofacial Orthopedics, UMKC
Professional Excellence
Dr. Kaiser graduated at the top of his dental school class, earning several prestigious honors, including winner of the ADA Student Ethics Competition, the Humanitarian Award from the International College of Dentists, and the Outstanding Dental Student in Implant Dentistry Award from the Academy of Osseointegration. He was also inducted into the Omicron Kappa Upsilon Honors Society. His graduate research focused on the role of the nasal septum in craniofacial development, and he has presented his findings at the AAO Annual Session. Recognized as an emerging leader in the field, Dr. Kaiser was named the 2024 Chair of the Council of Scientific Sessions.
Memberships
- Greater St. Louis Dental Society
- American Dental Association
- American Association of Orthodontists
- World Federation of Orthodontists
Personal Life
A Sunset Hills native and Lindbergh High School graduate, Dr. Kaiser enjoys life in St. Louis with his wife, Megan, and their three children—Clark, Adeline, and Violet. He’s a pickleball enthusiast, a Peloton regular, and a devoted Blues fan.
Dr. Justin M. Firth
Board Certified Orthodontist
Education
- D.M.D., Summa Cum Laude, Midwestern University, Glendale, AZ
- M.S. in Dentistry, Saint Louis University
- Certificate in Orthodontics and Dentofacial Orthopedics, Saint Louis University
Professional excellence
Dr. Firth graduated at the top of his dental school class and continued his advanced training at Saint Louis University, where he earned both his master’s degree and orthodontic specialty certification. He is Board Certified by the American Board of Orthodontics and was inducted into the Omicron Kappa Upsilon Honors Society. He serves on the House of Delegates and the New Dentists Committee for the Greater St. Louis Dental Society.
Memberships
- Greater St. Louis Dental Society
- American Dental Association
- American Association of Orthodontists
- World Federation of Orthodontists
Personal Life
Outside the office, Dr. Firth enjoys exploring St. Louis’s vibrant food scene, summers at the lake, and spending time with his Golden Retriever, Phoenix. He also loves to travel and spends many weekends exploring new cities and countries with friends and family. He’s also a passionate fan of the Blues, Cardinals, and City Soccer team.
Dr. Courtney T. Mietz
Board-Certified Orthodontist
Education
- B.S., California State University, Sacramento
- D.M.D., Midwestern University College of Dental Medicine, Arizona
- M.S. in Dentistry, Saint Louis University
- Certificate in Orthodontics and Dentofacial Orthopedics, Saint Louis University
Professional Excellence
Dr. Mietz graduated at the top of her class from dental school, where her academic excellence earned her induction into the Omicron Kappa Upsilon National Dental Honor Society. Following dental school, she went on to complete her orthodontic residency, where she served as President of her class. Her graduate research focused on the clinical outcomes of LightForce braces and the advancement of customized orthodontic treatment options.
Memberships
- Greater St. Louis Dental Society
- American Dental Association
- American Association of Orthodontists
Personal Life
Originally from the Sacramento area of California, Dr. Mietz moved to Saint Louis for her orthodontic residency. After completing her orthodontic training, she chose to make Saint Louis her home. Outside the office, Dr. Mietz enjoys traveling, spending time with friends and family, exploring local restaurants and coffee shops, and taking walks through Forest Park.
