Since 1975, thousands of families have looked to Aurora Orthodontics for high quality orthodontic care. With just one location, Drs. Lauson, Nielson, and Struhs each have their own patients, which make for more of a one-on-one patient/dentist relationship. Our doctors, each with an extensive educational background, provide patients with the best American and European techniques available. We use only state-of-the-art methods and equipment and practice the highest standards of sterilization to ensure our patients' safety. S. Kent Lauson, D.D.S., M.S. Dr. Lauson's distinguished career as a specialist in orthodontics, dentofacial orthopedics and temporomandibular dysfunctions has spanned over 20 years. He graduated from the University of Iowa with his Doctorate of Dental Surgery Degree in 1971. Dr. Lauson spent two years in the USAF Dental Corps where he studied Periodontics and was the Preventive Dentistry officer of his base. He then completed his orthodontic residency in 1975 at St. Louis University Medical Center and has been in private practice in Metro Denver ever since. During this time he help developed the techniques for completing orthodontic treatment with full beautiful smiles without the removal of any permanent teeth. Dr. Lauson has lectured at many national dental and orthodontic meetings and is currently listed in the "Guide to America's Top Dentists", published by Consumers Research Council of America. He was awarded the 2003 Colorado Businessman of the Year award from the Congressional Committee on Business, Washington, D.C. He is the founding partner of Aurora Orthodontics and is well known for getting excellent results in complex dental cases. Professional Affiliations: American Association of Orthodontists, Rocky Mountain Society of Orthodontists, Colorado Association of Orthodontists, American Association for Functional Orthodontics, American Dental Association, Colorado Dental Association, Metro Denver Dental Society – Aurora Chapter, American Academy and Board of Head, Facial and Neck Pain and TMJ Orthopedics, Fellow of International College of Craniomandibular Orthopedics. Kirk J. Nielson, D.D.S., M.S. Dr. Kirk J. Nielson's career is characterized by academic achievement, an abiding commitment to education and involvement in the community. Upon graduating from Creighton University in 1991, with his Doctor of Dental Surgery degree, Dr. Nielson earned a Master of Science degree in Orthodontics from the University of Oklahoma School of Dentistry. An exemplary academic record and several collegiate honors highlight kis educational background. While at Creighton University, Dr. Nielson earned distinction as a Dean's Honor Roll Student and was awarded the Tonney White Scholarship for his clinical work with Tempomandibular dysfunction. While being a student, he also taught dental occlusion classes to other students at Creighton University. Dr. Nielson is not only a very well regarded clinician but has co-authored two research articles, "Dietary Lactose Improves Dentin Apposition and Mandibular Bone Formation and Mineralization Independent of Vitamin D Endocrine System" and "Lateral Cephalometric Analysis of Skeletal Patters in Patients With or Without Internal Derangement of the Tempomandibular Joint". Dr. Nielson has been practicing orthodontics for thirteen years in Aurora, Colorado. Since 1993 he has been a partner at Aurora Orthodontics. In the community, Dr. Nielson enjoys coaching basketball. Dr. Nielson is actively involved in and supports local schools through fund raising projects. Dr. Nielson's family includes his wife Stephanie and their children Meaghan, Jake, Mindy, Hunter and Celine. In his free time he enjoys camping, fishing, golf and silversmith. Ted Struhs, D.D.S., M.S. Dr. Struhs received his Doctor of Dental Surgery degree form the Medical College of Virginia in 2003. Ted maintained an exceptional academic record in dental school, being named on the Dean's Honor List for each academic term and receiving the school's prestigious Dr. Crockett Alumni Scholarship three times for academic achievement. As a dental student, Dr. Struhs was also asked to sit on various school and dental society committees. Two of Dr. Struhs' most valued accomplishments as a dental student were his induction into dentistry's prestigious Omicron Kappa Upsilon dental society and the recognition by the American Association of Orthodontists for his outstanding study of the Oro-Facial Complex. Dr. Struhs had the opportunity to stay at the Medical College of Virginia and earn his Orthodontic Specialty Certificate and a Master of Science degree in Dentistry. The curriculum in Virginia, one of the country's most competitive and comprehensive, has supplied him with a paramount academic and clinical education. Ted is excited to join Aurora Orthodontics and 20 Mile Orthodontics and be a part of the professional excellence these practices provide. In addition, Ted is especially happy to be back in his native Colorado. Dr. Struhs grew up and graduated high school in the Southeast Denver area before attending Colorado State University for his undergraduate studies. After eight wonderful years in Virginia he is excited to bring his wife Julie home along with their two sons, Carter and Braden.