Meet Lee's Summit Orthodontist: Dr. Craig Grider

Dr. Craig Grider received his Bachelor of Arts in Biology from the University of Missouri at Kansas City. Simultaneously, he completed dental school via a six-year combined Bachelor of Arts/DDS program at UMKC. Dr. Grider also completed a one year general dentistry residency program at the VA hospital in Leavenworth, KS. From there, he went on to practice general dentistry in Lee's Summit and Independence for 3 years.

In 2000, he moved to Nashville, TN where he began a 3-year residency in Orthodontics and Dentofacial Orthopedics at the Vanderbilt University Orthodontic Center. He completed that program in 2003 and moved home to begin his dream as an Orthodontist. Dr. Grider has maintained his relationship with Vanderbilt and has returned as a guest lecturer. He also continues to expand his knowledge of the field through attendance at workshops and lectures, and far exceeds the state board requirements for continuing education.

Dr. Grider was raised in Grandview, MO and graduated from Grandview High School in 1990. He and his wife, Carla (Lee's Summit '91, UMKC BA/MD program 1997), were high school sweethearts who married in 1994. They have a son, Jake, and a daughter, Lydia.

Dr. Grider enjoys golfing, traveling, and spending time with his family at home.