Your Joplin & Pittsburg Orthodontist
Meet Dr. Michael LaFerla
Dr. LaFerla was raised here in Joplin and is a strong supporter of our community. He graduated from Carthage High School in 1985 and from Missouri Southern State University with honors in 1989.
He continued his journey to becoming an orthodontist, completing dental school at the University of Nebraska and his orthodontic residency at the University of Southern California.
He returned to Joplin, starting his practice in 1996 with a determination to provide high-quality results while providing excellent customer service. He’s a Diplomat of the American Board of Orthodontists, as well as having served numerous roles in organized dentistry at the local, state, and national levels.
Dr. LaFerla teaches orthodontics at both KCU Dental School and the University of Nebraska. Outside the office, he enjoys traveling and landscaping.
Education & Experience
In 1999, Dr. LaFerla opened his private practice in Joplin.
Dr. LaFerla is involved in several orthodontic and dental associations, and through these connections, he participates in a variety of continuing education opportunities that enable him to offer his patients the most current treatment options.
- Bachelor of Science in Biology – Missouri Southern State University
- Doctorate of Dental Surgery – University of Nebraska College of Dentistry
- Master’s in Craniofacial Biology – University of Southern California
- Orthodontic residency – University of Southern California
Memberships & Affiliations
Dr. LaFerla has served in numerous positions within his profession, including:
- Missouri Dental Association, trustee
- Missouri Society of Orthodontists, president
- Southwest Missouri Dental Society, president
He has served on the boards of several local organizations and volunteered with numerous local charity organizations, including:
- Big Brothers Big Sisters of the Ozarks (Jasper and Newton counties)
- Missouri Mission of Mercy (MOMOM)
- MSSU Alumni Association
- MSSU Lionbackers
Dr. LaFerla currently serves on the school board for Joplin Area Catholic Schools and is the director for the state of Missouri in the Midwestern Society of Orthodontists. He’s also a member of these organizations:
- American Association of Orthodontists
- American Board of Orthodontists (Board Certified - Diplomate)
- American Dental Association
- Midwestern Society of Orthodontists
- Missouri Dental Association
- Southwestern Missouri Dental Society
- World Federation of Orthodontists
Outside of the Office
Family is important to Dr. LaFerla, and he enjoys spending most of his free time with his daughter Jadyn.
Dr. LaFerla also enjoys traveling, landscaping, water and snow skiing, playing golf, and cheering on his favorite sports teams: the Blues, Cardinals, Lions, Huskers, Trojans, and Seahawks.