This is a paid piece from Barrow Orthodontics.

Simplified: Keri Barrow was in the first grade when she told her dad she wanted to be an orthodontist – just like him. Now, she is running the business her father started over 40 years ago with the same philosophies he's embodied from day one. Here's what you need to know about the next generation of Barrow Orthodontics' legacy of smiles.

Why it matters

  • Kevin Horner, Barrow's father, first opened what was then called Horner Orthodontics in 1984 on East 26th Street. At that point, the field of orthodontics was a lot more analog than what Barrow Orthodontics uses today, but Horner kept up with (and ahead of the curve on) the latest technologies as the business grew.
  • As the practice continued to grow, he moved to the current building on 57th Street between Western and Louise Avenues in 2009. Soon after, Barrow finished her residency and joined the practice alongside her father in January 2011.
  • Today, Barrow and new associate Lauren Witte run the practice with some of the best technology in town. They're some of the only orthodontists in the region using 3D printing to create models and fabricate clear plastic liners – similar to the name-brand Invisalign – right in-house.
"That's something people appreciate and want – customization and attention to detail," Barrow said. "We can provide a more customizable treatment for, possibly, a lower cost because we're not paying for the brand name."

Tell me more

Barrow is committed to maintaining the family-oriented company culture her father built into the business.

"I’m a chip off the old block," she said. "I feel like we’ll continue the care just as we have always provided to our patients, which is to treat everybody like they deserve to be treated."
Drs. Kevin Horner and Keri Barrow (submitted photo)

She's also excited to be the sole owner of an entirely woman-operated business.

Witte said she had the pleasure of working alongside Horner in the months before his retirement earlier this year.

"It's the end of his career, and he stayed on to help me start mine, which is really cool because he could’ve just been done," Witte said.
Dr. Lauren Witte (submitted photo)

Barrow and Horner have been preparing for the transition in leadership for years now, and Barrow hopes the community recognizes that she's continuing the evolution of the practice.

  • She's also representing Sioux Falls on a national scale in the industry as the incoming chairperson for the special committee of women orthodontists within the American Association of Orthodontists.

As for Horner, he's officially entering retirement and handing over the reins.

"I'm really, really proud to be Keri's father," he said. "I have total confidence in her abilities, along with Dr. Witte. I'm thrilled for the practice, and the future is so bright."

How can I learn more?

You can learn more about Barrow Orthodontics and schedule a free consultation on their website.