Get to Know Dr. Tony Raper - Lawrence Dental Center- Dentist in Lawrence Dentist in Lawrence

Dr. Tony Raper has called Lawrence home since graduating from the UMKC School of Dentistry. He and his wife Sarah met in high school in Wichita, spent their college years falling in love with Lawrence at KU, and knew it was the kind of town where they wanted to put down roots and raise a family. Today they’re doing exactly that, alongside their three kids, Brooke, George, and Leo. When he’s not in the office, Dr. Tony can usually be found spending time with Sarah, making memories with his three children, and cheering loudly for the Jayhawks. He’s also proud to be an active part of the Corpus Christi community and loves everything that makes Lawrence such a special place to live.

Why Did Dr. Tony Decide to Become a Dentist?

From early on, Dr. Tony knew he wanted a career where he could truly make a difference in people’s lives, not in an abstract way, but face to face, one person at a time. With a degree in Mechanical Engineering and Biomechanics from KU, he found exactly what he was looking for in dentistry: a field where creativity, precision, and genuine care for people all come together. He’ll be the first to tell you it doesn’t feel like work. He takes pride in creating an environment where every patient feels heard, respected, and genuinely at ease. Whether it’s been years since your last visit or the thought of dental work makes your stomach drop, you are not alone, and you will not be judged here. Dr. Tony takes the time to explain everything, moves at a pace that’s comfortable for you, and considers it one of his greatest rewards when someone who dreaded coming in leaves with a smile on their face.

Where Did You Study Dentistry?

At KU, Dr. Tony was in the Honors Program where he graduated with a degree in Mechanical Engineering and Biomechanics. Dr. Tony then attended the UMKC School of Dentistry where he earned his Doctor of Dental Surgery. There he was a part of the Honors Endodontics Program, which taught him advanced techniques in diagnosing and treating root canals. He has an artistic eye for restoring beautiful smiles due to his hobbies in photography and design. With his engineering background, Dr. Tony has enjoyed dental implants and 3D Cerec and iTero digital dentistry. He is constantly expanding his knowledge and skills through the SPEAR education group. He is currently a member of the Academy of Osseointegration (Dental Implants), American Dental Association, Kansas Dental Association, and Douglas County Dental Society.

Outside of the Dental Office, What Do You Like to Do?

Dr. Tony enjoys playing basketball, hockey, tennis, and sand volleyball. He loves watching the Jayhawks in all sports. He also likes to get outdoors, cook, be active in his church, and soak up time with his family and friends. Playing hide-and-seek and reading books with his daughter are some of his favorite things to do after a day of work.

Dr. Tony looks forward to meeting new patients and continuing where he left off in Lawrence!

A Commitment to Exceptional Care

Dr. Tony has poured hundreds of hours into advanced training because he believes his patients deserve the very best. He is a graduate of the Alabama Implant Education Advanced Implant Residency Program under Dr. McCracken and the Straumann Implantology Program. He brings both an artistic eye and an engineer’s precision to every implant he places and every smile he restores. He completed UMKC’s Honors Endodontics Program, giving him advanced expertise in diagnosing and treating root canals. He continues to push himself forward as co-leader of his local SPEAR Study Club. He is also a proud member of the American Dental Association, the Kansas Dental Association, and the Douglas County Dental Society.

Whether you’re coming in for dental implants or a new smile, or you’re simply looking for a dentist who will treat you like a neighbor, Dr. Tony would love to be your dentist!

He can’t wait to meet you.