Meet Dr. Klarsch

“Orthodontics is the most rewarding profession I can imagine. It is such an amazing feeling to help patients build positive self-esteem while improving their smiles and their lives. My staff and I know all our patients on a personal level, celebrating with each one the day their braces are removed.”  Dr. James G. Klarsch

Education

Dr. Klarsch achieved the rank of Eagle Scout through the Boy Scouts of America and was inducted into his alma mater Ritenour Senior High School’s Hall of Fame.

He received his bachelor's degree with honors from the University of Missouri at Columbia and was chosen to be a member of Mystical 7 — the most prestigious Honor Society at MU. In 1984, he earned his Doctorate of Dental Surgery (DDS) “with distinction” from the University of Missouri Kansas City School of Dentistry. There, he was inducted into Omicron Kappa Upsilon, the National Dental Honor Society.

Dr. Klarsch’s post-graduate work began with a general practice residency program at the Southern Illinois University at Edwardsville School of Dental Medicine within St. Mary’s Hospital. Dr. Klarsch then completed his post-graduate education in orthodontics at the St. Louis University Center for Advanced Dental Education Department of Orthodontics. Graduating at the top of his class, he was awarded a Master of Science (MS) degree and has been practicing orthodontics since 1988.

Continuing Education

Today, Dr. Klarsch is dedicated to his field with a thriving practice that is limited to the Specialty of Orthodontics for children, adolescents, and adults. He continues to train in and study about orthodontics in order to provide his patients the highest quality care. To this end, he is active in numerous professional organizations.

• American Association of Orthodontists
• American Board of Orthodontics
• College of Diplomates of the American Board of Orthodontics
• American Dental Association
• Missouri Dental Association
• Greater St. Louis Dental Society

In the Orthodontic Community

Dr. Klarsch has served in several offices, including those of president, vice president and secretary-treasurer, and board of directors for the Missouri Society of Orthodontists and Midwestern Society of Orthodontists. Additionally, he is a past board member of the Orthodontic Education and Research Foundation, and a past president of the St. Louis University Orthodontic Alumni Association.

Dr. Klarsch has served nationally on the American Association of Orthodontists Council on Communications for ten years. Dr. Klarsch curently serves on the American Association of Orthodontists Foundation (AAOF) Board. He was honored in 2018 with Earl E. Shepard Distinguished Service award, the highest award given by the Midwestern Society of Orthodontists. He is board certified in the specialty of orthodontics and is a diplomate of the American Board of Orthodontics.

At St. Louis University’s Department of Orthodontics, the largest and most prestigious program in the world, Dr. Klarsch is shaping the future of orthodontics as a Clinical Professor, training students in the art and science of orthodontics. Additionally, Dr. Klarsch is a member of the staff at the Cardinal Glennon Children’s Hospital, where he volunteers his time and expertise on the craniofacial-cleft palate team.

Outside the Office

A native of St. Louis, MO, Dr. Klarsch currently resides in Des Peres with his wife Betsy, daughter Mary, and sons Austin and Daniel. In his free time, Dr. Klarsch enjoys many outdoor activities including boating and skiing, as well as being with his family.