Dr. Jeffry Cupps assumed the Ste. Genevieve orthodontic practice of Dr. Ernst Taeger effective July 1, 2014. Dr. Ernst Taeger has known Dr. Cupps ever since he started his residency at Saint Louis University. Dr. Cupps has been teaching at Saint Louis University since 1993 as a clinical instructor, and has recently joined Dr. Taeger in jointly teaching the Saint Louis University Tweed-Merrifield Technique Course, a technique used by orthodontists worldwide. Dr. Cupps is currently an Adjunct Associate Professor of Orthodontics and a Diplomate of the American Board of Orthodontics. His love for teaching has also allowed him to serve on the Teaching Staff of the Charles H. Tweed International Foundation for Orthodontic Research in Tucson, Arizona. Here, at least twice a year, over 125 orthodontists from around the world come together to learn fundamental orthodontic techniques and the latest the Tweed-Merrifield orthodontic philosophy has to offer.

Dr. Cupps was born in Springfield, Missouri, and grew up in Lebanon, Missouri. In high school he participated in band, track and played football. He elected to attend the University of Missouri at Columbia on a Naval ROTC scholarship and majored in chemistry. After two years he decided to pursue dentistry as a career and was invited to attend Washington University School of Dental Medicine. Here he graduated with honors (Cum Laude), and was inducted into the Omicron Kappa Upsilon Dental Honorary Society and received his dental degree. He and his new bride, Suzanne, then moved to Springfield to start their life together. One day, when discussing his desire to study orthodontics with his oral surgery friend, he was encouraged to pursue his goal. He applied to the Saint Louis University Department of Orthodontics and was accepted.

After relocating to St. Louis, the Cupps family settled in Ballwin and joined Holy Infant Parish where they are still members. Dr. Cupps assisted his dear wife, Suzanne, with PSR courses for several years. Suzanne also heads up the Helping Hands ministry to provide funeral meals for parishioners who desire that service. Other activities include the Saturday Morning Men’s Group, Knights of Columbus, Parish Council, Bible Study, occasional service projects, and even a recent gig with the youth band at Easter Mass on tenor sax.

Jeff and Suzie have four children and six grandchildren. Their youngest daughter, Aimee, still lives with them working at Dierberg’s Supermarket and participates in Special Olympics bowling, basketball and softball. Hobbies include gardening, biking, sailing, hiking and plinking.