Meet Dr. Kurtis Lightheart

Dr. Kurtis Lightheart was born and raised in Oregon and comes from a family of eight kids. His journey into Orthodontics began after realizing that a career path to Accounting wasn’t enjoyable for him. After spending time shadowing other doctors, and researching, he decided to redirect to the dental field. Like many kids his age, he had braces, and reflecting upon that experience of seeing his smile change, and through interactions with his orthodontist, he knew that is what he wanted to do. He loves helping patients get the best smile he can help give them. Dr. Lightheart attended Brigham Young University, where he completed a Bachelor’s degree in Zoology. He attended dental school at the University of Louisville School of Dentistry. In order to facilitate the financial demands of dental school, Dr. Lightheart decided to utilize the Health Professions Scholarship through the United States Army. He graduated in the top 10% of his class and then embarked on his Army career as a dentist.
During his time in the Army as a general dentist, he applied for and received acceptance to his Orthodontic training at the University of Texas Health Houston School of Dentistry, where he completed a residency and received his Certificate in Orthodontics. He also earned a Masters of Science in Dentistry degree, after which he was stationed at Ft. Bliss in El Paso, Texas. Upon completion of his U.S. Army obligation, he relocated his family and started his life as a civilian Orthodontist in Las Cruces, New Mexico. Dr. Lightheart has been married to his wife Ariane since 1998 and has five children: Ellie, Carter, Maggie, Katie, and Addie. Their family loves spending time together and creating memories.