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Discover the Team Behind Your Smile at Driftwood Dental

The Journey of Driftwood Dental

Driftwood Dental, nestled in the heart of Springfield, MO, is the culmination of passion, excellence, and community care. Led by Dr. Steven M. Hassenplug, D.D.S., we've been delivering top-notch dental services since 2020. With a commitment to treating patients like family, our clinic stands as a beacon of dental innovation and personalized care.

Meet Dr. Steven M. Hassenplug, D.D.S.

Steven Hassenplug grew up in Coffeyville, Kansas where he attended Coffeyville Community College. During his time at CCC, Steven served as an International Officer of Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society traveling throughout the country giving speeches and presentations as a liaison between the national headquarters and regional chapters.

After CCC, he attended Oklahoma State University to complete his undergrad in Biological Science. From there he continued on to The University of Oklahoma and completed two years of medical school. It was during medical school that Steven found how much he enjoyed working with his hands and realized his passion was better suited to pursue a career in dentistry.

Dr. Hassenplug then attended The University of Oklahoma College of Dentistry. During clinical training, he participated in research with the radiology department. His efforts won an award from the Student Competition for Advancing Dental Research and its Application (SCADA) where he had the opportunity to present his research at the International Association of Dental Research in Vancouver, British Columbia.

Upon his graduation and successful completion of National and State board certification in 2020, Dr. Hassenplug moved to Springfield where he worked at Buzbee Dental before pursuing his dream of owning his own practice.

Honors & Notable Mentions

  • International officer for Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society from April 2005 to April 2006.
  • Received the Russell H. Graham Award at Coffeyville Community College.
  • Student Competition for Advancing Dental Research and its Application (SCADA) award recipient.

Family

Dr. Hassenplug and his wife moved to Springfield from Oklahoma City, OK. They have 4 cats and an aquarium. In his free time Dr. Hassenplug enjoys running (He has finished over 26 half and 3 full marathons, including the Bass Pro Half), riding motorcycles and bicycles, cars, Indycar racing, board games, and spending time with family and friends.

Community Involvement

Greater Springfield
Dental Society - Vice President 2024-2025,
New Dentist Chair and Delegate

Dental Philosophy

My approach to dentistry is to treat each person the same way I would treat my own family. I want my patients to know that I care about their oral health and their dental wants and needs. My goal is for each one of my patients to feel as though they have received the highest level of care possible and to feel confident in the care they received.

Meet theTeam

Laura Griffin is a local girl who grew up in Ozark and now resides in Battlefield. She earned her Associate of Applied Science in Dental Hygiene from Ozarks Technical Community College in 2006, and her Bachelor’s in Health Science from Missouri Southern State University in 2006 as well. Laura enjoys being on the preventative side of the dental field and helping patients achieve their optimal dental health.

Laura and her husband, Gavin have a daughter Mady and two onery shiba inu dogs- Milo and Keto. Laura enjoys cooking, swimming, going to Branson and Table Rock Lake, and is active in her church. Laura is a big Kansas City Chiefs fan.

Crystal Maurer has been in the dental field for 11 years and became a Dental Hygienist in 2015. Crystal's favorite part of her job is providing patients the experience of good dental care and the feeling of a great smile. She loves getting to know her patients and building longterm relationships. Patients appreciate her gentle and compassionate bedside manner.

Crystal resides in Springfield with her loving husband Casey and is a dedicated Mom to her three sons. Crystal enjoys motorcycle riding, reading, traveling and of course, anything outdoor.

Emily J. graduated from Ozarks Technical Community College in 2020 as a Certified Dental Assistant. She joined the practice shortly after. Emily worked as a dental assistant for two years before changing roles to Front Office manager. In her free time, Emily enjoys going to the lake, watching football, and cuddling up with her four cats.

Melissa H. grew up in Dora, MO. In 2021, she graduated from Southwest Baptist University with a Bachelor’s degree in Biology. In 2022, she graduated from Ozarks Technical Community College as a Certified Dental Assistant with expanded functions. She is married with two stepsons and recently had a beautiful baby girl. Melissa loves cats and going on nightly walks with her family.

Frequently Asked Questions

We are open from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM, Monday through Thursday. For special appointments, please call our office.

Yes, we accept most major dental insurance plans. Please contact us to verify your specific insurance details.

We accept cash, checks, and most major credit cards. Speak to our team to understand more about financing options.

You can make an appointment by calling our office or booking online through our website.

In case of a dental emergency, please call our office immediately, and we will assist you as soon as possible.

Yes, you can download our patient forms from our website and complete them before your visit to save time.

Yes, if they will see me. We do not force kids into any dental situation that they aren't willing to go. Most children do fine but some may need encouragement from their parent/caregiver.

We recommend 12 months of age or within 6 months of having first tooth erupted.

95% of the time, yes. We take many plans in many major networks such as Delta Dental, BCBS, Aetna, Cigna, Humana and more. Please reach out to our staff to see if your particular plan is covered.

No, we do not take Medicaid.

Yes, we work with Care Credit, which offers an interest-free option based on amount borrowed and term of payback. Patients can also pay into their account like layaway to build credit towards needed treatment.

Disclaimer

Please note that the information provided in these FAQs is for general informational purposes only and may not apply to all individuals or circumstances. Dental care and insurance policies vary widely, and the best way to receive accurate and personalized information is to reach out directly to our clinic or consult with a dental care expert. Your unique dental needs and situation should be assessed by a qualified professional to ensure the most appropriate care and guidance. Feel free to contact us at any time for further assistance.

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