Meet Dr. William Strutz
Dr. Strutz was born in Detroit, Michigan, the oldest of six children, to parents originally from Milwaukee, Wisconsin. The family lived in Detroit, where Dr. Strutz thought they would stay forever, until his father, a radiologist, completed his board exams and began looking for a place to practice. Although his father had connections in Atchison, Kansas, his mother didn’t want to live there, and Leavenworth was chosen instead. Leavenworth offered a much more desirable setting, with nearby facilities such as Fort Leavenworth, the Leavenworth Federal Prison, the State Prison at Lansing, and the Leavenworth VA facility.
Dr. Strutz was 14 years old when he received his Kansas restricted driver’s license, a milestone that thrilled his parents. As the responsible oldest child, he became the family chauffeur, driving his brothers and sisters around town.
Dr. Strutz went on to graduate from Immaculata High School in Leavenworth, Kansas, before earning a Bachelor of Science in Zoology (Pre-dental) from Michigan State University in 1968, where he also played midfield on the university’s lacrosse team. After college, Dr. Strutz served as a Naval Flight Officer in the US Navy, flying a variety of aircraft including the RA-5C Vigilante, TA-4 Skyhawk, and EA-3 Sky Warrior. He completed his training as a Naval Flight Officer at NAS Glynco, GA, and NAS Albany, GA, and later served as an Electronic Warfare Officer at NAS Norfolk, VA. Dr. Strutz retired from the US Navy Reserves with the rank of Lieutenant Commander.
He later pursued a career in dentistry, graduating from the University of Missouri-Kansas City School of Dentistry in 1981 with a Doctor of Dental Surgery (DDS) degree. He continued his education at UMKC, earning a Certificate in Periodontics in 1983. Dr. Strutz has practiced periodontics in Shawnee, Kansas, since 1983, and also served as an Assistant Professor of Dentistry at the University of Missouri-Kansas City School of Dentistry. In addition to his private practice, he maintained a satellite practice in Manhattan, Kansas, from 1985 to 2000.
Dr. Strutz specializes in the diagnosis and treatment of advanced periodontal disease, with a strong focus on saving teeth whenever possible and restoring them to natural function. He believes that preventing tooth loss through early intervention and ongoing periodontal maintenance is not only better for patients’ health but also more cost-effective than tooth extraction and implants. His treatment philosophy centers on educating patients about the causes of gum disease, the risk factors involved, and the procedures needed to restore their oral health. He is dedicated to providing personalized care and is always available for his patients, offering 24/7 support when needed.
Outside of his professional work, Dr. Strutz is passionate about physical fitness, weight training, and aerobics. He has a background in athletic training from Michigan State University and the University of Kansas. He is also a self-taught maker of leaded and stained glass windows and enjoys photography, capturing images from his travels around the world, including locations such as the UK, France, Italy, and Spain. In addition, Dr. Strutz is an avid home chef. He also had the unique experience of being a contestant on the long-running television game show Jeopardy.
Dr. Strutz’s values of honesty, integrity, and ethical behavior have been influenced by his father, the first radiologist in Leavenworth, Jefferson, and Atchison counties, who instilled in him a strong moral code. Dr. Strutz follows the Honor Code: “I will not lie, cheat, or steal, nor will I tolerate those among us who do.” His commitment to excellence in both his personal and professional life reflects these principles, ensuring that he provides the highest quality care to his patients.
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