Thomas Harter, DMD

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At Dr. Harter and Associates, we are known for our custom-made dentures, and have patients traveling quite far to get the perfect denture that fits just right. Some of them have worn two, three or four other sets of dentures. Finding us has given them a new life with teeth that give them the confidence and comfort they have been looking for. Dr. Harter performs other services like implants and cosmetic dentistry and takes many classes to provide you with the latest technological advances in dentistry.

The Early Years

In ninth grade, Thomas took a career course and determined he should become a dentist. He loved art, as well as science, and he soon realized in the profession of dentistry he would be able to combine both of these passions.

His father owned a tool and die business which required very precise work with milling machines and surface grinders and lathes. As his father taught him the trade he became disciplined in this trade in the areas of reading three-dimensional blueprints and then creating the product. With his father, he learned about the importance of attention to detail, which served him well in dentistry.

Dental School and Military Years

 In 1990, Dr. Harter graduated from the University of Pittsburgh School of Dental Medicine. After dental school, he completed a general practice residency at the Naval Hospital in Bethesda, Maryland, where he learned a great deal about surgery and medicine. He was sent to Camp Lejeune, North Carolina, as a Dental officer, where he served the 22nd Dental Company for three years. He was also assigned the position of Dental officer in charge for a six month tour in the Mediterranean Ocean and Adriatic Sea. While traveling through Spain, Italy and Greece, Dr. Harter treated the Marines. He felt very fortunate there was no combat during that tour.

Then in 1994, after completing his military assignment, he moved to Florida, where he could enjoy his love of the outdoors. At first he worked for a general dentist in St. Petersburg, then moved to Ocala in 1996. He bought this practice in 2001.

Continuing Education - Always Ongoing

Dr. Harter always makes a point of taking continuing education courses to stay up-to-date with the latest techniques and procedures, and these classes have been an important and integral part of his development as a dentist. Since 1996, he has been avidly learning about dental implants at the New York University Dental School with Brookdale Hospital, so he could provide the restorations of implants for his patients. He is also a member of the American Dental Association and the Florida Dental Association.