Dr. Andrew R. Bruening, originally from St. Charles, Missouri, is the owner of Chesterfield Hilltown Dental, the office that his uncle started in 1989. He remembers shadowing his aunt (the practice’s former hygienist) and uncle as a teenager when he decided he wanted to be a dentist. Dr. Andrew studied Food Science & Nutrition at the University of Missouri – Columbia before attending the University of Missouri, Kansas City School of Dentistry and graduating with honors in May 2014. It was then that he joined his uncle, Dr. Alan Handler, in practice, and he acquired ownership of Chesterfield Hilltown Dental in August of 2015. Dr. Andrew is currently a member of the ADA, MDA, American Dental Implant Association and the Greater St. Louis Dental Society where he is a prior board member and currently serves on the Council of Scientific Sessions.

Dr. Andrew, who has always had a love for art and science, feels that being a dentist allows him to integrate both passions into his career. His favorite part of being a dentist is changing or making a positive impact on someone’s life. Getting a patient out of pain or giving someone a smile they can show off is extremely rewarding for him. He strives to exceed his patients’ expectations with thorough planning, communication and attention to detail.

Outside of the office, Dr. Andrew enjoys traveling, photography, reading, cooking, brewing beer, playing golf, and spending time with his wife. He likes to read dental-related articles and books and is an avid reader in general. He is an alumnus of Psi Omega Dental Fraternity and is currently working towards a Fellowship with the Academy of General Dentistry.

Dr. Carissa J. Bruening is from the small town of Fredonia in Southeast Kansas. When she was 15 years old, the (only) dentist in her hometown asked her to work in his office for the summer. That opportunity sparked her interest in dentistry, and she began her pursuit of the career. Dr. Carissa attended Kansas State University (Wildcats, not Jayhawks) and earned a Bachelor’s degree in kinesiology/pre-dentistry in 2012. From there, she attended UMKC School of Dentistry where she was involved in Psi Omega Dental Fraternity. She graduated from UMKC with honors in May of 2016. The following month, she and her husband, Dr. Andrew Bruening, were married, moved to O’Fallon, Missouri and began their professional careers together here at Chesterfield Hilltown Dental. Dr. Carissa is currently a member of the ADA, MDA and the Greater St. Louis Dental Society where she serves on the Council of Membership.

Dr. Carissa states that she has a passion for developing honest and meaningful relationships with her patients. “The majority of people do not enjoy going to the dentist. This is not a secret. It is my goal to give every single person who walks in our door my utmost respect, as well as the best treatment he/she can receive. - Whether it be pain relief, cosmetic change or simply a relaxing, personalized experience.”

Dr. Carissa genuinely enjoys the education side of dentistry. She considers it an important part of her job as an oral healthcare provider to educate patients on how to take care of their teeth, gums, and overall health.

In her free time, you can find Dr. Carissa cheering on K-State, playing various sports to stay active, and occasionally, binge watching a good crime show on TV. Dr. Carissa also spends a lot of time with her husband, Dr. Andrew Bruening. Whether they are traveling the world or just sitting on their couch, time with him is always her favorite. The doctors have a two-year-old Goldendoodle named Penny and are expecting their first child this September (2018).