Doctors Pat and Janet Ruopp are two people who truly appreciate a beautiful smile. Both of them live and practice dentistry in Cape Girardeau.
“Obviously, the most rewarding part of our profession is the satisfaction of contributing to a healthier lifestyle through good dental health. Many people present with a ‘bombed out’ mouth, and when they are finished with treatment, they can smile again, chew their food and have good overall health. It takes an effort on the part of both the patient and us, but they are healthier overall because of improved dental health,” they explain.
Pat is a 1976 graduate of Southeast Missouri State University, and Janet is a 1972 Southeast graduate.
“Southeast is very much a part of our lives. My parents met at Southeast, and both of my sisters are graduates of Southeast,” says Jan.
Pat and Jan say their background of knowledge was strong when they entered dental school.
“The instructors in the biology and chemistry departments were excellent, so we were well prepared. Academically, in a class of 160 students, we were at no disadvantage to those individuals who attended major universities.
“Our secret to success is we care about people,” they say. “We care about our families, our patients and our employees. We try to offer the best and most up-to-date, quality care to our patients and to give back to our community.”
Indeed, Pat and Janet have given back a great deal to their community. In addition to their practice, Pat and Janet have both been very involved in community and public service in the Cape Girardeau area.
Pat has served on the Southeast District Dental Society, on the Cape Girardeau Public School Board for 13 years and on the Community Counseling Center Foundation board of directors.
Janet received the adult volunteer of the year award from the United Way in 2006. She also received the Otahki Girl Scout Women in Community Award in 2003, Vision 2020 award in 2003 and the Woman of Achievement Award in 1996.
Pat and Janet have two children, Brenton and Alyssa.
In his spare time, Pat enjoys bird watching, NASCAR and restoring antique cars.
Janet likes to do volunteer work in her spare time. She was a board member for Habitat for Humanity for 20 years and has been involved with the Zonta Club and the Oral Health Coalition of the United Way.