Dr. Havener grew up in Prairie Village Kansas, a Kansas City suburb much like Littleton (without Colorado’s wonderful weather). He graduated from The University of Denver with a biology degree (cum laude). During college he was an enthusiastic rock climber, summer camp counselor, mountaineer and bicycle racer. He returned to Kansas City for four years of dental school at the University of Missouri-Kansas City. Following his D.D.S. degree, his interest in children’s dentistry and orthodontics led him to the Ivy League for his specialty residency training at The University of Pennsylvania. He studied the specialties of Pediatric Dentistry and Orthodontics at Penn. His training at Penn and The Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia featured surgical procedures in the operating room, emergency care and collaborations with the Cleft Palate and Craniofacial Clinic. Upon his return to Colorado Dr. Havener practiced both Pediatric Dentistry and Orthodontics. Since 1988 Dr. Havener has practiced orthodontics exclusively.
Dr. Havener is a member of many dental and orthodontic organizations. He is an active member of the American Dental Association, the American Association of Orthodontists, the American Association of Pediatric Dentistry, the Edward H. Angle Society of Orthodontists, the Pierre Fauchard Academy, and the International College of Dentists. He is a board-certified member of the American Board of Orthodontics. Locally he is a member of the Metropolitan Denver Dental Society and the Colorado Dental Association. He is a past President of the Colorado Orthodontic Association. Dr. Havener was blessed with the opportunity to complete comprehensive continuing education in clinical orthodontics under Drs. Ronald H. Roth and Robert E. Williams, in their teaching facilities the Foundation for Advanced Continuing Education (FACE) and the Roth/Williams Center for Functional Occlusion. Dr. Havener is a member and Past-President of the Roth/Williams International Society of Orthodontists. He values the principles of the Roth/Williams orthodontic philosophy, an embodiment of a comprehensive approach to orthodontic treatment, focusing on both esthetics and a healthy bite.
Dr. Havener is a member of the Colorado Academy of Excellence in Dentistry (CAeD), a local chapter of The Seattle Study Club. The Seattle Study Club is an impressive international organization that teaches and emphasizes close collaboration of dentists and dental specialists. The SSC features thorough approaches aimed at management of complicated patient care. In the 21st century many orthodontic patients have challenging issues such as missing teeth, periodontal disease, temporomandibular joint pain, skeletal jaw mismatches and sleep apnea and other problems. Dr. Havener and his staff utilize principles of the Roth/Williams philosophy and Seattle Study Club to provide comprehensive treatments aimed at addressing their patient’s needs, regardless how complicated or challenging. Every year Dr. Havener receives patient referrals from dentists and other specialists who seek orthodontic solutions to extremely difficult cases. Dr. Havener thrives on working with other doctors to provide interdisciplinary collaboration in helping these patients get solutions for their special needs.
Dr. Havener and his wife, Peggy, have been married over 25 years. They live in Centennial and enjoy their community activities. Dr. Havener, Peggy, and their son have an active lifestyle; they participate in many sports and outdoor activities. The Haveners ride road and mountain bikes with friends and family. Prior to children, Peggy and Darrell trained on or raced bicycles, participated in triathlons and running. More recently Dr. Havener has focused on being an enthusiastic supporter of his son’s sporting efforts. The Haveners love fishing, skiing, hiking, and many sports.