Meet Dr. Leigh Curtis
Leigh Curtis, DMD, ABO-Board Certified
As an ABO-Board Certified orthodontist and Fort Walton Beach native, Dr. Leigh Curtis has proudly cared for Emerald Coast families since 2004.
She combines advanced clinical expertise with the same heart-led philosophy that has made Bayer & Curtis Orthodontics a trusted part of the community for generations.
Every Recommendation Starts the Same Way
Before recommending treatment, Dr. Curtis asks herself one simple question:
That philosophy shapes every recommendation she makes. She takes the time to evaluate each smile, answer every question, and recommend treatment only when it’s truly needed.
You’ll never feel rushed or pressured into treatment. Instead, you’ll receive honest guidance and a personalized treatment plan built around what’s best for you or your child, just as she would want for her own family.
A Hometown Legacy
Dr. Curtis has called Fort Walton Beach home her entire life. As the daughter of Dr. Peter Bayer, she grew up seeing firsthand the relationships that made Bayer & Curtis Orthodontics such a trusted part of the community.
After earning her dental degree and completing advanced specialty training in orthodontics, she returned home to continue the practice her father founded in 1972.
Today, she’s honored to care for many of the same families her father once treated (and now, their children too) carrying that legacy forward with the latest advancements in orthodontic care.
Education
- Bachelor of Science in Health Sciences – Clemson University
- Doctor of Dental Medicine (DMD) – University of Alabama at Birmingham School of Dentistry
- General Practice Residency – University of Alabama at Birmingham
- Master of Public Health (MPH) – University of Alabama at Birmingham
- Orthodontic Residency in Orthodontics & Dentofacial Orthopedics – New York University College of Dentistry
Honors & Achievements
- ABO-Board Certified Orthodontist
- President of the Florida Association of Orthodontists (2013-2014)
- Second-Generation Orthodontist
- Fort Walton Beach Native
- Award of Excellence - American Student Dental Association
- Alumni Scholarship Award
Memberships & Associations
- American Board of Orthodontics
- American Association of Orthodontists
- American Dental Association
- Florida Dental Association
- Florida Association of Orthodontists
- Southern Association of Orthodontists
Giving Back to Our Community
As a Fort Walton Beach native, giving back to the community that raised her has always been close to Dr. Curtis’s heart.
Some of her fondest memories include volunteering with the Special Smiles® program during the Special Olympics. She has also participated in community outreach initiatives including Give Kids A Smile, Mission of Mercy, and Smiles Change Lives, helping provide care to patients who might not otherwise have access to treatment.
She also proudly supports local schools, youth sports, teachers, first responders, and community organizations throughout the Emerald Coast.
Outside the Office
When she’s not creating smiles, Dr. Curtis enjoys spending time with her husband, Damian, and their three children, Hayden, Martha Rylee, and Clark.
You’ll often find the Curtis family enjoying the beautiful Emerald Coast or heading into the Alabama woods to hunt, explore nature, and unplug together.
How Can We Make You Smile?
We’d love to meet you, hear your story, and help you achieve a smile you’ll love.
Schedule your complimentary consultation with our Fort Walton Beach orthodontic office and let us show you how we can make you smile.