In the heart of Fort Walton Beach, a father’s legacy continues to shape smiles and lives. Dr. Peter Bayer, who passed away on December 16, 2023, left behind more than just a successful orthodontic practice – he created a lasting impact that his daughter, Dr. Leigh Curtis, now carries forward with the same dedication and passion that defined her father’s career.

• “Working with him was the BEST,” says Dr. Curtis, who practiced alongside her father for 20 years. “We shared time going over patients’ treatment plans, traveling to continuing education meetings, and just enjoying the time together professionally and personally.”

Dr. Bayer’s journey to orthodontics was unique. Before finding his true calling, he earned degrees in Economics and Mechanical Engineering, followed by an MBA. After serving at Tyndall Air Force Base from 1961 to 1964, he pursued his passion for orthodontics at the University of New York in Buffalo, where he graduated at the top of his class.

Martha Bayer, his wife of 58 years, witnessed his remarkable journey from Air Force engineer to respected orthodontist. She remembers a man who lived by the motto “Do what you love… Love what you do,” approaching each day with enthusiasm and commitment. 

• His dedication extended beyond the office, as he balanced his professional excellence with active involvement in local, state, and national dental organizations while maintaining strong family bonds.

The practice’s staff members, many of whom worked with Dr. Bayer for decades, share fond memories of his impact. Lydia, who worked with Dr. Bayer for 25 years, remembers his consistent approach to mentoring: “He always thought out of the box and led by example.” She notes that his patient care philosophy was simple but profound: “Lots of fun, always learning new things.”

Shanyn, another longtime staff member, emphasizes his engineering background’s influence: “There is surprisingly a lot of engineering in orthodontics. The movement of teeth involves a lot of engineering and strategy.” This unique combination of skills allowed Dr. Bayer to approach each case with precision and creativity.

• Jess, who knew Dr. Bayer leading up to his retirement, observed his enduring impact: “He would always join us for outings, celebrations, and special events. He continued to care about patients and their families.”

The transition of the practice to Dr. Curtis has maintained the family atmosphere that Dr. Bayer established while embracing modern innovations. “My dad was always a believer in moving forward and keeping up with technology,” Dr. Curtis explains. “My goal is to keep the family atmosphere ‘feel’ but also provide the latest in scanners, digital treatment plans, clear aligners and overall orthodontic technology and excellence.”

“The classic lesson he taught was ‘Treat EVERYONE the way you would want to be treated,’” Dr. Curtis reflects. “He expected the BEST of himself and worked to give the Best to our office team and each patient.”

As the practice moves forward under Dr. Curtis’s leadership, she faces both challenges and opportunities. “In the beginning, being a young female and not fitting what looked like the ‘traditional doctor’ 20 years ago was a challenge,” she shares. “Now, the ability to understand, communicate, show compassion and connect with my patients is one of my strengths.”

The legacy of Dr. Bayer lives on through the practice’s dedication to exceptional patient care.

• “Working together for 20 years, we became a beautiful blend of each other’s training, ideas and different strengths,” Dr. Curtis says. “His reputation was built on humility, honesty, integrity and sincere love for his patients and orthodontics. I feel those are all important traits to me and FULLY intend to keep his reputation and legacy going.”