Dr. Higginbotham was born and raised in Crossett, Arkansas. Upon graduating from high school, he attended the University of Arkansas (Go Razorbacks!). He attended dental school at the University of Tennessee at Memphis, where he graduated with a Doctor of Dental Surgery (DDS) degree. After graduation, he served his country in the United States Navy as a dentist,spending three years in the Philippines. He traveled extensively throughout the Far East to Thailand, Taiwan, Japan, Hong Kong, and India. After his military service, he attended St. Louis University School of Orthodontics, receiving a Master of Science in Orthodontics in 1972.

Dr. Higginbotham has maintained membership in various professional organizations throughout his career. He was also one of the first members of the prestigious Schulman Study Group, a nationally recognized association of prominent orthodontic practices. Dr. Higginbotham estimates treating over 15,000 patients through the years.