Route 72 was rebuilt a few years back from Elk Prairie, just south of Rolla; to the intersection of Hwy 32, west of Salem.

It is very curvy; it passes back and forth between Dent and Reynolds county several times.

72 then turns left (north) and runs concurrently with Hwy 21 through Centerville.

Between Centerville and Lesterville, Route 49 joins it and 21, 72 and 49 run concurrently eastward to the Glover corner.

Route 72 then runs east, intersects US Hwy 67 west of Fredericktown.