Today we’d like to introduce you to Dr. Leisa Robotham-Reid.
Hi Dr. Robotham-Reid, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
I was born and raised in Kingston, Jamaica and moved to the USA in 2008 to attend Ithaca College where I completed a B.S. in Chemistry. After undergrad, I went on to attend Barry University where I completed a rigorous 1 year accelerated master’s in biomedical sciences.
As a young girl growing up in Jamaica, I was very self-conscious about my teeth. It began when I knocked out my two upper front teeth in an accident when playing on a skateboard. It took years for my teeth to grow in and when they finally did, I had a very large overbite and as a result, never showed my teeth when smiling. After getting braces at 16, I noticed quickly how my confidence grew as my teeth got straighter and it was a then I decided I wanted to become a dentist, to give others the same confidence I felt from improving my smile.
After graduating from Howard University College of Dentistry, I completed a 1-year General Practice Residency at Rutgers University where I received extensive training in all aspects of general dentistry.
After residency, I worked in New York for a year before moving to Dallas with my husband. I consider myself a lifelong learner and as a founding member of the Highland Park Premier study club, I complete numerous continuing education hours so to ensure I’m is up to date on the latest technologies, research, and procedures to provide my patients with the best care possible.
I’m sure you wouldn’t say it’s been obstacle-free, but so far would you say the journey has been a fairly smooth road?
It definitely has not been easy, but I am so grateful because I have learned so much from the “bumps” I’ve encountered on my journey. I am no stranger to failure, especially when it comes to my career. From almost losing my scholarship in undergrad to not getting into dental school the first time I applied and being told by a professor that I was most likely not going to get in when I applied again. There were many points in my journey when I could have given up but I had a dream and vision for myself and I knew I giving up was not an option. Taking risks has been a major part of my successes. Each risk I took terrified me more than the last, but the one thing I always told myself was that I had to keep going. No matter how scared I was, I never let it stop me from taking a risk. Mostly, these risks have worked out as I would have wished, but even when they didn’t necessarily end up the way I had planned, I learned valuable lessons from the experience. Each risk I took challenged me to grow and move past my comfort zone. Since moving to the USA at the age of 18, I have lived in five different cities over my 14 years here. Each move brought uncertainty and fear, but each time I took that step even if I couldn’t see the whole staircase. These risks have paid dividends in my life. Before my most recent move in to Dallas in 2019, I had never even been to Texas before. I had no job lined up and I did not know anyone here other than my fiancé, now husband, who was my reason for moving. Now, almost three years later, we have built a beautiful home together and I have opened my very own start-up dental practice.
We’ve been impressed with Lakewood Dental Studio, but for folks who might not be as familiar, what can you share with them about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
I am a general dentist who provides comprehensive and cosmetic dental services. It has been my dream to open my own dental practice ever since I decided I wanted to be a dentist in high school. Growing up, I had a dentist who made every visit fun, and who treated every orthodontic journey as a puzzle that could be solved. After I finished dental school and began working, however, I felt as if a lot of things in dentistry could be done better. Everything felt the same as when I was much younger, and somewhat archaic, no matter where I went. What I envisioned for my practice is a setting that goes beyond dentistry. I wanted it to be a combination of everything I am passionate about—health, luxury, fun, and helping others feel good about themselves. It’s important to me that I give all my patients the best in care and comfort, which is why I chose to outfit the practice with the latest technology, materials, and amenities. Our comfort menu along with our flexible payment options, are sure to help you relax and make your visit more enjoyable. I also wanted to incorporate my passion for philanthropy into my practice. Giving back is something that I truly believe in, and I am excited that my patients get to be a part of that. I have partnered with the nonprofit Big Thought to help their mission of closing the opportunity gap for marginalized youth. For every six new patients we see, we will sponsor one child for one week in the Thriving Minds after-school program run by Big Thought.
Any big plans?
My plans career-wise firstly, is to grow my practice now that we are finally open! I also wrote a Children’s book last year with my childhood best friend called “The Land of Look Behind” and I am hoping to write another sometime soon. Personally, my husband and I are looking forward to traveling again. Pre-covid we would take at least one big trip a year so we are ready to get back to that. We are also hoping to have children in the next few years- so we need to get as much traveling done as possible! I am also very passionate about community service and a major goal of mine is to become more active in the philanthropic space. One way I am working towards this is through my dental practice, I will be partnering with nonprofits annually to help them further their goals and make a difference in our communities. This year we have partnered with the nonprofit Big Thought, and for every 6 new patients seen we will sponsor one child, for one week in their Thriving Minds after-school program.
Pricing:
- $300 per year membership plan
Contact Info:
- Email: doctor@lakewooddentalstudio.com
- Website: www.lakewooddentalstudio.com
- Instagram: @lakewooddentalstudio
