Meet ADA member Dr Laurie Kobler: Integrity in practice

21 December 2022

First published in the ADA's News Bulletin, December 2022.

Your work at Integrity Dental focuses on such specialities as treating lip and tongue ties; tell us about this?

I have been treating lip tie in my practice for several decades, originally using simple surgical techniques. This was initially an extension in the orthodontic side of my practice, it being possible to get passive closure of upper anterior diastemas as a result of early lip tie treatment. I was first exposed to treating other oral tethers, especially ankyloglossia (tongue ties) with dental lasers through the introduction of this technology into my practice approximately 22 years ago.

Dr Larry Kotlow (a specialist paediatric dentist in New York, USA) was my mentor early on and I was fortunate enough to be able to be a very early user of dental laser in this area. I got a fairly (favourable, I believe) widespread reputation, through liaising with both speech pathologists and breastfeeding healthcare practitioners, as well as a few well-informed paediatricians.

I have treated innumerable cases this way and have found the use of lasers in this area to be superior to other treatment modalities for speed, reliability, haemostasis, pain minimisation and of course, improvements in complications associated with the diagnosed condition (especially feeding and speech issues).

You are also part of a fairly exclusive cohort of dentists certified to treat gum recession with pinhole gum rejuvenation?

Yes, I originally came upon Dr Chao's pinhole surgical treatment online, and was so fascinated by it I decided to travel to the USA to complete the clinical training on offer. I have found it to be a wonderful treatment option, but must reinforce what I was taught in my training: that case selection and preparation is crucial. I would encourage any dentist with an interest in this to contact Dr Chao's office and pursue this special periodontal treatment training.

Tell us about your volunteer work, done in conjunction with the ADHF?

I have been fortunate to find myself at this time of my life with training, energy and some spare time, which I have put to use through the ADA's combined hosting of the 'Filling the Gap' and ADHF volunteer dentist programs. I simply put aside some regular time and do dentistry through these programs, which help many underprivileged and disadvantaged individuals in our community to access caring, free dentistry.

The other clinicians and staff I have worked with over the last few years in this area are likeminded and fun to be with. The days generally flow quickly, the patients are hugely appreciative and I certainly get to feel good about my involvement in a way nothing else can provide.

You are also part of the Perisher Ski Patrol; is being a healthcare professional of benefit?

I joined the Perisher Ski Patrol as a volunteer patroller in 1987, while studying at university. Having been fortunate to grow up in a skiing family, joining the Patrol with skiing friends was a very simple transition to make. I have maintained my membership of the Patrol since then, but must admit to finding it more difficult to be an active patroller since COVID-19 restrictions were introduced, since skiing was pretty much impossible in 2020 and 2021 from Sydney due to lockdowns. Nevertheless, I have very much enjoyed my many years on patrol, made many lifelong skiing friends both local and overseas. I've skied in the worst and the best conditions available, and even managed to apply first aid (successfully, I believe) to many injured and needy skiers and even a few snowboarders.

As a dentist of some 35+ years' standing, do you have any advice for new graduates?

I am confident that aesthetics in dental practice is continuing to grow phenomenally, as is the use of implants becoming more commonplace. I have always believed that pursuing areas which interest me generate the best outcomes for both me and my patients. I would encourage any new dentist to spend some time doing routine general dentistry well to get a strong foundation for exploring other fields of interest.

I have been a huge advocate of the use of magnification for dentists, and struggle to understand how some clinicians persist in resisting this technology. My mantra is: If you can see it, you can do it. If you can see it better, you can do it better.

What do you think have been the best steps you've taken and continue to take?

One thing I have always believed in for quality of life is fitness. I have fortunately been able to maintain a fairly regular program of sport and exercise over my adult life. I'm sure it helps with mental balance as well as physical health.

A piece of advice I can offer to any dentist is to plan ahead, most especially with succession planning. My career changed in several directions over the last 40+ years and, while not everything developed as planned, I was fortunate to be able to transition out of full-time work without major disruptions or frustrations. My wife has been a wonderful helper in finding balance between working and being a family man.

As my life allows more time away from the clinic I have found a new passion: golf. I am fortunate to have the health to enjoy walking around the golf course, chasing errant golf shots several times a week. Happily, my wife plays golf as well and so we get to share this interest from time to time.

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