Early Life and Education
Dr. Lauren grew up in Decatur, Alabama. After graduating from Decatur High School, she attended Auburn University. During her time there, she achieved the following:
- Induction into Phi Beta Kappa Honors Society
- Membership in Alpha Chi Omega sorority
She graduated summa cum laude from the honors college with a major in Biomedical Sciences and a minor in Spanish.
Dental Education
Next, she began dental school at the University of Alabama at Birmingham School of Dentistry. Dr. Lauren graduated from UAB in the top 5% of her dental school class.
General Practice Residency
She then relocated to Knoxville, TN, where she completed a 2-year General Practice Residency at the University of Tennessee Medical Center. During her residency, she:
- Served as chief resident during the second year
- Decided to specialize in orthodontics toward the end of her residency
While waiting to begin her orthodontics residency, she worked as a general dentist at a public health clinic in an underserved area of Tennessee.
Orthodontics Residency and Advanced Education
Dr. Lauren completed a 2.5-year orthodontics residency program at UAB and received her post-doctoral master’s degree in clinical dentistry before moving back to her hometown.
Board Certification and Professional Affiliations
Dr. Lauren has completed both portions of the American Board of Orthodontics examinations and is board-certified in the specialty of orthodontics. She is a member of:
- The American Association of Orthodontists
- The Southern Association of Orthodontists
- The American Dental Association
Personal Life
Dr. Lauren married her husband Nick last year, who she married during her time living in Knoxville. They enjoy traveling together, staying active outside, and spoiling their three pets. Dr. Lauren is grateful to have the opportunity to serve and reconnect with the community where she grew up and be close to her family here in North Alabama.
