Meet Dr and Staff

Dr. Robert Allen LaClair III

DDS
robthedentist@smilerightnow.net

Born and raised in the Northern NY, Dr. Robert Allen LaClair III DDS attended Hermon-DeKalb Central School, graduating Valedictorian in 1997. Earning a Bachelor’s degree majoring in Biology and minoring in Chemistry from LeMoyne College, Syracuse, NY, he was one of only three students accepted in the Class of 2001 to the 3/4 Affiliated Dentistry Program, receiving a commitment from dental school while still in high school. Dr. Rob moved on to the University of Buffalo School of Dental Medicine accomplishing his Doctorate of Dental Surgery degree in 2004, after 7 years, skipping a year of college. While at Buffalo, Dr. LaClair’s main interest was esthetic full mouth reconstruction dentistry, which earned him The Edward C. Jauch Award for Comprehensive Care and the Delta Sigma Delta Operative Dentistry Award for Excellence in Restorative Dentistry. Dr. LaClair was awarded his dental license in the North East region after scoring highly on the NERB exam. Dr. Rob graduated class of 2004 with certification in Diode Lasers and CEREC CAD/CAM robotic manufactured one visit crowns, bridges and veneers.

Dr. Rob LaClair is a member of the American Dental Association, Fifth District New York State Dental Society as past Board of Governors member, the Jefferson-Lewis County Dental Society as past President, EDPAC, the Academy of General Dentistry.

Dr. Rob strives to bring world class dentistry to the North Country. Since returning to Northern New York, Dr. LaClair has continued to expand his knowledge, traveling the country for continuing education. His training includes Invisalign clear braces, Clear Correct braces, Conscious Sedation anxiety control certification, Lumineers veneers certification, MDI Implant Certification, Botox/Restylane Dermal Fillers, Six Month Smiles Certified Provider of cosmetic braces (Top 100 in the World for providing the technique), Associate Fellow in the Academy of GP Orthodontics, extensive training in full mouth reconstructive dentistry, TMD (TMJ) therapy with specialized nighttime appliances and Obstructive Sleep Apnea therapy, and a TeethXpress provider with the leading dental implant manufacturer, Biohorizons, among some of the countless other hours of continuing education he has received. He has practiced in Northern NY since 2004, and Carthage, NY at LaClair Family Dental, since 2006.

Dr. LaClair has a unique perspective on dentistry and healthcare in general. His family is full of healthcare workers. Of course, Dr. Rob has also been a dental patient. A sports injury was the cause for root canals, posts, buildups, crowns, partial dentures, dental extractions, bone grafts, and dental implants. All of this helps his sense of experience and compassion when treating his patients.

A word from the Doctor:

“My team and I share a great sense of humility and respect when a person grants us permission to place our hands on them in the healing art that is dentistry. From the moment our painless injection technique is delivered, to the end of the day when I personally call my patients to check on them, every moment we are chair side with them we completely give ourselves to the process of making people happy and providing outstanding customer service. That is what I wish to give to all that will let me, no matter the background, socioeconomic status, or insurance carrier. We are all on this planet together, we should help each other make our community a better place, even if, or especially if, that means at the dentist’s office.” -Dr. Robert LaClair

In his free time, Dr. LaClair spends as much time as he can with his family: Kelly, Emma, Maverick and Graham. He is a self taught acoustic and electric guitar player, likes to learn about Buddhist philosophy, traveling as far as India to study with His Holiness the Dalai Lama. Raised in the Northern New York area, and having his entire family living in Northern NY, Dr. Rob feels connected to NNY in a strong way and feels fortunate to be a local business owner which provides employment to many dedicated, brilliant employees. Dr. LaClair looks forward to meeting you, your family, and friends, and welcomes you to become part of his practice.

Emily Fuller

RDH
emily@smilerightnow.net

Emily is from Edwards, NY and has lived there for most of her life. She lived in the capital region for a couple years but decided the North Country was much better suited for her. She attended SUNY Canton graduating May 2011 as a Registered Dental Hygienist. Emily is also certified to administer and monitor local infiltration anesthesia and nitrous oxide analgesia. She joined the LaClair family dental team in September of 2014.

Emily currently resides in Edwards with her boyfriend, Ryan and dog, Bailey. She loves spending time with friends and family. She enjoys crafts, especially wood burning. She also likes to stay active by hiking, camping and playing in a women’s summer soccer league every summer.

Theresa LaClair

RN, Manager

Born in North Dakota and daughter of a North Country Surgeon, Theresa moved to Northern NY as an infant. She has been a Registered Nurse since 1986 and holds an additional degree in Health Services Management, as well as a number of certifications from the American Association of Dental Managers.

In her free time, Theresa enjoys preparing gourmet meals and baking, as well as gardening, nature walks, and anything by the water.

Gwendlyn ShaferI

RDH

Gwen graduated from South Jefferson high school and went to Broome Community College for Dental Hygiene. She chose this path because she knew she had a desire to work within the world of science and health. “I’m glad I get to help people along the way.

To tell you a little about me, the summer is my favorite time of year, and I love to go hiking. I also love the summer months because I like to garden and have many plants I care for. I’ve had my cat Bixloe for 8 years and he is my son, so he gets most of my attention and money! I’m of course an animal lover all around.

Thank you for your time and I look forward to getting to meet you!”

You will find Gwen to be genuine, caring and as gentle as Hygienists come. She looks forward to keeping your smile bright for years!

Rebecca Richards

Dental Assistant

Rebecca assists Dr. LaClair and grew up on the north side of Watertown. She lives in Sacketts Harbor with her husband Jared, and their two dogs Ella and Honey. She has been an indispensable member of the LaClair Family Dental team because patients respond to her positivity and enjoy her chair side manor.

In her free time Rebecca likes to relax at home with her extended family.

Lindsey Lane

Dental Assistant

Lindsey assists Dr. LaClair and is currently furthering her education to earn an Expanded Function Dental Assisting Degree. She has discovered a passion for dentistry since starting her position at LaClair Family Dental. Lindsey strives each day to provide the best care and customer service to the community with a gentle and compassionate manner.

Lindsey currently lives in Watson, NY with her husband Casey and their two children, Jayse and Emmett. She loves spending time with her family, always looking for some experiment or adventure to share with them. Reading and art are also pastimes she enjoys often.