Lauren Van Gemert, DDS, MS
Being an orthodontist provides me an avenue to make a difference in the lives of the people in my community. Whether it is by providing them with a beautiful, healthy smile at the end of treatment or by simply asking how their day is going at each appointment and creating a relationship with them outside of their orthodontic treatment, I get the honor of providing people of all ages a reason to be self-confident and feel special. Orthodontics is an experience that our patients will remember for the rest of their lives and I feel fortunate to be a part of each of their journeys.
My Philosophy
I am passionate about providing orthodontic results that are more than just straight teeth. It is important to me that each patient is treated individually, not as a number, so that we take into account the overall health of a patient, as well as the form and function of the entire facial complex, including the TMJ. A pretty smile is great, but I want my patients to have a beautiful AND well-functioning result that will last them a lifetime.
Education and Experience
I grew up in southeast Michigan and earned a Bachelor of Science from the University of Michigan. After college, I continued to the University of Michigan School of Dentistry where I earned my Doctorate of Dental Surgery, finishing first in my class of 111 students.
After dental school, I moved to Dallas, Texas to begin my orthodontic residency at the Texas A&M College of Dentistry, which is widely known as one of the top orthodontic programs in the country. During my 34 months there, I was involved in research and teaching, and earned both a Certificate in Orthodontics and a Master of Science degree.
Now as a practicing orthodontist, I take regular post-graduate continuing education to stay on the forefront of new technologies and treatment modalities so that I can provide my patients with effective, evidence- based orthodontic treatment.
In addition to being board-certified by the American Board of Orthodontics, I am a member of our local Spear study group, which especially helps me in working with other general dentists and dental specialists on complex cases. I am also on the Spokane Maxillofacial Cleft Lip and Palate Team and completed the Aligner Intensive Fellowship.
Professional Affiliations
- American Dental Association
- American Association of Orthodontists
- Washington State Dental Association
- Spokane District Dental Society
- Pacific Coast Society of Orthodontists
Family and Community
My husband Mark and I met in dental school at the University of Michigan. He is a general dentist and he practices in Spokane as well. We have two children, Brady and Elliott, as well as two yellow labs, Aggie and Moose.
Family is extremely important to me and I love being a mom to my two beautiful children. When the weather permits, we like to be outside taking advantage of all the things that the Pacific Northwest provides. We like to go biking, hiking, spending time on the lakes in North Idaho, taking family walks with our pups, and skiing in the winter.
Giving back to the community we live in is also very important to my team and me. Each quarter, we plan a service project for the entire team, and even our patients, to participate in. In the past, we have participated in food drives for our local food bank, held a diaper and formula drive in our office for a local women and children's shelter, sponsored a family through our local Salvation Army's adopt-a-family program at the holidays, and had an Angel Tree in our lobby at the holidays to provide gifts for families in need. We do our best to give back to the community that supports us!
