Shruthi Lakshmana, BDS, DMD, MS

Orthodontist

“Do you know how many children suffer from low self-esteem because of crooked teeth?” asks Dr. Shruthi Lakshmana, Orthodontist in Orlando. “Sadly, this applies to many adults as well,” she adds. She is specialized in Orthodontics and Dentofacial Orthopedics. Dr. Lakshmana was born and raised in India where she received her Bachelor of Dental Surgery degree from Rajiv Gandhi University of Health Sciences. Dr. Lakshmana later received her Doctor of Dental Medicine degree from Nova Southeastern University in Fort Lauderdale, Florida with honors. She was the recipient of “Dr. Oscar Sotsky Excellence in Orthodontics Award,” awarded to the most promising graduate. She later specialized in Orthodontics and Dentofacial Orthopedics along with a Masters in Dentistry from Nova Southeastern University. 

Orthodontic treatment is an essential part of an individual’s overall well-being and self-esteem. Dr. Lakshmana reflects that access to orthodontic treatment is still a critical issue that affects many children in Orlando and around the world. She is one of the few orthodontists in the central Florida area that participates in the state sponsored Medicaid program providing care to many that have limited to no access to Orthodontic treatment. Dr. Lakshmana currently practices in the Orlando area and offers the most advanced forms orthodontic treatment that include clear aligner therapies such as Invisalign, Spark and Clarity aligners along with traditional and clear braces. 

Since extractions of premolars are necessary during some orthodontic treatments, Dr. Shruthi Lakshmana has worked on research projects that involve effects of premolar extractions in soft tissue profile and lip position in adolescent patients during her pre-doctoral program. Dr. Lakshmana’s research interests also involves developing ways to reduce surgeries in cleft lip and palate patients using tissue engineering procedures. Her tissue engineering research involves a procedure where missing facial/ oral defects can be regenerated using an injectable scaffold and stem cell system avoiding extensive surgical procedures. (https://nsuworks.nova.edu/hpd_cdm_stuetd/59/). Her research was showcased at the Southern Association of Orthodontists annual conference in 2014. 

In addition to her research work and clinical practice, she is also a peer reviewer for the Cleft Lip and Palate Journal. Dr. Lakshmana says, “If knowledge is power, it must be shared.” Her contribution to the journal provides valuable insights to fellow researchers prior to publication of their work. 

The American Board of Orthodontics states that, “Board Certification is confirmation of an orthodontist’s personal commitment to providing lifelong quality patient care.” Dr. Lakshmana believes in this commitment to excellence and is a Diplomate of the American Board of Orthodontics. Her professional affiliations include membership in American Association of Orthodontists, Southern Association of Orthodontists and Florida Association of Orthodontists. 

Malocclusions have negative effect on self-esteem and overall quality of life. “Everyone deserves a good healthy smile and access to care issues are something we need to address as a profession,” reckons Dr. Lakshmana.