Dr. Dean Lodding on Makeovers

Dr. Dean Lodding on Makeovers

St. Charles dentist, Dr. Dean Lodding is a firm believer in the power of modern makeovers, “as long as the client has the right perspective and goes into it, which is critical, not thinking that this is going to make them a different person. It’s just changing the presentation."

Porcelain veneers, whitening agents, bonding and dental implants are buzzwords in cosmetic dentistry and the effective tools Dr. Lodding uses to brighten smiles and boost self-esteem. He still does general dentistry as well in his high-tech office, which must seem far removed from the South Dakota reservation where he filled cavities his first year out of dental school.

“I wanted to expose myself to some different things,” said the Chicago native, but “the family draw was real strong and I came back to Illinois.”

Shortly after graduating from dental school at the University of Illinois, Dr. Lodding began working in the Chicago area with the inventor of the porcelain veneer dental treatment. In 1996 he joined the Academy of Cosmetic Dentists and eventually, he would become the president of that organization and the overseer of the certification process. Dr.Lodding oversaw the cosmetic certification of Dr. Bill Dorfman, who went on to become a dentist for many celebrities, including the Osbourne family.

Now heading up the dental side of the ABC show Extreme Makeover, Dr. Dorfman remembered Dr. Lodding and asked him to do the cosmetic dental work for a season with the show. He’s excited that programs like “Extreme Makeover” show cosmetic dentistry as accessible to the average person.

“You can see that people have a whole different demeanor about themselves after they’ve had something done to enhance their smile. The smile,” he said, “is the gateway to the soul.”