Meet the Smile Design Team
Elmwood Smile Design Center is a place where patient relationships, comfort, customer service and above all excellent comprehensive dental care is our highest mission.
We pledge to nurture patient relationships through excellent communication, understanding, education, and honesty. We pledge to maintain a clean, comfortable, warm and accommodating atmosphere. We pledge to provide the highest quality dental care through continuing education and a constantly expanding knowledge base.
Elmwood Smile Design Center experience instills a sense of confidence, well-being, and appreciation for excellent comprehensive oral healthcare. Furthermore, patients have an overwhelming feeling that our staff is solely dedicated to exceeding their expectations.
Frank R. LaMar, DDS
Dr. Frank is a Doctor of Dental Surgery specializing in prosthodontics and dental restoration. He trained in prosthetic dentistry at the Eastman Dental Center at the University of Rochester Medical Center.
As a Prosthodontist, Dr. Frank limits his practice to the replacement of missing teeth and the restoration of severely compromised teeth.
He has developed the Hybridge Implant Protocols and the Digital Smile Design Process which have significantly reduced the time and expense of dental implant treatment and increased their predictability.
He is an Assistant Professor at the Eastman Dental Center's Department of Prosthodontics and a member of the American College of Prosthodontists, the American Academy of Implant Dentistry (AAID). He lectures nationally on the topics of Implant Dentistry and Prosthodontics. Dr. LaMar is the prosthodontic education director of the LaMar Training Center, the Rochester Dental Implant Network, and the CEO of Hybridge Dental.
"We take pride in our role of fulfilling the treatment objectives of our patients with compassion and empathy. Establishing lasting relationships with our patients is the mission of the entire Elmwood Dental team. Transforming lives with our methods of dental restoration never gets old."
~Frank R. LaMar, Jr., D.D.S., Prosthodontist
- APS Chicago:
Topic: Fulfilling the Full Arch Promise - BioHorizons Symposium – Miami Beach :
Topic: Hybridge XD/Digital Express - AAID (American Academy of Implant Dentists) – San Diego
- ACP (American College of Prosthodontists – Indianapolis
Topic: Fulfilling the Full Arch Promise - ICOI (International Congress of Oral Implantologists) – San Diego
Topic: Simplifying Full Arch - AAP (American Association of Prosthodontists) – San Diego
Digital Implant Prosthodontics - AAID (American Academy of Implant Dentists) World Congress – Dubai
Topic: A Basis for Digital Implant Prosthodontics - ICOI (International Congress of Oral Implantologists) World Congress – Abu Dhabi
Topic: A Basis for Digital Implant Prosthodontics - Asian Maxi Course – New Delhi
Topic: Prosthetic Determinants
Melissa C. Baleno, DMD
Dr. Missy attended Nova Southeastern University in Fort Lauderdale where she received a bachelor’s degree in Biology as well as Doctor of Dental Medicine. Dr. Missy completed a residency in Advanced General Dentistry locally at Eastman Institute of Oral Health. She is a standing member of both the American Dental Association and New York State Dental Association.
In addition to performing all aspects of family dentistry, Dr. Melissa Baleno thoroughly enjoys smile design and enhancement dentistry. She frequently will incorporate teeth whitening, composite restorations and porcelain crowns to deliver highly esthetic results. Dr. Baleno has spent many years taking continuing education as well as working closely with a prosthodontist, accumulating extensive skills in the areas of cosmetic dentistry. If you have ever felt nervous to go to the dentist, she provides a caring comfortable environment, making sure to address every concern. During your personalized dental visit, Dr. Baleno will listen to your concerns, and together with you will come up with an individualized treatment plan to give you your smile back. She will gently guide you through each step of the way including design, try ins, and final reveal.
“At Elmwood Dental, I strive to provide exceptional dental care in a relaxing yet enjoyable environment. Everyone should be proud of their smile, and I am here to help you create your dream smile. Obtaining your cosmetic goals is a team effort where we collaborate each step of the way - from the planning with state-of-the-art digital dentistry, to delivering your confident smile that is both beautiful and long-lasting!”
~Melissa C. Baleno, D.M.D.
Alejandro Sánchez-Lara, DDS
Dr. Alex completed the program of Advanced Education in General Dentistry in 2016 and graduated in 2018 from the Prosthodontics program at the Eastman Institute for Oral Health at the University of Rochester.
In 2015, the University of Rochester awarded Dr. Alex the Stanley L Handelman fellowship award of excellence.
In 2016, Dr. Alex was awarded the Basil G. Bibby Fellowship Fund for Excellence in Oral Health Research. In 2017 Dr. Alex received the GNYAP Student Grant award and in 2018, the Dr. Gerald Graser award.
Dr. Alejandro Sánchez-Lara received his dental degree in 2007 from the Universidad Intercontinental in Mexico City. Dr. Alex continued his education at the Universidad Intercontinental and received his certificate in Prosthodontics in 2010. After completion, Dr. Alex worked as a Prosthodontist in a private practice in Querétaro, Mexico.
Dr. Alex has a special interest in aesthetics and restorative dentistry. He has published an article in the Journal of Prosthetic Dentistry and ACP messenger. Dr. Alex is currently working on manuscripts for future publications on the accuracy of different intraoral scanners marginal and internal gap of restorations.
Dr. Alex currently is a Clinical Instructor in Prosthodontics at the University of Rochester’s dental department located in the hospital. Dr. Alex is also a full-time Assistant Professor for the University of Rochester at the Eastman Institute of Oral Health. Dr. Alex assists teaching current residents in General Dentistry, Community Dentistry, and Dentistry and Prosthodontic departments.
"Prosthodontics is the hub of cosmetic dentistry. I hope to use the combination of my prosthodontic skills and vast array of schooling to provide each patient with the smile they have always dreamed of. This is not only my mission but what drives me to advance my career and publications knowing that I am able to impact not only my current patients, but my future patients too."
~Alejandro Sánchez-Lara, D.D.S.
Sandra - New Patient & Treatment Coordinator
"A simple phone call is the first step in starting the journey to a smile you have always desired. Nothing subsides the feeling of fear or anxiety more quickly than taking action."
Heather P. - New Patient & Treatment Coordinator
"I struggled with the cosmetics with my teeth, so I can relate and sympathize with our new patients. I always ask them to tell me what made them call today or about the concerns they're currently having with their teeth. I find that almost all patients want to share their story and how things got to where they are, and I am happy to listen!"
Ray - Crown and Bridge Technician
"My experience as a dental assistant and lab technician helps me understand both sides of the dental restoration process. I can interpret the final restoration proposal and ask for the right information to deliver what's needed. I take painstaking efforts to ensure my designs are perfect and that the case comes out just so."