Meet Dr. Mallory Weaver Lelak
Educational Background
Dr. Mallory Weaver Lelak grew up in Atlanta, Georgia. She attended Georgia Tech for her undergraduate degree, where she studied Industrial and Systems Engineering. After falling in love with dentistry, Dr. Lelak then received her dental degree in Augusta from the Dental College of Georgia.
Contributions During Dental School
During her time in dental school, Dr. Lelak was a strong representative for her classmates and patients. She served as a student coordinator for Clinica Latina, a local organization that served Hispanic families with income below the poverty line. Additionally, she contributed to the development of the school's student procedure handbook and served her classmates as lab manager. During her 3rd year, she researched the strength and hardness of the adhesive that attaches an orthodontic bracket to a tooth. Dr. Lelak is recognized by her classmates for her integrity and by the faculty for her contributions to the student body as a whole.
Professional Journey
Dr. Lelak's journey into dentistry started from working in her mother's office as a sterilization tech, where she gradually became fascinated with teeth. After completing her Industrial Engineering education at Georgia Tech with high honors, she worked at UPS before starting dental school. Since then, she has been practicing dentistry for about 3 years.
Patient-Centered Approach
Dr. Lelak prioritizes patient health and takes a holistic approach to dental care. She considers the mouth as an indicator of overall body health and aims to ensure long-lasting dental treatments by addressing underlying health issues. She wants her patients to feel like she is part of their healthcare team, not "just" a dentist.
Continuing Education and Areas of Focus
She stays current with the latest advancements in dentistry by being active in continuing education, participating in the Seattle Study Club, and taking various courses. Her current focus is on improving surgical procedures and placing implants. She is particularly passionate about involving patients in their treatment decisions by providing them with different options and ensuring informed decisions.
Challenges in Dentistry
Dr. Lelak sees the biggest challenge in dentistry today as the loss of personal touch due to the influence of private equity. She believes that patients deserve someone who can give them the time they need for the best care.
Personal Interests
Outside of dentistry, Dr. Lelak enjoys spending time with her husband, going to the gym, reading her latest Book of the Month, and trying new recipes in the kitchen.
Joining Kingwood Family and Cosmetic Dentistry
Dr. Lelak is excited to have joined Kingwood Family and Cosmetic Dentistry and looks forward to serving patients in the community.