In 2018, Dr. Lavoie helped launch the Providence Community Health Center’s pediatric dental resident- provider component in Rhode Island. He also recently opened his own practice alongside the Swansea Pediatrics physician group with the intention of creating a health-care hub for children in the Southeastern Massachusetts/Rhode Island area.

“My undergraduate nursing studies opened my eyes to the impact early-childhood caries have on overall health and emotional well-being, and I wanted to be an active part of solving this health-care problem.”

“Dealing with insurance companies. They are administratively cumbersome, to say the least.”

“I absolutely love the properties of many new restorative products entering the market. Two I use daily: Activa bioactive restorative material and TheraCal liner.”

“The increasing popularity of group practices is convenient for patients and eliminates the ‘island effect’ to which solo practices are prone. I enjoy engaging with and learning from colleagues daily.”

“The road to a career in dentistry is long but reward- ing. It requires a lifetime of commitment, but the opportunities are endless. Take time to appreciate each step of the journey.”