Member Spotlight
Member Spotlight: Meet Dr. Lisa DeLucia
Executive Director, Becky Herman, sits down with Seventh District member, Dr. Lisa DeLucia
Dr. Lisa DeLucia’s journey into pediatric dentistry has been marked by a deep commitment to caring for children, especially those with disabilities. Her career path reflects a dedication to comprehensive, patient-centered care and a desire to create a positive impact on both her patients and the broader community.
Dr. DeLucia began her academic journey at Hobart & William Smith Colleges, where she earned her undergraduate degrees in biology and public policy. Inspired by the rewarding careers of her parents, Dr. Jim DeLucia and Rita DeLucia, RDH, she decided to pursue her Doctorate of Dental Surgery (DDS) degree at the University of Buffalo School of Dental Medicine (UB SDM). It was during her time at UB SDM that she participated in a Special Olympics Special Smiles dental health screening event and developed a passion for treating children with disabilities, recognizing the unique challenges they face in accessing quality dental care. Following dental school, she pursued a residency in pediatric dentistry at Harvard School of Dental Medicine and Boston Children’s Hospital, a unique program that exposed her to strong didactics through Harvard and the hands-on, clinical experience afforded by a leading hospital that attracted children from across the nation and world with a host of complex diagnoses.
Eager to expand her expertise, Dr. DeLucia completed a one-year Leadership Education in Neurodevelopmental and Related Disabilities (LEND) fellowship, a multidisciplinary program at the University of Rochester. This experience provided her with the opportunity to collaborate with specialists from various fields, further enhancing her ability to provide well-rounded care for children with special needs.
After completing her residency, Dr. DeLucia spent a year teaching in a pre-doctoral clinic at UB SDM and gained hands-on experience at Rochester General Hospital’s dental clinic. In 2012, she joined the Eastman Institute for Oral Health, where she worked for a decade, focusing once again on children with disabilities, resident education, delivery of care in the operating room, and was fortunate to serve as faculty in the LEND program. During this time, she balanced her responsibilities of teaching three days a week while also practicing at Webster Pediatric Dentistry twice weekly.
In 2022, Dr. DeLucia took a significant step forward in her career by purchasing Webster Pediatric Dentistry. The following year, she relocated the practice to a new, custom-designed office space that reflects her commitment to patient comfort and specialized care. The new facility features larger, more accessible operatories, ceiling-mounted TVs, quiet rooms with doors for added privacy, and dimmable lighting to create a soothing environment for patients with autism. Additionally, the practice offers in-office general anesthesia, ensuring that young children with extensive dental needs receive the care they require in a comfortable setting.
Beyond her clinical work, she is dedicated to community outreach and education. She actively engages with local organizations, speaking to Girl and Boy Scout programs and presenting at local elementary schools and the library to educate parents and children about the importance of oral health. Her involvement in these programs underscores her belief in the power of preventive care and early education in fostering lifelong healthy habits.
Her advice to new dentists reflects her own career path: "Surround yourself with a strong, support team—both personally and professionally—to inspire you, challenge you, and walk with you through successes and failures. Dentistry in a private practice setting can be solitary and it’s so very important to find a group to call “your people.” She also encourages aspiring dentists to explore different practice settings – whether it be academics, private practice, or hospital dentistry – to find the right fit and have the courage to make changes when life circumstances or interests lead you in a new direction.
With a career defined by compassion, innovation, and a commitment to inclusive care, Dr. Lisa DeLucia continues to make a meaningful difference in the lives of her patients and the community. Her dedication to pediatric dentistry, especially for children with disabilities, serves as an inspiring example of how passion and purpose can shape a successful and impactful career.
Dr. Lisa DeLucia is married with three children, ages 4, 7, and 9.