Dr. Lauren Kaplan has a history of taking on anything and making it happen. Just ask anyone who saw her ride a bike across the country, building homes and raising money for affordable housing along the way.
Dr. Kaplan joins us after a four-year residency in oral and maxillofacial surgery at VCU School of Dentistry, where she also graduated Magna Cum Laude as a Doctor of Dental Surgery. While at VCU, she earned a number of awards – but the one that meant most to her was the 2017 Omicron Kappa Upsilon Honor Society award, because it was presented to her by her mom.
Dr. Kaplan’s mother was a prominent pediatric dentist in Chesapeake, Virginia – so the future oral surgeon literally grew up in the profession, spending countless hours in her mom’s office. By the time she entered college as an undergrad, Dr. Kaplan was well acquainted with dentistry. During her years at UVA, along with her studies, she volunteered at the Charlottesville Free Dental Clinic. Her dedication to volunteerism continued when she moved to Richmond to attend VCU School of Dentistry, where she worked with Missions of Mercy and the Special Olympics Mission of Mercy to provide free dental care.
After years as an accomplished student and resident physician, she was offered the opportunity to join Commonwealth Oral & Facial Surgery. Said Dr. Kaplan, “I was drawn to COFS for its reputation of phenomenal patient care. Many of the doctors here had spent time with VCU residents, and also joined us for Mission of Mercy projects. It was important to me to find a practice that values giving back to the community.”
Here at COFS, Dr. Kaplan will practice across all areas of oral surgery. She has specialized interest in the areas of orthognathic (jaw) surgery, treatment for cleft lip/palate, implants and bone grafting, and sleep apnea treatment.
And outside the office, Dr. Kaplan continues to take on anything. She recently completed her first triathlon; is an avid skier, hiker and swimmer; and has completed one third of her quest to visit all 63 national parks with her husband. She can also be spotted walking her rescue puppy in Richmond’s Museum District.
