Meet Dr. Michele Laboda

I feel so fortunate to be in a profession where I have the opportunity to change how someone feels about themselves when they look in the mirror at the start of a day.

I have worked with so many people who say at their first appointment, “I don’t like to smile because of my ugly teeth.” Knowing that their embarrassment is something I can fix is an awesome feeling! I am certain life’s journey can change when we are comfortable sharing our smiles!

Education and Continuing Education

To become an orthodontist, I attended the University of Florida for my undergraduate degree before going on to the University of Pennsylvania School of Dentistry. Afterward, I attained my Certificate in Orthodontics from Louisiana State University.

I am always going to continuing education courses so I am better able to bring our patients the latest orthodontic techniques. My team and I take pride in providing a state-of-the-art practice that offers the full spectrum of orthodontic care.

As a part of my continuing education, I am a past president of the Lee County Dental Society and a current member of the West Coast Dental Society, the American Dental Association, and the American Association of Orthodontists.

In Our Practice

We have been blessed with really great patients. During 17 years in practice, we have had the pleasure to treat great kids and parents who have become part of our practice family. Every day in orthodontics is fun! I have the opportunity to create smiles not only for patients but for the people who surround them. What could possibly be better than that?

Our office environment is set up to be friendly and comfortable. From the moment you walk in, Doreen will greet you and get you settled in. If you are lucky, you will come on a day when she’s baking cookies! Most kids who come for their regular adjustments check themselves in on the computer and head straight for the game room and hang out before their appointment.

Family and Community

I grew up in Fort Myers and went away for 12 years to attain my education from schools across the country. Afterward, I came home to start a practice. My husband is Eric, a cellist in the Naples Philharmonic. We have nine-year-old twin girls who keep us pretty busy. We also have a Corgie named Dappy, two turtles named Moonlight and Starlight and a hamster named Domino. There is always plenty of activity in our house!

When I’m not in the office, I’m usually doing activities with my family. We enjoy traveling and doing different sports like skiing and white water rafting. I scuba dive and am a licensed private pilot. I earned my private pilot’s license even before my driver’s license!