Q: What inspired you to start Weisbard Dental?
LW: I was working for the City and County of Denver in Public health when a young female dentist died unexpectedly. I was asked to cover for her weekends and evenings. I realized how much I loved the personal relationships I was building and saw the difference I was making in people’s lives. I looked forward to seeing the same people return and realized it was time for me to start my own private practice.

Q: What sets Weisbard Dental apart from other dental practices?
LW: What sets Weisbard Dental apart from other dental practices is our business model. We base our practice on our values and the building of long-term relationships. We know many people have difficulty coming to a dentist for a variety of reasons. We sit down in a consultation room with people and find out why they are at our practice, what is important to them and listen to their healthcare goals.

Once we understand their goals, we get records, x-rays and photos, evaluate their current dental condition and then give then information and education so they can make good personal dental health care decisions. Once they are comfortable, knowing there won’t be surprises, we discuss their options and deliver compassionate care. Our goal is to change the dental experience for them.

Q: What advice would you give to young women who want to pursue their dream and start a business?
LW: I would tell any young woman looking at starting a business to follow their dreams. I strongly recommend having a carefully thought-out business plan. Do the research and know your audience and the current market. Number one piece of advice is to have a coach. Someone who keeps you accountable and can see your blind spots. I still work with a coach today. This is what has kept me successful for 40 years.

Q: Which woman inspires you and why?
LW: When I became a dentist there were few female dentists. I was inspired by a patient named Doris, who was an attorney who had started her career as a journalist and went back to law school. She was a brilliant woman with high integrity. She was insightful and honest and could see in me what I couldn’t see. She saw my potential and encouraged me to be my best self. Work ethics and compassion for employees and patients were a priority. I learned from Doris that I could have work/life balance, be a strong business owner and an involved, loving mother. It’s important to have mentors who inspire and encourage you to take risks and live your dreams.

Q: Can you tell our audience one of your most memorable moments of your career?
LW: The most memorable moment in my career occurred after my children left home. Later in my career, I was attending a Dress for Success event and noticed the speaker, named Kara, wasn’t smiling. I realized she had dental needs I could help with. I invited her to come to my office for a consultation. After our initial health and dental history screening, she said something that changed my life as well as hers. She said, “No matter how she changes her life and her decisions, that girl is still in the mirror.”

Kara had been incarcerated for methamphetamine distribution and had some significant dental issues. She was missing teeth, had silver crowns and broken fillings. We completely changed her smile and health with crowns, tooth-colored fillings and we replaced missing teeth.

The day we finished her work, Kara looked in the mirror and said she could finally let “that girl” go. She finally felt she could move on. It was that day that I realized the power of a healthy smile and that I could help improve confidence and self-esteem, changing who people see in the mirror.

Q: At the start of your career, what do you wish you had known?
LW: What I wish I’d known as my younger self is that confidence will come. I wish I knew how many people I’d get to serve and the differences I would make for them. I worried too much. When we had to move offices about halfway through my career, I panicked and thought I’d never get through it. Everything always works out for a reason, and it really gave us the opportunity to build out a beautiful modern new office better equipped to serve our patients.

“Be patient and calm, it will all work out beautifully,” would be good recommendations to myself.

Q: After high school, where do you feel your career path would take you?
LW: I knew I wanted to be a dentist since I was 12. After high school, I got a part time job as a dental assistant while in college. It was important to me to see first-hand if this was really my calling. I immediately saw how dentistry would incorporate my artistic skills and scientific studies. I experienced patient care and connection and fell in love with dentistry.

After dental school, I practiced in a public health facility at a neighborhood health center. I honed my skills as a clinician with compassion and care for my patients. I saw the differences I could make for my patients and later opened Weisbard Dental, my private practice in the Denver Tech Center where we are known for our cosmetic and functional care.

Q: Can you tell us how you manage your work life balance?
LW: Work/life balance was a lot trickier in the early years. I relied on family and employed a nanny until the kids were in school. As a business owner, you can set your own hours. I was able to be at events and sports games, rarely missing a special event. A huge benefit of owning your own business is that you have control of your time. I was able to schedule my time to be present with my kids and manage a million-dollar business. Once my children finished college, I had more time for volunteering in my community and making a bigger impact. My true purpose is being of service and making a difference wherever I can.

Q: What’s your advice for women in male-dominated fields?
LW: My best advice for women in male-dominated field is to be yourself. Always stick to your values. Have an abundance mindset. You are more than enough. Let your light shine brightly.

Q: What is your favorite family tradition?
LW: We are a large-blended family with three daughters, three sons, three daughter in-laws, three son in-laws and six grandchildren. When we are together, the adults’ line up shot glasses and drink a shot of tequila in honor of my dad who loved tequila. We spend many holidays together and my daughters help me cook for each holiday.

Q: What is your favorite thing to do in your free time?
LW: We are a hockey family, having kids and grandkids play. We have season tickets to the Avalanche and love to attend as many games as we can.

Q: What is your favorite quote or saying?
LW: A native blessing: “May you live long enough to know why you were born.” I love this. Everyone should know why they are here and their purpose in the world. We each have our unique purpose, and everyone has value.

Q: Tell me about the best vacation you’ve ever taken?
LW: All 20 of our immediate family went to Turks and Caicos for a celebration of my husband’s birthday and our 20th anniversary. Everyone interacted and had a great time. As the matriarch of the family, it warmed my heart to see everyone together. No drama or conflict, just laughter and smiles. Family is most important to me and my husband, David.

Q: Would you rather cook or order in?
LW: I love cooking. Cooking a family meal is my creative outlet away from my practice. I don’t follow a particular recipe but read three different recipes and then create my own. My girls and I create meals together, each bringing their own personal touch to the meal. Food brings my family together.