Alumni Spotlight

Dr. Lacey E. Galliano

Dentist at Calliano Family Dentistry

What drew you to your occupation?

I grew up in the dental office. My father has practiced for 40 years with my mother by his side managing the office. I was exposed to all aspects of dentistry, the good, bad, and everything in between. I saw the impact he made in hundreds of patients' lives, not only in appearance, but also for a higher quality of life.

Did job shadowing help with your career decision? If so, how?

Yes, it is imperative that you know what you are signing up for when you start the journey.  Dentistry is a very competitive and difficult field to get into. Once you’re in, it only gets more difficult.  Everyday is hard.  It takes every ounce of mental and physical energy during that time period. Oh and don't forget the student loans that are the size of a large mortgage you pick up at the end!  You will spend more time at your job than anything else in your life, it is worth the effort to find out every aspect of the career you are considering.  

I mentor a Dunham student now, and saw his motivation. Not everyone has their Dad to show them the dental field.  I’m passionate about my profession and I want to be able to share it with others. I have a lot of students that I mentor - Dunham as well as LSU students. One of my mentees was recently accepted into dental school.

Did someone help or guide you during your career journey? If so, then please describe.

There was a patient that my father treated when I was younger, her story and journey is what sealed the deal for me when deciding to go into dentistry. The patient was a highschool girl with a genetic mutation, dentinogenesis imperfecta.  This is a hereditary developmental disorder which can involve systemic complications, but all forms will cause the teeth to appear as a bluish/brownish color.  She was depressed, she did not want to go anywhere, do anything, and the last thing she wanted to do was smile. Her father took her to several dentists across many states to find the right doctor that would take care of his little girl. This was a complex and highly aesthetic case, and they ended up choosing my dad.  Using full mouth Cosmetic Veneers, he was able to make it look natural and flawless. It completely changed her life. That's just something you never forget.  Dentistry is the perfect blend of Science, Art and Compassion.  It requires both medical expertise as well as artistic ability to be able to reconstruct the mouth into something that not only looks great and restores proper function, but that will also last for a long time. 

As someone who is sharing with students about your occupation, describe what you hope that students receive from a working experience at your office.

I hope that students will see what it really takes to be a dentist:  discipline, emotional intelligence, mental and physical focus, attention to detail, and compassion. 

Dr. Galliano, a student athlete at LSU already knew of such discipline while playing volleyball for the LSU Tigers. Prior to dental school, she would complete classes and practice at the gym before returning home to study and have dinner. She said if playing any sport, you have to be very disciplined.  Class would be until 2pm, you can spend three to four hours in the gym, lift weights, then get home just in time  to have dinner and study before doing it again the next day.

Advice that you would give to your fellow alumni?

Dunham gave us a gift. They helped prepare us for college and opened doors and opportunities for us. It feels only right to give back as well. It can be difficult at times to slow down and explain things to the students.  This gets easier when you have students from Dunham who are extremely intelligent and engaged in your practice.  I feel like God has blessed me so that I can be a blessing to others.

Advice that you would give to students considering your career?

I hope students are inspired by working with me.  My advice is no matter what career you choose, put in the work and go all in. No shortcuts, no excuses. If you truly want to have a fulfilled life, then put everything you have into it, you’ll be able to rest easily at night.