About Laurel M. Morello, DDS

Dr. Morello has been a proud San Diego dentist for nearly 40 years. Dr. Morello was accepted with early admission to Case Western Reserve University School of Dentistry and was awarded her Bachelor of Science degree along with her Doctor of Dental Surgery degree in 1979. After graduating from dental school, she completed a one-year general practice residency at Cleveland Metropolitan Hospital, which involved additional training in oral surgery, periodontal surgery, general anesthesia, endodontics, cosmetic dentistry and children’s dentistry. In 1980, she moved to San Diego, California, to begin her career at her El Cajon dental practice. Early on, Dr. Morello was determined to be well-educated and well-rounded in her field. She studied many disciplines in dentistry and cosmetic dentistry. In order to offer the most comprehensive treatment to her patients, she delved into an in-depth study of, and advanced training in TMD and TMJ disorders. Dr. Morello has extensive training and expertise in microscopic dentistry, which is a very unique and admirable craft in the general dentistry field. The microscope allows her to magnify the tooth so she can pay attention to the finest bit of detail. Along with the guided use of the microscope, Dr. Morello has advanced training in endodontics (root canal therapy), soft and hard tissue dental lasers, and implant restoration to enhance the patient experience and deliver the best possible dentistry. She carries certifications in Airway management and ALF certification. She remains active in the dental professional community as a presenter at the American Academy of Restorative Dentistry on aberrant airway function and a member of the American Dental Association, California Dental Association, San Diego County Dental Society, Academy of Laser Dentistry, American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry, The ALF Academy and the American Academy of Dental Sleep Medicine. She continues to expand her knowledge base in the field of sleep-disordered breathing. Dr. Morello volunteers quarterly as a dentist for the 1000 Smiles organization, a Rotary International program in Ensenada, Mexico.Dr. Morello has a very innate yet trained eye in the artistic field of dentistry. She comes from a lineage of professional artists. Her mother has had a lifelong career as a commercial artist, and her brother is a gifted pianist and professor of fine arts represented by the Forum Gallery in NYC. She attributes her passion and creativity for dentistry to her love of art and fervor to help others help themselves. In her healing approach to dentistry, education of the patient is a key factor. She notes that the mouth is the portal to the body and a balancing point for the head and neck region and down to the toes. Dr. Morello has balanced her career of 40 years with raising three children and a fitness lifestyle. Her daughter, Michelle, earned her Bachelor of Science degree in nutritional sciences from Cal Poly Technical University in San Luis Obispo and her dental hygiene degree at Southwestern University, where as valedictorian, she was appointed an honorary Psi Epsilon lifetime membership. Michelle has recently donated the gift of a lifetime … two grandchildren! Dr. Morello’s son Paul currently attends Case Western Reserve Dental School following in her footsteps, and her son Anthony enjoys writing and performing comedy at the local comedy stores. Dr. Morello’s pastimes include playing piano, reading, writing and solving puzzles. She pursues fitness eagerly through cycling, swimming, hiking, yoga and dancing. Losing a dear friend to leukemia compelled her to participate in Team in Training, a fitness training program involving fundraising for the Leukemia/Lymphoma Society and which is also a great way to stay fit through cycling, triathlon and running, all while saving lives! Dr. Laurel had the prestigious honor of presenting to the American Academy of Restorative Dentistry at the Chicago midwinter meeting on Cranial facial growth and development as it relates to aberrant airway function. Here, she shared the evolution of why we are in the current crisis of sleep breathing disorders and how dentists play an integral part in recognizing, treating and referring to improve these quality-of-life conditions.The presentation was part of a greater group of five dedicated dentists in pursuit of higher learning in the field of dental sleep medicine and was well received by this prestigious organization.