Dr. Laurie Glaser, owner of Glaser Dental Studio in Boutte, will merge her dental practice with Hometown Dental in Luling next month.
The merger is the result of more than two years of discussion and planning between Dr. Glaser and Dr. Buddy Trauth, owner of Hometown Dental. Dr. Trauth said they felt the merger was a good decision for two legacy practices to join forces and offer patients expanded resources in one place.
“I’m confident it represents a positive step forward while staying true to the care and relationships that have always defined both practices,” Dr. Trauth said. “Specialized care that would’ve once been referred to specialists outside of the parish can now be provided to patients under one roof right here at home.”
For example, all patients will have access to full mouth rehabilitation, oral surgery, IV sedation and root canal procedures at Hometown Dental, which is undergoing a renovation to expand from three to eight treatments rooms.
“We can continue serving our current patients, welcome Dr. Glaser’s patients seamlessly, and accommodate future patients,” Dr. Trauth said of the renovation.
Dr. Glaser earned her bachelor’s degree in molecular biology from Syracuse University before attending Louisiana State University Dental School. She earned her doctorate in dental science in 2001. For 25 years, she worked at Glaser Family Practice, a studio opened by her father, Dr. Peter Glaser, in 1965. After Hurricane Ida badly damaged the studio, Dr. Laurie Glaser moved the business to its new location in The Village Shopping Center on Hwy 90 in Boutte and partially rebranded the practice as Glaser Dental Studio.
Dr. Trauth said Hometown Dental will continue to communicate clearly as the merger begins in the coming months.
“No action is needed from our patients,” he said. “We plan to securely transition everyone’s dental records over to Hometown Dental as part of this process.”
Last year, Dr. Trauth became the new owner of the dental practice at 111 Lakewood Drive in Luling. After five years practicing dentistry in Baton Rouge, Dr. Trauth, a graduate of Hahnville High School and LSU School of Dentistry, purchased the office from his former dentist, Dr. J. David Brannen, who was preparing for his retirement. Dr. Brannen, a graduate of Hahnville High School and LSU School of Dentistry, opened his practice around 1991.
“It’ been so rewarding providing dental care to friends and family since my return to St. Charles Parish,” Dr. Trauth said. “We’re excited to strengthen our ability to invest in advanced technology and expand services while keeping care local.”
He said St. Charles Parish residents have been gracious as the practice navigated change and growth.
“Thankfully, we learned a lot as we transitioned Dr. Brannen’s practice to Hometown Dental over the last year,” Dr. Trauth said. “We’re looking forward to overcoming whatever challenges this transition may present.”
Hometown Dental’s mission is to provide expert care with a hometown feel, Dr. Trauth said.
“Having Dr. Glaser continue caring for her patients as part of the Hometown Dental team allows us to carry that mission forward while honoring the strong legacy and trusted relationships she and her dad have built within our community,” he said.
