Meet Dr. Latner
As much as he’s known for excellence in dentistry, Les Latner is known for his love of football. While attending UCLA in the early ’70s, he divided his time between earning a master’s in kinesiology and managing the school’s famed football team. After graduating, he received his dental degree from Washington University in St. Louis but soon returned to his old stomping grounds as the team dentist, helping the Bruin boys with their oral injuries for many years. More than 30 years later, he still can’t separate himself from the action. Dr. Latner currently keeps stats for the referees during games, keeping as close to the field as he can—without actually wearing a uniform and enduring bone-crunching tackles.
In addition to his pigskin endeavors, Dr. Latner completed a two-year residency at and at USC in pediatric dentistry. But his true passion lies in general dentistry. Dr. Latner is one of fewer than 10 dentists who’ve achieved both accreditation in the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry and mastership in the Academy of General Dentistry. Also, he currently serves on the Board of Directors of the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentisry, and is a clinical assistant professor at the UCLA School of Dentistry, lectures regularly on esthetic dentistry, and has authored an article published in the Journal of the American College of Dentists. Fittingly, the sports-loving dentist was officially recognized by the Sports Dentistry Commission for the World Cup in 1994, and was a presenter at the 1986 Academy for Sports Dentistry National Symposium.
When away from the office, Dr. Latner spends time with his beautiful wife, Nora, and his black lab, Shaina, while missing his son who attends Wheaton College in Massachusetts. Whenever they can, they steal away to the mountains for some rejuvenating snow skiing.
Dr. Latner is very active and firmly embedded in the professional dental community. His affiliations include:
- American Dental Association
- California Dental Association
- Western Los Angeles Dental Society
- Academy of General Dentistry: Fellowship in 1988; Mastership in 1997
- Academy of Pediatric Dentistry
- Academy of Sports Dentistry
- American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry: Accredited in 1992
- Los Angeles Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry: Founding member and president
- Southern California Society of Dentistry for Children: President, 1995-1996; Editor, 1992-1998
- California Society of Pediatric Dentists
- Clinical Research Associates (CRA): Evaluator
- School of Dentistry, University of California at Los Angeles (UCLA): Lecturer, Section of Pediatric Dentistry
- Los Angeles Olympic Organizing Committee: Member, 1981-84
You should love your smile. Schedule a consultation with Los Angeles dental expert Dr. Les Latner by calling our Los Angeles, CA dentistry office today. We provide excellent cosmetic dentistry and aesthetic restorative dentistry to discerning patients in the Los Angeles area and beyond. With the latest technology, clinical mastery, and compassionate care, Dr. Latner and our team of professionals will create uniquely stunning smile just for you.