Get to know Dr. Harleen Sodhi, DMD

Two Embarrassing secrets that fueled my passion  to do more than just fix kids’ teeth & earn the nickname of

‘Laser Queen'.

I was a high school student in India when one of my back teeth started to hurt. It was terrifying. Going to the dentist

was my worst nightmare. I did everything I could to avoid a dental appointment, including lying to my parents

about how bad it was so they wouldn’t make me go.

I was humiliated by it all. My Mother - bless her - was pragmatic.

“Why don’t you go to dental school so you can help people who have the same kind of fear about the

dentist that you do?”

It was the best advice I’ve ever been GIVEN and I’m eternally grateful that I followed it. After I graduated,

I came to the United States, got my dental license and started practicing.

I loved being a dentist from day one. Nothing gave me more satisfaction than helping my young

patients overcome that same fear of the dentist that I suffered from when I was their age.

I was happy in my career and decided to start a family. I couldn’t wait to be a Mom. But, when my

first child was born, my world was turned upside down.

He couldn’t nurse properly and I couldn’t figure why. I am a dentist and know a lot about medicine.

My child was born at one of the top healthcare facilities in the United States and cared for by highly

qualified pediatric professionals. How could this be happening to me?

I felt like I had a horrible secret to hide, just like my old toothache.

If I couldn’t provide nourishment for my baby, how could I possibly be a good mother? I couldn’t shake that thought.

I was frustrated, embarrassed and full of shame.

So I went on a mission to find answers. Eventually I stumbled over some articles about tongue-ties and the

problems they can create for infants and mothers. It was the solution for my child. I was relieved, but not satisfied.

I remember thinking: How could this be possible? Why isn’t this information more widely available? How

many other moms are suffering the way I was and don’t know where to go for help?

Suddenly, helping kids overcome their fear of the dentist wasn’t enough anymore. Now, I needed to help

other moms like me and their babies who were having trouble breastfeeding.

I took every course I could find to learn how to diagnose and treat tongue-tied babies and kids. I started

talking about my experience with the moms in my practice. Then, I started treating their children.

Because I am so passionate about tongue-ties and use a high precision laser to release them, I am affectionally

called “The Laser Queen” at my office. I love the nickname.

But, what really brings me joy is educating families about tethered oral tissue and helping them find

solutions to the problems that tongue-ties often create.