Dr. Idalia Lastra graduated from Coral Gables High School in Florida and earned her Bachelor of Science in Chemistry at the University of Miami in 1974. She then went on to the University of Alabama where she received her Doctor of Dental Medicine degree at the School of Dentistry in 1978 and stayed in Alabama training in the specialty of orthodontics. She is certified with the American Board of Orthodontics and currently serves in the following academic positions:
Dr. Lastra has maintained her private practice since 1980, and in addition, lectures and teaches on the subject of orthodontics. She is a member of several organizations, including the American Dental Association, the Florida Dental Association, the American Association of Orthodontists and the Southern Association of Orthodontists. Dr. Lastra cannot imagine life without volunteerism, and to this end, served on the board of directors for the Archdiocesan Education Foundation from 1991 until its closing year in 2000. She currently serves on a variety of other community organizations, including the Kiwanis Club of Key Biscayne, the Serra Club of Miami, the Florida Dental Health Foundation, the Academic Association of Orthodontist Foundation and the American College of Dentist Geis Fellow.
On a personal note, one of Dr. Lastras biggest passions is her family. She and her husband, George Barket, married over 20 years, cherish their family time with parents, siblings, children, nieces and nephews, and ESPECIALLY their nine grandchildren. Dr. Lastra enjoys reading and spending time in their beautiful homes in Little Torch Key and North Carolina.
Dr. Alfonso, born and raised in Miami, is an American Board of Orthodontics certified orthodontist. She attended the University of Florida College of Dentistry where she became passionate about serving others through local and international service projects, served in a number of leadership positions, and was inducted into the Omicron Kappa Upsilon honor society. She graduated in 2016 from the University of Florida Orthodontics Residency, during which she served as the Chief Resident and won the AAO Charley Schultz Resident Scholar Award for her Masters thesis evaluating accelerated orthodontic tooth movement using aligners.
Dr. Alfonso is trained in a variety of orthodontic techniques and values quality treatment and putting patients interests first. She is committed to serving our profession and is currently the Young Member Representative for the SFDDA, a delegate to the FDA House of Delegates, and on the FDA Council on Benefits and Care. She also serves the local community as a member of the Junior League of Miami. She and her husband, Eddy, have a daughter named Bella and a shih tzu- maltese dog named Hawley.
I first got my braces in 1980, and I loved my new smile so much that I came to work with Dr. Lastra in 1981. Over the years, I have met many wonderful patients, and now we are seeing the children of some of those patients. It has been so much fun to be in one place for so long and see the changes in the lives of these people and their families. At work, I keep myself busy by making sure our bills are up-to-date and that your insurance claims are filed and filled. I also try to make sure we have the office supplies we need to run the business part of the office. When I am not at work, I like going for walks, reading, Facebook and being with my friends and family. I am also kept busy with my cats, which are my children.
My name is Albania, but they call me Alba. I have been working here since 1988 as a Lab Technician. I make your models when you first start your treatment, and I sometimes make your retainers when you finish your treatment. Since I am always back in our lab, you might not see me often. My daughter, Veronica, was only three years old when I started working here, and she has already graduated from college. She has grown up in our office and is our pride and joy. I love working with my hands and am a talented seamstress. I also love decorating.
I came to the United States in 2000 and have been working for Dr. Lastra since January 2001. I love my work as an Orthodontic Assistant because I enjoy working with the kids. My husband, Ivan, and I have a daughter who is the joy of our lives. We share very special times together. We also have a dog named Barbie. I enjoy exercising, traveling and playing tricks on the rest of the staff.
I used to work for many years as a flight attendant. I started working for Dr. Lastra in June 2005. I am the Treatment Coordinator. I get to see all of our new patients. Part of my job is to help explain your treatment, the fees and payment schedules; take X-Rays, impressions and photos; and make up the files for all of our new patients. I also take the final records, so I get to see everyone from the beginning to the end of their treatment. I like my workplace and co-workers, especially Dory, my daughter. When I am not at work, I like watching movies, dancing and having a good time with my friends and family. I love animals, nature, kids and being with my family, especially my granddaughter.
I started working with Dr. Lastra in the summer of 2016. However, I was a patient of hers about 10 years ago. At the office, I help sterilize instruments, assist chairside, make sure we have the supplies necessary, and help at the front desk. I help out wherever I can. I graduated with my bachelors from FIU with a major in psychology and minor in biology. I am currently enrolled in the FIU Masters of Public Health program, where I am majoring in epidemiology. I plan to apply to dental school when I graduate, and follow in Dr. Lastras footsteps and become an amazing doctor. On my free time I like to read, go out on the boat, play with the many animals on my farm, and just have a good time with family and friends.
I was born and studied dentistry in Columbia. My husband and I moved to Puerto Rico in 2011, where we had our daughter, Maria Jose. We, then, moved to Miami in 2013. I am now a certified expanded duties dental assistant, and work as a chairside orthodontic assistant with Dr. Lastra. At the office I help the doctors with many tasks, from sterilizing instruments to bonding braces and retainers to scanning with our iTero machine. On my free time I love riding bike, running, and spending quality time with my husband and daughter.
Reviews
Rating 4.6 out of 5 based on 52 reviews
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newest oldest highest lowestOrismil Marichal
a year ago
(Translated by Google) Excellent place, wonderful staff and Dr. Lastra very kind and loving. (Original) Excelente lugar , un personal maravilloso y la doctora Lastra muy amable y amorosa .
Kat e.e
a year ago
The kindest & most genuine staff. I went in for a second opinion on my orthodontic treatment done by another orthodontist & Dr. Idalia Lastra gave me honest advice & pointers
Elisa DeFoe
2 years ago
Ever leave a review for somebody 30 years later? I'm 42 now and I went to the dentist today and they told me that I look like I got my braces off last week. I didn't. I got them removed when I was 15 years old. I remember that my parents searched for the best orthodontist in Miami at the time because I definitely had buck teeth and decided the Dr. Lastra was the one. I had braces for three years and wore my retainer religiously for seven years because she told me to and my teeth are still perfectly straight from her work. So all this to say, that 30 years later, if you remember your orthodontist's name because she was so impactful, you should definitely look her up and leave a review.
Janice Smith
2 years ago
My son went in there because his braces wire was poking him and this is not his normal orthodontist. It was quick and fast and he feels a lot better.I would recommend.
Janeli Tim.
2 years ago
Dr. Lastra is Amazing. Very Nice and Gentle. I Recommend Her. Thank You.
Mariana Russo farina
2 years ago
Great experience! I took my teen book and he felt very comfortable . I got there from a friend of mine whose daughter is already wearing races. The doctor was super nice and clear. The facility was pristine. We'll be back
Michael Grausam
2 years ago
Absolute disaster. Dr Lastra neglected to treat properly treat my child and has the expectation that a 9yr old should be scheduling their own follow-up appointments as the parents aren't allowed in the building. Takes no responsibility for anything and is incredibly rude. Do yourself a favor and STAY AWAY.
MG
2 years ago
Terrible experience. Would not recommend.
Mara Curi
2 years ago
I had a great experience with Dr. Lastra and her team! They are Extremely warm and professional people and my teeth and mouth look and feel amazing after 2 years of treatment! They really work wonders and give you lots of leve during the process! Highly recommended for any age! Thanks team Lastra!!!
Kai Jennings
2 years ago
I arrived at 8:30 a.m. for my 8:45 appointment. I was the first patient to arrive. Three other patients were seen before me (they were existing and I was a consult). At 9:10 I walked to the front desk and asked if I would be seen. A few minutes later I was escorted back to an exam room and asked to fill out paper work. I asked the hygienist how long would the appointment take. She ignored my question and asked me to fill out the paper work. The doctor walks in and informs me that I left a section black and then leaves. The hygienist returns and I ask again when will I be seen. The doctor and hygienist met in the doctors office and were talking. I waited priestly until 9:33. I walked to the front desk to reschedule my appointment. The hygienist sees me leaving, follows me to the front desk, and asks me to wait 10 more minutes. I explained that I've been waiting since 8:30. I proceeded to walk out with my paper work in hand. She asked me for my paper work and I explained that it had my personal information on it and I don't feel comfortable with leaving it. She said it belongs to us. This was by far one of the worst experiences that I've ever had. The hygienist and the doctor had no remorse.
Silvia Royer
2 years ago
Great office and orthodontist. Really cares about the kids.
NILDE GARCIA
2 years ago
Dr Lastra is a very professional, dedicated detail oriented Orthodontist. Has great bedside manners and is very attentive to each patient's individual needs. Her staff is very courteous, respectful and very well trained. The office is well equipped with the latest innovations such as CT Scanner, 3D printer, etc. She takes pride in her work and it shows in every case she completes.... Also she has donated many hours of her time and expertise belonging to all different kinds of professional, civic, community and religious organizations. A true leader in her field non comparable to anyone else. I should know because as a hygienist I get lots of feedbacks from patients. I've had the pleasure of treating many of her patients throughout my career even sometimes very complicated cases that end up with very happy, successful outcomes. I chose her to do my daughter's braces and now mine. She's my number one choice
Daniel Tellez
2 years ago
(Translated by Google) Excellent. A very cozy place. Your staff of excellence. Both the doctor and the rest who work there, excellent people, show the love they have for their profession for the care they provide. (Original) Exelente. Un lugar muy acogedor. Su personal de excelencia. Tanto la doctora como el resto que trabajan alli exelentes personas se les nota el amor que le tienen a su profesion por la atencion que brindan .
Christina Davison
2 years ago
Great experience with this office! They quickly worked me into their schedule for an emergency visit. Staff was very efficient, friendly, and professional!
MG
3 years ago
Terrible experience. Would not recommend.
Michael Grausam
3 years ago
Absolute disaster. Dr Lastra neglected to treat properly treat my child and has the expectation that a 9yr old should be scheduling their own follow-up appointments as the parents aren't allowed in the building. Takes no responsibility for anything and is incredibly rude. Do yourself a favor and STAY AWAY.
Kai Jennings
3 years ago
I arrived at 8:30 a.m. for my 8:45 appointment. I was the first patient to arrive. Three other patients were seen before me (they were existing and I was a consult). At 9:10 I walked to the front desk and asked if I would be seen. A few minutes later I was escorted back to an exam room and asked to fill out paper work. I asked the hygienist how long would the appointment take. She ignored my question and asked me to fill out the paper work. The doctor walks in and informs me that I left a section black and then leaves. The hygienist returns and I ask again when will I be seen. The doctor and hygienist met in the doctors office and were talking. I waited priestly until 9:33. I walked to the front desk to reschedule my appointment. The hygienist sees me leaving, follows me to the front desk, and asks me to wait 10 more minutes. I explained that I've been waiting since 8:30. I proceeded to walk out with my paper work in hand. She asked me for my paper work and I explained that it had my personal information on it and I don't feel comfortable with leaving it. She said it belongs to us. This was by far one of the worst experiences that I've ever had. The hygienist and the doctor had no remorse.
Mara Curi
3 years ago
I had a great experience with Dr. Lastra and her team! They are Extremely warm and professional people and my teeth and mouth look and feel amazing after 2 years of treatment! They really work wonders and give you lots of leve during the process! Highly recommended for any age! Thanks team Lastra!!!
Daniel Tellez
3 years ago
(Translated by Google) Excellent. A very cozy place. Your staff of excellence. Both the doctor and the rest who work there, excellent people, you can see the love they have for their profession for the attention they provide. (Original) Exelente. Un lugar muy acogedor. Su personal de excelencia. Tanto la doctora como el resto que trabajan alli exelentes personas se les nota el amor que le tienen a su profesion por la atencion que brindan .
Silvia Royer
3 years ago
Great office and orthodontist. Really cares about the kids.
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