Dr. Karl E. Lugus is one of a limited number of Board Certified Pediatric Dentists in the greater Atlanta area and is an active member of The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry, The American Society of Dentistry for Children, The Southeastern Society of Dentistry for Children and the Georgia Academy of Pediatric Dentistry. He is also a Fellow with The American Board of Pediatric Dentistry. *note: Board certification is not a requirement in the dental specialties as it is in Medicine. It requires additional extensive training in each respective specialty and the majority of pediatric dental specialists are not board certified.
Dr. Lugus is a first generation born American citizen. Both of his parents emigrated to America during world War I From the northern European country of Estonia in order to escape the Soviet occupation of their country. Dr. Lugs' first language was Estonian and he maintains fluency in the language. Dr. Lugus received his dental degree in 1983 from the Medical College of Virginia (Virginia Commonwealth University) School of Dentistry. He then completed a post-doctoral hospital affiliated residency program in Pediatric Dentistry at the Medical College of Georgia in 1985, certifying him as a specialist exclusively in Pediatric (childrens) Dentistry. Dr. Lugus then went on to complete four additional years of continuing clinical and didactic training in comprehensive orthodontics for children and adolescents in Oklahoma and California. In 1994 he completed his requirements for board certification in the specialty of Pediatric Dentistry. Dr. Lugus continues to pursue ongoing studies in both orthodontic and restorative dentistry for children in order to stay in the forefront with literature and research regarding the most recent treatment recommendations in the field. He has been practicing the specialty of Pediatric Dentistry in the Atlanta area since 1985, and opened his first private practice location in Lawrenceville in 1987.
Doctor Lugus' other interests include music, art and the great outdoors. He is a painter and plays the pipe organ, piano and guitar. He also enjoys skiing, hiking and climbing. His wife Claire and their two daughters Anna and Kristina enjoy the same passions. Anna and Kristina are both accomplished dancers, but their professions are Psychology and Athletic Training respectively. Claire is a pediatric trained ICU nurse and adds her valuable professional skills to the practice.
Each member of the office staff is highly experienced, skilled and caring in all aspects of childrens dentistry. Their dedication to the practice and to the children helps to insure that the optimal quality of care and compassion extended towards all of our patients is second to none. We will stop at nothing to make sure that every visit to the office is an informative and pleasant one, both for you the parent as well as your child (children).
You have most likely chosen a pediatric dentist rather than a general (family) dentist for your childs (childrens) dental health care for the same reason that you have chosen a pediatrician for their medical needs. The distinction is important.
A pediatric dentist is first a general dentist (often referred to as a family dentist) who then must complete a minimum of two additional years in a hospital affiliated specialty residency program in Pediatric Dentistry. This training encompasses comprehensive dentistry for all children and adolescents, and includes well, sick and special needs patients. It involves the proper diagnosis and treatment of all aspects of childrens oral health and development including restorative (reparative), preventive, emergency and orthodontic issues. Great emphasis is also placed on child psychology and behavior guidance. The pediatric dentist is therefore the only type of dentist fully trained and qualified to deliver all aspects of oral health care for children and teenagers.
Children are never too young to be seen by a dentist, particularly for issues involving an injury to the mouth, or if the parents or childs physician see or suspect any oral/dental problems. However, the Academy of Pediatric Dentistry ideally recommends scheduling the first preventive dental visit by twelve months of age, or soon after the emergence of the first baby (primary) teeth, and certainly no later than eighteen to twenty-four months of age. A thorough oral evaluation at that time along with any indicated x-rays is very important in detecting a host of possible problems that may be already present or potentially ready to develop, such as tooth and oral soft tissue disease and abnormalities, developing bite problems and many others. By beginning early and maintaining regular check up visits, normally every six months, these dental problems can be minimized or prevented altogether.
Our practice is located in Lawrenceville in a beautiful professional offices park in close proximity to a major medical center/hospital as well as multiple other medical and dental specialists both within and surrounding the parks themselves. Our practice is clean, spacious, and comfortable with ample room in the waiting areas.
Were offering music that Dr. Lugus was involved in making as a gift for your donation to Gwinnett Childrens Shelter. Please help a child today with your donation. Make checks payable to Gwinnett Childrens Shelter and drop it by our office, well forward it to them.
Reviews
Rating 3.4 out of 5 based on 22 reviews
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newest oldest highest lowestJoy Howard
2 years ago
Unprofessional staffing environment.
Anwei Shen
2 years ago
hygienst time is very limited. try your luck
Nichole Rodriguez
2 years ago
Dr. Lugus and his entire staff were amazing today! So patient, kind. My family & I are very happy they were there to help my son. My 5 year old had the worst experience with another doctor at another facility, it's been a nightmare. Dr. Lugus, today has changed my terrified little boys experience with going to the dentist & has been asking all day when his next visit is. Definitely recommend!
Monique Simmons
2 years ago
My Son has been going here since he was 8 and my daughter has been seen here since one ( to get her used to the dentist) and I couldn't say enough great things! I wish when I was a child I had a dentist like Dr. Lugus he is extremely kind and patient. His wife is lovely. Their staff are human, who laugh and joke along with your children and you. My son is extremely particular and my daughter has a flair for the dramatics they handled both with kindness and tlc. When I search out places for my kids to go I don't just search for professionalism but familial vibes. I want someone who is going to treat me and my children with the care of a loved one and I feel like my children get that here. Thanks again Dr. Lugus and Staff, we hope you have a wonderful holiday!
Darla Rush
2 years ago
I can't remember how I found Dr. Lugus, but he was a wonderful pediatric dentist for four of my children years ago (in the 90s) when we lived in Lawrenceville. We had great experiences there and he had wisdom and gave appreciated advice regarding a few issues we had. When needed, he referred us to an excellent orthodontist who has seen several members of my family. I was at that orthodontist recently and asked about Dr. Lugus and was happy to learn he is still in Lawrenceville. If I had young children now and lived near, I'd definitely still go to Dr. Lugas.
Danyelle Smith
2 years ago
Dr. Lugus has cared for my children's teeth for over 11 years. He and his staff are very patient with special needs children.
Shannon Dickerson
2 years ago
I cannot believe Dr. Lugus is still in business. He was terrible with my son many years ago. He did unnecessary work, never gave me a quote for the work he did. His "Office Manager" whom I think is related to him, harrassed me like I have never been harassed in my life. The only reason I am even writing this is because I am still haunted by this place almost 20 years later! Look at other Dentist reviews. His is extremely poor for the amount of time he has been in business! Beware!!!!
Danyelle Smith
3 years ago
Dr. Lugus has cared for my children's teeth for over 11 years. He and his staff are very patient with special needs children.
Monique Simmons
3 years ago
My Son has been going here since he was 8 and my daughter has been seen here since one ( to get her used to the dentist) and I couldn't say enough great things! I wish when I was a child I had a dentist like Dr. Lugus he is extremely kind and patient. His wife is lovely. Their staff are human, who laugh and joke along with your children and you. My son is extremely particular and my daughter has a flair for the dramatics they handled both with kindness and tlc. When I search out places for my kids to go I don't just search for professionalism but familial vibes. I want someone who is going to treat me and my children with the care of a loved one and I feel like my children get that here. Thanks again Dr. Lugus and Staff, we hope you have a wonderful holiday!
Shannon Dickerson
3 years ago
I cannot believe Dr. Lugus is still in business. He was terrible with my son many years ago. He did unnecessary work, never gave me a quote for the work he did. His "Office Manager" whom I think is related to him, harrassed me like I have never been harassed in my life. The only reason I am even writing this is because I am still haunted by this place almost 20 years later! Look at other Dentist reviews. His is extremely poor for the amount of time he has been in business! Beware!!!!
Darla Rush
3 years ago
I can't remember how I found Dr. Lugus, but he was a wonderful pediatric dentist for four of my children years ago (in the 90s) when we lived in Lawrenceville. We had great experiences there and he had wisdom and gave appreciated advice regarding a few issues we had. When needed, he referred us to an excellent orthodontist who has seen several members of my family. I was at that orthodontist recently and asked about Dr. Lugus and was happy to learn he is still in Lawrenceville. If I had young children now and lived near, I'd definitely still go to Dr. Lugas.
Renee Crane Fitness
3 years ago
Sadly will not be returning after my children have been patients for over 5 years. My son had a traumatic experience with his first filling today. I was forced to leave the room and immediately it didn't sit well with me... the dentist said my son is just sensitive to noise and isn't hurting Even though his breathing got very irregular ...then the dentist informed me that in hindsight my son didn't even really need the filling ...then my son gets out of the chair and I'm helping him with his sweater so we can go home and the dental assistant grabs my sons arm without saying a word and drags him to the toy box and is very hasty with him and doesn't again speak to him like a human that can respond and walk on his own ... after my son and I left he told me the dental assistant hurt him and the noise didn't bother him at all...I know my son and he had never been sensitive to sounds like this and the staff and dentist would have known that if they gave my son the opportunity to signal or speak up for Himself..
Jennifer Kenyon
3 years ago
An orthodontist shouldn't have to take 1 hour. Especially me getting there 10 mins before my appointment.
Osharia Honeybun
3 years ago
Wonderful experience with the doctor and office staff!
Royally Roya
3 years ago
I cannot say enough GREAT things about Dr. Lugus and his staff. I am a pediatrician, and I have met many pediatric dentists and been to many pediatric offices. Dr. Lugus and his office is one of a kind. Dr. Lugus is extremely knowledgable and has a great bedside manner. My daughter felt right at ease with him and his staff. In fact, my daughter was having a hard time kicking the habit of a bottle of milk at bedtime (I know shame on me I should know better), but after Dr. Lugus spoke to her about it she stopped the bottle! I recommend Dr. Lugus to all my patients!
Osharia Honeybun
4 years ago
Wonderful experience with the doctor and office staff!
Royally Roya
4 years ago
I cannot say enough GREAT things about Dr. Lugus and his staff. I am a pediatrician, and I have met many pediatric dentists and been to many pediatric offices. Dr. Lugus and his office is one of a kind. Dr. Lugus is extremely knowledgable and has a great bedside manner. My daughter felt right at ease with him and his staff. In fact, my daughter was having a hard time kicking the habit of a bottle of milk at bedtime (I know shame on me I should know better), but after Dr. Lugus spoke to her about it she stopped the bottle! I recommend Dr. Lugus to all my patients!
Jennifer Kenyon
4 years ago
An orthodontist shouldn't have to take 1 hour. Especially me getting there 10 mins before my appointment.
Renee Crane Fitness
4 years ago
Sadly will not be returning after my children have been patients for over 5 years. My son had a traumatic experience with his first filling today. I was forced to leave the room and immediately it didn't sit well with me... the dentist said my son is just sensitive to noise and isn't hurting Even though his breathing got very irregular ...then the dentist informed me that in hindsight my son didn't even really need the filling ...then my son gets out of the chair and I'm helping him with his sweater so we can go home and the dental assistant grabs my sons arm without saying a word and drags him to the toy box and is very hasty with him and doesn't again speak to him like a human that can respond and walk on his own ... after my son and I left he told me the dental assistant hurt him and the noise didn't bother him at all...I know my son and he had never been sensitive to sounds like this and the staff and dentist would have known that if they gave my son the opportunity to signal or speak up for Himself..
Regina
4 years ago
Not sure what to say about this place. Dr Lugus seems very professional, but his staff is not. I wouldn't recommend anyone to this dentist office.
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