Laurel Morello, DDS — Cosmetic Dentist

Dr. Morello has been a proud San Diego dentist for 45 years. She was accepted with early admission to Case Western Reserve University School of Dentistry and was awarded her Doctor of Dental Surgery degree, along with her Bachelor of Science degree, in 1979. After graduating from dental school, she completed a one-year general practice residency at Cleveland Metropolitan Hospital, which involved additional training in oral surgery, periodontal surgery, general anesthesia, endodontics, cosmetic dentistry and children’s dentistry. In 1980, she moved to San Diego, California, to begin her career at her El Cajon dental practice.

Dr. Morello

Early on, Dr. Morello was determined to be well-educated and well-rounded in her field. She studied many disciplines in general and cosmetic dentistry. In order to offer the most comprehensive treatment to her patients, she delved into advanced study and training in TMD and TMJ disorders. Dr. Morello has extensive training and expertise in microscopic dentistry, which is a very unique and admirable craft in the general dentistry field. The microscope allows her to magnify the tooth so she can pay attention to the finest bit of detail.

Along with the guided use of the microscope, Dr. Morello has advanced training in endodontics (root canal therapy), soft and hard tissue dental lasers, and implant restoration to enhance the patient experience and deliver the best possible dentistry. She carries an airway management certification and an ALF certification. She remains active in the dental professional community as a presenter at the American Academy of Restorative Dentistry on aberrant airway function and a member of the American Dental Association®, the California Dental Association, the San Diego County Dental Society, the Academy of Laser Dentistry, the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry, the ALF Academy and the American Academy of Dental Sleep Medicine. Member AlfInterface Academy, and ALF Orthodontics. Graduate ALF Educational Institute Level 4. She continues to expand her knowledge base in the field of sleep-disordered breathing, and she had volunteers quarterly as a dentist for the Thousand Smiles Foundation, a Rotary International program in Ensenada, Mexico.

Dr. Morello has a very innate yet trained eye in the artistic field of dentistry. She comes from a lineage of professional artists. Her mother has had a lifelong career as a commercial artist, and her brother is a gifted pianist and professor of fine arts represented by the Forum Gallery in NYC. She attributes her passion and creativity for dentistry to her love of art and fervor to help others help themselves. In her healing approach to dentistry, education of the patient is a key factor. She notes that the mouth is the portal to the body and a balancing point for the head and neck region and down to the toes.

Dr. Morello has balanced her career of 45 years with raising three children and a fitness lifestyle. Dr. Morello has three children, two having joined her in the field of dentistry: her daughter, a hygienist, and her son, Dr. Paul, a dentist and a partner in our practice. Her second son enjoys a career in real estate.

Dr. Morello in Front

Michelle and her husband have given one of the greatest gifts of a lifetime — two grandchildren! Pure joy! Dr. Morello’s pastimes include playing piano, reading, writing and solving puzzles. She pursues fitness eagerly through cycling, swimming, hiking, yoga and dancing. Losing a dear friend to leukemia compelled her to participate in Team in Training, a fitness training program involving fundraising for the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society and which is also a great way to stay fit through cycling, triathlon and running, all while saving lives!

Dr. Morello had the prestigious honor of presenting to the American Academy of Restorative Dentistry at the 2016 Chicago midwinter meeting on Cranial facial growth and development as it relates to aberrant airway function. Here, she shared the evolution of why we are in the current crisis of sleep breathing disorders and how dentists play an integral part in recognizing, treating and referring to improve these quality-of-life conditions. The presentation was part of a greater group of five dedicated dentists in pursuit of higher learning in the field of dental sleep medicine and was well received by this prestigious organization.

American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry Logo
San Diego County Dental Society Logo
California Dental Association Logo
Academy of Laser Dentistry Logo
American Academy of Dental Sleep Medicine Logo
American Dental Association Logo

Paul Morello, DMD — Associate Dentist

Dr. Paul and Dr. Morello

Dr. Paul Morello graduated from Case Western Reserve University with honors in endodontic excellence and has completed extensive post graduate training in the surgical approach to implant placement and their restoration. He brings both a surgical and non surgical approach to delivering beautiful smiles with a focus not only on cosmetics but on a functionally driven result. He carries the tradition of kind and caring that has long been the signature of the Morello practice.

He was born and raised here in San Diego which he happily calls his forever home. San Diego State University is his Alma mater. Some of his hobbies include, golfing, cooking, swimming and as a Jack of all trades, to rebuilding, from motorcycles to trucks to home remodels and of course to full mouth oral rehabilitation.