Family legacy continues at Lake Dental Associates

(Above) Three generations of Bieber family dentists celebrated Matt Biebers graduation from dental school in June.  Pictured (L-R):  Dr. Liz (Kennedy) Bieber, Dr. Rae Bieber, Dr. Matt Bieber and Dr. Tom Bieber.  -Submitted photo

by Michelle Watson

It’s not every young man who gets to step into a career that was started by his grandfather, carried on by his father, and now gets to join with his new wife by his side.  Matt Bieber, who graduated from the University of Iowa Dental School on June 5, has now begun his career at Lake Dental Associates, located in Clear Lake.

“I feel very blessed and honored to have the opportunity to carry on the legacy of Lake Dental,” said Matt.  “Not many new dentists get to step into a new career with the kind of support and mentorship I’ve received and for that I am very thankful.”

Matt had to end dental school during the Coronovirus Pandemic.  He had his last in-person class in mid-March.  The remainder of his school year was attended virtually with his commencement ceremony also held virtually.

Rae Bieber, Matt’s grandfather, graduated from the University of Iowa Dental School in 1954.  After serving as a dentist in the Navy at Camp Pendleton in California for two years, he returned to Clear Lake and set up private practice in September 1956.  The original location of the practice was on Main Street, in the old Corner Drug building.  Rae was there from 1956-1970.  He moved to the current location at 102 N. 5th St. in 1970.   

  When Rae started, he had one treatment room and one employee. He retired from the practice in 2000.

“The biggest change in dentistry over the years is the technology of the equipment.  Specifically, the introduction of high speed drills.  It took away the ‘heavy hand’ practice of dentistry and made it into the quicker, lighter touch it is today,” said Rae.  “Another change is the use of personal protective equipment (PPE).  When I started I didn’t even wear gloves.”

Rae’s son, Tom, joined the practice in 1987.  Under Tom’s leadership, the business had two major remodels and expansions.  The first in 1997, expanded the business from 900 square feet to 1,800 square feet.  Another one in 2011, increased the size of the business to 3,600 square feet.  Now the business has 10 treatment rooms and 15 team members.

“It gives me great pride that Matt has decided to follow in his grandfather’s and my footsteps to pursue a career in dentistry,” said

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Tom.  “It was exciting news when Matt decided to come back to Clear Lake to practice.”

In addition to Matt, Liz Kennedy, Matt’s fiancé joined the practice in 2019.  Matt and Liz met while in dental school.  Matt was in his first year and Liz was in her second year when they met through a mutual friend.  The couple were married on July 18, 2020 and recently bought a home in Clear Lake.  They are looking forward to life slowing down now beginning their new normal.

“Liz has been a great addition to the practice and a joy to work with,” said Tom. “When I came into practice with my Dad 33 years ago, it was reassuring for me to have his experience and wisdom to lean on those first few years.”

Tom said he hopes to have that same influence on Matt and Liz and in the process he said they will also teach him a few new things.

“We have always tried to stay up to date with new technology and advances in patient care and Matt and Liz will be a great resource for me to rely on.”

The three Doctor Biebers will complement each other well in the practice.  Tom does implant dentistry and said he is looking forward to having the time for his passion of full mouth rehabilitation.  Matt is focusing on general dentistry, but also has an interest in implant dentistry in the future.  Liz is also focusing on general dentistry now, but has an interest in straightening teeth and clear aligners, which she hopes to pursue in the future.

“The team at Lake Dental have watched Matt grow up over the years.  Many of us remember him running down the halls as a small child.  We’ve been waiting a long time for Matt to join us and we are looking forward to the next phase of Lake Dental,” said Lois Kern, Lake Dental office manager.

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