They love their community and are pleased to provide dental care to patients across LaFayette, Tully, Homer, Fabius, Pompey, Jamesville, Syracuse, and beyond.
They enjoy treating new generations within the same family but are also eager to welcome new patients.
At Lafayette Dental Associates, you will encounter a warm and compassionate team that always has time to answer questions, share a laugh, and catch up on the latest. Our patients are like family.
Aside from a warm atmosphere, you’ll soon discover that we offer innovative technologies for easier dental care, superior diagnostics, and excellent long-term oral health. When you are with us, it is all about you. How can we make your dental appointment easier? How can we help? Let us know.
To learn more about the friendly team at LaFayette Dental Associates, read through the biographies below, or give us a call. We’d love to hear from you!
I received my bachelor’s degree in Exercise Science from Brigham Young University in 2004, where I graduated Magna Cum Laude. I then returned to my home state of Minnesota to attend dental school at the University of Minnesota, graduating in 2008.
After dental school, my family and I moved to Syracuse to complete a one-year residency in General Dentistry at SUNY Upstate Medical University. During my residency, I received more extensive training in oral surgery, endodontics (root canals), and periodontics (treating gum disease). After working in a group dental practice in the Binghamton area, my family and I moved back to the Syracuse area, taking over LaFayette Dental Associates in December 2011.
My wife and I live in Pompey with our six children. We all enjoy downhill skiing, waterskiing, hiking, camping, and other outdoor activities.
Dr. Augusta Received his B.A. from Rutgers University, with a Major in History and a minor in chemistry. He then attended the University at Buffalo School of Dental Medicine, where he received his D.D.S.
After Dental School, Dr. Augusta attended a General Practice residency at SUNY Upstate Medical University. In his residency, he had the opportunity to treat medically complex patients, Dental traumas, and increased training in areas such as Endodontics (root canals) and complex dental extractions. He is also a member of the University at Buffalo School of Dental Medicine Admissions committee.
Originally, Dr. Augusta resided in NJ, but after residency, Dr. Augusta fell in love with Syracuse and decided to stay and now calls Syracuse home with his Partner Katie, their 2 cats Jack and Huey, and dog Opal.
When not in the office, Dr. Augusta can be found traveling anywhere in the world or going on a walk with one of his cats! He is also very passionate about education and giving back. Dr. Augusta loves to participate in volunteer work.
Tesla joined our practice in June of 2022. She has a degree in accounting and found passion in the dental field in 2019.
The highlight of her job is being able to interact with every patient and creating a fun atmosphere for both the patients and her coworkers.
In her spare time she loves being a mama to her son and daughter,, spending time with her husband and family, traveling to new places and finding her way to the beach, touring haunted locations, and making candles/wax melts.
Emily joined our practice in August of 2020. She is originally from Massena, NY, and has a degree in Public Relations from SUNY Oswego. She is happily utilizing that degree as part of the Marketing Team here at LaFayette Dental!
Emily loves being able to get to know our patients and ease their nerves with a smiling face!
In her spare time, Emily enjoys reading, camping, gardening, cooking, listening to podcasts, and spending time with her family and friends.
Jessica joined our practice in March of 2023. She has 13 years of experience as a dental assistant. After staying at home with her son for a couple of years, she is happy to be back in the dental field!
Jessica enjoys working in such a fun and friendly environment, helping people, and getting to know the patients!
When Jessica is not at work, she loves being a momma to her son, spending time with her husband, family and friends. She also enjoys camping, traveling to new places, and spending time with her three cats.
Jennie has been a team member since 2020. She studied dental hygiene at SUNY Broome in Binghamton, NY. She is the proud recipient of the New York State Dental Association Stevenson Award.
The best part of her job is helping patients stay happy and healthy, while creating long standing relationships.
Outside of work, Jennie enjoys hiking, camping, traveling, and spending time with her family and friends.
Erin has been a part of Lafayette Dental Associates since 2021. She has enjoyed working as a hygienist for over 10 years creating healthy smiles and building lasting relationships. Outside of work, Erin enjoys spending time with family and friends, getting creative with photography and cooking and spending as much time outside as possible.
Stacey has been a team member since 2021, and is a graduate of Monroe Community College of Rochester, NY. She is also the proud owner of the Hu-Friedy Golden Scaler Award! One of the many enjoyable aspects of her job is working with her patients and being able to meet their individual needs. Her goal is to provide positive oral healthcare for many smiles to come.
Outside of work, Stacey likes to spend time with her family and friends. During the summer months, she loves to camp, go boating and water skiing in the Adirondack Mountains.
Morgan is from Fabius, NY and has been a member of our team since August of 2022. She studied Dental Hygiene at Broome Community College. The most rewarding part about being a hygienist is helping her patients lead a happier lifestyle and creating everlasting bonds.
Morgan is very family and friends oriented, and enjoys a very active lifestyle. When she is not in the office, you can find her playing pick-up sports, hunting, fishing, camping, and spending time with her dogs.
Peggy has been a member of our team since 2022. She got her degree from Onondaga Community College. After many years of experience in different offices, she continues to love her job! Her favorite part of her job is meeting and educating new patients. In her spare time, Peggy enjoys boating, camping, and traveling with her husband to visit her children.
Dawn joined our practice in September of 2024. She earned her dental hygiene degree from SUNY Broome where she also received the Dr. Lawrence Loveland award for Excellence in Dental Hygiene.
While she enjoys seeing patients of all ages, Dawn finds pediatric care most rewarding. Being able to develop a trust and bond with children so that their experience at the dentist office is a positive one as well as establishing good oral hygiene habits from a young age.
Dawn, her husband, and their three wonderful children live on a small hobby farm and love the outdoors. They enjoy gardening, camping, hunting, fishing and spending time in the Adirondacks.
Erika has been with LaFayette Dental Associates since 2016.
The best part of her job is helping people feel comfortable and confident about their smiles.
When she is not at work, Erika likes adventure. She loves to be outdoors, traveling to new locations each year, bowling on a league with her husband, and spending time with her children.
Mariella started with LaFayette Dental Associates in March of 2025.
What she loves the most about her job is getting to help people and educate them on keeping beautiful, healthy smiles.
When she’s not at work, she likes to be outside, hiking, swimming, and snowboarding. She also likes spending time with family, friends, and her two kitties