Leah C. McQuigg, DDS
Dr. Leah McQuigg is a Colorado native who grew up in the beautiful mountain town of Buena Vista. Growing up next to the Collegiate Peaks was the inspiration for the name Elevation for the office. She graduated magna cum laude from Metropolitan State University in Denver.
After receiving her undergraduate degree, Dr. McQuigg took time off from school to start her family. Seven years and three kids later, she returned to school to study Dentistry. She graduated from the University of Colorado School of Dental Medicine in 2015 and started working at Dr. Norma Longo and Associates after graduating. When Dr. Longo retired in December of 2019, Dr. McQuigg purchased the practice and renamed it Elevation Family and Cosmetic Dentistry.
Dr. McQuigg has a passion for excellence and a love of learning. Dr. McQuigg’s approach to dentistry is conservative. She wants each patient to understand all of their options. She understands the importance of staying current on topics, techniques and technologies in the ever-changing field of dentistry. Dr. McQuigg is a member of the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry, the American Dental Association®, the Colorado Dental Association and the Metropolitan Denver Dental Society.
Dr. McQuigg has an appreciation for being the “family dentist” and takes pride in providing care for the entire family. She focuses on building personal relationships with patients while providing them with the highest quality of care. She strives to provide a calm, relaxing and educational experience for her patients.
Outside the office, Dr. McQuigg loves spending time with her husband Cliff and their three children. She enjoys taking advantage of all the wonderful activities that Colorado has to offer. Some of her favorites are snowboarding, wakeboarding, playing volleyball, and running.
Kara A. Carleton, DMD
Dr. Kara Carleton grew up in Duluth, Georgia. She attended the University of Georgia and received a Bachelor of Science degree in Biology in 2010. She completed her dental education and training at the Medical College of Georgia, now named the Dental College of Georgia. Dr. Carleton moved to Colorado in 2017.
Dr. Carleton enjoys reading science fiction and fantasy novels as well as traveling, particularly to destinations with a beach! She also enjoys the outdoors and as a newer resident of Colorado, she is exploring all the beautiful hiking trails and campgrounds that Colorado has to offer.
Dr. Carleton loves meeting people, seeing their beautiful smiles and being able to help people with their dental needs.
Brian K. Ferguson, DMD
Dr. Brian Ferguson grew up in the hills and on the beaches of Southern California where he attended the University of California, Irvine, graduating with bachelor’s degrees in developmental and cellular biology, as well as anthropology. When not studying, he enjoyed rowing for the University’s crew team and volunteering time to support the local community’s public health programs.
Dr. Ferguson went on to earn his Doctor of Dental Medicine degree at the University of Pittsburgh before moving back to the West Coast to practice. In Seattle, Dr. Ferguson worked for five years as the sole dental provider in his office where he treated patients from a wide variety of backgrounds and an even wider variety of needs. He excelled at getting patients out of pain and helping them be more confident and happier with their smiles.
Dr. Ferguson is passionate about making sure that patients are comfortable in the office, that they are well informed about what’s going on in their mouths and that they are happy with the health and appearance of their teeth.
As relative newcomers to the state of Colorado, he and his fiancé have plans to take advantage of the stunning outdoors while they settle and establish themselves in their new community.
Daniel P. Lavin, DMD
Dr. Lavin graduated from the University of Pittsburgh School of Dental Medicine in 1984. He then entered the Army Dental Corps, retiring in 2014 with 30 years of service, to include 10 years at Ft. Carson, with the rank of Colonel.
Dr. Lavin has a strong commitment to dental education, with more than 16 years as an educator, to include serving as the director of advanced dental residencies in Texas and Hawaii as well as six years as an Assistant Professor at the University of Texas Dental School at San Antonio, Texas. He has lectured extensively at local dental societies as well as at national and international dental conferences. He is a Diplomate of the American Board of General Dentistry, has achieved Master’s status in the Academy of General Dentistry, has served on several American Dental Association® committees. He is a member of both the American College of Dentists and the International College of Dentists.
Dr. Lavin strives to provide his patients exceptional dental care with a calm, relaxed approach…with a touch of humor. Dr. Lavin and his wife enjoy spending time with their eight grandchildren, hiking and camping. Dr. Lavin is an amateur astrophotographer and enjoys sharing his photos of galaxies and other deep space objects with his patients.
Reece Cochran, DDS
Dr. Reece Cochran received his bachelor’s degree in biomedical sciences from Colorado State University, followed by a master’s degree in human anatomy and neuroscience before attending the Anschutz Medical Campus, School of Dental Medicine for his graduate dental degree. As a student at Anschutz, Dr. Cochran excelled in surgical aspects of dentistry with a concentration in implantology while fulfilling his responsibility as the class president. In his senior year, the American Academy of Periodontics awarded Dr. Cochran for his advanced education and training during dental school.
Dr. Cochran completed his specialty training in periodontics at the University of Colorado School of Dental Medicine, where he received a master’s degree in periodontology. As a resident, he researched the effects of bone grafting materials on single tooth extraction sites for new bone formation with xenograft bone materials.
Dr. Cochran has applied to be a Diplomate of the American Board of Periodontology and awaits acceptance. Dr. Cochran’s specialty practice includes the complete spectrum of periodontal therapies, including minimally invasive microsurgical approaches for the treatment of periodontal diseases, dental implants, bone grafting, gingival grafting, full-mouth rehabilitation with implant supported prosthetics, dental laser treatment, periodontal plastic surgery and IV sedation.
Dr. Cochran moved to Colorado Springs from Denver, CO, in 2019 where he fell in love with the mountain life. Dr. Cochran is the proud father of his beautiful daughter, Carter Rae Cochran, and handsome son, Brody Robert Cochran. Dr. Cochran’s interests lie in the Colorado outdoors such as skiing, camping, fly-fishing, which can be seen on full display in his office.
Professional Affiliations