This is not a drill: Dr. Laura Rammer ’01 pursued her dream of becoming a dentist at UW-Green Bay

Alongside her professors and fellow math and science lovers, Rammer refined her strengths to attain her goal.

A trip to the dentist’s office can be a stressful experience, but for Dr. Laura Rammer, it was always something that she enjoyed. She saw her bi-annual visits as an opportunity to ensure that her teeth were healthy, cared-for, and an important aspect in the attainment of a winning smile.

Dentistry quickly became her #1 career choice growing up, with acceptance into Marquette University School of Dentistry (MuSoD) as her ultimate goal. But Rammer needed to complete her undergraduate studies before applying to MuSoD. Initially wanting to explore beyond the borders of Sheboygan County, Rammer elected to attend a liberal arts college nearly eight hours — and a whole state — away. Having earned several academic scholarships, she studied at the smaller college for three semesters.

Rammer’s experience at the smaller college was beneficial, but she wanted to continue her education at a university that was closer to home. Her mom, Mary, suggested UW-Green Bay. Mary earned her communications/public relations degree in December of 1993, and the opportunities, challenges, and coursework left a positive impression on her. Coupled with Rammer’s research on the benefits of UW-Green Bay, the decision became easy.

Attending UW-Green Bay brought Rammer back into her own backyard, and she couldn’t have been more excited at the prospect of learning under approachable, knowledgeable professors and alongside a cohort of other math- and science-minded students.

Finding her flock

Once Rammer got situated on campus, she worked closely with her advisor to ensure that she was meeting her degree requirements and selecting elective courses that would set her up for success when applying to dental school. As she got into her coursework and began interacting with professors and peers, she was reassured that she had made the right choice.

For the next two and a half years, she was fully engaged with the educational material and furthered her understanding of those subjects — the perfect preparation for pursuing a professional degree.

“Math and human biology courses are very complex,” Rammer notes. “Leveraging professors’ office hours and after-class opportunities in an effort to work through tough subject matter really helped with my sense of mastery. I thrive in environments where I feel supported and encouraged, and I received those gifts from my professors from day one.”

As she ascended into upper-level requirements, Rammer’s class sizes were on the smaller side, further playing to her strengths. The more intimate settings fostered compelling conversations and made the learning experience more comfortable. Rammer wasn’t afraid to ask questions and the enthusiasm from her professors was evident. She could feel their excitement as they taught and knew that their goal was to ensure every student succeeded.

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Laura and friends in a college apartment, while a student at UW-Green Bay

But her time at UW-GB wasn’t all studying all of the time. Rammer made a lot of great friends, many of whom she maintains relationships with today. From taking advantage of residential life events to seeing her first Broadway musical “Rent” at the Weidner Center to enjoying food and fellowship at “Dinner for a Dollar” nights at the Ecumenical Center on campus, Rammer and her friends found the perfect balance of work and play.

Incisors and canines and molars, oh my!

Finally, the day arrived when it was time to apply to dental school. As one of 1,600 MUSoD applicants, where 80 were accepted, Rammer made it to the interview round and was ultimately awarded a spot as an alternate for the 2006 graduating class. While Rammer wasn’t able to start that Fall, she was undeterred.

Rammer spent the interim year back at UW-Green Bay taking an additional two science classes and an extra English class to further strengthen her application. Her dedication paid off. Over 1,700 applicants sought the 80 spots, and this time, Rammer was accepted. She began four years of year-round studies in the Fall of 2003, successfully graduating as the Marquette University School of Dentistry’s Class of 2007.

After Rammer obtained her Doctor of Dental Surgery (DDS) credentials, she joined her mentor, Dr. Paul Gruber, when he offered her a job at his Sheboygan dental office. After a couple of years, the two started having discussions about his impending retirement and a transfer of ownership plan. Rammer purchased the practice in 2010. Since then, she has mentored today’s all-woman team and has helped to grow a successful practice in an environment where employees and patients are valued and respected. Her favorite hire? Her mom! While Rammer provides dental health and wellness services to patients, her mom is the first person that patients see when they enter the office.

Laura posing with a kindergartener during a dentist field trip

“Mary offers a warm, friendly greeting and makes sure that everyone is comfortable leading up to their appointments. Thanks to her, our patient roster is comprised of wonderful people who have become trusted friends.”

Rammer’s patients are without a doubt her highest priority, but she is also a major advocate for accessible dentistry for all. Rammer has dedicated her time across various committees for the Wisconsin Dental Association (WDA), as well as joining their efforts to recruit and retain member-dentists within the association.

As a regular attendee of the annual Legislative Day at the Capitol in Madison, Wisc., Rammer carves-out time with her local legislators to impart the importance of dental health for all citizens and discusses how legislation can impact the profession.

Another cause near to Rammer’s heart is Mission of Mercy, a traveling charitable care dental clinic (organized through the WDA). For a decade, Rammer has played a part in the multi-day endeavor where hundreds of dental professionals — including dentists, oral surgeons, hygienists, chair side assistants, general volunteers, translators, equipment technicians and lab technicians — volunteer their time to provide cleanings, fillings, extractions and limited partial dentures free-of-charge on a first-come, first-served basis. In June, Mission of Mercy will take place in Green Bay, where Rammer will serve as the co-lead for the Exit Department.

Laura and fellow members of the Wisconsin Dental Association at the Mission of Mercy Dental Clinic

As if all that doesn’t keep her busy, Rammer is a member of the International College of Dentistry, as well as the Pierre Fauchard Academy, an international organization that recognizes outstanding leadership in the dental profession. MUSoD honored Rammer as the 2019 Young Alumna of the Year—a fitting accolade for her dedication to the profession.

Phorever a Phoenix

To say that Rammer is busy is an understatement, but she wouldn’t want it any other way. Her sights were set on dentistry at an early age and UW-Green Bay provided the supportive environment that she needed to actualize her dream. When she won the UW-Green Bay Young Alumna Award in 2012 for her achievements, she couldn’t have been more proud to be recognized by her fellow Phoenix.

“I enjoyed my time at UW-Green Bay and appreciate all it did to ready me for success. When they say, ‘Together We Rise,’ they truly mean it. I can’t wait to see all of the great things that the university will continue to do on behalf of its students.”

Learn more about how math and science go hand-in-hand to prepare you to become the next generation of healthcare professionals.