Branko Alavanja, DDS, MSD
Diplomate of the American Board of Periodontology
Dr. Branko Alavanja is a native of northern Indiana. He graduated from Crown Point High School as a valedictorian and varsity athlete. Dr. Alavanja then graduated Magna Cum Laude from Wabash College in Crawfordsville, Indiana with a major in chemistry and a minor in Spanish language and literature. At Wabash, he was inducted into Phi Beta Kappa and recognized as a Mackintosh Fellow. Dr. Alavanja received his doctorate of dental surgery from Indiana University School of Dentistry in Indianapolis, Indiana. Immediately following dental school graduation, he began a three-year dental specialty-training program in periodontics at the Indianapolis VA Medical Center, which is a competitive, well-respected, high-volume program. While in residency, Dr. Alavanja gained extensive training in periodontal surgery, implant dentistry, advanced bone augmentation techniques, and advanced imaging technology, including three-dimensional cone beam computed tomography.
As a dental student, Dr. Alavanja traveled to Guatemala to provide treatment for children of the Hogar Raphael Ayau orphanage as part of a dental mission trip. While in residency, he served the disabled veteran population of central Indiana.
Locally, Dr. Alavanja leads the Lake Effect Dental Study Club, which is part of Spear Education. This is an evidence-based study club, in which Dr. Alavanja facilitates continuing education and collaboration between local dentists and dental specialists on complex dental cases. Dr. Alavanja also hosts continuing education courses in collaboration with Straumann, the premiere international dental implant company. He is a life-long learner and strongly believes in advancing his knowledge and skills through continuing education. Dr. Alavanja also attends local, regional and national dental and periodontics meetings.
Dr. Alavanja has a genuine interest in helping patients maintain good oral and overall health. He is known in the dental community for his dedication to both his patients and the dentists who refer him patients. Dr. Alavanja’s attention to detail and superior surgical skills allow him to provide exceptional care. He is recognized for his ability to achieve remarkable esthetic and clinical results, especially in anterior (front) teeth.
Dr. Alavanja is a member of the American Dental Association, the American Academy of Periodontology, the Indiana Dental Association, the North Central Dental Society, the Midwest Society of Periodontology, and is a Diplomate of the American Board of Periodontology.
In his free time, Dr. Alavanja enjoys spending time with his wife, Lauren (a local pediatric dentist), and his two toddler sons. He hopes his children can live up to the oral hygiene expectations of a periodontist but will always be there to help with brushing and flossing along the way! Dr. Alavanja also enjoys running and has begun practicing (very beginner level) yoga.