Meet Dr. Leo V. Trail Jr

Dr. Trail is a periodontist who has made it his mission to learn everything he can about dentistry, no matter how much time it would take or where his studies would take him.

After he earned his Bachelor of Science in biology in 1975 from Mount St. Mary’s University in Emmitsburg, he worked his way through several more programs over the following two decades. He graduated from the University of Maryland Dental School in 1979 and won a competitive residency at DePaul Hospital in Norfolk, Virginia. He capped off his academic career with a graduate degree in Periodontics from the University of Maryland in 1984 and a Master of Science in oral biology in 1988. In 1993, he graduated from the Misch Institute for Implant Surgery in Detroit, Michigan.

Dr. Trail decided to become a specialist during his time as a general dentist. “I loved being a general dentist,” he says, “but I realized I had a passion for surgery.” Periodontics is the dental specialty that studies the supporting structures of teeth, and the diseases and conditions that affect them.

Dr. Trail supplements his practice with the latest technology to ensure he can continually offer his best care to patients in need. Digital x-rays expose the patient to less radiation and enable more precision during an examination. Laser gum surgery also provides precision and minimizes healing time.

Many members of Dr. Trail’s staff of seven have been with him for 15 years, which means patients see the same familiar faces when they visit the practice.

“We’re always striving for excellence. I know people say that all the time, but as a specialist, I have to be,” he explains. “All my referring dentists are depending on me to be on the cutting edge and give the best care to their patients.”

Dr. Trail was a part-time faculty member of the University of Maryland Dental School for 24 years. He stays current on the latest periodontal and implant advances, as a fellow in the International College of Oral Implantologists, as a member of the American Dental Association Academy of Periodontology, Academy of Laser Dentistry and Maryland State Dental Association.

Dr. Trail has been selected by his peers for Baltimore Magazine’s Best Dentists for the 2010 -2020 issues.