Sleep Apnea Dentist — Plattsburgh, NY

Get to Know Dr. Carl Gerner

Doctor Gerner showing dental x rays to a patient

Dr. Gerner has had an amazing 45+ year career in dentistry, and he loves the fact that he gets to work for himself as well as collaborate with our other dentists who he respects and admires. He cherishes the relationships he has built over the years through our dental practice, both with his patients and our staff, and as your trusted sleep apnea dentist in Plattsburgh, he’s eager to welcome you into our dental family.

Why Did You Decide to Become a Dentist?

Plattsburgh sleep apnea dentist Doctor Carl Gerner smiling

As Dr. Gerner was about to graduate from college, he decided to apply to dental school. His major was biology, and his dad had taught him to love working with his hands. Dr. Gerner didn’t think he would like to be in a hospital, so dentistry seemed like the natural choice, and he has never regretted it!

Where Did You Study Dentistry?

Bench in front of university building

After attending the United States Coast Guard Academy for two years, Dr. Gerner spent a semester at the University of Kentucky, and he then finished at Lake Erie College. He eventually earned his dental degree from the Case Western Reserve School of Dentistry.

Dr. Gerner received a scholarship for dental school from the United States Air Force, and upon graduation, they sent him to Plattsburgh. He and an Air Force friend from dental school started a private practice in the Plattsburgh Mall called McDental. A few years later (after a lawsuit from McDonalds), they moved to our current location on Hammond Lane and changed the name to Plattsburgh Dental Group. In 2016, Dr. Gerner merged his practice with Dr. Craig Heins’s office (Heins Family Dentistry), and they changed our name to True North Dental Group.

Over the last five years, Dr. Gerner has become fascinated by the successful dental treatment of sleep apnea, so this is a major focus of his work and continuing education. He has pursued many hours of training and has become a Diplomate of the American Board of Dental Sleep Medicine.

Outside of the Dental Office, What Do You Like to Do?

Man riding bike on road with forest in background

The most important person in Dr. Gerner’s life is his life partner, Tracy, and their family also includes their furry son, Bullock, a Cavachon. He and Tracy do almost everything together. Outside of the office, they have started a cycling club, a house concert series, and have learned to build guitars. Their current obsessions include beekeeping, woodturning, skiing, and gardening. In the past, they even recorded an album together and have a music video featuring one of the tracks on YouTube, which you can find by searching “tomandtracyditm”—it only makes him slightly embarrassed!