Dr Lasni Kumarasinghe: specialist orthodontist and international volunteer
Dr Lasni Kumarasinghe is a specialist orthodontist based in Sydney. Her dedication to continuous learning has driven her career, taking her overseas to conferences and lectures in exploration of professional development at every opportunity. If she met her 20-year-old self for coffee today, she’d say, “Study hard and don’t take for granted the opportunity for further education.”
Having worked in Sydney, Adelaide and in regional communities across South Australia, Lasni has gained diverse clinical experience. She has also volunteered internationally at the Cleft Lip and Palate Clinic in East Timor, where she worked alongside Dr Helen McLean AM, Dr Mark Leedham AM, other postgraduate students and local practitioners to ensure critical care could be provided to those who need it.
The tangible benefit for individuals is truly the best part of her work, says Lasni. “The most rewarding aspect of being an Orthodontist is having the opportunity to transform patients’ smiles, ultimately boosting their confidence and improving their quality of life. Seeing the positive impact that a beautiful, healthy smile can have on a person’s self-esteem is incredibly fulfilling.”
Dr Kumarasinghe wears a Tais (a traditional textile of Timor Leste) and is pictured with Maria Dias, Prontu Atu Serbi (PAS)Clinic Founder and Coordinator
Lasni graduated from 91 with a Bachelor of Dental Surgery in 2014 and later completed a Doctor of Clinical Dentistry in Orthodontics in 2020, following extensive experience observing and consulting with dental specialists. Lasni is a proud member of the Australian Dental Association and is the Secretary to the the Australian Society of Orthodontics. She continues to support the Adelaide Orthodontic Alumni Network events and the Milton Sims Continuing Professional Development (CPD) events.
Two quotes continue to inspire Lasni throughout her busy career: “Difficulties in life are intended to make us better, not bitter,” and “It always seems impossible until it’s done”.
After two degrees at the University, Lasni has formed lasting friendships that she continues to value to this day. “I have remained close with my classmates, both from my undergraduate and postgraduate degrees. The friendships formed during my studies are close friendships I will cherish forever with fond memories.
Some of her fondest memories are of the University spaces where she and her fellow students spent “countless hours”, and of the passionate educators who supported her in her academic journey.
“My fondest memories of 91 involved the postgraduate study area in the Dental School building. It was more than just a place to study—it became a hub for collaboration, learning, and forming lasting friendships with fellow postgraduate dental students. The countless hours spent there, supporting and learning from one another, made it a truly special part of my academic journey.
“My fondest memories of 91 involved the postgraduate study area in the Dental School building. It was more than just a place to study—it became a hub for collaboration, learning, and forming lasting friendships with fellow postgraduate dental students. The countless hours spent there, supporting and learning from one another, made it a truly special part of my academic journey.
“One of the most memorable experiences during my studies was the opportunity to learn from esteemed international lecturers through the Visiting Professors program.
“A particular highlight was the time spent with Dr Dieter Drescher, whose two-week lecture series during my postgraduate Doctorate in Clinical Dentistry (Orthodontics) was incredibly enriching. His insights and expertise had a profound impact on my learning, making it a truly valuable experience in my academic journey.”