In this episode of Teeth Matter, Dr. Jon Marashi (⁠@drjonmarashi⁠) shares his extraordinary journey from a broke dental student to becoming one of the most sought-after cosmetic dentists in the world. Known for his innovative approach and a clientele that includes Hollywood's elite, Dr. Marashi dives into the pivotal moments that shaped his career—from securing his first job to taking the leap into opening his own practice.

He offers invaluable insights for aspiring dentists and practice owners, including practical tips on what to prioritize when starting your own office, how to build and manage a strong team, and strategies to improve patient case acceptance. Dr. Marashi also opens up about his entrepreneurial ventures, including his role in the billion-dollar acquisition of byte, and how his passion for creativity and innovation continues to drive his success.

Whether you’re a student, a new dentist, or a seasoned professional, this episode is packed with actionable advice and inspiration to elevate your career.

To learn more, and/or connect with Dr. Jon Marashi, check out:

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In this episode of Teeth Matter, Ellie Halabian sits down with Dr. Lewis Chen (@dr.lewischen), the co-founder of Beam Street Dental (@beam.street), who shares his journey from financial hardship to entrepreneurial success in the dental field.

Despite going broke twice, Dr. Chen’s resilience and strategic mindset enabled him to build a thriving practice that specializes in clear aligners, whitening, and hygiene services in New York City.

Listeners will learn about the highs and lows of building a dental business, the importance of patient trust, and Dr. Chen’s advice for bouncing back from financial setbacks.

Whether you're a dental professional or an aspiring entrepreneur, this episode offers valuable insights into achieving success against the odds.

To connect with Dr. Lewis Chen:

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Real talk with Dr. Jennifer Haddad (@drjenniferhaddad) about who and what influenced her dental career, including learning from one of the leaders of biomimetic dentistry, Dr. Pascal Magne (@pascal_magne). She also defines the "5 year rule" in dentistry, aka professional growing pains and how to deal with them.

To learn more about Dr. Jennifer Haddad or to connect with her, check out these links:

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In this episode, we sit down with Dr. Varisha Parikh (@dr.varishaparikh), a talented prosthodontist who completed her dental education at Arizona and pursued her specialty training at the renowned UCLA. Now the proud owner of her first practice, Parikh Prosthodontics, Dr. Parikh shares her entrepreneurial journey. She opens up about what drove her to become a business owner, how she navigated the process of selecting the right office to purchase, and what it's been like stepping into the role of an office leader. This episode is perfect for those considering on opening an office of their own.

To learn more about Dr. Varisha Parikh and her practice, check out:

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In this episode, we’re joined by Ricardo Malise (@ricardo_malise), an extraordinary dental ceramist with over 15 years of experience, who has worked with top cosmetic dentists such as Dr. Apa, Dr. Jon Marashi, Dr. Brandon Mack, and Dr. Andi. Ricardo dives into the critical role of communication between dentists and technicians when it comes to creating flawless smiles. We explore the importance of collaboration, highlighting how dental care is truly a team effort, from the clinician to the lab technician. Tune in for a deep dive into the artistry and teamwork behind cosmetic dentistry.

To connect with Ricardo Malise, check out:

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This week's episode is a compilation of the top 5 conversations we've enjoyed over the last few episodes. These conversations are with the following guests, and their corresponding episodes are linked below:

Tune in to revisit these amazing conversations!

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In this episode of Teeth Matter, I reflect on my recent two-week summer vacation in Europe and how it transformed my outlook on work and life. After months of working non-stop across multiple dental offices, I finally decided to take a much-needed break with my sister and a long-time friend. Throughout the episode, I discuss the joy I found in the small moments—like being in the sun, walking through local neighborhoods, and savoring good food—and how these experiences made me question why my daily life felt so draining.

I share my realizations about the importance of incorporating simple pleasures into my routine to maintain balance and avoid burnout. I also emphasize the need for healthcare professionals, especially dentists, to take time for themselves and not feel guilty for stepping away from their responsibilities. Ultimately, I encourage listeners to make small, intentional changes in their lives to create more joy and presence in their everyday routines.

If you want to join the conversation about the realities of dentistry, follow me on:

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In this episode, with Dr. Minoo Ghamari (@gorgeoussmilesdentistry), cosmetic dentist and owner of Gorgeous Smiles Dentistry, we dive into the power of honesty, humility, and professionalism in patient education—three essentials for building trust and lasting relationships.

We break down how being upfront about treatment options, while staying empathetic and humble, makes patients feel seen and supported. Plus, we highlight the importance of being professional with colleagues—no bad-mouthing, just respect.

By owning our limits, putting patients first, and maintaining a positive work environment, we show how these values can level up your practice and drive better health outcomes.

Tune in to discover why honesty, humility, and professionalism are must-haves for every dentist looking to make a real impact.

To learn more about Dr. Minoo Ghamari, check out:

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Feel free to join our community to ask questions or share your story.

- Instagram: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@_teethmatter⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

- YouTube: ⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.youtube.com/@_teethmatter⁠⁠⁠⁠

- LinkedIn: ⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/ellie-halabian-45945458/

In this episode of Dr. Ellie sits down with Dora Pesqueda, the passionate founder of The Smile Zone (⁠@thesmilezone.dentaloutreach⁠), a non-profit organization dedicated to providing dental care to children in Arizona.

Dora shares the inspiring story behind the creation of The Smile Zone, diving into the challenges she faced in bringing quality dental care to those in need and the impact her organization has had on countless lives.

As the conversation unfolds, listeners will learn about the importance of community outreach, the pivotal role of volunteerism, and how The Smile Zone is bridging the gap in access to essential dental care. This episode is a powerful testament to the impact of compassion and the profound difference one person can make when they dedicate themselves to a cause.

The episode also highlights the tangible impact of the organization. Dora emphasizes the critical role volunteers play in the success of The Smile Zone and offers insights into how others can get involved. Looking ahead, she shares her vision for the future of the organization and the plans to expand its reach and continue making a difference.

For those interested in supporting The Smile Zone, Ellie and Dora provide resources for learning more about the organization's mission, including how to contribute either through donations or by volunteering. Listeners are encouraged to visit The Smile Zone links below:

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Feel free to join our community to ask questions or share your story.

- Instagram: ⁠⁠⁠⁠@_teethmatter⁠⁠⁠⁠

- YouTube: ⁠⁠⁠https://www.youtube.com/@_teethmatter⁠⁠⁠

- LinkedIn: ⁠⁠⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/ellie-halabian-45945458/

Join us for an insightful episode featuring Dr. Charlie Cage (@dr.charliecage), a highly accomplished dentist and active military officer. With over 11 years of experience, Dr. Cage holds a Doctorate in Dental Surgery (DDS) and a Master's in Operative Dentistry and Biomaterials.

In this candid conversation, she shares her ongoing journey to discover her true passions outside of dentistry. From delving into the worlds of film and photography to exploring new creative avenues, she discusses how these interests have enriched her life and contributed to her overall well-being. Don't miss this episode packed with valuable insights on balancing professional responsibilities with personal growth and the exciting adventure of finding and pursuing new passions.

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If you enjoy the podcast, subscribe and rate ⭐️. If you think a friend will enjoy it, please share it with them.

Feel free to join our community to ask questions or share your story.

- Instagram: ⁠⁠⁠@_teethmatter⁠⁠⁠

- YouTube: ⁠⁠https://www.youtube.com/@_teethmatter⁠⁠

- LinkedIn: ⁠⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/ellie-halabian-45945458/