Home: Laguna Niguel, CA. Age: Mid 50s. Birthplace: New York, USA. Profession: General and cosmetic dentist. Significant other: Dr. Robert Boniadi. Alma mater: University California Los Angeles; University California Irvine.
Current project: focusing on ways to help serve underprivileged communities. Recent professional development: Specialized training and continued education to perform dental implants. Latest contribution to others: Volunteered at the local community center to assist with the elderly. What’s been your big (or biggest leap)? Building and operating my dental business and career. Hobbies: Hiking, chess, reading. Recent travel or adventure: Tandem skydiving.
Personality profile: Self-aware, determined, hardworking, and dedicated to the cause. What is your greatest joy? Overcoming challenges and becoming your best self. What is your greatest fear? Uncertainty about the future, change, or what lies beyond life. What is your guilty pleasure? Reading celebrity gossip. What is your favorite place (or way) to spend money? On a book, course, or hobby to expand skills and confidence. What is at the top of your bucket list? Travel to all continents and see the 7 Wonders of the World. How do you relieve stress? Daily meditation. What is your go-to workout? Strength training and walking.
Besides your parents, who has had the greatest influence on your life? A mentor in dentistry. What’s the best advice you received growing up? Do the right thing even when no one is watching. What’s the best advice you received in your career? Treat the person, not just the tooth; listen first, educate clearly, and let trust guide the treatment. What is your go-to source of news and information? A mix of reputable major outlets, plus professional journals. What company or organization do you most admire? Doctors Without Borders. What personal circumstance has had the greatest influence on your life? Choosing dentistry as my life’s work.
What change are you working on to effect in your profession or field?
Make dentistry more patient-centered and less fear-based.
What change would you like to see in the world? More compassion and accountability. What message do you want to send out into the world? Be kind, be honest, and be consistent. What mega-trend most excites you? The growth of personalized, technology-supported healthcare. What mega-trend most concerns you? The loss of human connection in healthcare.
Who would you like to spend an evening with, in heaven? My uncle. He inspired my love of dentistry. As a kid, what did you first want to be when you grew up? A doctor. After your loved ones, what object would you first save from your burning home? A small box of irreplaceable family photos and keepsakes. How would you choose to spend tomorrow, if you knew it was your last day on earth? With my closest loved ones, somewhere peaceful. What advice would you give your younger self? Trust your instincts, protect your peace, ask for help sooner, and don’t postpone joy. What day in your life would you choose to re-live? The day I graduated and became a dentist. What period in your life would you do differently, if you could? My early career years, when I was working nonstop.
Personal mission: Improve people’s health and confidence through compassionate, high-quality dentistry. Personal motto: Do it right, be kind, stay calm. Favorite quote: “People will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel” (Maya Angelou). Desired epitaph: She cared deeply, served honestly, and left people better than she found them.
