Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Nova Li. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Nova, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. We’d love to hear the backstory of how you established your own practice.

Starting a business as a mom with a 3-year-old and as an immigrant has been incredibly challenging. The process involves far more than just skills and technology-it’s navigating complex regulations, endless paperwork, and finding the motivation to push through tough decisions. However, my passion for dentistry and my desire to set a strong example for my son kept me moving forward, one step at a time.

Initially, I planned to take take over an existing practice, but circumstances let me to start one from scratch. Without the extensive training I’ve received over the years and the loyal patients who have supported me across every practice I’ve worked for, I wouldn’t have had the courage to take this leap.

Fortunately, I found a well-designed and thoughtfully organized space built by the previous dentist, which aligned perfectly with the vision I’ve always had. This gave me the opportunity to equip the practice with state-of-the-art technology and implement workflows I’ve dreamed of for years.

Today, I’m incredibly grateful to have dedicated and creative team who learn quickly and share my commitment to quality dentistry. Together, we’re able to provide exceptional care, focusing on one patient at a time and delivering a truly personalized experience.

Nova, before we move on to more of these sorts of questions, can you take some time to bring our readers up to speed on you and what you do?

We take pride in offering conservative and innovative protocols that help patients achieve minimally invasive treatments. We believe in the principle of “less is more”, utilizing techniques such as white lesion treatments, composite veneers, and Immediate Dentin Sealing(IDS) to preserve natural teeth and avoid more invasive procedures like grinding, root canals, or full crowns.

Our goal is extend the natural lifecycle of teeth, and it’s deeply rewarding to see patients appreciate the care and effort we put into their treatment. We firmly believe that nature is irreplaceable, and we are dedicated preserving it in every way possible.

Do you think you’d choose a different profession or specialty if you were starting now?

If I could go back, I would choose the same profession without hesitation. Dentistry is incredibly fulfilling-it’s amazing to help people transformed their smiles, boosting their confidence and self-esteem. Being a dentist is a unique blend of art and medicine. We don’t just focus on the mouth; we consider the patient’s overall health. Many systemic diseases show early signs in the mouth, making dentists often the first healthcare providers to detect them. Understanding the intricate connection between oral health, teeth, and overall well-being is critical.

At the same time, dentistry shares similarities with plastic surgery in that we consider facial aesthetics, the golden ratio, and cosmetic factors when creating smiles, this artistic aspects makes the work both challenging and enjoyable.

Perhaps the most complex and rewarding part of dentistry is the functional aspect-occlusion, or how the teeth come together in harmony with the TMJ and muscles. Mastering occlusion is essential for ensuring the longevity of restorations and forming a strong foundation for full-mouth rehabilitation cases.

I’m incredibly fortunate to have trained under some of the best instructors, who taught me the essence and secrets of occlusion and how to apply this knowledge in everyday practice. It’s a gift I carry into every patient interaction,

Other than training/knowledge, what do you think is most helpful for succeeding in your field?

I beleive that, beyond skills and traning, haveing a genuine heart for patient care is the ket to true success. Patients may not always be able to judge the quality of your technical skills, but they can undoubtedly feel your sincerity and care through your actions. I constantly remind myself that no matter how much expertise I gain, I am treating a person first-a human being who deserves compassion and understanding. The priority is always the patient first, then their teeth-not the other way around.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://novadental.studio
• Instagram: novali_dds
• Youtube: Dr.Nova Li Your Dentist Friend

Image Credits

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