We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Dimple Desai a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Hi Dimple , thanks for joining us today. We’d love to hear the backstory behind a risk you’ve taken – whether big or small, walk us through what it was like and how it ultimately turned out.

From a young age, I understood that taking risks required confidence and careful consideration. I watched my father take many business risks, and one thing was clear – they were always calculated. He meticulously analyzed the pros and cons of each decision, and even when things didn’t go as planned, it was never due to a lack of preparation.

I brought many “firsts” to my family – the first US-born citizen, the first to graduate from college and graduate school, and the first to become a doctor. But the road wasn’t easy, and I had to take many risks along the way. I followed my heart and pursued my passions relentlessly.

At the age of 17, I knew I wanted to be a dentist. Despite not knowing how, when, or where, I held on to the unwavering belief that it would happen. Fast forward 10 years, and I became a Registered Dental Hygienist, and later earned my Doctorate of Dental Surgery from USC. However, after graduating, I found myself at a crossroads, unsure of where to practice or apply. Unlike some others, I did not have the fortune of walking into a family dental practice. I had to carve my own path.

I quickly realized that I needed to build on my foundation and invest in continuing education courses. The more I invested and learned, the more I realized how much more there was to know. After working as an associate at a few dental practices, I knew it was time to apply my years of continuing education and treat my patients the way I wanted to be treated – responsibly!

Today, I am proud to be the owner of Luminous Smiles in Newport Beach, California. I have curated and created my practice based on my vision of providing concierge treatment and delivering the best dental care possible. The risks I have taken in my life have led to immense growth that I will never forget. I am grateful for every experience and continue to learn from each risk I take.

Dimple , 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?

Since 2000, I have been immersed in the world of dentistry, uncovering my passion and honing my skills through continuous education and experience. As a Board Accredited Cosmetic Dentist, I am proud to be one of the few individuals in the world to hold this esteemed title – a distinction that only one in 500 people can claim. Notably, I am also the only female Accredited Dentist in Newport Beach, a fact that sets me apart in the field.

The journey to achieving accreditation has been nothing short of transformative. It has allowed me to refine my clinical techniques and deliver the most precise and detail-oriented dental transformations. I take pride in my ability to create stunning veneers, masterful composite bonding artistry, and comprehensive full mouth rehabilitations. With a keen eye for aesthetics and function, I am able to create smile makeovers that not only enhance the appearance of my patients’ teeth but also boost their confidence and overall oral health.

In addition to my clinical achievements, I have also been recognized for my contributions to the field of dentistry through my published articles. With over 10 articles featured in distinguished dental magazines, I am committed to sharing my expertise and advancing the field through innovative techniques and procedures.

At Luminous Smiles, my dental practice in Newport Beach, California, I am dedicated to providing top-notch care to my patients. I strive to create a warm and welcoming environment where patients feel comfortable and confident in their dental treatments. My approach is patient-centric, focusing on personalized care that caters to the unique needs and desires of each individual.

I am most proud of the positive impact I have made on my patients’ lives by helping them achieve healthier, more beautiful smiles. My commitment to excellence, attention to detail, and unwavering dedication to my craft sets me apart in the industry. I am driven by my passion for dentistry and the joy of seeing my patients’ smiles light up after a successful treatment.

In conclusion, I am a Board Accredited Cosmetic Dentist with a passion for creating beautiful, healthy smiles. My expertise, clinical skills, and commitment to patient-centric care have earned me a reputation as a trusted expert in the field. I am proud of my accomplishments and excited to continue making a difference in the lives of my patients through my work at Luminous Smiles.

Can you tell us about what’s worked well for you in terms of growing your clientele?

When it comes to growing my clientele, I’ve found that staying true to my vision has been the most effective strategy. Starting my practice, Luminous Smiles of Newport Beach, from scratch meant there were no patients and no staff, but I had a clear vision in mind – to provide the best and most honest dental treatment possible. I’ve continued to follow this philosophy, and it has helped my practice grow beyond my expectations.

One of the most heartwarming compliments I receive is when I get internal referrals from existing patients. When a new patient comes in and says, “I was referred by ‘x,’ and they spoke highly of you,” it truly warms my heart. I’ve always believed in treating every patient as if they were my own family member, and I’ve instilled this mindset in my team as well. We strive to provide exceptional care and treat our patients with the same level of respect and compassion we would offer to our own loved ones. It’s this personalized approach that has contributed to the success and growth of my practice.

How about pivoting – can you share the story of a time you’ve had to pivot?

One word: COVID. It was March 16, 2020, when my office phones started ringing nonstop with patients cancelling appointments for various dental procedures – prophylactic cleanings, veneers, crowns, extractions, implants, and more. I had never experienced such fear and doubt before. With tears in my eyes, I looked at my staff and assured them that we would get through this.

Optimistically, I told them that we would need to shut down the practice until “things settle down,” hoping to see each other again in a week. Little did I know that a week turned into two months of closure. Many of my patients were in temporary restorations from veneer and full mouth rehabilitations, eagerly waiting for a safe return to receive their permanent restorations.

During this time, I stayed in constant communication with my staff, texting or calling them every 2-3 days, while staying up all night to research and implement safe protocols for our eventual return to work. This included procuring an immense amount of N95 masks, gloves, shields, disposable lab coats, and air filters to ensure the safety of our team and patients.

I also made sure to stay connected with my patients through email, videos, calls, and texts, reassuring them that they could still reach me if needed and that we would return to work in a safe manner. Overcoming the fear of the unknown, I led my team in creating a positive and safe environment, constantly studying and implementing measures to protect ourselves and our patients from COVID.

This experience taught me the importance of adaptability and resilience in the face of challenges. It reinforced my commitment to the safety and well-being of my team and patients, and I am proud of the efforts we made to navigate through the uncertainties of the pandemic with determination and unwavering dedication.     

Contact Info:

• Website: luminoussmiles.com
• Instagram: @luminous__smiles
• Facebook: Luminous Smiles

Image Credits
Jack Rodriguez