Q: What made you decide to become a dentist?
A: I endured many health challenges as a child, including recurring illnesses and high fevers. When my permanent teeth emerged, they were brown, tetracycline-stained stumps devoid of enamel. I faced relentless teasing from other kids and, despite my best efforts, developed cavities everywhere. I remember forcing a tight-lipped smile in pictures to hide my teeth. They were so damaged that traditional braces wouldn’t adhere, so I got full metal braces that covered everything. It was transformative. I could finally smile openly for the first time in my life. I decided then to become a dentist.
Q: What makes you different from other dentists?
A: My personal oral health journey gives me a unique perspective. I understand that achieving optimal oral health can be life changing and I empathize with my patients, especially those who are embarrassed or hesitant about their smiles. I am grateful to a kind-hearted UCLA School of Dentistry professor who forever altered my path. When he noticed my hesitation to smile, he introduced me to the wonders of cosmetic bonding. The transformation wasn’t just physical, it was deeply emotional — seeing myself in the mirror with a restored smile, I understood the true power of dentistry.
During my TMJ residency, I crafted an appliance for myself that eased my back pain and revealed the profound link between oral and systemic health. For me, dentistry transcends fixing teeth. It’s about comprehensive care, holistic health and innovative treatments that go beyond traditional dentistry, restoring not only aesthetic appeal but confidence and overall well-being.
Dr. Rogers graduated with honors from Harvard University and received his dental degree from UCLA. Throughout his career, he’s invested significant time into continuing education, seeking to help patients smile again by keeping at the forefront of emerging dental technologies and techniques in cosmetic and implant dentistry, sleep apnea treatment, orthodontics, TMJ disorders and beyond.