Hidden Gems: Meet Dr. Laura Sharbash of Newport Beach Dental Center

Today we’d like to introduce you to Dr. Laura Sharbash.

Hi Dr. Laura, so excited to have you on the platform. So before we get into questions about your work-life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today?
My path into dentistry really started with people — not teeth.

I was born and raised in New York City in an Egyptian family that placed a strong value on education, discipline, and service to others. When I was about 10 years old, I had a childhood dentist who completely changed how I viewed the profession. She was a woman — confident, kind, and clearly respected — and as a young, impressionable girl, it was the first time I saw myself in a role like that. I remember leaving her office thinking, I want to do what she does. From that point on, the goal felt very clear.

Dentistry stood out to me because it combines science, artistry, communication, and trust. You’re not just treating a condition — you’re caring for a person, often when they feel vulnerable. That human element is what drew me in.

After dental school, I worked as an associate in a large private practice, which was among the most formative years of my career. I learned not only clinical dentistry, but also what makes patients feel safe, what builds loyalty, and what kind of environment allows a team to thrive. During that time, I also realized I eventually wanted to lead and create a culture of my own.

In 2024, I purchased Newport Beach Dental Center. The transition from associate to owner was both exciting and humbling. Overnight, my role expanded beyond clinical care into leadership, systems, team development, and patient experience. I quickly learned dentistry is as much about people and vision as it is about hand skills.

My goal has been to build a practice that feels different from the traditional dental office — warm, relationship-driven, and centered around trust rather than pressure. I want patients to feel understood, not sold to. I’m also passionate about mentorship and organized dentistry, which led me to leadership roles within the Academy of General Dentistry, where I work on advocacy, education, and supporting the next generation of dentists.

Today, my work is a combination of clinician, business owner, and community builder. I still love the technical precision of dentistry, but what motivates me most is helping patients gain confidence, helping my team grow, and contributing to the future of the profession.

I didn’t set out just to own a practice — I set out to build something meaningful. And I’m still building it every day.

We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
It definitely hasn’t been a smooth road — and honestly, I don’t think meaningful growth ever is.

One of the biggest challenges was the transition from associate to owner. Dental school teaches you how to diagnose and treat patients, but it doesn’t teach you how to lead a team, manage payroll, navigate HR situations, negotiate contracts, or make decisions that affect other people’s livelihoods. Overnight, every decision carried weight. I had to become comfortable making choices even when there wasn’t a perfectly clear answer.

There’s also a unique pressure in healthcare because patients place a lot of trust in you. You’re balancing clinical judgment, emotions, expectations, and finances — and you want to do right by everyone. Learning how to set boundaries while still being compassionate was a major growth curve for me.

Another challenge was realizing that leadership isn’t about being liked all the time. Early on, I wanted to make everyone happy — team members, patients, vendors — but that’s not sustainable. I learned that clarity and consistency build more trust than constant accommodation. Some of the hardest moments ended up shaping the culture of the practice in the best way.

On a personal level, imposter syndrome was real, especially after purchasing the practice. Even when you’ve trained for years, stepping into ownership makes you question whether you’re ready. Over time, confidence didn’t come from knowing everything — it came from handling situations I hadn’t faced before and realizing I could figure them out.

Looking back, the struggles were necessary. They pushed me to grow not just as a dentist, but as a leader and decision-maker. I’ve also been incredibly fortunate to have strong relationships along the way — mentors, colleagues, and friends who offered guidance and perspective during pivotal moments. Dentistry can feel isolating in ownership, but I learned that growth accelerates when you’re willing to ask questions and learn from people who have walked the path before you.

The road wasn’t smooth, but it was intentional, and every challenge helped me build a practice that’s stronger and more authentic today.

Appreciate you sharing that. What should we know about Newport Beach Dental Center?
Newport Beach Dental Center is a relationship-driven general dentistry practice. We offer comprehensive care ranging from prevention and restoration to aesthetic smile design, sleep apnea therapy, and advanced surgical treatment, including dental implants— but what truly defines us isn’t a single procedure, it’s the experience.

Our philosophy is that dentistry shouldn’t feel transactional. Many patients come to us with anxiety or past negative experiences, so we focus heavily on communication, education, and trust. We take time to explain, prioritize conservative treatment, and build long-term relationships rather than short-term treatment plans. Patients often tell us they feel calmer here, and that’s very intentional.

Clinically, I enjoy comprehensive care and smile design because it allows us to combine health and aesthetics. We’re not a high-volume, rushed office — we’re a detail-oriented practice where precision matters and patients feel known. The goal is for people to feel like they have a dental home, not just a dental appointment.

Brand-wise, I’m most proud that the practice reflects warmth and authenticity. Everything — from the environment to how we communicate — is meant to feel approachable and modern while still professional. We emphasize honesty, clarity, and respect for patients’ autonomy in decision-making. We don’t pressure treatment; we guide patients so they can make informed choices.

We intentionally invest in advanced technology like 3D CBCT imaging and digital scanning to improve diagnostic accuracy, treatment precision, and overall patient comfort — helping patients better understand their care and feel confident in their decisions

What sets us apart is consistency. The patient experience, team culture, and clinical philosophy all align. We invest heavily in continuing education and team development because a strong internal culture directly translates to better patient care.

Ultimately, I want readers to know we’re not trying to be the biggest office — we’re trying to be the most trusted one. If someone leaves feeling understood and confident in their care, we’ve done our job.

Is there a quality that you most attribute to your success?
I would say adaptability paired with intentional communication.

Dentistry — especially ownership — constantly presents situations you weren’t trained for. Plans change, people have emotions, and not every decision has a perfect answer. Being willing to adjust, learn quickly, and stay solution-focused has been essential. But adaptability alone isn’t enough — how you communicate through uncertainty matters even more.

I’ve learned that clarity builds trust. Whether it’s with patients or my team, people don’t expect perfection, they expect honesty, consistency, and to feel heard. Taking the time to explain the “why” behind decisions has probably been the biggest contributor to both patient loyalty and team culture.

Ultimately, my success hasn’t come from knowing everything — it’s come from staying open to growth while keeping relationships at the center of every decision.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://newportbeachdentalcenter.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nbdentalcenter