Today we’d like to introduce you to Michael Apa.
Hi Michael, it’s an honor to have you on the platform. Thanks for taking the time to share your story with us – to start maybe you can share some of your backstory with our readers?
Dr. Apa: From the time I was a kid, I knew I wanted to be a dentist. I couldn’t shake the vision, so I focused on making it happen. In high school, on career day, I shadowed my local dentist and that’s when things got real. He gave me audiotapes of a guy named Larry Rosenthal. He said, “Michael I’m not sure what area of dentistry you’re interested in, but there is something called cosmetic dentistry that is exciting and new. Listen to this guy’s tape; he’s creating the landscape.” Well, I listened to that tape and was hooked. I knew cosmetic dentistry was for me, and more importantly that I had to work for Larry Rosenthal. From there, many things happened, but essentially, I became Larry’s associate, then partner and, ultimately, the practice’s owner. It’s all about having real focus on the things you want in life and tuning out the distractions.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
Dr. Apa: There have been many challenges along the way, but what’s that saying about nothing great coming easy? I’ll tell you about a recent bump in the road. Last September, my New York office had a lab fire that absolutely devastated the space. At the time, I was boarding a plane from Dubai to New York. The news was shocking, and the pictures and videos were a bad combination of depressing and anxiety-producing. This fire was a curveball that changed me, and it wasn’t all bad. It brought a renewed feeling of strength and the deepest appreciation for my team, the dental community, and our patients. Just two days later, we were up and running at a temporary location, where we remained for 6 months. I don’t know if I will ever fully wrap my head around the sequence of events.
Great, so let’s talk business. Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
Dr. Apa: I have three office locations (New York, LA, Dubai) and another one on the way! On the business side, I don’t know everything, but I’m comfortable with that and learn a lot on the field. On the clinical side, I am supported by a solid team who believes in the company mission, and we have systems in place to ensure a uniform experience for each patient.
I like to think people come to Apa Aesthetic for the dental experience they want, not need. There’s a difference and I get that. We specialize in cosmetic work, namely Smile Makeovers, and prioritize addressing both form and function. What does that mean? It means the work shouldn’t just look good; it should function correctly too. (Think: eating normally and having a comfortable bite). Restorative dentistry, when done correctly, has the power to turn back time and truly change the lives of the people who opt in.
Can you talk to us a bit about happiness and what makes you happy?
Dr. Apa: Today there is so much talk about “happiness” and it’s funny to me. If you rewind the clock 100 years, that wasn’t talked about. People weren’t asking themselves if they were happy; they were just living. The question is such a double-edged sword because you can reflect on your answer forever, paralyzed and afraid to commit to anything out of fear it won’t “make you happy.” My take? There really isn’t a “happy.” Happiness a mindset. It’s not the situation; it’s your perception of the situation.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: @doctorapa @apa.aesthetic
- Other: Apa Aesthetic LA: 9400 Brighton Way, #301, Beverly Hills, CA 90210 Phone: (310)601-4288
Image Credits
Apa Aesthetic Patient room, Lab, Front Desk, Working. Dr. Apa
