Hidden Gems: Meet Monique Sison of mend dental

Today we’d like to introduce you to Monique Sison.

Hi Monique, thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, maybe you can tell our readers some of your backstory.
I became interested in dentistry when I was in college at UC Irvine as a biology major. I wasn’t sure what career to pursue and I thought I might as well give dentistry a try because my father is a dentist. I figured that this was an advantage and I thought it was worth it to explore the possibility of a career in dentistry. During a mission trip to Honduras, my decision to become a dentist was solidified. There, I was able to help a community in need by assisting doctors in providing dental care to people who would otherwise not be able to access or afford it. I spent time with the children and families in the area and was able to witness what a difference we made in their lives. I was touched by their willingness to wait hours in line and their immense gratitude after all of it was done.

I applied to dental schools the following year and was able to get into my top choice: University of the Pacific, Arthur A. Dugoni School of Dentistry in San Francisco, CA.The three-year accelerated program was rigorous but deeply rewarding. I gained invaluable clinical skills and had the privilege of learning from some of the best in the field. By graduation, I felt confident and prepared for the next steps.
I began my career working as an associate at a multi-location dental practice, where I continued to expand my skills through continuing education and hands-on experience. However, I grew frustrated by my limited influence over important aspects of patient care, team dynamics, and office policies. I felt I couldn’t fully serve my patients in the ways I envisioned.

This realization sparked my search for a practice of my own. I visited several practices, and eventually, I found one in Irvine that felt like a perfect fit. Ironically, it was located right next to the sushi restaurant where I worked my first job as a hostess. Meeting with the doctor who owned the practice, I discovered that our philosophies aligned well, which made the transition smoother for the staff and patients.

At first, I thought I had achieved my goal. I had a wonderful practice in a prime location, and I was ready to dive in and focus on dentistry. I had purchased a wonderful practice in a great location. All I had to do was work hard and do dentistry. I also assumed that being an owner would automatically lead to greater financial rewards. However, I quickly learned that running a practice was far more challenging than I anticipated. While I was skilled in dentistry, managing a business was something entirely different. I had to make adjustments in my lifestyle and spending habits and deal with the immense stress of not knowing if I had enough cash to make payroll. There was so much to do and I was being pulled in all directions. I felt so busy, yet at the same time, like I was getting nothing done. I couldn’t gain any traction in my practice.

This led me to question my decision to become a dentist. In addition to the opportunity to help people, another reason I chose this path was because I desired the freedom and lifestyle my father had. I watched him pursue all his hobbies (music, HAM radio, tennis, golf, cycling, pickle ball, etc) while being an operator in his business and providing for our family.

At this point, I had no choice but to figure it out. I sought out the advice of people I look up to, who were living their lives the way I wanted to live mine. I learned the hard lesson that all the difficulties I was having in my business were simply a rite of passage.

Through perseverance and some tough decisions, I’ve managed to grow my practice enough to find some peace of mind. And while there’s still much work to be done, I’m finally at a place where I can focus on both the practice’s growth and the quality of care I provide my patients. It’s been a challenging road, but it’s also been deeply fulfilling.

Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know?
At mend dental, our mission goes beyond just treating teeth—we’re here to change how people feel about visiting the dentist. We’ve built an environment that’s warm and welcoming, where patients are valued as individuals, not just as cases. Our focus is on quality care that meets each patient’s unique needs.

What sets us apart is our commitment to genuine connection and making a positive impact. We work as a team to provide the highest standard of care. We believe actions speak louder than words, so we’re dedicated to creating an experience that is consistent, thoughtful, and genuinely caring.

Brand-wise, I’m proud of the culture we’ve created. It’s a place where both patients and team members feel truly appreciated. Our approach is all about delivering an experience that’s smooth, comforting, and uplifting. We’re always evolving to make every visit as easy and pleasant as possible, and we want our patients to feel that difference.

At our practice, we’re committed to making our patient’s visits more than just an appointment, but a positive part of their day.

Have you learned any interesting or important lessons due to the Covid-19 Crisis?
COVID taught me to be flexible and think ahead so that we could keep providing the same level of care our patients expect. It was tough, but it made us a stronger team, more focused and adaptable. We’re now better prepared for whatever comes our way.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://mend.dental
• Instagram: mend.dental
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/mend.dental/