Meet Sally Yi of Claremont

Today we’d like to introduce you to Sally Yi.

Alright, so thank you so much for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, can you tell us a bit about how you got started?
From a young age, I’ve always enjoyed working with people and finding ways to help others. I also had a deep appreciation for art and once imagined myself as a comic book artist, interior designer, or web designer. As I moved through high school, I discovered a strong interest—and ability—in science, which led me to tutor fellow students throughout high school and college. Over time, I came to realize that dentistry was the perfect blend of everything I loved: helping others, applying scientific knowledge, and expressing creativity. That combination is what drew me to the field, and it’s what continues to inspire me in my work today.

I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
Thankfully, my path to becoming a dentist was relatively smooth. However, the real challenge came when I made the difficult decision to leave the practice I had been a part of for over seven years to open my own—Renov Dental Group. Starting a business for the first time was daunting, especially while continuing to serve as a healthcare provider. As a dentist, it can be challenging to balance the desire to help others with the practical realities of running a business. It’s something I’m still learning to navigate, but I’ve come to realize that patients truly value honesty, transparency, and genuine effort. That understanding continues to guide me as both a clinician and a business owner.

Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
At Renov Dental Group, I focus on providing comprehensive, patient-centered care with an emphasis on both function and aesthetics. While I enjoy all aspects of general dentistry, I have a special interest in restorative and cosmetic treatments—procedures that not only improve oral health but also help patients feel more confident in their smiles. What I’m most proud of is the environment we’ve created: one that feels welcoming, transparent, and built on trust.

One aspect of my practice that sets us apart is the care we offer to patients with severe dental phobia. Over the years, I’ve seen many patients who are initially very anxious about visiting the dentist, and I’m proud to say that most of them feel completely comfortable by their second or third visit. This is an area where my background in special needs dentistry residency has been invaluable. The experience has helped me develop a unique ability to create a calming and empathetic environment, where patients feel understood and supported every step of the way.

Patients often tell me that what makes our practice different is the time we take to truly listen and educate. I make it a point to explain treatment options clearly and involve patients in the decision-making process. I also pay close attention to detail—not just clinically, but in the overall experience, from the design of the space to how we communicate. I believe that dentistry is both a science and an art, and I approach each case with that mindset.

What matters most to me is building long-term relationships and making people feel cared for—not just treated. That, more than anything, is what keeps me motivated and proud of the work I do every day.

Risk taking is a topic that people have widely differing views on – we’d love to hear your thoughts.
When it comes to risk-taking, I would definitely not consider myself a risk-taker. I tend to approach both my personal and professional life with caution, especially when it comes to making decisions that could affect people’s health. This mindset has a significant influence on how I approach treatment planning with my patients. I’m always focused on selecting the options with the highest probability of success, and I take great care in ensuring that patients fully understand the risks, benefits, and alternatives of each treatment plan.

For me, the goal is always to minimize any potential uncertainties. I like to rely on evidence-based practices and proven techniques that deliver predictable outcomes. While I understand that every patient’s needs are unique, I feel it’s important to guide them toward choices that offer the greatest chances for long-term success, particularly when it comes to their oral health.

While I don’t take many risks in my clinical decisions, I believe that being transparent and thorough in discussing treatment options helps build trust with my patients. It’s about making informed choices together, where they feel confident in the path we choose. I see it as my responsibility to empower them with as much information as possible to help them make the best decisions for themselves.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://renovdental.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/renovdentalgroup/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/renovdentalgroup/
• Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/renov-dental-group-claremont-3