Innovative Dentist and Healthcare Advocate Dr. David Cohen: From UCLA to Sherman Oaks with Marco Derhy
As part of our “Inspiring Innovator” series, we are thrilled to interview Dr. David Cohen. He is a distinguished dentist known for his commitment to patient care and advanced dental techniques. Dr. Cohen, originally from Los Angeles, combines his passion for science, arts, and healthcare in dentistry. He earned his Bachelor’s degree from UCLA and completed his dental education at USC’s Herman Ostrow School of Dentistry. After serving various communities in Los Angeles, he now treats patients in Sherman Oaks. Dr. Cohen focuses on creating a safe, welcoming environment, understanding his patients’ concerns and goals, and emphasizing the link between oral health and overall well-being. Specializing in full mouth reconstruction, TMJ disorders, sleep and airway dentistry, cosmetic dentistry, and veneers, Dr. Cohen uses advanced techniques and technology, such as 3D scans, lasers, 3D printing, and non-metal ceramic implants, to diagnose and treat patients. His holistic, minimally invasive approach ensures high-quality, state-of-the-art dental care, improving the function and aesthetics of patients’ smiles and overall quality of life.
Dr. Cohen, please share with our readers a brief overview of your journey and what inspired you to pursue a career in dentistry.
Dr. Cohen: I grew up around the trade industry. My father and brothers are plumbers, my grandpa is a carpenter, and my uncle is an electrician. Working with my hands is part of my genes, but I always saw myself as a healthcare professional. Since childhood, I have been drawn to science and learning about the human body. I never imagined I would end up a dentist. Still, I randomly stumbled across dentistry when I entered college and realized that it had combined the skills I had been given of working with my hands and my love for learning about the body and helping people. It also can impact people’s lives, and being a part of the journey is truly one of the best feelings.
Your journey from UCLA to the Herman Ostrow School of Dentistry at USC is impressive. How did your education shape your approach to dentistry and patient care?
Dr. Cohen: I learned the true definition of hard work at UCLA. Up until college, I was blessed that school came naturally to me. UCLA was a challenge that I had never faced before, and although it was difficult at first, I quickly learned how to put my head down and put the time in to reach any goal I set my mind to. I feel that my experience in dental school at USC was unique. Not only were we held to the highest standard regarding our work regarding function and aesthetics, but patient care was also regarded as the number one priority. My mentors emphasized giving patients the best experience possible, and I took it upon myself to prioritize that in my dental education and career. Every day, I strive to improve the patient experience and create a lasting positive impression on all my patients. Not many people enjoy going to the dentist, and because of that, people might not be getting the care they need. I believe it is possible to make it not only a comfortable experience but also an enjoyable one.
After serving various communities in the greater Los Angeles area, what motivated you to return to Sherman Oaks to treat patients? How does this community influence your practice?
Dr. Cohen: Working in these communities showed me the importance of oral care. It allowed me to hear different stories and experiences that changed how I wanted to practice dentistry. I quickly learned how important it is for people to have functional teeth. A proper bite and teeth that you can use to eat and talk pain-free are crucial for our day-to-day lives. I saw how great of an impact I created by changing many of my patients’ perspectives of the dentist, and I wanted to have a similar impact in my community of Sherman Oaks. I had not found a dentist I felt comfortable and excited to visit for many years, and I knew I could fill that gap.
You emphasize the profound connection between oral health and overall well-being. Can you elaborate on how improving oral health can positively impact a patient’s overall quality of life?
Dr. Cohen: For a long time, people viewed the mouth and rest of the body as two separate entities, but we have learned that this is not the case. The mouth is the entryway to the rest of your body and contains one of the most complex microbiomes, a host to millions of microorganisms. Each tooth is like an organ; the surrounding tissue creates a complex system essential to keep healthy. A healthy mouth, which includes healthy teeth, gums, bones, and saliva, can help prevent infections, inflammation, and disease in the rest of the body. There are links between poor oral health and Alzheimer’s, diabetes, cardiovascular disease, autoimmune diseases, and the list goes on. The entryway to your body is also the entryway to your overall health. As a dentist, we aren’t only here to fix your tooth when it's hurting; we want to optimize your oral health so you can be as healthy as possible and live your life to the fullest.
Your practice focuses on advanced techniques such as full mouth reconstruction, TMJ disorders, and sleep and airway dentistry. What drives your interest in these specific areas, and how do they benefit your patients?
Dr. Cohen: Like many dentists, I was fixing cavities, doing root canals, and fixing broken crowns, and it got to me thinking about why and how this is happening to so many people. Every single patient I see every day is grinding or clenching their teeth. I started to investigate and understand the root cause of these issues rather than just trying to fix the detrimental effects they caused. It was also puzzling to me how so many people live their lives either with pain or discomfort and “get used to it” because they think there is nothing they can do. I refused to believe that dentistry was fixing cavities. Clenching and grinding are not just symptoms of stress but can also be linked to TMJ disorder, an unbalanced bite, and obstructions in the airway. With every one of my patients, I aim to find the underlying reason for their problem because my goal is not to simply fix my patient’s cavities but to improve their lives. With each day and each patient, I am still asking these questions and learning to continue finding the answers.
Your practice is known for using cutting-edge technology like 3D scans and non-metal ceramic implants. How do these innovations enhance your diagnostic capabilities and treatment outcomes?
Dr. Cohen: I have been very blessed to work alongside mentors who allow me to practice with the best technology in dentistry. There have been many advancements in X-ray technology, which is how most dentists have been using and continue to use to this day. The problem with an X-ray is that it only shows us two dimensions. Using a CBCT scan, we can see the entire mouth and airway in 3 dimensions. This allows us to catch infections, see each tooth canal, analyze the bone, and plan for treatment with a better view and idea of our workspace. Diagnosis and planning are the keys to doing dentistry successfully, and I give my patients the entire picture before we begin treatment. New technology includes not only new gadgets and computers but also new materials such as non-metal ceramic implants. Dentists placed silver fillings and gold crowns for years until new materials, such as composite and dental ceramics, became the standard. I believe non-metal ceramic implants will be the next phase in dentistry. They are more compatible with the body, and I have witnessed remarkable outcomes for my patients.
Your approach to dentistry is both holistic and minimally invasive. Can you explain the benefits of this approach for your patients and why it’s important to you?
Dr. Cohen: Even with all the advancements in dentistry, nothing will ever feel or function like a healthy natural tooth. There are many situations where teeth need to be replaced, but until then, I make it a mission of mine to be as minimally invasive as possible and mimic nature with all of my work. I want to make people’s teeth feel and act as close to their full potential. That means using more minimally invasive techniques to save tooth structure, such as avoiding crowns or bridges. Crowns, veneers, and bridges don’t last for life; every time they need to be replaced, you lose more and more tooth structure. I try to avoid this and make my dental restorations as minimally invasive as possible. I also aim to treat my patients holistically, which means considering the patient’s entire body and medical conditions. Instead of relieving a patient’s symptoms, I want to optimize their oral health and, ultimately, their overall quality of life.
You are dedicated to creating a safe and welcoming environment for your patients. How do you ensure each patient feels comfortable and understood during their visits?
Dr. Cohen: Every time I enter a treatment room I remind myself what its like sitting in that dental chair. It starts with the fact that I genuinely love getting to know people. Taking even just a few minutes of the appointment to talk to my patients and get to know about THEM makes them feel more comfortable and makes me feel connected. I can then enter dentistry and genuinely understand my patient’s goals and desires. I also believe educating your patients is so essential. I show my patients photos and explain the scans in a way that makes it easy to understand. I enjoy teaching, and this helps me turn every patient into a mini dentist. They start to look at the X-ray or in the mirror at their mouth and begin to point out things they are seeing. Creating that team environment makes my patients feel invested and excited about their treatments. It’s important to remember that we are working together.
How do you stay updated with the latest advancements in dental technology and techniques, and how do you incorporate these advancements into your practice?
Dr. Cohen: I try to learn as much as possible from other dentists. That comes in the form of taking courses on topics that interest me, watching webinars held by other dentists, and even just talking to other friends in the field. There are always new techniques and technology that are coming out. It’s impossible to keep up with everything, but I try to learn new things every day. Whenever I find a topic that interests me, I spend time learning about it and investigating it.
For readers interested in following your work and learning more about your practice, how can they stay connected with you and your latest updates?
Dr. Cohen: Something I started doing during dental school was posting on social media. It began as a way to give dental students tips and tricks, but I soon realized how many people I could reach worldwide. With over 2 million followers across YouTube, TikTok, and Instagram, I want to continue to help people who come to my office from the comfort of their homes. I try to discuss new topics, test out new products, and provide value to anyone interested in improving their oral and overall health. Anyone who wants to follow along can look up my full name, David Cohen, on any of these platforms and our website. I plan to continue doing what I love and inspire others to optimize their oral health and well-being.
