Dr. T. My journey in dentistry has been full of passion, challenges, and milestones. As a child, I spent a lot of time at the dentist because of my love for sweets. Unlike most kids, I felt comfortable in the chair, and that curiosity grew. After high school, I shadowed my cousin who had just become a dentist, and that inspired me to follow the same path.

I studied at PUCMM in Santiago de los Caballeros, Dominican Republic, and became a dentist there. Just two weeks after graduating in 2011, I moved to the U.S. I thought the transition would be simple, but it was long and demanding. While preparing for my dental boards, I worked as a dental assistant for four years. In 2015, I was accepted into Columbia University College of Dental Medicine, then completed a three-year residency at NewYork-Presbyterian Hospital, graduating in 2018.

For six years, I worked as an associate dentist, gaining experience and growing both personally and professionally. Then, in January 2025, I reached one of my biggest milestones: becoming the proud owner of my own practice, Tava Dental NY.

Dr. T. I’ve always wanted my own practice so I could dedicate myself fully to patients. When someone sits in my chair, I don’t see “just another patient”—I see my own family. Dentistry should never feel scary. My goal is for every patient to feel cared for, respected, and safe.

One of the most important lessons I’ve learned is to trust myself—my instincts, my inner voice. Not every situation or job is right, and listening to that feeling has helped me make better decisions and live with authenticity.

Dr. T. Growing up in the Dominican Republic, dentistry was once considered a luxury. My parents made sure I always had proper care—my dad wouldn’t let me go to bed without brushing and flossing. On my mom’s side, periodontal disease runs in the family, so I also learned prevention early.

I’ve had my share of dental treatments—extractions, fillings, a root canal—so I know what it feels like to be the patient in the chair. That perspective shapes how I treat others. I care for every patient the way I would want to be cared for.

Dr. T. Technically, yes, I’m considered a new dentist in the U.S.—but I’ve been in dentistry nearly two decades. The real challenge is earning trust from institutions. Banks may hesitate to give loans, and not every workplace is the right fit.

Another big challenge is the business side. Dental school trains you clinically, but not for management, payroll, or running a practice. I believe our curriculum should include more on economics and practice ownership.

Dr. T. Always educate yourself, update yourself, and seek guidance from those who’ve already walked the path. Learn from mentors who share not only their successes but also their failures. And remember—you’re not alone. Having a network makes the load easier.

Above all, be kind to yourself. Starting out is hard—loans, cost of living, building independence. None of us can do it alone. Lean on mentors, colleagues, and friends. And don’t forget to enjoy life outside of dentistry. Balance starts with being kind to yourself every day.

Dr. T. The first person was my mom, who always said: “If you’re going to do something, do it right, or don’t do it at all.” That phrase has guided me my whole life.

I’ve also been inspired by mentors like Dr. Dennis Tarnow at Columbia and Dr. Albert Granger, a successful endodontist on Long Island. Their excellence showed me what is possible. My friend Dr. Mariel Valerio inspires me too—she runs her own practice, serves as a health director, trains future assistants, and balances life as a wife and mother. She reminds me that with passion and commitment, so much is possible.

Dr. T. Every patient is welcome in my practice and I feel a special mission to serve the Hispanic community. Many say they wait to return to their home country for dental care. My message is: you don’t need to—I’m here for you.

I also serve on the board of Somos Amigos Medical Missions, which provides care in the mountains of the Dominican Republic. Four times a year we spend a week treating patients with everything from fillings to dentures. Right now, we’re building a hospital to provide care year-round. Seeing someone smile again with gratitude is the greatest reward.

Q. Why is celebrating diversity, like Hispanic Heritage Month, important to you?

Dr. T. At the end of the day, we are all human beings—souls and hearts wanting to share the love we carry inside. That’s one reason I love New York: people from every corner of the world come together here.

As Hispanics, we are hardworking. My father came to the U.S. when I was four and worked tirelessly to give us a better life. Now here I am, a dentist in the United States—something I never could have imagined.

One of my proudest moments was standing at Columbia University during my residency and thinking, Wow, here I am, a Dominican at Columbia University. My journey is a reflection of sacrifice, resilience, and the beauty of blending cultures.