A Discussion With Dr. Jon Marashi About His Distinguished Career in Cosmetic Dentistry

Dr. Jon Marashi is a dentist with an international reputation for excellence and an extensive list of credentials and qualifications. He attended dental school at New York University, graduating from the Aesthetic Dentistry Program with honors before completing a year-long residency at Jamaica Hospital Medical Center in Queens, New York City.

After moving to Southern California, he served as the Clinical Program Director at the California Center for Advanced Dental Studies, using his experience to teach other dentists how to perform the finer points of cosmetic dentistry. Later, he started his own private practice, finding great success in cosmetic dentistry and establishing himself as an expert in the discipline. Dr. Jon Marashi has also published several articles in leading cosmetic journals over the years and is currently a member of the American Dental Association, the California Dental Association, the Western Los Angeles Dental Society, and the Academy of Microscope Enhanced Dentistry. Dr. Marashi has been profiled by publications such as GQ, Vogue, and Esquire.

Dr. Jon Marashi is also an entrepreneur, having been a participant in the development and launch of the M Sonic Luxury Tonic toothbrush in 2019. Additionally, he also served as the Chief Cosmetic Officer for Byte, a company that uses cutting-edge dental technology to examine facial symmetry in order to personalize a smile. In 2020, Byte was acquired by the firm Dentsply Sirona.

Outside of work, Dr. Marashi firmly believes in giving back to the community. In the past, he has been a board member of Learning Lab Ventures, an organization founded to improve the lives of underprivileged children. Presently, he donates his time to The Skatepark Project, which is a nonprofit initiative that advocates for the creation of public skateboard parks in low-income communities.

Why did you decide to create your own dental practice?

I’ve always had an affinity for beautiful smiles. That being the case, dentistry seemed like a natural vocation to pursue, and within that, cosmetic dentistry seemed like the right fit. I also liked the idea of being my own boss, and designing a practice according to my own vision.

What do you love most about the industry you are in?

I love my patients. I love transforming their smiles for the better, and I love getting to know them over the course of years and decades. I have some patients who have been with me so long that I’ve watched their children grow up and retain my services in their own right. It’s very rewarding to think that generations of patients have trusted my practice.

What would you tell others looking to get into your industry?

As a dentist, it’s very important to find mentors to guide you through your career—especially in the beginning. I’ve been lucky enough to be blessed with the friendship of many experienced dental professionals, and the advice they’ve given me in the past has been invaluable.

What is the biggest lesson you have learned managing your team?

Always approach your team with understanding and kindness. Treating them to a round of Starbucks once in a while never hurts when it comes to boosting workplace morale, either.

How has your company grown from its early days to now?

Our roster of patients has increased exponentially since the early days, in large part due to our reputation for quality work. We even count some very well-known people among our patients. Without naming names, I will say that the practice serves quite a few A-list actors, musicians, athletes, and celebrities from all walks of life.

How do you maintain a work life balance? 

Avoiding burnout is very important. I perform very difficult, very detailed work most of the year, but in order to maintain that level of excellence, I always make sure to take time to relax and unwind. I take at at least a couple vacations during the year which always helps. 

What traits do you possess that make you a successful leader?

Outside of being a gifted cosmetic dentist, as a manager, I believe that I’m approachable, discreet, and good at managing time. I also possess a very clear vision of where I want the practice to go and what I want it to accomplish, both in the present and the future.

What trends in your industry excite you? 

Generally speaking, there has been much more interest around people wanting to improve the appearance of their smiles. I find that really exciting, because improving smiles is my favorite thing to do. A great smile is a strong asset. Among other things, it gives people renewed confidence, and also it helps to create a great first impression.

What has been the hardest obstacle you’ve overcome? 

Moving across the country from New York to Los Angeles was something of a logistical adventure, as long-distance moving always is, but I managed to get through it. The end result has been fantastic and I’m very glad I made that decision, however I’m also very glad I chose to do that when I was younger.

What is the biggest life lesson you have learned?

Always hold yourself to an extremely high standard in every professional venture and be accountable for your own actions. That being said, when it comes to addressing others, be quick to forgive mistakes and be sure to use empathy and compassion. 

Outside of work, what defines you as a person? 

I love skateboarding. Along with dentistry, it’s one of the two great passions of my life. I skated all the time when I was a kid, and I still skate in parks around Los Angeles whenever I can manage some free time. I also currently sit on the board of advocates for The Skatepark Project, which is a charity dedicated to building skate parks in underserved and underprivileged communities.