Madelyne Salo, DDS

Salo Manhattan Beach is a family-owned dental practice specializing in general, cosmetic, implant and pediatric dentistry. Owner Madelyne Salo, DDS, is a second-generation dentist who also operates Salo & Salo dental practice in Los Angeles. She is on the faculty at NYU College of Dentistry, where she teaches the next generation of dentists.

How did your upbringing influence your journey?

My journey into dentistry has been deeply shaped by both my family and my creative upbringing. My father, Dr. Dean Salo, who is also a dentist, was my earliest inspiration. Watching the way he cared for his patients with skill and compassion planted the seed early on that dentistry could be much more than a profession; it could be a way to truly take care of others. I attended UCLA for undergraduate and the University of the Pacific for dental school, just as he did. That shared path not only connected us more deeply but also reinforced the kind of clinician I wanted to become—rooted in tradition but always looking ahead.      I also grew up immersed in art, finding joy in creating with my hands, transforming ideas into something tangible. That love for detail and aesthetics naturally found its place in dentistry, where precision and creativity go hand in hand. These influences have shaped how I practice today: with intention, empathy and a deep appreciation for the artistry of a confident, healthy smile.

Any new projects on the horizon?

I’m in the final stages of launching a line of holistic dental products called Salo. The vision is to bring the same level of care and rigor you’d expect from high-end skin care into oral health. Every formulation is clean, effective and safe with no artificial fragrances, colors, microplastics or harsh preservatives. This has been a passion project of mine for years. 

What can we each do to support other women in business?

Offer mentorship, guidance and encouragement. Success isn’t meant to be a lonely journey. When we share our knowledge, open doors and create opportunities for one another, we all rise together. For me, that means inviting young high school and college women to intern at my office so they can gain real-world experience and get a glimpse into what a career in dentistry looks like. 

Photographed by Fabien & Laura Castro