Bita Davoodian, DDS

Highlights

• Digital & Laser Dentistry
• Preventive Care
• Precise & Pain-Minimized Procedures
• Dental & Systemic Health

Beach Dental Club is a modern dental practice offering preventive, restorative and cosmetic dentistry. Owner Bita Davoodian, DDS, uses advanced technology and tools such as 3D imaging, digital diagnostics, intraoral scanners and cameras, and cone beam CT imaging to improve accuracy and the patient experience. She launched Beach Dental Club in 2012 and has worked in dentistry for nearly three decades. Dr. Davoodian mentors dental students and was a clinical restorative instructor at the UCLA School of Dentistry for about 12 years.

What are the top traits that make a great business leader?

Dentistry is an intensely personal field. Our patients are often anxious, vulnerable or in pain. In these moments, it’s not just technical proficiency that builds trust; it’s how we communicate, reassure and connect. The ability to read a patient’s nonverbal cues, to calm their fears and to foster a welcoming, respectful environment—these are leadership qualities just as vital as treatment planning or practice management. While traditional business rhetoric has undervalued these traits, in reality they enhance patient satisfaction, team cohesion and, ultimately, the success of the practice. 

What part of your job are patients most surprised by?

How much of my job is focused on prevention and education—not just procedures. People often think dentistry is mostly about fixing problems like cavities or doing cosmetic work, but a big part of what I do is helping patients avoid those issues altogether.

Another surprise is how closely oral health is connected to overall health. We’re often looking for early signs of systemic conditions—like inflammation, nutritional deficiencies or even sleep-related issues—during routine exams. Patients are also sometimes surprised by how much psychology is involved. Managing anxiety, building trust and helping people feel comfortable is just as important as the clinical work.

What does “meeting patients where they are” actually look like in your work?

“Meeting patients where they are” means recognizing that every person comes in with a different background, comfort level and set of priorities—and adjusting my approach accordingly. Instead of expecting patients to fit into a rigid model of care, I create an environment where they feel heard, supported and empowered to take the next step.

On a practical level, that might mean tailoring how I communicate. Some patients want detailed explanations and to be involved in every decision, while others feel overwhelmed and prefer a simpler, step-by-step plan. It also means being mindful of dental anxiety—taking extra time, moving at a slower pace and making sure patients feel in control during their visit.

It can also look like adapting treatment plans. Ideally, there’s a gold-standard approach, but not everyone is in a position—financially, emotionally or logistically—to pursue it right away. Meeting patients where they are means offering realistic options, prioritizing what matters most and building a plan they can actually follow.

What do you love about the South Bay?

Being near the ocean brings a calm and perspective to daily life, and that carries over into how people approach their health. There’s a strong appreciation for staying active and a real sense of community here. I often see patients at local events, coffee shops or just walking along the beach, and it makes the relationships feel more personal. From a professional standpoint, I appreciate that people in the South Bay are proactive and engaged when it comes to their health. It creates an environment where prevention, education and long-term care really resonate, which makes the work even more fulfilling.

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

As a woman in dentistry, I define my leadership style as collaborative, compassionate and purpose-driven. I believe leadership is about inspiring trust, fostering growth and elevating others around you. In a profession that’s both highly technical and deeply personal, I lead with empathy and clarity, whether I’m guiding my team, mentoring students or supporting patients in making informed decisions about their health. Being a woman in a historically male-dominated field has taught me the value of resilience, preparation and presence. My approach prioritizes open communication, continuous learning and creating a practice culture where every team member feels seen, heard and empowered to contribute meaningfully. Leadership, to me, is not a title; it’s a responsibility to advocate for integrity, innovation and inclusivity in dentistry.

Photographed by Fabien & Laura Castro