7 Qualities of a Cosmetic Dentist
Dr. Arthur Kezian explains the top 7 qualities of a cosmetic dentist in Los Angeles.
7 Qualities of a Cosmetic Dentist
When you’re looking for a cosmetic dentist, you shouldn’t make your decision too quickly. Not all cosmetic dentists have the same dedication to skill and quality, and the wrong cosmetic dentist can give you undesirable results– and maybe even damage your teeth! You deserve a cosmetic dentist who can provide you with top-notch service that gives you the results you deserve. As a cosmetic dentist in Los Angeles with over four decades of experience, Arthur Kezian knows how important finding the right cosmetic dentist is. Here are his 7 key qualifications you should insist on when searching for a cosmetic dentist.
Qualities of a Cosmetic Dentist in Los Angeles
1. Education & Training
- The education and training of a cosmetic dentist play a pivotal role in shaping their expertise and proficiency in enhancing the aesthetics of a patient’s smile. Aspiring cosmetic dentists typically embark on a rigorous educational journey, completing a dental degree from an accredited dental school. This foundational education lays the groundwork for a solid understanding of:
- Oral health
- Anatomy
- General dental procedures
- Specialized cosmetic procedures
2. Experience
- Education alone doesn’t make a great cosmetic dentist. You want them to have experience, too. Years of hands-on practice and exposure to a diverse range of cases contribute to a cosmetic dentist’s ability to navigate the complexities of smile improvement. A seasoned cosmetic dentist brings a wealth of knowledge and a refined skill set to each patient interaction.
- Cosmetic dentists spend years working on various procedures, including:
- Teeth whitening
- Dental veneers
- Dental implants
- Invisalign
- Tooth-colored fillings
- Dental bonding
- Gum contouring
- Full mouth reconstruction
- Complex smile makeovers
3. Artistic Skill
- Cosmetic dentistry isn’t just a science– it’s also an art. Beyond technical expertise, an artistic cosmetic dentist possesses a discerning eye for aesthetic harmony, color, and proportion. This skill is particularly evident in procedures such as veneers, smile makeovers, and teeth contouring, where precision and a nuanced understanding of facial features are crucial. In other words, your dentist needs to know what looks good– not just aesthetically, but what works for your individual face.
- However, the pursuit of excellence in cosmetic dentistry doesn’t end with basic dental education. Top cosmetic dentists often pursue additional training, postgraduate courses, and certifications specifically focused on cosmetic and aesthetic dentistry. These advanced programs teach these skilled practitioners additional skills, including:
- Intricacies of smile design
- Advances in dental technology
- New dental materials and techniques
- Color theory
- The latest advancements in cosmetic dental procedure
- Given the dynamic nature of dental technologies and materials, continuous learning about the latest developments ensures that cosmetic dentists can offer their patients cutting-edge treatments that align with the highest standards of care and aesthetic excellence. The education and training of a cosmetic dentist is an ongoing process of refinement, enabling them to blend artistry with technical proficiency for remarkable smile makeovers.
- Through all of this experience, a cosmetic dentist hones their ability to tailor treatments to individual needs. Experience equips them with an intuitive understanding of facial aesthetics and the artistry required to create a natural, harmonious smile that complements a patient’s unique features.
- Experience also makes it much easier for your cosmetic dentist to deal with challenges. It allows your dentist to be adaptable and flexible, which is invaluable when devising personalized treatment plans. For cases involving multiple cosmetic procedures or those requiring a combination of restorative and aesthetic interventions, a dentist with years of experience is your best bet.
- The ability to envision and craft a smile that complements your natural beauty requires artistic intuition. A skilled cosmetic dentist considers many elements of your dental aesthetics, including:
- Facial structure
- Dental symmetry
- Material selection
- Shade matching
- Enamel translucency and texture
- The artistic skill of a cosmetic dentist transforms dental procedures into personalized works of art, leaving patients with not just improved smiles but natural-looking results that make them happy. When you work with a good cosmetic dentist, you’ll want the world to see your smile.
“I have been to several dentists in my life, and I can confidently say that Dr. Kezian is the best cosmetic dentist in Los Angeles. When I was ready to pursue my cosmetic dentistry make over, I visited several dentists until I found Dr. Kezian. I can say that he as all the qualities I needed in a dentist and more, I could not be happier with the results. I finally have the smile of my dreams thanks to Dr. Kezian and his team.”—Harold B. Pecker
Harold Johnson
4. Up-To-Date Knowledge
Dentistry is a constantly evolving field, and a good cosmetic dentist must learn to work with new materials and information. New dental technology includes:
- 3D imaging
- 3D printing of dental materials
- CAD (computer-assisted design) for digital smile design
- Laser dentistry
- Intraoral camera techniques
- Digital X-rays
- Air abrasion
- Dental robotics
- Minimally invasive procedures
- Non-metallic restorations
Staying current is imperative for a cosmetic dentist to offer patients the most effective, safe, and innovative treatments available. Technological breakthroughs enhance diagnostic precision and treatment planning, meaning that you are far more likely to have a superior outcome.
Additionally, awareness of the latest dental materials ensures that cosmetic dentists can provide restorations that not only achieve aesthetic goals but also boast durability and biocompatibility. The commitment to maintaining up-to-date knowledge reflects their dedication to delivering the highest standard of care, ensuring patients benefit from the latest advancements and enjoy the most modern and sophisticated cosmetic dental solutions available in the ever-evolving landscape of dental aesthetics.
5. Communication Skills
Effective communication is so important for your dentist to understand your goals and expectations. Your cosmetic dentist needs to be able to:
- Listen attentively to patients
- Explain procedures clearly
- Ensure that patients are well-informed and comfortable with the proposed treatment plan
- Create an environment of trust and comfort
- Facilitate open dialogue about your desires, concerns, and aesthetic goals
Good communication is crucial when explaining complex procedures, ensuring that patients comprehend the treatment process, potential outcomes, and post-operative care. This empowers patients to make informed decisions and fosters a sense of collaboration between you and your dentist. Clear and concise communication is essential for coordinating a comprehensive treatment plan, and if your cosmetic dentist can’t communicate the plan to you, you should seek a new dentist.
6. Technical Proficiency
Beyond artistic skills, technical proficiency is essential. In today’s cosmetic dentistry practice, this includes expertise in:
- Using the latest dental technologies
- Performing various cosmetic procedures, such as veneers, teeth whitening, and dental implants
- Demonstrating a deep understanding of the intricate procedures involved in smile enhancement
- Proficiency in utilizing state-of-the-art technologies, such as CAD/CAM systems and digital imaging
Technical proficiency goes hand-in-hand with continuing education and up-to-date knowledge. Knowing what’s out there is great, but if your cosmetic dentist doesn’t know how to use it, it’s not useful knowledge, really. You need to be able to trust that a technically proficient cosmetic dentist possesses the skills and knowledge necessary to transform smiles with precision, ensuring both aesthetic beauty and functional integrity.
7. Patient-Centered Approach
This last quality might just be the most important. A patient-centered approach is a hallmark of exceptional cosmetic dentistry, emphasizing the importance of tailoring treatments to meet the unique needs, preferences, and concerns of each individual.
Here are some key signs that your dentist is taking a patient-centered approach:
- They want to foster a collaborative relationship
- They consider your overall well being
- They prioritize open communication
- They actively listen to your aspirations
- They are realistic about potential outcomes and expectations
- They involve you in the decision-making process
- They don’t just want your teeth to be beautiful– they want them to work!
- They explain procedures in accessible language
- They are empathetic and address your concerns with kindness
With an approach like this, patients feel heard, valued, and actively involved in achieving their aesthetic goals. This creates a sense of trust and satisfaction that extends beyond the final results.
Patient Reviews
Rated 5 out of 5 stars based on 1156 Google & Yelp reviews.
Dana R.4/24/2026Wonderful cleaning, explaining any concerns they had and the dentist and dental tech. work so well together. You can tell they have worked together for a ling time. Dr. T is amazing as always and her tech was the best, I have ever had. I have a small mouth and she was so gentle with X-rays, polishing etc. you can tell she has lot of experience.read moreread less
Lauren Beck4/24/2026I am terrified of the dentist (“anxious” does even close to not capture it). I came in with an emergency tooth situation and Dr. K and his team made my experience amazing. I am absolutely blown away by how effective and kind they were. They got me in and got it sorted same day, and went above and beyond making the experience feel safe. Dream dentist.read moreread less
Steve Curcuru4/22/2026Returned to my favorite dentist for a cleaning. Very friendly, thorough and professional. Timely reminders for appointments and flexible scheduling. Excellent office and the team is very upbeat and reassuring! Grateful to stay on track with this amazing team.read moreread less
Nara keheyan4/18/2026I’ve been coming to this dental office for many years, and I can honestly say they are the best. Dr. Kezian has always been an incredible dentist, and after finding him, I never wanted to go anywhere else. Now I see Dr. Steve, and he is just as amazing. He genuinely cares about his patients and goes above and beyond.Both my husband and I were in a lot of pain and needed emergency care, and Dr. Steve did everything he could to help us. He even checked in on us during his days off to make sure we were okay, which truly meant so much.The entire team is wonderful—from Karina to everyone else in the office. They are kind, professional, and always make you feel comfortable. I highly recommend this office to anyone looking for exceptional dental care!read moreread less
Lauren Delisle4/15/2026This is by far the kindest, most patient-forward dental practice I’ve ever been to. I came here last year after a hiatus of several years where I had not received treatment from any provider, and I felt nervous for my first appointment. But that feeling quickly faded when I stepped into the office and the doctors and assistants were all incredibly warm and hospitable, providing explanations of what they were doing and why. They made me feel in charge of my treatment plan and safe to return for a filling. I had my second annual appointment here this past month and called the office to go over my bill. The woman I spoke with helped me understand what portion insurance covered and really took care to make me feel valued and understood as a patient. I will keep coming back to them!read moreread less
Alyssa Moreno4/11/2026I’ve been coming here for almost 4 years now and absolutely love it! The whole office has such a warm, family-oriented vibe that makes every visit comfortable. The cleanings are always thorough and gentle, and the team does a great job making sure you feel at ease.I also had a chipped tooth that they were able to fix perfectly during a regular appointment - it came out looking completely natural. They use great imaging technology and are always very transparent about everything, which I really appreciate.Highly recommend this office to anyone looking for quality care and a friendly environment!read moreread less
Bryttni Jones4/04/2026I’m so glad I found the Kezian office back in 2019, I can’t recommend them enough. Dr. Arthur was so kind when I was a new patient and struggled with dental insecurity. The entire team is welcoming, professional, and take their time explaining procedures and treatment options. Dr. Steven is a stellar dentist with great bedside manner. I look forward to appointments now because I know I’m going to leave with new confidence.read moreread less
Claudia Puig4/01/2026Dr. Kezian’s office is great—professional, friendly, thorough and welcoming! Everyone in the office seems competent and cheerful, like they enjoy their work and are dedicated to doing their best, which is a lovely thing to behold! I saw Dr. Narine Tashjian, who was wonderful—so knowledgeable and kind. It was my first visit to this dental practice —I had seen another dentist for many years until he retired. Dr. Tashjian listened to all my concerns and took the time to offer her wise advice. My daughter recommended this practice to me— she has been a patient here for a few years and told me she looks forward to going to the dentist! Now I see why. I love that this is a family owned and operated business and look forward to going back!read moreread less
Scott Ward3/31/2026I’ve been going here for about 8 years now and have always had a really good experience. The staff is easy to deal with, very hospitable and everything runs smoothly from check-in to the actual appointment.They do a great job of explaining things in a straightforward way and never make it feel overwhelming. I’ve always felt like they’re thorough and genuinely focused on taking good care of my teeth.Overall, it’s just a solid, professional office with people who clearly know what they’re doing. I’ve stuck with them this long for a reason and would definitely recommend them.read moreread less
Fiker Mulatu3/31/2026I’ve been coming to Kezian Dentistry for my dental care and continue to be really happy with the service I receive. I had a great experience today, the dental cleaning was impressively quick without feeling rushed, and everything was handled with such professionalism. Dr. Kezian is amazing, very skilled and reassuring, and the entire staff made me feel comfortable from start to finish. Highly recommend!read moreread less
Manuel3/28/2026Dr. Arthur kezian and staff are very professional, patient and understanding. I would definitely recommend this place to friends and family. I am glad of my decision to have Dr. Kezian and his team as my primary dentist. Thank you all for all the care and attention.read moreread less
debbie benfield3/27/2026From start to finish this dental office goes above and beyond in all areas. It starts by being warmly greeted. The short wait to be seen is in a clean and comfortable area. Dr Steven Kezian and Clarice the assistant explain all procedures in a knowledgeable and professional and carimg manner. Added bonus is scheduling a dental appointment on a Saturday. Let's put it this way. It was a pleasure to come to the dentist! Don't think that is heard very often! Thank you.read moreread less
Linda Mkrtumyan3/26/2026Today’s dental visit at Dr. Kezian’s office was truly an excellent experience for both my son and my daughter. From the moment we walked in, the office staff was warm, welcoming, and incredibly organized, making the entire process smooth and stress-free.Dr. T and Dr. Steven were both outstanding professional, patient, and very attentive. They took the time to explain everything clearly, making sure my kids felt comfortable and at ease throughout their appointments. Their gentle approach and genuine care made a big difference, especially for children who may feel nervous about dental visits.The entire team demonstrated kindness, efficiency, and a high level of expertise. The office itself was clean, well-maintained, and had a very positive atmosphere.I truly appreciate the excellent care provided and highly recommend Dr. Kezian’s office to anyone looking for a trustworthy and family-friendly dental practice.read moreread less
Sam Essa3/23/2026Finding a great dentist is like finding a treasure, and that is exactly what I found with Dr. Mike, Dr. Arthur A. Kezian, DDS, and their team.I first came to this office in 2017 after a weekend dental emergency when I broke a tooth. At the time, I had just moved to Los Angeles and did not yet have a dentist. A good friend referred me, and I was impressed that I could schedule an appointment online and received a call right away. Even back then, their online scheduling technology was efficient and reliable.Since then, I have trusted Dr. Arthur Kezian’s office with my dental care for many procedures, including cleanings, crowns, and a dental implant. The care has always been outstanding. Over the last four years, I have mainly seen Dr. Michael Kezian, who has been truly exceptional. He takes the time to explain treatment options clearly, gives honest and thoughtful advice, and always makes me feel comfortable and informed. I have also been treated by other doctors in the practice, including Dr. Narine, and my experience has been consistently excellent.What stands out most to me is that the advice and treatment recommendations they have given me since 2017 have proven to be accurate and valid over the years. That kind of consistency, knowledge, and integrity is rare, and it is one of the main reasons I trust them completely.Before coming here, I had a real fear of dentists. That changed completely after I started visiting this office. Everyone here is genuinely caring, they truly listen to their patients, and they make you feel that your care really matters.I now live deep in Riverside County near Temecula, yet I still drive more than 90 miles to Los Angeles for my appointments. That alone says everything about the level of trust and confidence I have in Dr. Michael Kezian, Dr. Arthur A. Kezian, and the entire team. I would not even consider looking for another dentist.The staff is also incredible. Karine, Melissa, Jean, Gaby, and Daisy have always gone above and beyond to help with scheduling, insurance, billing, reminders, follow up, and even care coordination when I needed to be referred to a periodontist. They are professional, compassionate, organized, and truly dedicated to patient care.Dr. Mike and the entire team are top notch. Their clinical knowledge, the technology they use, and the quality of care they provide are outstanding. I highly recommend Dr. Arthur A. Kezian, DDS to anyone looking for a dental office with exceptional skill, professionalism, and genuine compassion.read moreread less
FAQs
What should I do if I have a Dental Emergency?
A dental emergency can happen at any time and anywhere. Types of dental emergencies can be caused by an impact to the mouth and include, chipped teeth, knocked out teeth, or loose teeth sometimes even a tooth abscess. It is vital that in the event of a dental emergency, one should visit their Dentist right away. If you are looking for an emergency dentist in Los Angeles, please call Dr. Arthur A. Kezian.
What do Dental Veneers cost?
Porcelain laminate veneers are probably the most esthetic means of creating a more pleasing and beautiful smile. They require a minimal amount of tooth reduction and are, therefore, a more conservative restoration than a crown. Traditional porcelain veneers cost between $925 and $2,500 per tooth, but can last between 10 and 15 years. Composite veneers cost about $250 to $1500 per tooth, and can last from five to seven years.
When Can I schedule my next dental appointment?
To maintain a good oral health, the American Dental Association suggests having a regular oral exam every six months. The best way to ensure you return for your next check-up is to schedule your next appointment before you leave the dentist office.
How to replace a missing tooth with Dental Implants?
Dental implants can help you if you want to replace one or more missing or damaged teeth. Dental implants offer numerous benefits. Missing teeth can greatly affect the quality of your life and so does loose and ill fitting dentures. Dental Implants are very tiny titanium posts that are placed into the jawbone where the teeth have gone missing. Choosing the best dentist for your dental implants is crucial to get the best value for your money and for results that can last a lifetime.
Finding the Best Cosmetic Dentist in Los Angeles
Now that you know exactly what to look for, where should you begin your search? There are many cosmetic dentists in the area, but not all of them take the individualized, patient-centered approach that you deserve. Instead of choosing a cosmetic dentist who tries to fit you into an established procedural paradigm, you need to find a dentist who will put your unique needs and desires at the forefront of the entire process.
When looking for a cosmetic dentist in Los Angeles who will meet your needs and listen to you, look no further than Dr. Arthur Kezian. Dr. Kezian has over 40 years of experience serving the Los Angeles community, creating amazing smiles and a community of trust and open communication with his patients. As a former faculty member at UCLA’s dental school and chemistry departments, Dr. Kezian knows the importance of education– and also the importance of staying current with techniques. But most importantly, Dr. Kezian’s practice is staffed by people who want to help you achieve your desires and your aesthetic goals. They’re deeply compassionate towards your needs and will work with you– not on you.





















