An Interview with Dr. Justin Raanan DDS MMSc
Rifkin Raanan, with locations in Beverly Hills and Brentwood, has become a leading destination for patients seeking comprehensive dental care that blends artistry, precision, and scientific excellence. The practice is led by Dr. Robert Rifkin DDS, Dr. Rodney Raanan DDS MMSc, and Dr. Steven Rifkin DDS, with periodontal care anchored by board-certified periodontist Dr. Justin Raanan DDS MMSc. Together, the practice provides a wide spectrum of services from advanced periodontal treatment and dental implants to full mouth reconstruction and aesthetic enhancements.
While cosmetic dentistry often captures the spotlight, Rifkin Raanan emphasizes the foundation of every healthy smile; gum and bone health, precision implant placement, and restorative procedures. Under their Own Your Smile™ philosophy, the practice offers personalized solutions that are natural-looking, functional, and long-lasting.
The multidisciplinary team works in seamless collaboration, uniting Dr. Justin Raanan’s DDS MMSc periodontal expertise, Dr. Rodney Raanan’s DDS MMSc prosthodontic vision, Dr. Steven Rifkin’s refined cosmetic artistry, and Dr. Robert Rifkin’s longstanding leadership in aesthetic and restorative dentistry. Complemented by the Atelier Aesthetic Lab and cutting-edge digital and surgical technologies, the practice delivers meticulous, fully integrated care. The practice was designed with patient care in mind, with the ultimate objective being to provide the highest quality experience.
Beyond the operatory, Rifkin Raanan extends its influence through the Giving a Smile Foundation, co-founded by Doctors Justin Raanan DDS MMSc and Rodney Raanan DDS MMSc with their partners, Steven Rifkin DDS and Dr. Robert Rifkin DDS. The nonprofit provides dental care and oral health education to underserved communities in Los Angeles, creating meaningful change and expanding access to life-changing treatment.
Totalprestige caught up with Dr. Justin Raanan DDS MMSc, for an inside look to his world.
Your career blends high-level clinical practice with advanced research. What early experiences or mentors shaped your decision to specialize in periodontics and dental implants?
My path toward periodontics was shaped by curiosity and mentorship. At UCLA, where I studied anthropology, I became fascinated by how biology, culture, and human behavior intersect. This perspective stayed with me in dentistry. I was drawn to the foundation of oral health; the supporting structures, bone, and biology behind regeneration. Mentors who were both scientists and clinicians showed me that periodontics isn’t just about treating disease, but restoring function and confidence, using biology to rebuild what was lost. Dental implants perfectly combine surgical precision, long-term planning, and artistry.
You trained at both USC and Harvard School of Dental Medicine — how has your academic background influenced your approach to patient care?
USC provided a strong clinical foundation with exposure to diverse patients, while Harvard refined my thinking. There, I learned to analyze research critically and to innovate. That mindset now guides every treatment plan, balancing science, technology, and predictable outcomes.
Periodontal health is often overlooked by patients until symptoms arise. What’s one misconception you encounter most often?
Many people think gum disease hurts; it often doesn’t until it’s advanced. Bleeding gums are a sign of inflammation, not normal. I explain that gum disease is like high blood pressure: silent, progressive, and connected to overall health. Once patients understand its systemic impact, they see oral health differently.
Your practice incorporates cutting-edge technology — from AI diagnostics to computer-guided implants. How do you balance that with patient care?
Technology enhances precision but doesn’t replace empathy. Patients come for reassurance, clarity, and trust. I always explain procedures, listen, and maintain warmth, ensuring high-technology care still feels personalized.
Sedation dentistry plays a role in patient comfort. How so?
For anxious patients, sedation transforms the experience. Fear often prevents care, and avoidance worsens problems. Safe, monitored sedation allows patients to receive treatment comfortably, even after years of avoiding the dentist. Comfort is essential, not a luxury.
How do you personalize care while maintaining clinical excellence?
Every patient wants to feel heard and safe. Clinical standards never change, but personalization comes from listening, adjusting pacing, communication, and emotional support. Excellence is consistent; experience is individualized.
Looking at modern implant dentistry, what advancements are shaping the next decade?
We’re entering an era of biologic enhancement and digital integration. Regenerative materials are improving, AI diagnostics refine early detection, and fully digital workflows increase accuracy while reducing recovery. The future will be less invasive, predictive, and personalized.
Dr. Sharona R. Nazarian, Mayor of Beverly Hills, Dr. Justin Raanan DDS, MMSC, Dr. Rodney Raanan DDS, MMSC, and Dr. Steven Rifkin – Giving A Smile Gala 2025
How do gum health, dental implants, and overall wellbeing connect in your philosophy?
Holistic care considers the whole person. Gum inflammation affects systemic health. Bone, immunity, and healing are interconnected. Treating periodontal disease or placing implants restores stability to the entire oral ecosystem.
How important is ongoing education?
Dentistry constantly evolves. Continuous learning keeps myself and my team sharp and ensures patients receive the most advanced care. Education fosters humility and responsibility, and there’s always more to learn.
What advice do you give someone considering implants or major reconstruction?
Take your time, ask questions, and understand the long-term plan. Implants are an investment in health and confidence. Know the biological foundation, bone health, maintenance, and longevity. An informed patient is an empowered patient.
Dr. Rodney Raanan DDS, MMSC and Dr. Justin Raanan on stage – Giving A Smile Gala 2025
A day in your life?
I would say my life is structured but dynamic; surgery in the morning, consultations in the afternoon, team meetings, reviewing cases, and strategic planning for the Giving a Smile Foundation. Leadership, mentorship, and philanthropy are woven in daily.
Something most people don’t know about you?
I studied anthropology before dentistry, which shapes how I see patients culturally, socially, and clinically.
Favorite quotes?
“Excellence is never an accident. It is the result of intention and discipline.”
“Service is the highest form of leadership.”
If you could change one thing in the world?
Access to healthcare. No one should suffer from preventable disease due to lack of access or education. Health is dignity; restoring it restores confidence and hope.
Dr. Robert Rifkin speaks – Giving A Smile 2025
Tell us about the Giving a Smile Foundation?
We bridge gaps in dental care for underserved communities. Beyond treatment, we focus on education and prevention, creating long-term change. Our mission is to expand access, promote oral-systemic health education, and build sustainable community partnerships.
Rifkin Raanan continues to redefine Beverly Hills dentistry by combining periodontics, prosthodontics, and cosmetic artistry under one roof. With Drs. Steven Rifkin, Rodney Raanan, and Justin Raanan at the helm, the practice delivers precision, innovation, and individualized care. Beyond clinical excellence, the team’s philanthropic efforts through the Giving a Smile Foundation ensure meaningful impact reaches the wider community. For patients, Rifkin Raanan is not just about beautiful smiles, it’s about health, confidence, and lifelong wellbeing.
Visit and learn more about Rifkin Raanan Beverly Hills Cosmetic Dentistry at www.rifkinraanan.com and www.drjustinraanan.com. Support and follow the Giving a Smile Foundation at www.givingasmile.org and on Instagram @givingasmile. Connect with the doctors across social media: Dr. Justin Raanan @drjustinraanan, Dr. Rodney Raanan @drrodneyraanan, Dr. Steven Rifkin @drstevenrifkin and Dr. Robert Rifkin @drrobertrifkin Stay up to date with practice news on Facebook at Rifkin Raanan
