Today we’d like to introduce you to Anna Refai.
Hi Anna, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
I was born and raised in Madison, WI. I became interested in science and how things worked in the body after a traumatic sledding accident broke my mandible when I was just five years old. After one week in the hospital and not being able to open my mouth more than one centimeter, it became a life-long discovery for me on how the TMJ affects and is connected to the entire face. It’s fascinating how the upper and lower jaws, the TMJ, occlusion, and facial aesthetics are all connected. You cannot help a patient with one aspect if you do not have a deep understanding of all of them. I pursued a degree in biology at The University of Chicago and graduated with honors in 2003.
Following my love for science and research, I spent my summers researching neurobiology at the Intramural Research Program (NIH) and attending Southern Illinois University School of Dental Medicine. In 2009, I completed her General Practice Residency (GPR) at the VA Medical Center in Cleveland, OH. There, I learned how to place dental implants and take care of medically complex patients.
My husband and I finally settled in Atlanta, GA, where we have three amazing daughters. After thirteen years of practicing dentistry, it was time to provide a home for my incredible patients to provide them with comprehensive and cosmetic dentistry. I ultimately fulfilled my dream of having my own comprehensive dental practice that provides relationship-based, anxiety-free services. Magnolia Dentistry is my life-long passion and dream!
Dr. Refai loves to run, listen to dental podcasts, and practice Ashtanga yoga during her spare time. She and her husband, Dr. Dan Refai, love to travel and spend time with their three girls.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
Not at all! The plan changed many times. In fact, I was supposed to transition and buy an existing dental practice, but the plan fell through after several years. Ultimately, you have to believe in yourself and your goals. Mine was providing a modern and beautiful anxiety-free environment that my patients would look forward to coming to and that I could provide the best, comprehensive dental treatment for them. A dental start-up is definitely the most challenging option and I would not have chosen it directly out of dental school. But now, thirteen years later, I know exactly what I want.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
I have a passion for beauty and symmetry. Dental cosmetics has truly evolved in the last few years. Specifically, incorporating Invisalign, botox and dermal filler and the advancement of ceramics in dentistry has allowed me to take dental cosmetics to another level. I also love treating the entire family. I love being able to see the two-year-old and then treating his great-grand-mother who is 92!
What sets me apart from others is that I am a ‘real general dentist.’ I do it all. I surgically place and restore dental implants, do dental veneers and crowns, Invisalign, botox and dermal filler injections, dental fillings and crowns, root canals, etc. Most dentists refer out for these procedures but I prefer to treat the patient comprehensively, it allows me to have much more control over the case from beginning to end.
Do you have any advice for those just starting out?
Look at all the options, don’t stick with one path just because you think this is the path that you have to take. Also, ask a lot of questions and find a good mentor! It took me twelve years to find an incredible mentor and it has helped me tremendously along the way.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.magnoliaatl.com
- Instagram: @magnoliadentistryatl, @dranna_smiles
- Facebook: Magnolia Dentistry ATL, Dr. Anna Refai DMD,
Image Credits:
Ruth Brooks, Pankey Institute
