Dr. Ruhi S. Khanna has been practicing dentistry in the Boston area since 1998. She is a graduate of Tufts University School of Dental Medicine, and has Masters degrees in Microbiology and Immunology.

As a general dentist, she believes in providing the highest standard of care for her patients, which includes early detection and intervention and laser-driven minimally invasive dentistry. The DIAGNOdent laser allows her to detect otherwise hidden cavities, and the Waterlase dental laser helps in practicing needle-free, pain-free dentistry. The laser has been a great means to treat children. A handful of the children she has treated recently have said, “We’re done, that’s cool!”

As a cosmetic (esthetic) dentist, she strives to give her patients beautiful smiles and long-lasting restorations. In addition to basic crowns and conventional veneers, she uses LUMINEERS, the latest thin porcelain shields bonded to the front of your teeth. She has regularly attended hands-on cosmetic courses at the Las Vegas Institute (LVI), an advanced dental training facility.

She has been a faculty member at Tufts University, a member of the Massachusetts Dental Society, American Dental Association, American Association of Women Dentists, and a fellow of the Las Vegas Institute and the World Clinical Laser Institute. She lives in Newton with her husband, daughter and son.

Give us a background on how you chose this career ?

I am Bombay-born and US/Canada/India-educated, and live in Newton, close to the practice, with my two kids and husband.  Professionally, I moved from doing research in pharmaceutical companies to doing research in academic laboratories, before realizing that I value people-interaction too much to continue in a purely research setting.  So I moved to a field where patient care is important. Dentistry is a perfect blend of science, technology, and human-interaction.  I really value my years of dental education at Tufts.

 Flawless Dental defines itself as doing things differently? Could you elaborate?

Our dentists and staff are all superbly trained and, equally importantly, embody a wide range of life-experiences that I think allows us to relate to our patients on a personal level. That is the key to providing any kind of good healthcare, and dentistry is no exception. For example, we collectively speak six different languages in the practice.  Also our three main general dentists and entire staff are all female, as it turns out.

 What is the concept of a dental spa ?

 Like a regular spa, we make our patients feel very comfortable.  This is not just physical comfort. We explain everything carefully and with empathy, and make sure we connect mentally with our patients.  This minimizes patient anxiety, often an issue in a dental clinic.  Of course, we utilize cutting-edge technology extensively. For example, lasers minimize pain and allow for prompt healing, and digital radiography reduces unnecessary radiation exposure.

You specialize in Lumineers . What do they offer to a patient? Is it a permanent procedure?

 Lumineers are a type of porcelain veneer that require minimal or no tooth preparation, depending on the case.  It allows the patient to achieve a beautiful white smile. If no tooth preparation is required, then it is entirely reversible.   In most cases, additionally, no novocaine is required.

 Does the South Asian diet affect their dental health?

 It depends. Some South Asian diets that are high in sugar are naturally problematic since this contributes to tooth decay. On the other hand, high fiber helps remove plaque and keep teeth clean.  We tend to see a fair amount of periodontal (gum) disease in some Asian populations due partly to lack of flossing.

 What are the other community activities you are involved in ?

 I taught at Tufts part-time, mentor some students who are aspiring dentists and volunteer time occasionally at my kids’ school to teach their classes’ good dental hygiene.

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