Dr. Sharon Ben-Roohi
“I knew I wanted to help people and I always had a fascination with medicine and science,” says Dr. Ben-Roohi, “but I also loved doing artistic things like ceramics and sculpting. Dentistry allows me to combine all the types of work I love most. Every day I get to creatively work with my hands and practice medicine, while making a positive impact on the lives of others.”
Dr. Ben-Roohi can’t remember a time when she wasn’t mesmerized by science, even as a young girl growing up in Israel. “I always played with little animals,” she remembers. “I’d bring home frogs and collect caterpillars and butterflies. I loved to watch them and play with them. My brothers thought I was so weird!” When her 3rd-grade science class dissected a fish, she was hooked. “I remember the moment and I remember the fish!” she says. Putting the pieces together, she discovered that her love of science coupled with her interest in medicine could be used to help people live healthier lives.”
“I love making positive changes in people’s lives: from cosmetically creating a beautiful smile to treating and healing a diseased condition in the mouth to helping to restore good health to the body as a whole.”
In 1999 Dr. Sharon graduated from the New York University School of Dentistry with advanced training in temporomandibular disorders (TMD/TMJ). In 2005 she opened her own practice in Santa Monica, California, just a few blocks from home. The joy of treating patients (and neighbors) and becoming a part of the Santa Monica community was a dream come true.
“I enjoy the long-standing relationships I have formed with my patients. They have become my extended family.”
Training & Education
- 1989-1990 Orange Coast College, Dental technology program
- 1991-1994 UCLA, Advanced BS degree in Animal Evolution, Behavior and Ecology
- 1995-1999 New York University School of Dentistry, DDS with a focus in temporomandibular disorders (TMD/TMJ)
- 1999-2000 Kingsbrook Jewish Medical Center, General Practice Residency
- 2000-2004 Private practice dental associate in West Los Angeles/Santa Monica, CA
- 2005-current Private practice owner in Santa Monica, CA
Hobbies & Interests
- Wheel-thrown ceramics and pottery
- Riding and competing in amateur dressage horse shows, which is why many pieces of equine-inspired art decorate the office
- My daughter, Abigail
Dr. Sarit Karz
Dr. Karz was born and raised in Israel. She moved to the United States and earned her Bachelor’s degree in Biology from UCLA. She decided to pursue dentistry after watching her uncle’s patients express pleasure and gratitude for his dental care and treatment. She graduated from the UCLA School of Dentistry in 2000. Dr. Karz has worked part-time in the Los Angeles area while raising her four children.
“Working at Dr. Ben-Roohi’s office has been a first-class experience, both professionally and personally. Working with state-of-the-art equipment, the professional staff and the friendly and long-standing patients makes coming to the office a real pleasure.”
Dr. Karz is proud to provide professional and gentle dentistry. Her patients speak highly of her compassionate and kind chair-side manner.
Dr. Talia Shainhouse / Periodontist
Dr. Talia Shainhouse is a Board-Certified Diplomate of the American Board of Periodontology. She is highly trained in the fields of implant dentistry, cosmetic periodontal treatment and periodontal disease and its treatment.
Dr. Shainhouse completed her Bachelor’s of Science in Biology in Toronto, Canada. She then received her DDS from the University of Toronto, Faculty of Dentistry. Following her graduation, Dr. Shainhouse moved to New York City where she received her post-graduate degree from NYU College of Dentistry. She completed her specialty training at the Ashman Department of Periodontology & Implant Dentistry, where she was mentored by world-renowned experts in the field of oral and periodontal medicine.
Dr. Shainhouse is a clinical instructor at the UCLA School of Dentistry. She is a member of the American Academy of Periodontology, the Academy of Osseointegration, the North Eastern Society of Periodontists, the California Dental Association, and the American Dental Association. Dr. Shainhouse has lectured at various continuing education courses including; the Tri-School Periodontics Symposium, The Greater New York Dental Meeting and the Southern California Orofacial Academy annual meeting in Spring 2012.