Dr. Bruce Vafa
DDS, MS
Integrating Science, Art, and Whole-Body Wellness for Over 40 Years
Dr. Bruce Vafa, DDS, MS, has practiced dentistry in Beverly Hills for over 40 years. After earning his DDS in 1984, he completed a specialized residency in pediatric dentistry (1989–1992) and later earned a Master of Science (MS) in Orofacial Pain and Oral Medicine from the University of Southern California (USC), a credential held by fewer than 200 dentists nationwide.
This combination of advanced clinical training and four decades of practice allows Dr. Vafa to address complex cases that fall outside the scope of general dentistry, from TMJ and chronic facial pain to sleep apnea, biocompatible restorations, and full-mouth reconstruction.
A Pioneer in Holistic & Biocompatible Dentistry
Dr. Vafa was one of the first dentists in Beverly Hills to champion Biological Dentistry. He believes that the health of your mouth mirrors the health of your body.
Mercury-Free & Safe: Strictly adhering to the IAOMT SMART Protocol for safe amalgam removal.
Biocompatible Materials: Specializing in metal-free Zirconia implants and BPA-free composites that harmonize with your immune system.
Minimally Invasive: Utilizing Biomimetic techniques to preserve more of your natural tooth structure.
Expertise in TMJ & Sleep Apnea
Dr. Vafa holds a Master of Science (MS) from USC in Orofacial Pain and Oral Medicine — the specialty that covers TMJ disorders, chronic facial pain, and sleep-related breathing problems. This academic background places him among a small group of dentists in Southern California qualified to diagnose and manage complex jaw and airway cases.
– TMJ Therapy: Non-surgical treatment for jaw pain, clicking, locking, and chronic tension headaches linked to bite imbalance.
– Sleep Apnea Solutions: Custom oral appliances and airway-focused therapy for patients who can’t tolerate CPAP.
Education & Professional Credentials
Dr. Vafa’s journey in dentistry is defined by a commitment to lifelong learning.
DDS Degree: Received in 1984 (Over 40 Years of Clinical Experience).
Master of Science (MSc): University of Southern California (USC) – Focus on TMJ & Jaw Pain.
Pediatric Residency: Specialized training in Children’s Dentistry (1989–1992).
Memberships:
Beyond the Chair:
The "Smile Angels" Philosophy
Dr. Vafa’s “Smile Angels” name reflects his gentle approach to anxious patients of all ages — a skill developed during his pediatric residency and refined over decades of practice. He’s known among colleagues for turning dental fear into trust, particularly for first-time patients and children.
Outside the practice, Dr. Vafa lives in Los Angeles with his family. His longstanding interest in art and design informs his approach to cosmetic dentistry, where facial proportion and natural symmetry guide every smile he creates.
"I believe a great dentist must be a lifelong learner. Dental medicine is an ever-changing art, and my patients deserve the most current, science-backed treatments available."
-Dr. Bruce Vafa
FAQ
Dr. Bruce Vafa is a pioneer in holistic and cosmetic dentistry with over 40 years of clinical experience. He earned his DDS degree in 1984 and holds a Master of Science (MSc) from the University of Southern California (USC), specializing in Orofacial Pain and TMJ management.
Beyond his degrees, Dr. Vafa is a highly trained expert in:
Holistic Dentistry: Safe mercury removal (SMART certified) and biocompatible materials.
Implantology: Advanced training in metal-free Zirconia implants.
Pediatric Care: Specialized residency in children’s dentistry (1989–1992).
He is an active member of the American Dental Association (ADA), the California Dental Association (CDA), and the International Academy of Oral Medicine and Toxicology (IAOMT).
Yes. Dr. Vafa completed a specialized pediatric dentistry residency from 1989 to 1992 and has decades of experience treating children. His gentle, anxiety-aware approach — the inspiration for the “Smile Angels” name — is one of the reasons families across Beverly Hills choose his practice for both adult and pediatric care. He treats patients ranging from first-time pediatric visits to complex adult cases.
Absolutely. Dr. Vafa is a pioneer in holistic dentistry, focusing on biocompatible, metal-free materials (like ceramic implants) and safe mercury removal to protect your overall health.
Yes. Dr. Vafa is an expert in Airway Management and offers FDA-approved Oral Appliance Therapy. These custom-fitted devices are comfortable, non-invasive alternatives to CPAP machines. By gently positioning the jaw forward, they keep your airway open while you sleep, providing relief from snoring and obstructive sleep apnea without the noise or discomfort of a mask.
Dr. Vafa specializes in Zirconia (Ceramic) Implants, which are 100% metal-free. Unlike traditional titanium implants, Zirconia is hypoallergenic, corrosion-resistant, and highly biocompatible, meaning it integrates naturally with your bone and gum tissue. This makes them the ideal choice for patients with metal sensitivities or those seeking a purely holistic, holistic-grade tooth replacement.
Absolutely. We understand that dental fear is real, which is why Dr. Vafa offers Sedation Dentistry (often called “Sleep Dentistry”). Whether you need mild relaxation or deeper sedation for complex procedures, Dr. Vafa creates a calm, safe environment where you can receive the care you need without stress or pain. His “Smile Angels” philosophy is built on ensuring every patient feels safe and respected.
Dr. Vafa strictly follows the SMART Protocol (Safe Mercury Amalgam Removal Technique). To prevent you from ingesting or inhaling toxic mercury vapors during removal, we utilize a rigorous safety system including:
Isolite/Rubber Dams: To isolate the tooth and protect your throat.
High-Volume Filtration: Specialized vacuums to instantly capture mercury aerosol.
Clean Oxygen Supply: Providing you with a dedicated air source during the procedure. This ensures that your transition to non-toxic, biocompatible fillings is safe for your entire body.
Standard X-rays often miss the full picture. Dr. Vafa utilizes 3D Cone Beam Computed Tomography (CBCT) to get a precise, 360-degree view of your jaw, airway, and nerve pathways. This advanced technology is essential for:
Accurately diagnosing TMJ disorders and the source of unexplained facial pain.
Planning implant placement with millimeter-perfect precision.
Evaluating airway obstructions for Sleep Apnea treatment. By using 3D imaging, Dr. Vafa eliminates guesswork, ensuring safer treatments and predictable results.
Experience the difference of a dentist who listens, cares, and excels.
Whether you are looking for a holistic approach, relief from jaw pain, or a cosmetic smile makeover, you are in expert hands.
Schedule YOUR CONSULTATION
Come in for a consultation and find out all about the best dentist experience in Beverly Hills.
By submitting this, you agree to be contacted by us. For more information, please read our privacy policy