Meet Paula

We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Paula. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Paula below.

Paula, so great to have you sharing your thoughts and wisdom with our readers and so let’s jump right into one of our favorite topics – empathy. We think a lack of empathy is at the heart of so many issues the world is struggling with and so our hope is to contribute to an environment that fosters the development of empathy. Along those lines, we’d love to hear your thoughts around where your empathy comes from?

I think I developed my empathy naturally as I went through different life and professional experiences, starting my studies and career in Romania, then moving and working in the United States, experiences that exposed me to people with diverse needs, anxieties, and struggles. And of course, working with people at Double A Dental Group helped me exercise this “empathy muscle”. After all, dentistry is not just about technical procedures but also about caring for patients’ needs, comfort, and anxieties.
Empathy, communication, and genuine concern for the people who come to Double A Dental Group make a big difference in how they feel and respond to the treatment. That’s why empathy became a core part of how I treat every patient.

Appreciate the insights and wisdom. Before we dig deeper and ask you about the skills that matter and more, maybe you can tell our readers about yourself?

I’m a general dentist at Double A Dental Group, and also the owner. My path started in Romania, where I completed my dental training before moving to the United States to continue my education at Loma Linda University. What I love most about what I do is the blend of science, artistry, and human connection. Dentistry isn’t just about fixing teeth; it’s about helping people feel comfortable, understood, and confident in their smile again.

In addition to clinical work, I have a deep passion for education: for many years, I served as a professor at Loma Linda University, mentoring and training future dentists, and I remain committed to lifelong learning, keeping up with advances so I can offer the best possible care.

At Double A Dental Group in Montclair, CA, we provide a range of dental services, from implants and cosmetic dentistry to bridges, crowns, extractions, fillings, and more. We work with both adults and children and tailor treatment to each individual’s needs.

I aim to keep refining how we support patients by integrating advanced technology into my practice and promoting access to oral health coverage.

Looking back, what do you think were the three qualities, skills, or areas of knowledge that were most impactful in your journey? What advice do you have for folks who are early in their journey in terms of how they can best develop or improve on these?

Adaptability, empathy or compassion, and a commitment to lifelong learning are among the qualities that had the most significant impact on my journey.

Compassion helped me better understand my patients and their concerns, connect with them beyond the dentist-patient relationship, and learn to provide care that truly met their needs.

Then, you can imagine how crucial it was to stay flexible and to adapt when I transitioned from my home country to the United States, navigating differences in education systems, culture, and professional environments.
And lifelong learning has enabled me to stay current in dentistry and continue improving my skills.

For those who are at the beginning of their journey, my advice is: learn to see your patients as more than just clients, and learn to listen to their concerns. And of course, never stop learning through classes, mentorship, or hands-on experience. These habits will serve you throughout your career and help you be satisfied with your work.

How would you spend the next decade if you somehow knew that it was your last?

Honestly, I don’t think my life would change that much even if I knew I had one decade left. That’s because I already feel I’m doing my best and giving it my all. I try to live in a way that aligns with my values and makes my life meaningful.

I would keep doing what I love, both professionally, caring for the people that cross my path at Double A Dental Group, helping them stay healthy and confident, because it’s what brings me joy.

Outside of work, I would like to spend more time with the people I love, travel a bit more, and appreciate everyday moments more. But in many ways, I feel like I’m already on the right way to a life, short or long as it may be, without regrets.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.doubleadentalgroup.com/
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/paula-izvernari-44b5a712/
• Other: https://www.doubleadentalgroup.com/about/

Image Credits

Double A Dental Group