Educational and Professional Journey
A commitment to excellence in dentistry
Harvard Education
Dr. Elizabeth Perry received her Doctor of Dental Medicine (DMD) degree from Harvard University, where she was trained under some of the most esteemed professionals in the field. Her PhD is from the Harvard Graduate School of Arts and Sciences. This rigorous program emphasized both theoretical knowledge and practical skills, ensuring that she graduated with a comprehensive understanding of dentistry. Her Harvard education laid the foundation for her ongoing commitment to evidence-based practices and innovative techniques.
Clinical Experience and Advanced Training
After dental school, Dr. Perry completed a residency in Advanced Education in General Dentistry (AEGD) at the University of California Los Angeles. She has honed her skills in restorative and implant dentistry. She has worked in various settings, providing her with a broad perspective on patient care. She has taken extensive continuing education courses and is certified in Invisalign and Botox. This diverse background allows her to tailor her approach to meet the unique needs of each patient, ensuring optimal outcomes and satisfaction.
Expert in the Field of Mitochondrial Diseases and Metabolism
Dr. Perry completed her PhD alongside her DMD at Harvard University. She studied cell biology, specifically the mitochondria and its' role in health and disease. Her thesis titled, "Tetracyclines Promote Survival and Fitness in Mitochondrial Disease Models" used a high-throughput small molecule screen to identify compounds that can protect cellular and animal models of mitochondrial disease from cell death. The study was later published Nature Metabolism. Dr. Perry has published over 20 articles in esteemed scientific journals.
Patient Centered Dental Care
Integrating oral and systemic health
Comprehensive Care and Patient Education
Dr. Perry believes in a holistic approach to dental care, viewing oral health as an integral part of overall wellness. She emphasizes the importance of preventive measures and comprehensive assessments to identify potential issues before they escalate. This proactive philosophy ensures her patients maintain optimal oral health, which contributes positively to their general health and quality of life. A core aspect of Dr. Perry's practice is patient education. She is committed to empowering her patients with knowledge about their oral health, treatment options, and preventive strategies. By fostering open communication and encouraging questions, she helps patients make informed decisions that align with their health goals.
Patient Education
In addition to her clinical practice, Dr. Perry has served as a part-time faculty lecturer at UCLA School of Dentistry in the Section of Restorative Dentistry. She has authored numerous publications and is a highly cited researcher. She has also welcomed students to shadow her in clinical practice. Her role as an educator reflects her passion for sharing knowledge and nurturing the next generation of dental professionals. Through lectures and mentoring, she aims to inspire students to adopt a patient-centered approach in their future practices.
Focus on Comfort
Understanding that many patients experience anxiety related to dental visits, Dr. Perry prioritizes comfort and a positive experience in her practice. She employs gentle techniques, effective pain management strategies, and a calming environment to ensure that patients feel relaxed and cared for during their treatments. Her dental therapy dog, Pongo, is an integral part of providing comfort to patients during their visits.
Dr. Perry also speaks Spanish, allowing her to better serve a diverse patient population.
Personal Life
Get to know your dentist outside of the dental chair
Life Outside of Dentistry
Dr. Perry can be found at the gym or on the golf course most evenings after work. Her weekends are filled with travel, salsa dancing, hiking and trying new restaurants. You will rarely catch Dr. Perry alone as Pongo is always by her side. Dr. Perry is an NBA super fan and always loves chatting about the games and players with her patients.
Life Before Dentistry
Dr. Perry was born in Cleveland, OH (hence the Cleveland Cavaliers fandom). Dr. Perry's mother is from Mexico and Dr. Perry grew up in a bilingual household. She moved to San Antonio, TX with her family when she was in high school and graduated Summa Cum Laude from the University of Texas San Antonio. After completing her bachelor's degree, she completed a fellowship at the National Institutes of Health at the National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research (NIDCR). This experience solidifed her desire to pursue a PhD alongside her DMD.
