Dentists do not always get the spotlight. Unless they are pulling a Kardashian’s wisdom tooth or inventing modern anesthesia, most work quietly behind the scenes, literally inside your mouth.
But every now and then, a few rise to fame, not because they chased it but because they relentlessly pursued excellence.
Fame in any field, be it music, athletics, medicine or even dentistry is rarely accidental. It is earned, it is the result of dedication, lifelong learning, overcoming adversity and an unshakable drive to solve problems and serve others. These individuals worked on themselves just as much as they worked on their patients. They turned dentistry into innovation, art, science and in a few cases, even pop culture.
So whether they pioneered techniques, treated the stars or became stars themselves, here are the world’s most famous dentists, past, present and occasionally platinum-selling.
Foundational Figures in Dentistry
Pierre Fauchard (1678–1761) – The Father of Modern Dentistry
The French surgeon who, in 1728, published Le Chirurgien Dentiste, dentistry’s first textbook. He introduced instruments, procedures and ideas that transformed dentistry from a trade into a legitimate medical science. Braces, fillings, decay prevention, he wrote the first drafts of all of it.
Horace Wells (1815–1848) – Pioneer of Anesthesia
Before Wells, pain was just part of the dental experience. He was among the first to use Nitrous Oxide (laughing gas) for extractions. His discovery laid the groundwork for painless dentistry and the relaxed, floating feeling since.
William T.G. Morton (1819–1868) – Ether Demonstrator Extraordinaire
Wells used Nitrous; Morton introduced ether in a public surgery in 1846, gaining major recognition. His demonstration helped anesthesia gain traction in mainstream medicine and surgery.
Hesy Ra (~2600 BCE) – The First Recorded Dentist
This ancient Egyptian physician bore the title “Chief of Dentists.” His tomb carvings are the earliest recorded evidence of a dental practitioner. Modern dentistry literally starts here.
Per-Ingvar Brånemark (1929–2014) – The Implant Pioneer
Brånemark was a groundbreaking Swedish physician and research professor, universally recognized as the “Father of Modern Dental Implantology.“ His fame stems from his accidental discovery in the 1950s that titanium could directly fuse with living bone, a phenomenon he termed “osseointegration.” This revolutionary finding, initially made while studying blood flow in rabbit bones, formed the scientific bedrock for modern dental implants. In 1965, he placed the world’s first successful titanium dental implant in a human patient, and through decades of rigorous research and clinical trials, he demonstrated the predictable and long-term success of this treatment, transforming restorative dentistry and enabling millions globally to regain oral function and quality of life.
Edward H. Angle (1855–1930) – Founder of Modern Orthodontics
Angle transformed the field of dentistry from a rudimentary practice of “tooth regulation” into a specialized science. His most monumental contribution was developing the first comprehensive and still widely used classification system for malocclusion (improper bite), published in 1899, which brought order and diagnostic clarity to dental alignment issues. Beyond classification, Angle invented numerous foundational orthodontic appliances, including the revolutionary Edgewise appliance, and established the world’s first postgraduate school of orthodontics in 1900, thereby formalizing orthodontics as an independent dental specialty and educating generations of practitioners.
Lucy Hobbs Taylor (1833–1910) – First Female DDS in the U.S.
Denied entry to dental school because of her gender, she persisted and became the first American woman to earn a DDS in 1866. Hobbs applied to the Eclectic Medical College in Cincinnati but was denied admission solely because of her sex. Undeterred, she managed to secure private study under a professor from the college. It was this professor who recognized her aptitude and suggested she pursue dentistry. Her legacy continues in every female dentist practicing today.
Modern Innovators in Dentistry
Zia Chishti (b. 1971) – Invisalign Visionary
Not a dentist, but after his own orthodontic treatment, he co-founded Align Technology and introduced clear aligners to the world. Invisalign reshaped orthodontics and not just people’s smiles. The pivotal idea for Invisalign came to Chishti while he was undergoing orthodontic treatment himself in his early twenties. After having his traditional braces removed, he was given a clear plastic retainer. He observed that when he didn’t wear the retainer for a few days, his teeth would shift slightly, but putting it back on would move them back to their desired position.
This observation sparked a profound insight: what if a series of progressively different clear, removable retainers could be used to incrementally move teeth into alignment, eliminating the need for fixed metal braces?
Dr. Gordon Christensen – The Clinician’s Clinician
Dr. Gordon J. Christensen, often hailed as “The Clinician’s Clinician,” is an exceptionally influential figure in dentistry, renowned for his rigorous, unbiased research and extensive global education efforts. Co-founding the non-profit Clinicians Report Foundation (formerly CRA) in 1976, he has tirelessly evaluated thousands of dental products and techniques, publishing objective findings in the widely read “Clinicians Report” to guide dental professionals worldwide. Through his Practical Clinical Courses (PCC), established in 1981, he has delivered over 45,000 hours of continuing education, transforming complex information into practical, immediately applicable knowledge for countless dentists, solidifying his legacy as a dedicated educator and a driving force in advancing clinical excellence.
Learn more about his educational initiatives and insights on the Gordon J. Christensen – Practical Clinical Courses YouTube channel. This video channel offers a direct look into his educational approach and the type of content he provides to dental professionals.
Dr. John Kois – Mastermind Behind Kois Center
Dr. John Kois is a highly distinguished figure in dentistry, widely recognized as the mastermind behind the Kois Center, an elite independent learning center based in Seattle, Washington. With a DMD from the University of Pennsylvania and an MSD in Periodontal Prosthodontics from the University of Washington, Dr. Kois established the center to provide advanced, evidence-based continuing education for practicing dentists. His unique approach emphasizes a rigorous, science-backed curriculum, independent research (as the only continuous learning center to conduct its own research), and a comprehensive risk assessment model, enabling dentists to achieve extraordinary levels of clinical excellence in aesthetics, implants, and restorative dentistry.
The Evolution of Dental Education with Dr. John Kois This video features Dr. John Kois discussing the evolution of dental education, directly reflecting his core contribution to the field.
Celebrity Dentists: The Smile Makers of Hollywood
Dr. Kevin Sands (Beverly Hills, USA) – Star-Studded Smiles
From Kim Kardashian to Justin Bieber, Dr. Sands has sculpted some of the most recognizable grins in the world. Known for his flawless veneers and A-list clientele, he’s basically the Michelangelo of molars.
Dr. Kevin Sands is a prominent Beverly Hills cosmetic dentist widely known for crafting “star-studded smiles” for a vast array of Hollywood’s elite, including A-list actors, musicians, and public figures. A graduate of the USC School of Dentistry with advanced training from the Las Vegas Institute for Advanced Dental Studies, Dr. Sands specializes in transformative smile makeovers, particularly through porcelain veneers, dental implants, and professional whitening. His practice is characterized by a commitment to personalized care, state-of-the-art technology, and a luxurious patient experience, solidifying his reputation as the “Dentist to the Stars” with additional offices in Dubai to cater to an international clientele.
Smile Makeover Dentist of the Celebrities Beverly Hills — Kevin B. Sands DDS. This video provides a quick look into Dr. Sands’ Beverly Hills practice and his work on celebrity smile makeovers.
Dr. Bill Dorfman (Los Angeles, USA) – The Whitening Icon
Dr. Bill Dorfman is an internationally acclaimed cosmetic dentist from Los Angeles, famously known as “The Whitening Icon” due to his pioneering work and media presence. A graduate of the University of the Pacific, Dr. Dorfman co-founded Discus Dental, Inc., which became the world’s leading manufacturer of tooth-whitening products, developing household names like Zoom!, Nite White, and Brite Smile. His widespread recognition soared as the featured dentist on ABC’s hit series “Extreme Makeover” and as a recurring guest co-host on “The Doctors,” where he transformed numerous smiles and became a trusted authority for celebrities and the public alike, further cementing his status as a New York Times bestselling author and recipient of multiple lifetime achievement awards.
THE SECRETS TO SUCCESS | Interview with Millionaire Cosmetic Dentist Dr.Bill Dorfman.
Dr. Alban – Eurodance Royalty & Dentist
Born Alban Uzoma Nwapa in Nigeria, Dr. Alban studied dentistry in Sweden and worked as a practicing dentist before becoming a global music star. His hit single “It’s My Life” became an anthem of the ‘90s, with over 2 million copies sold.
While his DJ career eventually took the spotlight, he never entirely left his roots. Alban used his platform to promote oral hygiene in underserved communities and remains the most famous pop star with a dental degree. He may have dropped the drill, but he still dropped bangers.
What Makes a Dentist Famous?
Whether they wrote the textbook, built the implant, straightened a Hollywood smile or DJ’d their way onto the charts, these dentists share one thing in common: a lifelong commitment to pushing boundaries.
They have changed the way we practice, how we teach and how we smile.
Not All Heroes Wear Loupes… But We Do
At MI Dental, we may not be celebrities but we believe your smile deserves celebrity level care. From foundational restorations to cosmetic enhancements, our team brings passion, precision and personality to every patient experience.
Book your appointment today and let us give your smile something to be famous for.
