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Today we’d like to introduce you to Derek Tow.
Hi Derek, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
My journey into oral and maxillofacial surgery began with a passion for medicine, surgery, and the opportunity to make a meaningful difference in people’s lives. I earned my Doctor of Dental Medicine degree from Western University of Health Sciences before pursuing a six-year oral and maxillofacial surgery residency at the University of Connecticut, where I also earned my medical degree. My training exposed me to everything from complex facial trauma and reconstructive surgery to dental implants, corrective jaw surgery, and pediatric craniofacial procedures. It was during those years that I developed a deep appreciation for both the technical precision of surgery and the profound impact it can have on a person’s confidence, health, and quality of life.
After completing my training, I returned to Southern California with the goal of building something of my own. I acquired an established oral surgery practice in Beverly Hills, which I have since rebranded as Los Angeles Oral & Facial Surgery. Taking over a practice was both exciting and humbling. I was transitioning from years of rigorous surgical training into the unfamiliar world of business ownership, where I suddenly had to think not only like a surgeon, but also like an entrepreneur, employer, and leader.
My vision has always been to create a practice that combines the highest standards of surgical care with a genuinely exceptional patient experience. I wanted to build an environment where patients feel comfortable, respected, and never pressured into treatment they don’t need. At the same time, I wanted to bring advanced surgical techniques, modern technology, and hospital-level expertise into a private practice setting.
Today, I have the privilege of serving patients throughout Los Angeles while continuing to perform complex surgical procedures in the hospital setting. I’m particularly passionate about dental implant reconstruction, full-mouth rehabilitation, facial trauma, and corrective jaw surgery. As a dual-degree oral and maxillofacial surgeon, I feel fortunate to bridge the worlds of medicine and dentistry in a way that allows me to help patients with a wide range of needs.
My ambitions are much bigger than simply running a successful business. I want Los Angeles Oral & Facial Surgery to become one of the most trusted and respected surgical practices in Southern California, known not just for clinical excellence, but for integrity, compassion, and doing right by every patient who walks through our doors. For me, building that reputation one patient at a time is what makes this journey so rewarding.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
I would be lying if I said it has been a smooth road. The journey has been incredibly rewarding, but it has also come with its fair share of challenges. Spending over a decade in school and surgical training required tremendous personal sacrifice. There were long hours, sleepless nights, missed family gatherings, and moments when the finish line seemed impossibly far away. However, those experiences taught me discipline, resilience, and the importance of remaining composed under pressure.
Interestingly, one of my biggest challenges came after completing my surgical training. When I acquired my practice in Beverly Hills, I quickly realized that being a good surgeon and running a successful business require two very different skill sets. In residency, I was trained to manage complex surgical cases, make critical decisions, and care for patients in high-pressure situations. What I wasn’t taught was how to manage payroll, navigate insurance contracts, recruit and retain employees, market a business, or build relationships with referring dentists. Suddenly, I was responsible for not only my patients, but also my employees and the future of the practice.
Taking over an established practice also presented the challenge of building my own identity and reputation while honoring the legacy of the surgeon who came before me. Beverly Hills is an incredibly competitive market, with many talented and well-established physicians and surgeons. As a relatively young surgeon and new business owner, I understood that trust and reputation weren’t things I could simply purchase or inherit. They had to be earned through consistency, honesty, and the quality of care I provided.
Perhaps the biggest lesson I’ve learned is that success rarely happens overnight. There are days when everything seems to fall into place and others when you’re putting out fires from the moment you walk through the door. I’ve had to become comfortable with uncertainty, learn from mistakes, and accept that I won’t always have all the answers.
Despite the challenges, I wouldn’t change the path I’ve taken. Every obstacle has pushed me to grow, not just as a surgeon, but as a leader and an individual. I remind myself that I’m building something for the long term. My goal isn’t simply to have a busy practice tomorrow, but to create an institution that patients, families, and fellow healthcare professionals can trust for decades to come.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know?
Los Angeles Oral & Facial Surgery is a boutique oral and maxillofacial surgery practice located in the heart of Beverly Hills. We specialize in everything from wisdom teeth removal and dental implants to complex full-mouth reconstruction, corrective jaw surgery, facial trauma, and advanced bone grafting procedures. My goal in establishing this practice was to bring together the surgical expertise and capabilities of a major hospital with the personalized attention, comfort, and convenience of a private practice.
As a dual-degree oral and maxillofacial surgeon with both a dental and medical degree, I have a unique perspective on patient care. My training allows me to approach complex cases from both a surgical and medical standpoint, particularly when treating patients with significant medical histories or those requiring extensive reconstruction. In addition to my private practice, I maintain hospital privileges at Cedars-Sinai, where I continue to perform more complex surgical procedures.
One of our primary areas of focus is advanced dental implant surgery and full-arch rehabilitation, often referred to as All-on-X. These procedures allow patients who have lost most or all of their teeth to regain a functional, natural-looking smile, sometimes with fixed temporary teeth delivered on the same day as surgery. We utilize advanced 3D imaging, digital surgical planning, and in-house 3D printing to improve precision and streamline treatment. For patients with severe bone loss who may have previously been told they aren’t candidates for traditional dental implants, we can also evaluate more advanced solutions, including zygomatic and pterygoid implants. I find this aspect of my work particularly rewarding because restoring someone’s ability to eat, smile, and interact confidently with others can genuinely transform their quality of life.
Another important part of our practice is providing comprehensive anesthesia services, including IV sedation, so that patients can undergo treatment comfortably, particularly those with significant dental anxiety. We also care for pediatric patients, which is something I value greatly. I recognize that oral surgery can be intimidating, regardless of age, and I believe that making patients feel safe and informed is just as important as the technical success of their procedure.
What I believe truly sets us apart, however, isn’t necessarily the technology or the range of procedures we offer. It’s our philosophy toward patient care. I’ve always believed that being a good surgeon means knowing not only when to operate, but also when not to. We take pride in providing honest recommendations, explaining all reasonable treatment options, and never pressuring patients into procedures they don’t need. I want every patient to feel that they’re receiving the same thoughtful advice and quality of care I would want for my own family.
From a branding perspective, I’m most proud of the environment and culture we’re building. I wanted to move away from the traditional perception of a cold, intimidating surgical office and instead create a space that feels welcoming, refined, and calming. From the design of our office to the way our team communicates with patients, every detail is intended to make what can be a stressful experience feel more personal and reassuring. We strive to provide a high level of service without sacrificing the integrity and professionalism that should always come first in healthcare.
Ultimately, I want people to associate Los Angeles Oral & Facial Surgery with three things: clinical excellence, honesty, and exceptional patient care. Beverly Hills is known for having high expectations, and I welcome that. My ambition is to build a practice where patients feel confident referring their friends and family, and where fellow dentists and physicians know their patients will be treated with the same level of care and respect they would provide themselves.
At the end of the day, I don’t want us to be known simply as a place that performs surgery. I want us to be known as a practice that people genuinely trust.
What would you say have been one of the most important lessons you’ve learned?
The most important lesson I’ve learned is that success is built on consistency, integrity, and the relationships you develop along the way. Throughout my surgical training and now as a practice owner, I’ve come to realize that technical skill and hard work can only take you so far. How you treat people, whether they’re patients, employees, or colleagues, ultimately defines your reputation and legacy. In medicine, especially, trust is something that takes years to build but can be lost in an instant. I’ve learned that doing the right thing isn’t always the easiest or most profitable decision in the moment, but it’s almost always the right decision in the long run. I try to approach every challenge with that mindset, knowing that if I continue to prioritize my patients, support my team, and hold myself to the highest standards, the success of the practice will follow naturally.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.laoralsurgeon.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dr.derektow