By: Maha Khan
July 27, 2025 — At Bella Dental, leadership doesn’t come with fanfare or titles, it shows up quietly, powerfully, and in collaboration. Though not an all-women team, Bella Dental is proudly female-led, and the women who guide the practice bring not only clinical excellence, but a culture of inclusion, empathy, and respect that redefines what a modern dental practice can be.
Lucy Martinez, Bella Dental’s first patient care coordinator, has been with the team for many years. When she met Dr. Cooper was drawn to his vision, one rooted in flexibility, family values, and cultural inclusivity. “He wanted a team that reflected real people, people from different backgrounds, different strengths,” she said. “That’s what made me stay.” Lucy has been instrumental in shaping the office culture, describing her role as one where she “gets to shape the culture every day” and pass that strength on to patients and their families.
Shante, a leader on the team, joined with a desire to build something greater than just a career. “I wanted to impact lives,” she shared. “We are all dynamic in our own ways. Everyone brings something, and that’s what makes it work.” For her, Bella Dental’s leadership model, led by women, but inclusive of all, made space for growth, ambition, and mutual respect. She describes the culture as grounded in values, where even differences become opportunities for learning and empathy.
Michelle, a long-standing colleague who has led across multiple departments at Bella, sees the team’s success as rooted in trust and collaboration. “We don’t operate off ego,” she explained. “We help each other out, we build together and that’s what makes our care better for our patients.” Michelle’s perspective is one of hands-on leadership, where communication reduces pressure on any single person and creates a system where each member can thrive.
Dr. Mehtab Manji, who joined the practice more recently, shared how welcoming and supportive the environment was from the start. “Being part of a women-led team taught me a lot, especially about boundaries, trust, and communication,” she said. Coming into an already cohesive practice could have been intimidating, but for Dr Manji, it became a place to grow in both confidence and leadership. “Dentistry used to feel like a male-dominated field. But here, women are rising and they’re lifting others as they do.”
Marsiol, a long-time member of the team, reflected on her personal and professional growth through hardship. After undergoing serious surgery and battling health challenges, she continued showing up for her team and her patients. “It was heavy,” she admitted. “But Dr. Cooper leaned on me, and I saw the fruit of my labor. That trust, it empowered me.” For Marsiol, being part of a supportive and visionary team helped her not only recover, but also rise stronger.
Their individual stories are connected by a shared belief in what Bella Dental represents. This is not just a practice, it’s a model for how leadership can function when built on respect, collaboration, and a deep understanding of patient care. From helping patients regain their smiles to easing anxiety and building trust, the team works in unison, often across departments, putting aside personal preferences to focus on what matters most.
These women don’t just work together, they grow together. They’ve faced real challenges, from personal losses to professional stress, and emerged more unified. As Michelle said, “We’ve all had moments of heaviness. But we don’t let it weigh us down. We’re a team and that’s what carries us through.”
Bella Dental’s leadership model, built by women, led with integrity, is influencing how opportunity looks in dentistry. It’s not about exclusion; it’s about opening doors. “We’re a diverse and dynamic group,” said Lucy. “We show what’s possible when voices are heard and people are supported.”
When asked what advice they’d give to women elsewhere hoping to build or join inclusive teams, their words reflected the same wisdom they live each day. “Be true to your journey,” said Shante. “Do what you believe is ethical. If you love what you do, you’ll get the job done and do it well.”
Michelle offered, “Be respectful, stay organized, and remember, teamwork is everything.” And Lucy, speaking simply but powerfully, said, “We are capable. Our voices matter. And we are just getting started.”
Media Contact: Shante belladentalservices@gmail.com
