Dr. C’s Inspiring Story March 30, 2026 Posted by Monica Crooks Recent Home » Recent » Dr. C’s Inspiring Story Best Cosmetic Dentist in Sacramento: Dr. C’s 35-Year Inspiring Legacy “Real beauty and genuine health are not separate things. They are the same thing.” — Dr. Monica Crooks A Loss That Changed Everything My passion for dentistry began early. Now, as a cosmetic dentist in Sacramento, my purpose is clear: dental health and beauty are inseparable, and my work proves it. As a child, my father shared his grief over the loss of his sister to an infected tooth. The infection spread beyond her mouth and became fatal—an entirely preventable tragedy. That loss affected us both deeply. That loss taught me a tooth is never just a tooth—it’s connected to everything. Growing Up Everywhere As the daughter of an Air Force Master Sergeant, I grew up traveling frequently. I graduated from high school in Japan, began university in Scotland, and completed my biology degree at UC San Bernardino. Along the way, I learned languages, embraced new cultures, and realized that everyone deserves to feel confident in their smile. From Scholarship to UCLA When it was time to apply to dental school, I received the Armed Forces Health Professions Scholarship—awarded to only two undergraduates in the Western region. It let me attend any dental school, and I chose UCLA. At UCLA, I served on the student admissions board and worked as a phlebotomist. My studies extended beyond teeth: they helped me understand what makes people healthy, fearful, or whole. Serving Through the Air Force After UCLA, I completed my General Practice Residency through the Air Force at David Grant Medical Center, training in all dental specialties. Becoming a Major, I later opened my own practice in Sacramento, fulfilling a lifelong goal. 35 Years as a Cosmetic Dentist in Sacramento That was 1990. For 35 years, I have provided advanced cosmetic dentistry in Sacramento. This city has been my professional home ever since. Training the Next Generation of Dentists With thirty-five years in practice, I’ve learned things no textbook can teach. That knowledge, I believe, carries an obligation — to pass it on. As a Facilitator and Assistant Professor at CNSU College of Dental Medicine, I bring real-world experience in cosmetic dentistry into the classroom. Academic leadership emerged from my work. If I help a new dentist build both the skills and the philosophy for patient care, that is preventive care in the truest sense—felt far beyond my own practice. Health First, Always One core belief powers my career: true beauty in a smile always starts with genuine health. This connection is at the heart of my practice. This should be obvious, but it’s often overlooked in our field. Cosmetic dentistry sometimes places appearance before health. Patients may request veneers, and some practices provide them without first ensuring a healthy foundation. This approach is like painting a house with a crumbling foundation—the paint cannot save it; it only hides the underlying problem. My method is simple: prioritize health first, then enhance beauty. Genuine smiles are built on a healthy foundation, making beauty a natural outcome of wellness. The Artist Behind the Smile Dentistry and art have always lived together in me. Reflecting on my life, it’s no accident these passions intersect—they shape how I work to this day. I am a portrait painter who has shown in Sacramento galleries. As a teen in Japan, I modeled professionally, learning early how light and proportion reveal a person. For decades, I’ve designed and sewn my own fashion and performed as a vocalist. These creative pursuits shape my work — they are foundational, not separate. One patient comes to mind: a woman who had spent years hiding her smile due to discoloration and uneven teeth. Drawing on my artist’s eye for proportion and shade, I designed custom veneers to complement her skin tone and facial structure. The result looked like it had always belonged to her. She left not just with better teeth, but with the confidence to use them. That is what happens when artistic sensibility and clinical expertise work as one. A smile is not a formula or a template. It is as individual as a face. Every smile I create is designed to look like it belongs to the person wearing it. Natural. Radiant. Unmistakably you. People should tell you that you look amazing, not that your teeth look fake. To see the full picture — from our dental chair to life center stage — visit our Smile Gallery and Featured Case Studies. Why Your Smile Changes Everything For 35 years, my belief remains unchanged: restoring a smile is about more than teeth—it’s about changing lives, because real transformation fuses health and beauty. My aunt never got that chance. That is why I show up every day, for every patient, with everything I have. Why I Started This Blog That belief shapes this blog. I want to demystify dentistry, making the link between beauty and genuine health accessible for all, especially those anxious about care. Your smile deserves nothing less. Ready to take the first step? Book your consultation today, and we’ll work together to create a healthy, beautiful smile that’s uniquely yours. Call our office or visit our website to get started.
