Emirates Man
At a time when veneers and cosmetic dentistry dominate beauty conversations, Dr. Shervin Salsali brings a rare, science-led perspective to the table. With close to 30 years in clinical practice, over 7,000 implants placed, and deep expertise in full-mouth rehabilitation and occlusion, his work sits at the intersection of engineering, medicine, and artistry. At NEXX Clinic, his philosophy is clear: aesthetics should never come at the cost of biology or function. From AI-driven diagnostics to bespoke smile architecture, Dr. Salsali represents a new generation of dentists redefining luxury dentistry through ethics, longevity, and deeply personalised care.
You are known for working at the level of full-mouth rehabilitation and complex occlusion. How has this deep functional expertise shaped the way you approach cosmetic dentistry and smile design today?
Full-mouth rehabilitation is fundamentally about function, and there is a well-proven correlation between function and beauty. When patients request perfect aesthetics, I always begin by assessing occlusion – how all the teeth function together. Once a stable and ideal occlusion is achieved, the cosmetic outcome naturally follows, allowing veneers to reach their highest aesthetic potential.
Your career spans scientific research, teaching, association leadership, and high-volume clinical work. How have these different roles influenced your philosophy as a clinician?
I learn continuously from colleagues, students, and patients. Feedback has taught me to be flexible when it comes to treatment
planning and how to tailor solutions to each individual case rather than following a one-size-fits-all method.
With nearly three decades of clinical practice and thousands of implants placed, what originally drew you to dentistry – and what keeps you passionate today?
Even after 30 years, when placing an implant, I feel the same focus as I did with my first one. I revisit every checklist, reassess forces and materials, and explore new technologies. Dentistry constantly evolves, and pushing beyond conventional limits keeps me energized. With social media shaping beauty ideals, how do you balance patient expectations with ethical dentistry? I listen carefully to patients’ desires, then align them with scientific and biological realities. Ethical dentistry means asking whether veneers are truly needed, how much improvement is realistic, and whether reducing healthy tooth structure is justified. My rule is simple: long-term trust and quality must outweigh short-term gains.
In your view, what will define next-generation dentistry?
Stem cell therapy and the ability to regenerate natural teeth will be revolutionary. Restorative materials will evolve and AI will improve diagnostics along with long-term outcomes. Dentistry is moving toward smarter, more preventive care.
What first got you into dentistry and is there a moment that reminded you why you chose this profession in the first place?
I loved medicine but wanted more than memorisation. With an engineering mindset, dentistry offered the perfect balance of science, mechanics, and design. A patient once told me that after receiving a fixed implant-supported prosthesis, it was the first time in 15 years they could swim without fear of their denture floating away. Moments like that show how dentistry restores confidence, not just teeth. We’re seeing a shift from cookie-cutter veneers to bespoke smile architecture. What’s driving this evolution? Advancements in ceramics, adhesive cements, CNC milling, and digital scanners have transformed veneers. Digital tools allow prediction and customization, leading to proportion-led, individual smile design rather than standardised templates.
Why has having a great smile become such a strategic investment?
In a fast-paced, detail-oriented world, appearance influences perception. A confident smile has become part of modern presentation and communication. As a result, dental aesthetics are now seen as an investment in both personal and professional life. So natural-looking veneers reflect health and harmony without exaggeration. True luxury today is subtle, precise, and biologically respectful.
Teeth often reveal age earlier than skin. Why is that? Why doesn’t whitening alone address ageing teeth?
With age, upper teeth show less while lower teeth become more visible. Edges wear down, brightness fades, and lip support decreases. Thoughtfully designed veneers can restore tooth display and facial balance. Ageing involves more than colour. The shape changes, tooth wear, and loss of lip support all play a role. Whitening addresses only one aspect.
What is the biggest misconception about veneers?
Patients often want to copy a smile they’ve seen elsewhere. But every face is unique. The best veneers harmonise with facial features and function so naturally that people notice improvement without knowing exactly why.
What do you love most about your work and how do you calm patient fears?
When patients are happy both functionally and aesthetically and refer others based on trust, it brings deep professional satisfaction. Fear often comes from lack of understanding. I explain procedures clearly and honestly. I ensure anesthesia is fully effective and maintain friendly conversation to build trust and ease anxiety.
What future developments excite you most?
AI and robotics. They enhance precision, safety, and predictability while reducing human error. This elevates both functional and aesthetic outcomes. Implants and veneers continue to dominate, but with more focus on customisation and longevity.
What makes NEXX Clinic special?
A positive team environment and integrated care. Combining skincare, beauty, and cosmetic dentistry allows a seamless patient experience in one location.
What advice would you give future dentists?
Stay curious. Explore new technologies and treat every case as a learning opportunity. Listen carefully to patients and treat them like family. Personal connection is key to successful care.
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Images: Supplied
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