Blue Ocean Global Technology Interviews Brenda Appiah | Dental Practice Owner at Pacific Dental Services

Dr. Brenda Appiah is a Texas-licensed dentist at Plano Modern Dentistry. Her practice focuses on general dentistry, digital dentistry, Invisalign, and removable dentistry. She has a Doctor of Dental Surgery from Texas A&M University College of Dentistry, a Master’s of Public Health from UT Health Science Center, and a Master’s in Education for Healthcare Professionals from Texas A&M University.

In addition, Dr. Appiah serves as Adjunct Clinical Faculty at Texas A&M College of Dentistry and is a Fellow of the Academy of General Dentistry. Her affiliations include the American Dental Association, Texas Dental Association, American Dental Education Association, and Delta Sigma Delta, among others. With a strong background in mentoring, teaching, and community outreach, Dr. Appiah has volunteered for numerous local and international dental missions, including in Ghana, Jamaica, and Texas. Focused on delivering high-quality, patient-centered care, Dr. Appiah has led her clinic to achieve a yearly revenue of $2.5 million, expand its patient base, and develop a strong reputation within the community.

Blue Ocean: Could you tell us about your professional journey—what inspired you to pursue this industry?

Dr. Brenda: From an early age, I was drawn to medicine and the idea of using my skills to serve others. That passion led me to participate in mission trips, beginning with my first to Peru, where I witnessed firsthand the impact that access—or lack of access—to healthcare can have on people’s lives. I went on to earn my undergraduate degrees in Zoology Biomedical Sciences and Spanish from the University of Oklahoma, and later studied abroad in Chile, where I lived with a host family and immersed myself in both Spanish and South American culture.

My path continued with a Master of Public Health in Austin, Texas, where I researched health disparities. During that work, I recognized how often dental care is treated as a luxury rather than an essential part of overall health. That realization was pivotal—it inspired me to pursue dentistry as both a profession and a calling.

Early in my career, I worked with the St. David’s Foundation, providing mobile dental care to underserved children. That experience solidified my passion for reaching populations who might otherwise go without care. Coming from a working-class immigrant family—my parents immigrated from Ghana in the 1980s—I understood deeply what it meant to live with limited access to resources. Dentistry became the perfect blend of service and creativity for me: a way to restore not only health but also confidence and quality of life.

Since then, I’ve continued to integrate service into my practice. Each year, I volunteer for We Serve Day, offering free dental care to those in need, and I’ve participated in multiple international mission trips, including to Jamaica. In 2017, I had the privilege of purchasing my own practice in Plano, which allowed me to continue serving the North Texas community while staying true to the values that have guided me from the beginning.

My professional journey may not have followed the medical path I originally envisioned, but dentistry has given me something even more meaningful: a career rooted in purpose, compassion, and a lifelong dedication to helping others.

Blue Ocean: What does a typical day in your life look like?

Dr. Brenda: My days usually begin with light meditation and prayer, which helps me center myself before the workday. Once at the office, we start with a team huddle to align on patient care and goals for the day. In addition to treating patients, I also enjoy teaching at the local dental school, which allows me to mentor future dentists and stay engaged with the academic side of the profession.

Most of my workdays run from 8 to 5, and in the evenings, I prioritize time with my husband and family. That balance—dedicating myself fully to my patients and my team during the day, while making space for reflection and connection at home—keeps me grounded and energized in both my personal and professional life.

Blue Ocean: Which developments or emerging trends in your industry most excite you?

Dr. Brenda: Dentistry has advanced tremendously over the past decade, and some of the most exciting developments are changing how we diagnose, plan, and deliver care.

One of the biggest shifts has been the rise of digital dentistry. Instead of relying on traditional impressions, we now use precise digital scans that allow for more accurate treatment planning and a higher quality of care. Patients benefit from both improved comfort and better results.

Artificial intelligence is another innovation that is transforming the field. AI-powered tools can now analyze X-rays to detect early cavities, identify bone loss, and even highlight those areas visually for patients. This not only increases accuracy, but also helps patients truly understand what’s happening in their mouths—making them more informed and engaged in their own care.

I’m also amazed by advancements in salivary diagnostics. With just a saliva sample, we can detect harmful bacteria, measure inflammation, and better understand the critical mouth-body connection. Research continues to show links between oral bacteria and systemic health conditions such as stroke, diabetes, and Alzheimer’s disease. For women, some bacteria even increase the risk of preterm, low-birthweight babies. Many people avoid the dentist because they “don’t feel anything,” yet a silent bacterial battle may be underway. These tools allow us to move beyond treating symptoms and toward prevention and early intervention.

Together, these innovations are reshaping dentistry into a field that is more precise, more patient-centered, and more deeply connected to overall health. It’s an exciting time to be part of a profession that continues to push the boundaries of science and patient care.

Blue Ocean: What do you believe is the key to your success, and how do you stay ahead in such a competitive environment?

Dr. Brenda: For me, consistency and a strong family support system have been the foundation of my success. More than anything, I believe in showing up each day with discipline, focus, and the commitment to give my very best.

A genuine love of learning also keeps me ahead of the curve. Dentistry is constantly evolving, and I make it a priority to stay at the forefront of emerging technologies and best practices. For example, salivary testing is something very few dentists are incorporating today, yet it has the potential to completely transform how we understand and manage patient care.

Ultimately, my success comes from a mindset of growth—staying consistent, staying curious, and never becoming complacent. That approach has guided me throughout my career and continues to drive both my professional development and the care I provide.

Blue Ocean: What is something unique you offer to your clients?

Dr. Brenda:  In our practice, we embrace the latest advancements in digital dentistry to provide truly exceptional care. We incorporate CAD/CAM technology to offer same-day crowns, utilize salivary testing to gain a deeper understanding of oral and systemic health, and employ laser therapy to enhance treatment outcomes. By integrating these cutting-edge tools, we can provide precise, efficient, and patient-centered care making our approach truly unique.

I bring a steadfast commitment to integrity and the highest standards of care. Caring for patients has always been my passion, and I make every clinical decision guided by professionalism and ethical responsibility—not profit. This combination of advanced technology, personalized care, and unwavering integrity is what makes my approach unique and reliable.

Blue Ocean: In your experience, what qualities separate those who excel in dentistry from those who don’t?

Dr. Brenda: It ultimately comes down to integrity and building patient trust. If patients don’t trust you, they’re unlikely to begin treatment or continue working with you. The people who truly excel in this field are those who put genuine passion into their work, care deeply about their patients, and approach every case with meticulous attention to detail. Those who take shortcuts or compromise their standards often face bigger problems down the road. In addition to integrity and skill, having a strong reputation and a credible online presence also makes a meaningful difference.

Blue Ocean: How do you approach mentoring and creating a positive environment for your team?

Dr. Brenda: Mentoring is incredibly valuable, and it’s something I prioritize in my practice. I work closely with my associates to help them perform at the highest level possible. We meet one-on-one each month to discuss areas for improvement and explore ways to elevate patient care.

Dentistry can sometimes feel isolating, and mentorship provides an essential space to ask questions, share ideas, and learn from one another. Having someone to collaborate with and gain perspective from is invaluable. That’s why I practice mentorship every day and remain committed to doing everything I can to ensure my associates are equipped for long-term success. By investing in their growth, I create a positive environment where patients receive the best possible care and the team thrives together.

Blue Ocean: What advice would you give to your younger self as you were starting your career in this multifaceted industry?

Dr. Brenda: Don’t be afraid to make a change or a bold step. Constantly challenge yourself to try something that makes you uncomfortable. I’ve always been the type to follow the rules and check all the boxes. Especially as a woman and an entrepreneur, it can be difficult to take bold moves. Looking back, I wish I had taken some of them a little sooner.

Blue Ocean: What is something you are most grateful for, either professionally or personally?

Dr. Brenda: My family and faith. I feel very blessed to have such great people who support me, not just in my journey, but also through struggles, and who push me to be the best person I can be. Those are the two things that keep me going every single day and gave me the courage to make some career changes, even when they don’t fit the plan I originally had.

Blue Ocean: What’s one lesson in life that changed your perspective?

Dr. Brenda: One of the most important things is to believe in yourself, be bold, and take risks. That’s the only way to create real change and move your life in the direction you want it to go. Maintaining a strong growth mindset is key.

My personal goal is to be 10% better than I was yesterday. The only way to achieve that is to step out of my comfort zone, rather than sit back and let life happen to me. You have to be intentional. By pushing a little further each day, you create the future you truly desire. Real growth happens when you keep pushing yourself beyond that point.

Blue Ocean: Is there a particular quote or piece of advice that has guided you through your career?

Dr. Brenda: My faith, my trusting in God, and the commitment to being the best person I can be. That’s what guided me throughout my career, personal life, and everything else. I believe I was meant to be here to help others while also creating a fulfilling life for myself and my family.

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Blue Ocean: What hobbies or interests help you maintain a balanced lifestyle outside of work?

Dr. Brenda: Traveling is number one. It’s my way to relax and escape the stresses of everyday life. The world has so much more to offer beyond Dallas, Texas. Anytime I need a break, unwind, and reset, travel brings me peace. I’ve visited around 20 countries and four continents.

Other than that, I enjoy spending time with my fantastic family. I got married last year, so I’ve been spending a lot of time with my husband. We love trying out different restaurants and speakeasies together.

Conclusion

Brenda’s journey into dentistry has been shaped by a deep commitment to service, a love of learning, and a belief in doing what’s right. From her earliest mission trips to owning a practice, every step has reinforced the importance of integrity, compassion, and continuous growth. For Brenda, dentistry is more than a profession, it’s ensuring that every patient feels seen, understood, and valued.