After arriving in Los Angeles with a dream and determination, Dr. Ramezani turned challenges into a thriving dental practice that continues to brighten smiles across DTLA.
Dr. Mojgan Ramezani, a leading dentist in Downtown Los Angeles, is a testament to resilience and determination. Arriving from Iran in 1991 at age 24, she faced the challenge of starting over when her surgical nursing training from Tehran University wasn’t recognized in the U.S. Undeterred, she mastered English, earned a biochemistry degree from UCLA and graduated from the USC School of Dentistry.
“Every challenge was a chance to prove I could succeed,” she recalls.
In 2002, Dr. Ramezani joined a 60-year-old dental practice in a Downtown LA high-rise, determined to modernize it. Landlord delays and city regulations stretched renovations over three years, but she persevered, taking full responsibility for the financially struggling office. Over the next decade, she transformed it into a thriving, technology-driven practice. When the landlord later declined to renew her lease, she built a second state-of-the-art office — Plaza Dental — in another DTLA high-rise.
“Building one practice from scratch is rare,” she says with a smile. “I did it twice. I’m the lucky one.”
Leading the Way in Sleep Apnea and Airway Health
Dr. Mojgan Ramezani
Plaza Dental Team/Submitted
With more than 25 years of experience in hospitals, children’s clinics, and private practice, Dr. Ramezani has identified an often-overlooked threat to health: obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). This condition occurs when throat muscles relax during sleep, blocking the airway and interrupting breathing. It leads to poor rest, low oxygen levels and serious risks such as heart disease, stroke and cognitive decline. In children, it can cause developmental delays and behavioral issues.
According to the American Academy of Sleep Medicine, 26% of adults and up to 17% of children may have OSA — yet most remain undiagnosed.
Melinda Santoyo, Plaza Dental’s treatment coordinator, shares how OSA awareness changed her own family’s life:
“I was worried about my son’s behavior and constant fatigue. Once he was treated for sleep apnea, everything changed. One of the best days was when he said, ‘I’m not tired, Mom. I can play now.’”
Because dentists see patients regularly, Dr. Ramezani believes they are uniquely positioned to screen for this life-threatening condition.
“Not sleeping well can cause permanent damage,” she explains. “Yet many dentists lack training in this critical field.”
At Plaza Dental, the process begins with in-office screenings and at-home sleep tests, reviewed by a board-certified sleep specialist. For patients diagnosed with OSA and narrow dental arches, Dr. Ramezani often uses clear aligner therapy (such as Invisalign®) to gently expand arches, improving airflow and oxygen intake. This noninvasive approach frequently reduces OSA severity while enhancing smiles.
Plaza Dental also partners with medical insurance verification specialists, ensuring access to custom oral appliances, aligners or CPAP therapy when needed — a comprehensive path to better breathing and better sleep.
An All-Women Team Dedicated to Prevention and Family Health
Plaza Dental’s all-women team, all mothers themselves, is built on empathy, prevention and family well-being.
“We’re not just treating teeth — we’re empowering families,” says Dr. Ramezani.
By addressing airway issues early, the team helps prevent long-term health problems while building lasting trust in DTLA’s diverse community.
Behind every great smile is a caring assistant who makes it happen.
Plaza Dental Team/Submitted
Giving Back to the Downtown LA Community
Beyond the office, Dr. Ramezani and her team are passionate about outreach. They participate in community health fairs and educational events drives to support local families.
Angelica Martinez, Plaza Dental’s clinical manager and a volunteer with Community Crisis Center, a local nonprofit food distribution for CD14, leads many of these efforts.
“My involvement began during COVID,” Angelica says. “Working with the Plaza Dental volunteers and others, we saw how much small acts of service could impact people’s lives.”
By addressing basic needs and promoting awareness about sleep apnea, airway health and preventive care, Plaza Dental helps Downtown LA residents and neighbors live healthier, more confident lives.
Resilience, Innovation and Legacy
Dr. Mojgan Ramezani’s journey mirrors that of many immigrant women who face cultural transitions, professional hurdles and the challenge of rebuilding in a new country. Yet her story also reflects Los Angeles — a city that rewards determination and vision.
“This city rewards hard work,” she says.
Today, Plaza Dental stands as a symbol of resilience, innovation and community care — a legacy built on dedication, education and compassion.
“Every obstacle is a chance to rebuild stronger,” Dr. Ramezani says.
For her, that philosophy has turned challenges into triumphs — one smile at a time.