After amassing degrees from UCLA Dental School and practicing dentistry for more than 20 years, Valerie Barba, DDS, realized her dream of opening her own practice, which she built on the foundation of expert preventive care and smile-brightening cosmetic treatments. Dr. Barba juggles her roles as wife of 21 years, mother to four children, and avid marathon runner with her full-time dental commitments while still finding time to visit local schools to educate children about taking care of their teeth. The good doctor protects precious chompers with emergency procedures, exams, and checkups, and enhances a smile's sparkle with Zoom! whitening treatments and a well-practiced technique in applying porcelain veneers. Her treatments unfold in a pristine spa-like studio where warm light bathes hardwood floors, sun filters through the windows onto cozy leather treatment chairs, and tiny terrycloth robes enshroud each tooth.