Today we’d like to introduce you to Margarita Correa.
Hi Margarita, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?
Well, my journey in dentistry started over 36 years ago in Medellín, Colombia, where I earned my dental degree in 1988. I had my own private practice there for about 12 years before pursuing advanced orthodontic training in Panama and Costa Rica.
In 2000, I moved to the United States, completed my Doctor of Dental Surgery degree at Loma Linda University in California in 2007, and by 2009 I founded Prisma Dental in Frisco, Texas. That same year, I began treating professional soccer players — and that opened a completely new chapter for me.
Working with athletes made me realize how oral health impacts balance, energy, and recovery. That inspired me to specialize in sports dentistry, and eventually to explore the relationship between the mouth, airway, and overall function. During all these years I have been doing continued education courses to be ahead of “the game”. This includes diplomates in Orthodontics, Implants, Cosmetics, etc. I even completed an intensive course in Acupuncture for dentists. All this training has been completed in different countries such as Spain, Mexico, Colombia, and the US, among others.
In 2024, I completed my accreditation in airway management, which transformed my practice into a more functional and airway-centered approach. Today, I help patients — from children to athletes — improve not only their smiles but also their breathing, sleep, and performance.
So my path has really been an evolution — from traditional dentistry to understanding the mouth as a key to full-body health.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
I faced quite a few challenges along the way. When I first arrived in the U.S., I tried working as a Registered Dental Assistant, but no one wanted to hire me for that position at the time. Passing the dental board exams was also a real challenge — I had to study extensively to pass such demanding tests.
After passing the dental boards, I contacted several state boards to explore my options, but I quickly realized that the only way to validate my credentials and practice as a dentist was to go back to dental school. That’s when I decided to apply to Loma Linda University in California. The program received over 1,000 applications; from those, about 110 candidates were invited to take additional exams, and only 13 were finally accepted. I was honored to be one of them.
Moving from Georgia to California was a major step. I had to relocate my entire family, and it took my husband about three months to find a new job once we arrived. Balancing a demanding academic program while raising three young children was extremely tough for all of us.
Later, starting again in Texas was another major difficulty. I began as an associate dentist while slowly building my own practice. During the first years, I worked at another doctor’s office most days while covering the costs of my own clinic until I had enough patients to be fully independent.
It has been quite a journey, but every step — from studying, moving states, and raising a family, to building a practice from the ground up — has been absolutely worth it. At this moment, I am fortunate to have a practice that continues to grow primarily through the word-of-mouth referrals.
Appreciate you sharing that. What should we know about Prisma Dental?
My practice is mostly a solo practice. I also have 3 specialists that come periodically to perform Surgical procedures; Implants, extractions, bone graft and corrective surgeries. We see patients of all ages
We offer comprehensive and functional Dental care:
Airway Dentistry, Pediatric Growth and Development, Sport Dentistry, Orthodontic, Cosmetic, Restorative Care and Laser dentistry
We treat the mouth as part of the whole body. Our focus goes beyond teeth, we look at how breathing, posture, sleep and oral function affect overall health and sports Performance
Treating the root of many health problems beginning with the mouth is what sets me apart from most other dentists
We’d love to hear about how you think about risk taking?
I’m not afraid of taking risks when they are calculated and aligned with my values. I’m comfortable stepping out of my comfort zone, as long as those risks don’t compromise or harm other people
The biggest risk I’ve ever taken was leaving my country after already having an established career, a full clinic, and all my family there. I came to the United States to start over from zero, in a new language and culture, which was a huge personal and professional challenge.
In my profession, I also take risks by exploring areas that not many dentists focus on, because I truly believe dentistry goes far beyond teeth and gums. It’s about understanding the whole person — how the mouth connects to breathing, sleep, and overall health
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.prisma.dental/
- Instagram: @prisma.dental
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/DrMargaritaCorrea/
Image Credits
Maria Flash
