Dr. Susan Ra completed her undergraduate studies at the University of Maryland, College Park. She worked for a while as a new home sales manager and loan officer, but she didn’t find the fulfillment she was looking for in those jobs. She loved the sciences and was good with fine motor skills, so she decided dentistry was the profession for her.
Dr. Ra went on to earn her Doctor of Dental Surgery degree from the University of Maryland, Baltimore College of Dental Surgery in 2004. During her academic journey, she was mentored by the esteemed general dentist, Dr. Peter Hurst of Northwestern University Dental Clinic. Dr. Hurst, renowned as Oprah Winfrey’s dentist and a frequent guest on her show as an expert consultant, played a pivotal role in her education.
She has remained committed to staying at the forefront of dental technology and integrating these advancements into her practice, Touch of Smiles Dental Care, which she opened in 2007. Driven by her belief in delivering top-notch dental care to all patients, Dr. Ra actively pursues continuing education to enhance the quality of service offered at her office.
Dr. Ra has specialized training in conscious oral sedation, providing a calming experience for patients who may feel anxious. She also possesses advanced expertise in airway management and caring for medically-compromised patients. As an experienced cosmetic dentist, she is skilled in placing full-mouth veneers, composites, and esthetic crowns, and bridges. Her expertise extends to dental implant placement, bone grafts, and other oral surgery procedures.
Dr. Ra loves dentistry and being able to create life-changing smiles for her patients. They appreciate her high degree of empathy and her skills in almost all aspects of dentistry. She also works quickly and efficiently and is nice to everyone she meets.
Dr. Ra holds memberships in several prestigious dental organizations, including:
- The Academy of General Dentistry
- The American Dental Association
- The American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry
- The Maryland Academy of General Dentistry
- Psi Omega Dental Fraternity
- The American Association of Women Dentists
- The Anne Arundel County Dental Society
Her colleagues recognized her as one of “America’s Top Dentists” for Cosmetic and General Dentistry in both 2010 and 2011. More recently, she was named a Top Dentist in Baltimore magazine in June 2023. Dr. Ra was even a judge in the Miss Maryland USA and Miss Delaware USA pageants.
Beyond her professional achievements, Dr. Ra’s compassionate spirit led her to volunteer for Operation Smile in Hanoi, Vietnam, in 2004.
When not practicing dentistry, Dr. Ra enjoys watching Netflix, food shopping, reading, and participating in church activities. Above all, she cherishes the time she spends with her twin son and daughter.
