We had the good fortune of connecting with Nicole Nalbandian and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Nicole, do you have any habits that you feel contribute to your effectiveness?
Discipline. It takes an unbelievable amount of it to wake up every morning and commit to throwing yourself into uncomfortable and challenging situations, day after day. For me, discipline starts with my routine, which I’ve been religiously following for over a decade. I start my mornings at 4 a.m., tackling my most important tasks before the sun rises. Then, I fit in a workout to energize myself for the day ahead. This consistent routine has set the tone for my success, helping me stay focused and giving me the leverage I need to achieve my goals.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
The journey to where I am today has been one of the most challenging and emotionally demanding of my life—a relentless battle from start to finish. It began with the struggle to earn top grades in college, where I faced classes that felt impossibly difficult—I still have nightmares about physics and chemistry! After completing both a bachelor’s and a master’s degree, the next hurdle was gaining acceptance into dental school. With acceptance rates at prestigious institutions like UCLA as low as 5%, I found myself competing against some of the brightest and most talented individuals. I used to think that if I could just get into the UCLA School of Dentistry, the hard part would be over. I couldn’t have been more wrong.

Once accepted, the challenge only grew. Dental school was four grueling years of nonstop work—studying to the point of exhaustion and, at times, tears—only to study even more. Being part of such an esteemed program was an incredible privilege, but it demanded immense sacrifice. We missed family vacations, lost time with friends, and skipped major life milestones. The unspoken motto became, “How badly do you want it?”—and to keep moving forward, you had to want it desperately.

Looking back, every sacrifice and struggle was worth it, and I’d do it all over again in a heartbeat.

Today, I am proud to have built a career defined by uncompromising quality and a deep passion for dentistry. This field is more than a profession to me—it’s a personal mission to create meaningful transformations in my patients’ lives. Whether through restorative or cosmetic work, I strive to deliver exceptional results that exceed expectations. Known for my meticulous attention to detail and commitment to perfection, I approach dental care with precision and a relentless dedication to achieving the best possible outcomes for every patient.

My goal is to elevate the standard for oral health.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
If my best friend and I were given free rein to do anything we wanted, we’d head straight to a coffee shop for some fancy iced coffee and then spend the day on a cozy couch, talking, venting, and laughing until our hearts were full. We’d dream up new ideas, brainstorm inventions, and imagine businesses we’d love to start.

My best friends are like batteries for my soul, recharging me in a way nothing else can. Being around them feels like a breath of fresh air, grounding me in the moment and filling me with clarity and peace. It’s never about where we go or what we do—it’s about the connection we share. That bond gives me the strength and focus to take on new challenges with a renewed sense of purpose.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
Throughout my academic and professional journey, I’ve been fortunate to encounter countless individuals who have inspired me in different ways. First and foremost, I owe my success to my tribe—my family and friends—who have supported me every step of the way. They’ve encouraged me with endless pep talks, and stood by me through both good days and challenging ones.

Secondly, I want to recognize the incredible faculty I’ve learned from throughout my academic career. Their brilliance and dedication have continually challenged my intellectual curiosity and fostered my love for science and biology.

Lastly, I’d like to give a shoutout to my younger self—the one who dared to pursue such a lofty dream despite knowing the challenges and obstacles ahead. That courage and determination laid the foundation for everything I’ve achieved today.

Website: https://NalbandianDentistry.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dr_nalbandian/

Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/nicole-g-nalbandian-dds-ms-burbank-2

Other: Email: NalbandianDDS@Gmail.com
Phone: 818-262-3043

Nominate Someone: ShoutoutLA is built on recommendations and shoutouts from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.