Meet Kellen Mori | Dentist

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

Hi Kellen, as a parent, what have you done for you children that you feel has had the most significant impact?
I believe the most meaningful impact I’ve had on my three daughters has been showing them both compassion and strength. I am a widower—my wife passed away from stage 4 cancer in January 2022. My daughters witnessed me caring for her day and night, ensuring she was comfortable until her final moments at home.

Beyond that, I’m an immigrant from Brazil. I moved to New York in 1992, just one year after graduating from dental school. I was 23 years old, didn’t speak English, had only $1,800, and arrived with a three-month tourist visa. Fast forward to today—I’m a well-recognized dentist, an NYU Dental School graduate with honors, and a respected professional in my field.

Through my journey, my daughters have learned that success begins with doing what you love and never giving up on your dreams. I’m deeply proud of who I’ve become—and even prouder that my daughters can look to me as a role model.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?

Dr. Kellen Mori is the definition of a self-made woman. Born and raised in Brazil, she came to the United States with barely any money and no clear plan—only determination and a dream. She learned English quickly, working as a babysitter until her language skills allowed her to pursue her true passion: dentistry. Through perseverance and discipline, she revalidated her dental degree and began building the foundation for an extraordinary career.

For the past 27 years, Dr. Mori has worked alongside renowned cosmetic dentist Dr. Jonathan B. Levine in New York City’s Upper East Side. Under his mentorship, she honed her craft, developing a distinctive artistic eye and an impeccable sense of aesthetics. Over the years, she built her own name in the world of cosmetic dentistry—becoming a sought-after professional trusted by an impressive list of clients, including Sarah Jessica Parker, Lenny Kravitz, Tina Fey, Mariska Hargitay, Fred Armisen, Natasha Lyonne, and Cynthia Erivo, among many others.

Beyond her success in New York, Dr. Mori’s heart lies in service. For the past nine years, she has joined Dr. Levine’s **GLO Good Foundation** and Lenny Kravitz’s **Let Love Rule Foundation** on an annual dental mission in the Bahamas, where hundreds of children and adults receive free dental care. “It’s the highlight of my year,” she says. “Restoring someone’s smile is about more than teeth—it’s about giving them confidence and dignity.”

Passionate, compassionate, and deeply driven, Dr. Kellen Mori continues to inspire through her story and her work. Her journey is a testament to resilience, gratitude, and the belief that with hard work and heart, dreams really can come true.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
I’m a nature lover, so whenever friends visit, I always take them on a hike at Griffith Park—it’s one of my favorite ways to show off the beauty of Los Angeles. Afterward, we stop for what I consider the best bagels in the city at Courage Bagels. I also love spending time at Manhattan Beach and ending the day with dinner at one of my favorite spots, Stella.

I’m relatively new to L.A.—I moved here in 2020—so I’m still discovering the city. I’m not much of a going-out person, but I enjoy exploring its nature, great food, and relaxed atmosphere.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
I would like to recognize Dr. Jonathan B. Levine, the dentist who gave me my first opportunity to work as his assistant. He was the one who sponsored my work visa, helped me obtain my green card, and wrote my letter of recommendation to NYU. He also stood by my side as the best man at my wedding. Everything I know about aesthetic dentistry, I learned from him. I am forever grateful for his guidance, mentorship, and friendship.

Website: https://www.bhdentists.com/kellen-mori-dds

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