Laura Matos
Laura Matos, DMD, is a dedicated general dentist with nearly a decade of experience in the dental field. She began her professional journey in the Dominican Republic, graduating as a dentist in 2017, before relocating to the United States to continue her training. In 2025, she completed an Advanced Standing Program for internationally trained dentists, revalidating her career and solidifying her expertise in the U.S. healthcare system. Her commitment to excellence and resilience in navigating this rigorous process highlight her dedication to both her profession and her patients.
Currently, Dr. Matos practices at Hackensack Meridian Health, a Level-1 trauma hospital in New Jersey, where she provides comprehensive dental care to a wide variety of patients. Her daily responsibilities include emergency dental treatments for patients in severe pain, trauma cases involving facial injuries, pediatric care, special needs dentistry, and geriatric care for nursing home residents. Known for her compassionate approach, she ensures that every patient receives personalized care and clear communication regarding their treatment options.
Beyond her clinical work, Dr. Matos is an active member of the American Dental Association, the New Jersey Dental Association, and the Bergen County Dental Association. Her areas of specialization include emergency and trauma dentistry, pediatric and special needs care, and geriatric dentistry. Laura’s professional philosophy centers on providing urgent, high-quality care while fostering trust and understanding with her patients, making her a valued provider in the hospital and local community.
• American association of woman dentistry
• American Dental Association
• New Jersey Dental Association
• Bergen County Dental Association
What do you attribute your success to?
I attribute my success to family support. I have a lot of that, thank God. My mom is with me, and my siblings as well. I will say that they supported me through the whole process to get where I am right now. Having that strong family foundation has been essential to achieving everything I've accomplished in my career.
What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
The best career advice I ever received was to do your best and forget the rest. This simple but powerful guidance has helped me stay focused on giving my all without getting overwhelmed by things beyond my control.
What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
I would say that if this is what they want, they have to keep pursuing their dream, because it's not an easy path. I know we are a minority as a woman, and also as a Latina, I will say. But we can make it. We can make a change of that. Despite the challenges of being underrepresented in the field, young women should stay committed to their goals because they have the power to create change.
What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
The biggest challenge in my field right now is keeping up to date with technology. It's going too fast. You learn something, and then something else comes out. The rapid pace of technological advancement in dentistry makes it difficult to stay current, but it's essential to provide the best care to patients.
What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
I will say honesty is the most important value to me. When you're honest to people, even if it's not what they wanted to hear, they value it by the end, because you're communicating truthfully. They can see that you're not behind money, or that you really care about them as a patient and as a person. Also, in life, I would say the same. When you have a friendship, you want to keep it, and my honesty keeps everything clear. Being truthful builds trust and maintains strong relationships in both my professional and personal life.
Locations
Hackensack Meridian Health
Elizabeth, NJ 07206