Photo by Michael Williams

Dr. Brian Harris

Not only is Arizona native Dr. Brian Harris one of the nation’s leading experts in cosmetic dentistry, he is so much more; he’s most proud to be a smile creator and a confidence builder. Dr. Harris owns and operates three Harris Dental locations with his father and brother, who are also dentists.

How did you get your start in the dental industry?

My father is a dentist so I grew up around dentistry and saw how much he loved what he did...it just made sense to follow in his footsteps.

You call yourself a “confidence builder.” Why is that?

I absolutely love the art of designing smiles, but my true passion is people. I love working with people to design the perfect smile and seeing the effect it has on their life. The before and after pictures are great, but it’s the transformation that happens three or six months down the road that is amazing to watch.

What is the most rewarding part of your career?

The creation of a new smile with each of my patients and the long-term relationships I build with them as we work together.

Do you have a client story that you have been particularly moved by?

I do. Andie. I had a chance to do a smile last year to a young woman who really struggled with her appearance and had been through some really tough things in life at such a young age. It’s been rewarding to watch her this last year and how much she has grown with a new job, a new relationship and a whole new outlook on life. It’s humbling to be part of such a special transformation both physically and emotionally. 

What do you envision for the future of the Valley?

I am an Arizona native, and I feel like the Valley has grown and progressed so much in the last 20 years. People are taking notice, and that is why we have well-known companies from all over moving here to do business. I think we have some of the best healthcare professionals around, and currently 50 percent of all my smile design cases come from people out of state flying in for treatment. That statistic alone shows me that people are looking at the Valley as a place they can trust for healthcare specialists.

In what ways do you give back to the community?

We participate in Smiles for Life every year and donate all teeth whitening revenue for four months to charity. To date, we have raised more than $500,000 for children’s charities in the Valley including Phoenix Children’s Hospital, Phoenix Suns Charities, Tim and Willy's Kids Foundation and John Jay and Rich's Christmas Wish. 

What are some of your free-time passions?

Snowboarding, racing triathalons and traveling with [my wife] Maury as she runs marathons all over the world.