Check out our exclusive interview with renowned Dr. Thomas Connelly also known as the “Father of Diamond Dentistry.” His exceptional dental artistry, valued in the millions, graces the smiles of notable personalities from the entertainment and sports arenas, including big names in the industry like Post Malone, Offset, Odell Beckham Jr, Shaquille O’Neal, Marcus Stroman (Chicago Cubs), and Dennis Schroder (Toronto Raptors) to name a few. Operating from Beverly Hills, Dr. Connelly provides an eclectic range of dental services. Remarkably, his unique setup allows patients to receive tattoos from top-tier artists while undergoing dental treatments, ranging from full diamond dentures and porcelain veneers to custom grills and comprehensive mouth restorations.
Dr. Connelly’s pioneering venture into crafting full diamond teeth was exemplified in Post Malone’s iconic diamond fangs. This creation demanded an intensive 18-month experimentation phase to refine the diamond application process, followed by several months to fit them. Incorporating 40 carats of diamonds acquired from Belgium and shaped in Israel, these fangs were priced at $1.6 million.
Outside his dental practice, Dr. Connelly dedicates himself to bodybuilding, earning the title of “the world’s most muscular dentist.” And just competed in the 2023 Masters Olympia contest last month.
Currently, Dr. Connelly is involved in producing “Inked and Iced,” a show hosted by Travis Barker that sheds light on his distinctive dental and tattoo venture, alongside his passion for bodybuilding. With an anticipated 2024 release, the show promises appearances from industry giants.
Follow Dr. Connelly @connellydds
Hi Dr. Connelly, please tell us a little about you?
I’m a father of five children, 50 years old and have been practicing dentistry for 25 years.
Describe yourself in 3 words?
Relentless / perfectionist /compassionate.
Why did you choose to become a doctor?
I’ve been an artist since I was a young child in dentistry allowed me to take art into a profession that had a good secure financial future.
What is that one thing or that one lesson that you wish you knew at the start of your career?
How long it would take to reach a point where you mastered your craft.
Why you have chosen this field of speciality?
I developed a field of diamond dentistry out of a need and desire from my patient base.
Name one your strengths?
Relentless.
Best advice ever given?
It’s not the destination it’s the journey.
Who has been the biggest influence on your life?
A friend and colleague Dr. Marc Lowenberg in New York City.
What is the key to your success?
The relentless pursuit of excellence regardless of financial gain or loss.
What advice would you have for students that are looking for a dental career?
If you focus on doing beautiful functional dentistry your career will flourish.
What is different from your business to other ones in the market? And What do you think is the secret to have a successful dental practice in a very competitive market like yours?
I am the father of diamond dentistry. I developed these procedures and I’m the only dentist in the world that performs them with predictability on a regular basis. The secret to having a successful practice is to have something unique that no one has and sometimes it’s just your personality.
As a popular dentist you are followed by so many people. How do you feel about that pressure of doing always the right thing, and encourage people to follow their dreams?
I do have a responsibility to deliver dentistry that’s virtually flawless as often as I possibly can. I think after 25 years of doing this there is not a lot of pressure because I’ve had so much time to practice and get here.
At what point did you decide to start speaking out on social media and start building a presence on Instagram?
About five years ago Google became clogged with Adwords and people buying their way into the searchable spaces. You no longer rank based on quality of care; it was a game of how much money someone could spend to get their website at the top. At the same time Instagram was exploding and I felt that the imagery was a much more effective tool to teach my patients about what I can do, for example posting before and after procedures. I got pretty lucky because that’s exactly what happened I think people started focusing on Instagram to find competent dentist rather than using Google.
Now tell us about Diamond Dentistry?
We’ve been able to take diamonds as large as 6 carats. We custom cut them into the shape of teeth and install them into someone’s mouth so they’re not only beautiful but they’re actually functioning and they are cleansable. I developed these procedures with some research and development investment from one of my patients Post Malone, and from there we go on the business to be the leader if not the only practice they can do Diamond dentistry predictably over and over again.
What results can be expected?
I can write sentences and paragraphs and how beautiful this work is but you really need to see the pictures and better yet meet someone in person that has diamond teeth because there’s nothing about it that you can convey verbally. It’s absolutely stunning on anyone.
Can you name a few celebrities you have worked with?
- Post Malone
- Shaquille O’Neal
- Odell Beckham Jr.
- Offset
- Cardi B
- Lil Yachty
- Devin Haney
- Chris Brown
- Von Miller Von Miller
- Moneybagg Yo
- DaBaby
- Gunna
There’s hundreds more and some I’m not allowed to mention due to NDA agreement.
What did you learn from your biggest failure?
In dentistry we are fortunate enough to be able to revise our work so a failure is merely a detour that allows us to go back in and make edits to make it better.
What would say are the greatest lessons you learned so far in this business?
Everybody wants something unique and no one else has because people love to display their individuality. These aren’t just diamond teeth, they are wearable art that reflect the patient’s persona.
Now let’s talk about the 2023 Masters Olympia contest? That’s amazing!
Thank you I’m actually dictating the answers to these questions in Cluj Romania two days before the Mr. Olympia competition.
How do you find time for a busy schedule and also to have a strict fitness life?
It’s all about strict discipline in the drive to accomplish goals that you said for yourself.
What book should every entrepreneur read?
I’m embarrassed to say it but I’m not really a book reader I think I was traumatized by all my years of college and haven’t looked at the book since the day I graduated.
What’s next for Dr. Thomas Connelly in the last months of 2023?
I’m working on a TV show with a major networks and we have lots of shooting to do which takes up a lot of my free time.
Which project is still on your bucket list?
I can honestly say that at the age of 50 I don’t have a lot of items on a bucket list. I’ve let a pretty full life professionally and personally. I have five amazing children. They keep me busy and constantly keep me on my toes.
What advice would you give to your younger self and why?
Patience patience patience.
If you are a book, what would be the title of the book and why?
Be relentless in your pursuit of your goals and they will happen.
In five years from now, where do you see yourself and your career?
Absolutely no idea. I don’t even know what I’m doing next week. (Laughs)
What is your favorite healthy food?
I love plain Greek yogurt mixed with chocolate protein powder and Splenda – it literally taste like chocolate mousse.
And your favorite cheat food?
Definitely pizza and cookies.
What is your own definition of happiness?
Being content with what you have and where you are in your life and enjoying the journey.
How would your best friend describe you?
The king of multitasking.
If you could meet someone living or dead, who would it be and why?
I’d have to go with Jesus, because I have so many unanswered questions.
What would be the dream holiday, and who would you go with?
A beautiful home in the Swiss Alps with my entire family snowed in, during the month of December just before Christmas, with the fireplace blazing daily. Complete with a private chef and a private baker cooking ridiculous food, desserts and cuisine for everyone around the clock. Tons of gifts around the Christmas tree and the house would be decorated like you’ve never seen.
What do you like to watch on Tv?
I enjoy life sports primarily ice hockey and football.
What is you favorite song to belt out in the car/for karaoke?
I’m still hooked on some old Dave Matthews from the late 90s!
Do you support any charity?
A lot of my charity work is taking care of patients that are less fortunate and can’t manage to pay for basic care. There are years where we give out six figures worth of free dentistry and we treat these people as if they were wealthy and we’re paying full price. I also try to attend as many charity events as I can for causes near and dear to my patients.
Idea of a perfect Sunday?
To have nothing scheduled and no plans. Sleeping on the couch with my kids running around the house or doing whatever they do while I can relax.
Where we can follow you?
I’m on Instagram only @connellydds
Quote: Fortune favors the brave.
Holiday Destination: Snowy Switzerland.
Drink: Gingerbread latte.
Favorite song? Why? I really don’t have one.
Sports Team: Hooked on the Detroit Lions since I was born in Detroit.
Movie: I tend to like underdog movies like Rudy or Gladiator.
Photo Credit: Sarah Orbanic @sarahorbanicphotos
