Q: What inspired you to become a dentist? My father has always been my biggest inspiration. I had the privilege of practicing alongside him for nearly six years, and watching the way he cared for his patients taught me that dentistry is about so much more than treating teeth. It’s about building trust, serving others, and making a positive difference in people’s lives.

Q: What is your favorite part of being a dentist? Getting to know my patients. I love helping people feel comfortable in the dental chair and seeing their confidence grow as we work together to improve their oral health. Building long-term relationships with my patients is the most rewarding part of my job.

Q: If you could travel anywhere in the world, where would you go? I love traveling, so this is a tough one! I enjoy visiting places rich in history, architecture, and culture. Japan during cherry blossom season and Scotland are both high on my travel bucket list.

Q: What is something patients might be surprised to learn about you? I’ve lived, studied, and practiced dentistry in multiple countries, and each experience has shaped the way I care for my patients. I love meeting people from different backgrounds and believe every patient has a unique story worth hearing.

• Misr International University
• University of North Carolina Adams School of Dentistry

For Dr. Marina Shehata, dentistry has always been about people. She loves getting to know her patients, helping them feel at ease, and building the kind of trust that makes visiting the dentist a positive experience. Her goal is for every patient to feel heard, respected, and confident in their smile.

Dr. Shehata earned her Bachelor of Dental Surgery from Misr International University and spent nearly six years practicing alongside her father in his private dental practice. Watching him care for generations of families inspired the kind of dentist she wanted to become: one who values compassion, honesty, and lasting relationships just as much as excellent clinical care.

Her passion for serving others led her to participate in dental mission trips throughout Africa and volunteer in underserved communities in Egypt. These experiences reinforced her belief that dentistry has the power to improve lives and continue to shape the way she cares for her patients today.

Motivated by a desire to continue learning and broaden her clinical experience, Dr. Shehata moved to the United States, where she worked in preventive dentistry research in Texas. Her research has been published in peer-reviewed dental journals. She later earned her Doctor of Dental Surgery degree from the University of North Carolina Adams School of Dentistry, where she further developed her passion for comprehensive, evidence-based patient care.

After graduating from UNC, Dr. Shehata practiced comprehensive general dentistry in Ventura, California, caring for patients of all ages and backgrounds. She enjoys all aspects of general dentistry, with particular interests in restorative dentistry, endodontics, and oral surgery. She believes in taking the time to educate her patients, answer their questions, and work together to create healthy, lasting smiles.

Outside the office, Dr. Shehata enjoys being involved in her church community, traveling, exploring new places and cultures, practicing yoga, and spending quality time with her husband, Mina. She is proud to serve the Upstate community through Family Dental Health and values the lasting relationships she builds with patients and their families.