Meet the Brothers Elevating Beverly Hills Dentistry
WRITTEN BY ARIELLE HARRIS | PHOTOGRAPHY BY CIRCUMPUNCT STUDIO
“Keeping it in the family” has a new meaning with the brother duo Rodney and Justin Raanan. Both renowned dentists in Beverly Hills, they have built their careers together. Not only are their offices adjacent to one another, but their parallel journeys to dentistry have been extraordinary.
Rodney, 36, and Justin, 33, are two among a total of four sons – including Matt, 35, and Ryan, 18 – plus a Goldendoodle named Buddy – to their parents Loretta and John Raanan. Loretta and John came to the United States in the 1970s, shortly before the Iranian Revolution, and built a new life in America. “They always taught us the importance of work ethic, determination, honesty, and good values. They believed it was what helped them turn nothing into something. This is exactly what my brothers and I live by,” says Rodney. Starting their success in the Los Angeles area, the family built its roots in Beverly Hills, recognizing the value the community had to offer. “Beverly Hills is home for us. We love the tight-knit community, the schools, and the people,” Justin says with a smile. The Raanan brothers received their primary education in Beverly Hills, both attending El Rodeo and Beverly Hills High School.
Growing up with parents who encouraged education, passion, and discovery, the brothers’ entrepreneurial spirit was honed during early adolescence. As teenagers, Rodney, Matt, and Justin decided to open a phone accessories business that would grow to become quite successful. Securing placements in five major malls (including Century City Mall, a local favorite), the boys stationed kiosks in front of Apple stores and rapidly developed business. Serendipitously, the phone accessory business would be the door to introduce Rodney to dentistry. While on the job, he met Dr. Robert Rifkin, one of the world’s foremost cosmetic dentists. Rodney’s interest in medicine drew him into the conversation and his undiscovered passion for dentistry ignited. He started shadowing his new mentor, Dr. Rifkin, at his practice, and so began Rodney’s journey into dentistry.
Staying local to Los Angeles, Rodney and Justin both attended UCLA, studying anthropology. With Rodney’s interest in dentistry already established, Justin had early exposure to the world of medicine. It was during his time at UCLA volunteering in the oral surgery department, waking up at 6 a.m. to watch surgeries, that Justin found his own love for dental work and surgery. Both Rodney and Justin continued their education at USC Dental School together. “I wouldn’t have been able to do it without him,” reminisces Justin. From living together, studying together, and growing together, the two brothers pushed one another to be better than the other.
After USC Dental School, Rodney and Justin completed additional schooling at Harvard School of Dental Medicine, each earning Masters of Medical Sciences in Oral Biology in addition to their respective specialty degrees: Rodney in Prosthodontics (aesthetic and prosthetic dentistry) and Justin in Periodontics (prevention of gum disease and dental implants). They now operate under their own practices, sharing clients and working side by side. After graduating from Harvard, both brothers returned to their beloved city of Beverly Hills. Rodney’s career came to a full circle when he came back to work with his mentor, Dr. Rifkin. They now run one of the top cosmetic dental practices in the world – Rifkin Raanan. Similarly, Justin opened his own practice in Periodontics, providing dental implants and aesthetic microsurgery. Not only do the brothers’ specialties work hand in hand, complimenting a patient’s oral care, but their offices are also literally adjacent to one another in the same building.
“He’s the yin to my yang,” shares Rodney. “We’re a lot stronger together. Whether at work or in our personal lives, we do really well together. Our strengths and weaknesses complement each other.”
Justin agrees and adds, “Patients benefit because of it. We create and formulate plans and understanding together. What makes us unique is that we have everything in one place. Makes things better for the patient. And our philosophy is the same: it helps streamline any issues.” What makes their practices special is not only their genuine care and empathy for patients, but also the use of the most cutting-edge technology and advancements in the space; with the artistry and skills available within their in-house labs, they can create their patients’ dream smiles.
Though the two brothers' practices may be under separate entities, their pride and joy surface in their joint non-profit foundation, Giving A Smile. The organization provides free dental care to underprivileged children and communities. They have partnered with organizations like the Boys and Girls Club, Colgate, and Community in Schools. Through Rodney’s faculty position at UCLA School of Dentistry, they established a partnership to offer dental students working credit towards their degree to get real-world dental experience. Rodney and Justin say it is the “culture within the team of volunteers that makes everything possible. It speaks volumes for the people that we work with.” As the duo has continued to raise money over the years, they have expanded their foundation to provide free dental services to more communities in need.
When Rodney and Justin are not focusing on dental work or projects, they both love spending time watching Lakers games, staying active, collecting cars, and spending time with family. They frequent weekly family dinners at various restaurants all over Beverly Hills. However, their newest favorite is, obviously, their brother Matt’s newly opened restaurant, Beverly Bar on Camden Drive (and of course, the location just steps away from Rodney and Justin’s offices!)
Dr. Justin & Rodney Raanan receiving an award in Dec ’22 at the 5th
Annual Musical Awards Gala by the Boys & Girls Club at Vibrato Jazz Club