Dr. Maria Hiruma

Dr. Maria Hiruma’s journey into the world of dentistry is a testament to her resilience and passion for making a positive impact. Born in Tokyo, her parents’ vision for a bilingual upbringing led her to Silicon Valley, where she faced the challenge of adapting to a new language and environment. This early experience taught her the value of adaptability and the limitless opportunities that education could offer.

During her college years at UC Irvine, Dr. Hiruma majored in Public Health Science, all while her family faced the trials of geographical separation and her mother’s battles with breast cancer. Her mother’s strength in overcoming these challenges became a driving force in Dr. Hiruma’s life.

Her interest in dentistry stemmed from her artistic inclinations and her personal experience with orthodontic treatment during middle school. Dr. Hiruma pursued her pre-dental education at UCI, followed by a master’s program at Midwestern University. Her dental journey continued with the DMD program at Midwestern, where she thrived in an environment that encouraged students to challenge themselves and excel in various dental disciplines.

Throughout her dental school years, Dr. Hiruma engaged in mission trips, community outreach, and hands-on experiences in areas such as root canals, extractions, same-day crowns, and implant procedures. Her fascination with dental implants led her to pursue advanced training, including a diplomate status with ICOI (International Congress of Oral Implantologists) and courses in Colombia and Arizona.

She finds inspiration and renewed enthusiasm in learning, returning from CE courses with a drive to deliver high-quality dentistry. Currently, she is further enhancing her expertise through the Kois Center’s continuum, focusing on functional occlusion, biomechanics, and full-mouth rehabilitation using evidence-based dentistry.

Beyond dentistry, Dr. Hiruma enjoys an active lifestyle, with interests ranging from rock climbing and hiking to camping and stand-up paddleboarding. She also finds joy in cooking and spending time with her husband, family, and friends.

Dr. Maria Hiruma’s passion for changing lives through improved smiles and oral health, coupled with her dedication to patient education, is at the heart of her dentistry practice. She takes pride in seeing her patients embrace oral health as a priority and witnessing their transformative journeys toward healthier smiles. It’s a win-win situation that drives her every day.