About Dr. Pooja Goel | Smiles for Life Dental Group, Santa Clara CA

Dr. Pooja Goel, DDS — Smiles for Life Dental Group, Santa Clara

Diplomate, American Board of Dental Sleep Medicine

Diplomate, American Board of Craniofacial Pain

Clinical Excellence & Compassion

Dentistry Founded on Listening

Dr. Pooja Goel is a highly accomplished general dentist whose practice is founded on clinical excellence, compassionate care, and a commitment to lifelong learning. As a Diplomate of the American Board of Dental Sleep Medicine and a Diplomate in Craniofacial Pain, she brings advanced expertise to the diagnosis and management of complex oral health, sleep-related breathing disorders, and craniofacial pain conditions — while maintaining a comprehensive approach to general dentistry.

Known for her attentive and personalized style of care, Dr. Goel believes that exceptional dentistry begins with listening. She takes the time to understand each patient's individual concerns, goals, and expectations, ensuring that every treatment plan is tailored to their unique needs. Her commitment to providing one-on-one attention, respecting her patients' time, and delivering the highest standard of care has earned the trust of patients across generations.

Dr. Pooja Goel at Smiles for Life Dental Group

Beyond the Practice

A Commitment to Service

Beyond her professional practice, Dr. Goel is deeply committed to service. Throughout her career, she has participated in volunteer and humanitarian initiatives across multiple countries, providing care and supporting communities with limited access to healthcare. These experiences have reinforced her belief that healthcare is not only a profession, but also a responsibility to serve others with compassion and humility. Closer to her roots in India, she regularly organizes free dental camps and community seminars on sleep apnea and insomnia.

Discipline & Perseverance

Resilience & Perspective

An enthusiastic traveler and avid hiker, Dr. Goel has pursued trekking and mountaineering adventures around the world, challenging herself on some of the most renowned mountain trails and high-altitude destinations. These experiences have cultivated the resilience, discipline, and perseverance that she brings to both her professional and personal life.

Family & Balance

Family at the Center

Outside of dentistry, Dr. Goel enjoys spending quality time with her family. She is happily married to her husband, Vishal Jain, and is the proud mother of two sons, Sarthak and Samyak. Family plays a central role in her life, and she values the opportunity to travel, explore new places, and create lasting memories with her loved ones. Dr. Goel believes that maintaining a healthy balance between her professional and personal life allows her to bring greater compassion, understanding, and dedication to the care of her patients.

Dr. Goel is passionate about caring for patients of all ages and is dedicated to creating an environment where every individual feels valued, respected, and confident in their care. Her goal is simple: to provide outstanding dentistry while building lasting relationships founded on trust, integrity, and genuine concern for the well-being of every patient.

Dr. Pooja Goel using the Waterlase laser at Smiles for Life Dental Group

Credentials & Focus

Advanced Training, Whole-Health Care

Dental Sleep Medicine

Diplomate of the American Board of Dental Sleep Medicine, with residency training in dental sleep medicine at Tufts University — advanced qualification in treating obstructive sleep apnea with oral appliance therapy.

Craniofacial Pain & TMJ

Diplomate in Craniofacial Pain, with an orofacial residency at UCLA and a craniofacial pain residency through the American Academy of Craniofacial Pain — specialized care for TMJ disorders and chronic facial pain.

Comprehensive Dentistry

Over 20 years restoring smiles with crowns, bridges, implant restorations, veneers, and full-mouth reconstruction.

Professional Memberships

American Academy of Dental Sleep Medicine American Academy of Craniofacial Pain American Dental Association California Dental Association Santa Clara County Dental Society

In Her Own Words

Dr. Goel Explains

Short introductions from Dr. Goel on two conditions she treats every day.

Understanding Sleep Apnea

Understanding TMJ & Jaw Pain

Meet the Team

The People Behind Your Smile

A dedicated, compassionate team committed to your comfort and care at every visit.

Dr. Pooja Goel

D.D.S. · Founder & Lead Dentist

With over 20 years of experience, Dr. Goel leads the practice with a whole-health philosophy — pairing comprehensive general and cosmetic dentistry with board-certified care for sleep apnea and TMJ as a Diplomate of two national boards.

Dental Sleep Medicine Craniofacial Pain Cosmetic

Tihitna Lemme

Dental Assistant

Warm, attentive, and detail-oriented, Tihitna assists chairside across general and sleep treatments — dedicated to making every patient feel calm, comfortable, and genuinely cared for.

Chairside Care Patient Comfort

Asma

Office Manager

As the friendly first point of contact, Asma keeps everything running smoothly — coordinating scheduling, insurance, and billing so your visit is seamless from start to finish.

Scheduling Insurance & Billing

Dr. Pooja Goel, DDS