Dr. Anita Kabaria

Dr. Anita Kabaria is the founder of Bergen TMJ & Dental Sleep Care, a boutique private practice in Bergen County, New Jersey, dedicated exclusively to Orofacial Pain and Dental Sleep Medicine. Grown organically through trusted referrals and community connections, her practice reflects a strong commitment to multidisciplinary care. She collaborates closely with physicians, dentists, physical therapists, and sleep specialists to provide comprehensive, patient-centered treatment.

As a mother of two young children, Dr. Kabaria understands the importance of balance and brings that same empathy and dedication to both her family and her patients. She continues to grow her practice while staying actively engaged in advancing her clinical skills and expanding access to specialized care in her community.

Dr. Kabaria began her dental career in India, earning her BDS and completing a General Practice Residency in 2012 at Krishna School of Dental Sciences. After moving to the U.S., she pursued advanced training in Temporomandibular Disorders and Orofacial Pain at Rutgers School of Dental Medicine in 2017, earning both Diplomate and Fellow status in the field. She went on to receive her DDS degree from the University at Buffalo in 2020 and completed a General Practice Residency at the VA Medical Center in New Jersey.

Get to know Dr. Anita Kabaria in this brief Q&A, where she shares insights into her career, passions, and advice for future professionals.

1. How did you get interested in the field of Orofacial Pain?

My path to orofacial pain began with curiosity and gradually evolved into a lasting commitment. While working toward my dental licensure in the United States, I enrolled in an advanced education program in orofacial pain. At the time, it was a way to make productive use of my time and strengthen my credentials. Although I found the field intellectually engaging, I did not immediately see it as my long-term career path.
That perspective began to shift about two years into my associateship as a general dentist. As I treated patients struggling with TMJ disorders and chronic facial pain, I became increasingly aware of how underserved this population is and how critical the need for specialized care remains within the community.
What started as a passing interest five years ago has since grown into a deeply meaningful professional commitment. Today, it defines the foundation and mission of my private practice.

2. How do you feel that the field of Orofacial Pain has evolved over the years?

Over the past few years, I have witnessed remarkable growth in the field of orofacial pain from two key perspectives: a steady increase in referrals from medical professionals, and a noticeable rise in interest among dental students in pursuing this specialty.
Orofacial pain is increasingly recognized across the broader healthcare community. In the past, many physicians, ENTs, and neurologists were unaware that board-certified orofacial pain specialists even existed. Today, with a stronger understanding of the specialty and its collaborative, interdisciplinary approach, they feel confident referring patients directly. This has led to professional partnerships and significantly improved patient care.
For many years, TMJ and orofacial pain were viewed as niche areas, often lacking visibility and perceived as unsustainable in private practice. It was rare to hear dental students express interest in the field. That narrative is now shifting. With the development of well-structured residency programs and a clearer path to building a viable and rewarding career, more graduates are choosing to pursue advanced training. It is encouraging to witness this growing momentum.

3. What are the most challenging and rewarding aspects of caring for patients with chronic pain?

One of the most challenging aspects of this field is the limited number of trained providers, which often forces patients to travel long distances for care. Many have been in pain for months or even years, and by the time they reach us, they are understandably exhausted, frustrated, and desperate for answers. This creates a sense of urgency and emotional weight, not only from the patient’s perspective but also for providers striving to offer meaningful relief and positive outcomes. Balancing that urgency with the reality that managing chronic pain requires time, patience, and a multidisciplinary approach can be difficult.

One of the most rewarding aspects of this work is witnessing a patient’s transformation over the course of treatment. Chronic pain can deeply affect every aspect of life, so when patients begin to feel better, the change is often visible both physically and emotionally. Sometimes this shift can be seen in their eyes, and it is incredibly fulfilling.

Another meaningful part of this work is helping patients with what is often referred to as “mystery pain.” Identifying and treating conditions that mimic dental pain can provide long-awaited relief and prevent unnecessary procedures or medications. This process is often eye-opening even for other healthcare providers. Being able to preserve healthy structures while improving a patient’s well-being makes this field both impactful and immensely gratifying.

4. What advice do you have for members who are starting their career in the field of Orofacial Pain? Suggest some resources that were helpful to you.

Starting a career as an orofacial pain specialist requires thinking outside the box, especially compared to more traditional dental specialties. There is no one-size-fits-all path. While some clinicians may join established practices, others, depending on factors such as location, personal goals, and circumstances, may need to build their practice from the ground up because local job opportunities do not exist.
When I began exploring ways to transition from general dentistry into specialty care, I found no existing opportunities nearby and decided to open my own practice. Balancing this challenge while raising two young children was not easy, but it has been one of the most rewarding decisions I have made. Through collaboration with other healthcare providers and learning the complexities of running a business, this journey has been both demanding and deeply fulfilling. It has allowed me to create a practice that is not only professionally meaningful but also personally aligned with the care environment I value.
Two resources that were especially helpful in my early journey were enrolling in the mentorship program through AAOP and shadowing experienced providers. The mentorship offered valuable insights, support, and guidance as I navigated complex cases and career decisions. Shadowing allowed me to observe real-world clinical practice and deepen my understanding of patient care.
For anyone starting out in this field, I strongly encourage taking advantage of mentorship and networking opportunities. They can make a lasting difference as you shape your own path.

5. What do you like to do in your free time?

As a parent to two young daughters, my free time has taken on a whole new meaning. These days, it is less about my own interests and more about what captures their curiosity and imagination. This often leads us into creative adventures. Painting, arts, crafts, and hands-on projects have become regular parts of our routine. In many ways, it feels like a full-circle moment. The same love for working with my hands and creating something meaningful is what first drew me to dentistry. Now, I get to rediscover that joy every day through their eyes.