Breaking Boundaries in Microbiology and Business: Dr Saloni Sharma
Dr Saloni Sharma’s career is a testament to the power of interdisciplinary expertise and visionary leadership. With a Ph.D. in Microbiology and a successful track record as a business leader, she has seamlessly merged her scientific knowledge with entrepreneurial acumen. As the Co-founder and CEO of Dental Billing Assist Inc., Dr Sharma has driven the company’s remarkable growth while staying rooted in her passion for microbiological research.
Dr Sharma's journey from microbiology to becoming a CEO is fascinating. She shares, “My passion for microbiology was ignited during my undergraduate studies and deepened through my M.S. and Ph.D. work. The intricate world of microorganisms captivated me, but I always had an entrepreneurial spirit. I wanted to apply scientific knowledge to solve real-world problems, which led me to co-found Dental Billing Assist Inc. It gave me the opportunity to blend my expertise with business strategies to drive innovation in healthcare.”
Transitioning from academia to business was not without its challenges. Dr Sharma explains, “One of the biggest hurdles was shifting from a purely scientific approach to a more holistic business perspective. Academia instilled in me rigorous research methods, but business required strategic planning, marketing, and financial management. To bridge this gap, I gained practical experience in business development and surrounded myself with mentors who guided me through the process.”
Under Dr Sharma’s leadership, Dental Billing Assist Inc. has achieved rapid growth. “We focused on understanding the unique needs of dental practices and tailored our services accordingly,” she says. “Targeted marketing campaigns and client-centric approaches were instrumental in acquiring and retaining clients. Building a culture of innovation within our team further drove consistent improvement and success.”
Her scientific expertise has played a significant role in shaping her business strategies. “Research requires a methodical and analytical mindset, which I’ve applied to problem-solving and strategic planning. My Ph.D. work taught me the importance of innovation and efficiency—principles I carry into my business. Scientific training also fosters resilience and persistence, which are invaluable in overcoming business challenges.”
Balancing her dual roles as a scientist and entrepreneur requires careful time management. “I dedicate specific hours to business operations while staying updated with advancements in microbiology,” she says. “Delegation is key—I rely on my capable team to handle daily operations, allowing me to focus on high-level decision-making.”
Dr Sharma is proud of several milestones in her career. “Rebranding Eapogee Inc. to Dental Billing Assist Inc. was a pivotal moment, aligning our identity with our core focus and setting the stage for future growth. Growing to serve over 100 dental practices in a short period is another achievement that reflects our team’s hard work.”
For aspiring entrepreneurs with scientific backgrounds, she advises, “Embrace your unique perspective. Your analytical thinking and problem-solving skills are assets. Broaden your knowledge in business areas, seek mentors, and remain adaptable. Challenges are inevitable, but resilience will help you navigate and thrive.”
Looking ahead, Dr Sharma envisions expanding Dental Billing Assist Inc. “We aim to leverage emerging technologies to enhance our solutions and continue delivering exceptional value to our clients,” she shares. “On a personal level, I aspire to contribute to microbiological research and foster my team’s growth.”
Dr Saloni Sharma’s journey is an inspiring example of how scientific knowledge and entrepreneurial spirit can drive success. Her story highlights the importance of innovation, resilience, and a commitment to excellence, leaving a lasting impact on both business and science.