Dr. Sakurai graduated with honors from the University of California at Irvine with a Bachelor of Science degree in Biology in 1985.  In 1989, she completed her Doctor of Dental Surgery degree at UCLA School of Dentistry. She also completed an additional residence training program at the UCLA Medical Center in the Section of Hospital Dentistry from 1990-1991, where she continues to teach.  Since 1992, Dr. Sakurai has served as Director of Operating Room Procedures in the Dept of Hospital Dentistry, selection committee for residency positions in the general practice residency programs, dental anesthesia programs, and was the first dentist to serve on the UCLA Heart Lung Transplant Team. She is actively involved in resident training, teaching many aspects of dentistry.  Dr. Sakurai has been interviewed by news sources for current advances in dentistry including stem cell harvesting in baby teeth and its availability to patients today. She has authored many clinical research papers. Dr. Sakurai is a current member and former President of the Academy for Excellence in Dentistry, a non-profit organization dedicated to continuing education and scholarship for deserving talent in the local dental schools.