In a field where fewer than 0.1% of practitioners are Black women, Dr. Sharon Russell is not just defying odds—she’s setting new standards. A board-certified oral and maxillofacial surgeon, founder, and CEO of the Maryland Oral Surgery Group / the /The Maryland Oral Surgery Group and Implant Center, Dr. Russell’s remarkable journey is rooted in resilience, unwavering strength and a faith based purpose .
From growing up in a low-income neighborhood in Dorchester, Massachusetts, to leading two top-tier surgical practices, Dr. Russell’s life is the embodiment of grit and grace. The youngest and only girl of five siblings, she lost two brothers to drug overdoses. But tragedy didn’t define her—it refined her.
“I’m a first-generation physician. I wasn’t supposed to make it this far, but I’ve always believed that mindset is everything,” says Dr. Russell, who is affectionately known as @drsharonrussell on Instagram. “It’s not just about having talent—it’s about having the mindset to persevere when the odds are against you.”
Her resume is as impressive as her story. Dr. Russell holds two bachelor’s degrees in biology and nursing—graduating cum laude in both. She was inducted into Sigma Theta Tau, the international honor society of nursing, and went on to work for over 15 years at Massachusetts General Hospital, one of the most prestigious medical institutions in the world. Her roles spanned vascular surgery, cardiology, hospice care, and research under the guidance of the esteemed Dr. Patricia Fraser at Brigham and Women’s Hospital.
Her entry into oral surgery came from an encounter with a child born with cleft lip and palate—a condition she encountered during her nursing career. “I didn’t know what specialty handled that kind of case, but once I discovered it was oral and maxillofacial surgery, I was all in,” she says. “It was a challenge, and I love challenges. Plus, the financial opportunity was real.”
In 2012, Dr. Russell opened the first Maryland Oral Surgery Group location. In 2023, she expanded with a second facility in Bowie, Maryland. Her clinics specialize in smile makeovers using dental implants for missing teeth or complete smile makeovers for fixed hybrid cases, wisdom tooth removal, hard and soft tissue biopsies, sinus augmentation,bone grafting,anesthesia and orofacial trauma / reconstructive surgeries—all delivered with world-class precision and patient care.
While most people would be satisfied with that level of success, Dr. Russell is far from done. This year, she’s launching a new line of medical scrubs designed for healthcare professionals who want function and flair. “After 40 years in scrubs, I think I know a thing or two about what we really need,” she jokes. She’s also starting a healthcare-focused AI company and laying the groundwork for a mentorship foundation aimed at guiding the next generation of oral surgeons—especially young women of color.
As a mother of six—including an Olympic gold medalist and American Record holder daughter, a first-generation attorney, two Division 1 athletes, and a rising high school sports phenom—Dr. Russell takes pride in the legacy she’s building at home and in business. “My family is my anchor. They’re the reason I push as hard as I do. Legacy is not just about what you build—it’s about who you build it with.”
When asked about the challenges of running a business, Dr. Russell is candid: “The hardest part isn’t the surgery—it’s finding people who believe in your vision and bring excellence to the table every day. You can teach skill, but you can’t teach heart.”
She also offers advice for aspiring entrepreneurs: “Know your industry inside and out. Understand the legal, financial, and tax frameworks that support your growth. And most importantly—have a roadmap for execution. Dreams without a plan are just wishes.”
To Dr. Russell, success is deeply personal. “It’s not just about wealth—it’s about self-mastery. It’s when your mind, your mission, and your money are aligned. I don’t believe in competition because I believe in myself so deeply. I’ve already won before I even start.”
She believes financial freedom is about leverage—using your intellect, experience, and systems to generate wealth without burning out. “I want to build businesses that run while I sleep. That’s true freedom.”
As she continues to break barriers and elevate lives, Dr. Sharon Russell is not just performing surgery—she’s performing legacy work. She’s living proof that faith, focus, and fierce determination can take you from overlooked to unstoppable.To learn more about Dr. Russell’s work, visit www.theMOSG.com and follow her on Instagram @drsharonrussell.
