Born in San Diego, Dr. Baliwas received his undergraduate degree in Biochemistry and Molecular Biology from UC Davis, followed by post-baccalaureate studies in Human Anatomy and Physiology at the University of Oregon. He received his doctorate in dentistry from the University of the Pacific in San Francisco, where he graduated with high honors and was elected to join both Omicron Kappa Upsilon and Tau Kappa Omega dental honor societies. He is also a graduate of the highly respected Kois Center, which is focused on Advancing Dentistry through Science.