A Love for Children and a Dedication to Lifelong Healthy Smiles
I have practiced dentistry for 35 years, and for 32 of those years, I have had the distinct pleasure of focusing exclusively on pediatric care. To me, pediatric dentistry is about more than clinical excellence; it is about the time I get to spend with each child. I believe in building a foundation of trust and comfort within the dental environment, guiding my young patients as they mature into confident, healthy adult dental patients.
There is nothing quite as rewarding as seeing my little patients’ happy faces when they walk through our doors. I share in their pride at the end of a visit when they walk out with a bright, healthy smile. My team and I work diligently to help anxious or nervous children navigate their worries, transforming them into confident individuals who are excited to take care of their teeth. We take a holistic approach, educating both children and parents on growth, development, oral health, and nutrition. By empowering families to make informed decisions, we help them develop a lifetime of healthy dental habits.
Our shared philosophy is simple: to provide world-class dental care delivered with genuine compassion in a warm, friendly setting.
Education and Advanced Clinical Training
Originally from Iran, I moved to the United States to pursue my academic and professional dreams. I attended Bucknell University, where I earned a Bachelor of Science in Chemistry, followed by my Doctorate of Dental Medicine from the University of Pennsylvania School of Dental Medicine. After completing a one-year general practice residency at Waterbury Hospital, I knew that working with children was my true calling.
I dedicated myself to further specialization through a two-year pediatric dental residency at the University of Connecticut Health Center, followed by an intensive one-year fellowship in pediatric dentistry at Yale New Haven Hospital.
The Evolution of Care: Airway Health and Technology
Dentistry is an ever-evolving field, and I am committed to staying at the forefront of research and technology. My training ensures I am deeply grounded in the best practices for the unique needs of growing children, including those with specialized medical, physical, mental, and emotional requirements. I have completed over 200 hours of continuing education in Airway Dentistry.
Perhaps the most significant evolution in my practice occurred in 2021 when I began an in-depth training in Airway Dentistry through the Vivos Therapeutic Institute. It was an eye-opening experience to witness how modern lifestyle factors—such as soft diets, oral habits, and mouth breathing—can fundamentally alter the way a child’s head, face, and jaws develop.
I have come to understand that as a pediatric dentist, I am on the front lines of a child’s systemic health. When a child’s jaw does not develop to its full potential, it can lead to a compromised airway, which often manifests as sleep-disordered breathing, behavioral challenges (sometimes misdiagnosed as ADHD), or severe dental crowding. By integrating the principles of Airway Dentistry, I evaluate the tongue’s posture, the width of the palate, and the ease of the breath. My goal is to catch these developmental red flags early so children can grow up healthy, vibrant, and well-rested.
To support this high level of care, we utilize the Solea Laser (a CO2 laser). This state-of-the-art technology allows me to provide both soft and hard tissue treatments—often without the need for traditional anesthesia or drills. This is particularly transformative for the infant frenectomies I perform, for which I received specialized certificate training at the Tongue-Tie Academy. Whether helping a newborn with nursing challenges or a teenager with restorative work, the laser ensures a faster, quieter, and more comfortable experience.
Professional Affiliations and Community Service
I am proud to serve on the medical staff at Connecticut Children’s Medical Center in Hartford and to volunteer my time with the Connecticut Mission of Mercy. As a board-certified pediatric dentist and a Diplomate of the American Board of Pediatric Dentistry, I maintain active memberships in the following organizations:
- American Dental Association
- American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry
- Connecticut State Dental Association
- Connecticut Society of Pediatric Dentists
- Vivos Therapeutic Institute
- Airway Health Solutions
- Tooth Pillow
Through these organizations, I have constant access to a range of opportunities to expand my skills. Participating in seminars and reading the latest journals keeps me abreast of the newest information, which I carefully evaluate to incorporate only the best developments into our patients’ care.
Outside the Office
My husband and I have lived in Simsbury for more than two decades, and it has been a privilege to raise our family in this wonderful community. We have two adult children who remain the light of our lives.
When I am not in the office, I am most often found at home, tending to my garden. I am a firm believer in the healing power of nature and find immense fulfillment in growing and caring for plants, flowers, and especially herbs. I also enjoy staying active through exercise and fitness, reading, crafts and cooking .
