Dr. Sahar Rakhshanfar works as a dentist at Viva Dental in Orangeville, Ontario. She has built a remarkable career connecting continents and cultures. With years of experience practicing in Iran and Canada, she combines technical expertise with a compassionate approach to dentistry. Her commitment to continuing education, community involvement, and teaching at the University of Toronto has made her a leader in her field.
Q: You’ve had a diverse journey in dentistry, practicing in Iran and Canada. How have these experiences shaped your approach to patient care?
Dr. Rakhshanfar: Practicing in different countries has changed my view on patient care. In Iran, I gained valuable experience in a busy environment, which improved my skills and adaptability. Moving to Canada required recertifications and knowledge updates to meet the high standards here. My journey has made me more empathetic and culturally aware, connecting me with diverse patients and personalizing treatments to individual needs.
Q: Your commitment to continuous learning is clear through your many certifications. How do these skills benefit your patients?
Dr. Rakhshanfar: Continuous learning allows me to offer a wide range of services with the best techniques. For instance, my certifications in implant surgery and bone grafting allow me to provide full tooth replacement options in-house, improving patient convenience and continuity of care. Sedation certifications help me deal with patients who have dental anxiety, ensuring they feel comfortable during their procedures. Ultimately, these advanced skills mean I provide higher quality care and better patient outcomes.
Q: Teaching at the University of Toronto’s Faculty of Dentistry is a big commitment. How does this role affect your practice?
Dr. Rakhshanfar: Teaching lets me stay ahead of dental advancements and creates a mindset of continuous learning. Engaging with students challenges me to stay updated and think critically about new dental tech and methods. This academic involvement improves my clinical practice, as I can integrate new techniques and evidence-based practices into patient care.
Q: Balancing a busy career with family life is not easy. How do you manage a work-life balance?
Dr. Rakhshanfar: Balancing career and family requires good time management and support from others. I am a mom to twin boys. Motherhood has made me more understanding of parents’ concerns and the importance of creating positive dental experiences for kids. It helps me be more patient and a better listener to the unique needs of young patients, ensuring they feel comfortable and creating a foundation for lifelong oral health.
Q: Your love for sports, including soccer, is notable. How has your experience as a former pro soccer player influenced your life and community involvement?
Dr Rakhshanfar: Sports have taught me qualities like discipline, teamwork, and perseverance, which have a lot of value in dentistry. Being a pro soccer player has taught me the importance of practice and continuous learning. I also sponsor soccer teams in Richmond Hill to give back to the community and promote health and teamwork among kids.
Q: Viva Dental has a focus on family dentistry. How do you create a friendly environment for families and kids at your practice?
Dr. Rakhshanfar: We want to create a friendly and comfortable environment by being kid-friendly, using gentle techniques, and teaching families about oral health in an engaging manner. Our team has experience working with patients of all ages, ensuring that each visit is a positive experience. When we build trust with our patients, especially kids, we encourage people to follow good dental habits.
Q: With your years of professional experience and advanced education, what future advancements in dentistry are you most excited about including in your practice?
Dr. Rakhshanfar: I feel thrilled about 3D printing and digital impressions, which can improve accuracy and patient comfort. Also, developments in minimally invasive techniques and biomaterials hold a lot of promise for improving patient results. I am committed to using these innovations in my practice to provide the best care.
