Meet the dentists providing dental care to underserved communities

More than 50% of Americans have skipped their annual dental check-ups since the pandemic began in 2020. The survey also attributed the pandemic to poor dental health among Americans due to weakened oral hygiene habits home. Coupled with the financial impacts of the pandemic, dental health has been put on the back burner, especially for people in underserved communities. It is interesting to note that having good oral health helps to keep the immune system healthy and that is why Dr Pasha Hakimzadeh and Dr Ben Reyhani made it their mission to ensure that everyone is served. in dental care. From opening dental offices in communities where dental care is neglected, to school programs and restoring smiles for those in need, giving back is at the heart of their dentistry.

Dr Pasha and Dr Ben operate nine different dental practices, seven of which serve underserved communities. The couple are also partners and co-owners of the world-renowned cosmetic dentistry practice, Apa Aesthetic Los Angeles, and a one-stop shop for all things cosmetic and anti-aging dentistry, Smile Makers LA. Although they specialized in luxury dentistry, their passion has always been to help those in need.

“Our number one priority is to provide exceptional dental care and customer service. We always try to work with each patient and their individual needs, whether it’s creating a payment plan that suits their lifestyle, or spacing out their treatments, etc. Overall health is greatly affected by oral health, so if we can create healthier and happier communities through our offices, this is what drives us to keep growing and to continue to provide our services to people. neighborhoods in need. We pride ourselves on treating patients like family and everyone who visits us knows that we are never going to sell them on something that isn’t needed, ”they shared. “It has created a ton of trust within the communities we serve. Also, when people trust their smile, they smile more, which creates happiness. Underserved communities need all the happiness and positivity they can, just like any community! “

Melisa Butac, a dental hygienist who works with Dr Pasha and Dr Ben, focused last year on educating patients, especially children, on how to maintain their oral health at the House. their oral hygiene and avoided coming to the dentist. Failure to keep appointments and scheduled cleanings can and will lead to problems such as plaque buildup and bad breath, which ultimately leads to cavities. We strongly recommend that people enjoy dental cleanings in our safe and comfortable environments while we take all appropriate steps to ensure their safety, ”she suggested. Butac emphasizes techniques that can reduce the risk of dental plaque as well as home care products – toothbrush, toothpaste, dental floss, etc. to explain how they can help children.

“We have had an ongoing relationship with most elementary schools in our local communities to educate about the importance of oral health and to provide dental toothbrushes, toothpaste and dental floss in addition to providing all children free cavity screening. Most children unfortunately have not had a dental check-up before or their parents have no idea how to access dental treatment, so we are proud to be able to step in and provide them with that, ”said Dr Pasha.

As schools completely shift to in-person attendance, Dr Pasha and Dr Ben will begin offering free makeovers and teeth whitening to high school students in need. “We are always looking for different opportunities to help and give back when we can and we are proud to be able to make a difference in the lives of these children. A well-groomed smile can give or break a youngster’s confidence as well as affect their overall health which affects life so much and we look forward to teaching as many young people as possible how to take care of their teeth. as they get older, ”added Dr Reyhani.

Over the years, Dr Pasha and Dr Ben have offered makeovers to those in need. Their goal is to transform someone’s life by making them smile again. A recent recipient of a makeover, Pat Gorsage, said the experience had completely changed her life, “This experience changed my life. I stopped smiling 20 years ago and after the incredible smile transformation Dr Pasha and Dr Ben gave me, I can’t help but smile from ear to ear.

Whether Dr Pasha and Dr Ben are drawing smiles in their stylish Beverly Hills office or teaching children how to take care of their oral health, the duo are changing lives one smile at a time.