Today we’d like to introduce you to Mahi Mehr.
Mahi, please share your story with us. How did you get to where you are today?
I was born and raised in Iran which is located in the heart of the middle east. Growing up, I always wanted to be a doctor, however, after realizing I was very good at painting, I decided to combine art with science in a long journey to become a dentist. I graduated with honors from Shahid Beheshti Dental School, one of the finest dental schools in the Middle East, where I received my Doctor of Dental Surgery (DDS), in 2003. Next, I began a three year residency program to further my dental education and, in addition to completing that program, I was awarded an assistant professor at a dental school where I instructed students for two years.
Seeking new challenges and fresh opportunities, in 2010, I moved to the United States where I entered the dental residency program at the University of Iowa. I completed my residency and earned a masters of Oral Science and Certificate of Oral and Maxillofacial Radiology in 2013.
Following my residency, I relocated to Illinois where I earned the State of Illinois dental license after completing, with distinction, the American Dental Board examinations.
I am strongly committed to giving back to my community to ensure my patients’ dental health. Reflecting that commitment, I worked as a general dentist in a remote and under-served area of southern Illinois for approximately two years. As the only dentist for miles around I gained invaluable experience in all aspects of dentistry during this time. Of equal or even greater importance I felt privileged caring for patients who otherwise would have received no dental care.
After moving to Chicago, I continued working as an associate dentist and it did not take me long to realize that I needed to have my own dental practice to be able to provide the quality care dentistry that my patients deserve to receive by having the authority to buy the best dental material and dental equipment for my patients in a state of art dental practice. I take pride in treating my patients like family, with empathy and honesty, while always focusing on maintaining excellent relationships with them. I finally found a retail space in Lincoln Park that was perfect for a dental practice and started building a beautiful dental practice from scratch. Being good at painting and art in general, I was able to design my dental practice to perfection. The best complement I get every day from my patients is when they come in and say, Dr. Mahi, this place does not feel like a dental practice at all, it feels like home! That puts a smile on my face.
I pursues several continuing education courses to ensure that I will always provide the most advanced treatment options for my patients. I am actively involved in the dental community. I became a diplomat of the American Academy of Oral and Maxillofacial Radiology in 2015. I am a lifetime member of the American Orthodontics Society and an active member of the Chicago Dental Society, the Illinois State Dental Society, and the American Dental Association. I have published multiple research articles and books, as well. My newest academic achievement is a chapter of a dental radiology book named Maxillofacial Cone Beam Computed Tomography which will be published in October 2017 by Springer. I also teach as a faculty member of the general dentistry residency program at the Masonic hospital in Lincoln Park which gives me the opportunity to give back to the community by training top dentists in America.
Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
It has definitely been very challenging to turn a vanilla box into a beautiful dental practice especially not having any experience with construction and purchasing dental equipment. It took me a long time to find the right space, design the space, have an architect put all that on paper and find a contractor who was asking for a reasonable price for the build out and that was just the beginning. I taught myself how to make a website and took me a year to make my website look like what you can see today online. Not to mention registering with the insurance companies, marketing, finding staff, choosing a good dental software and so on. Definitely not easy but worth all the hard work because I love what I do.
Lincoln Shine Dental – what should we know? What do you guys do best? What sets you apart from the competition?
We offer family, cosmetic dentistry as well as pediatric dentistry and orthodontics. Our services include restorations, root canal therapy, tooth extraction, crowns, bridges, teeth whitening, orthodontics, Invisalign, periodontics, veneers, bonding, smile design, dental implants and night guards and back to school dental visits.
What is “success” or “successful” for you?
My definition of success is being good at what you do and enjoy what you do. I do not think education or income level should be the definition of success. Success is finding your strength and weaknesses and know how to use those in doing something that you do very well and gives you a sense of satisfaction. If you love what you do, you will be successful. Success is making a difference in this world. Success is falling down and getting right back up. Nothing is impossible if you devote your heart, energy and time. Believe in yourself!
For me, Success is being good at what I do and make a difference. I want to make my patients smile and leave my practice happy. That is what makes me feel successful.
Pricing:
- $249 In Office Zoom teeth whitening with a $50 mail in rebate (reg price 350)
- $109 New patient exam, clening and xray (reg price $350)
- Invisaling starting from $1999
- $89 back to school visit including exam, xray, cleaning and Fluoride (Reg price $280)
Contact Info:
- Address: 2620 N Halsted St., Chicago, Illinois, 60614
- Website: www.lincolnshinedental.com
- Phone: (312) 373-1117
- Email: drmahi@lincolnshinedental.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lincolnshinedental/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Lincolnshinedental/
- Twitter: https://twitter.com/LincolnSdental?lang=en
- Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/lincoln-shine-dental-chicago
- Other: https://plus.google.com/b/106679772534976324806/
Getting in touch: VoyageChicago is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you know someone who deserves recognition please let us know here.
