Dr. Amir Haydarian is a distinguished dentist based in Toronto, Ontario, with over 25 years of experience in the dental field.
Born in Iran on October 23, 1965, Dr. Haydarian moved to Canada in 1986, where he has since built a reputable career in dentistry.
After finishing his second year of undergraduate studies in biology and chemistry at York University, he earned his Doctor of Dental Surgery degree from the University of Toronto Faculty of Dentistry in 1996.
Dr. Haydarian founded his own dental practice in Mount Pleasant in 1998, where he has been dedicated to providing exceptional dental care. He is renowned for his commitment to continuous professional development, having completed advanced training at the Las Vegas Institute and becoming certified in Invisalign, among other qualifications. Dr. Amir Haydarian is a 25-year member of the Ontario Dental Association and is deeply committed to community service, volunteering with the Imam Mahdi Islamic Centre and local food banks. Outside of his professional life, he enjoys a variety of sports, gardening, and horseback riding, and values the time spent with his horses, Roya and Omid.
What inspired you to pursue a career in dentistry, and how did your early experiences in Iran shape your approach to healthcare?
My inspiration to pursue dentistry stemmed from a strong desire to combine healthcare with the ability to create immediate tangible results for people. Growing up in Iran, where access to healthcare could sometimes be challenging, I saw the profound impact that healthcare professionals had on their communities. This instilled in me a passion for not only treating but genuinely caring for patients, driving me to pursue a field where I could directly enhance people’s quality of life.
After moving to Canada, you faced the challenge of establishing yourself both academically and professionally. Can you describe some of the obstacles you encountered and how you overcame them?
Moving to Canada was a significant transition that involved navigating a new culture and educational system while mastering a new language. The biggest challenges were financial and academic. I worked multiple jobs to fund my education, which was strenuous but taught me resilience and time management. The scholarships I received, like the York Entrance Scholarship Award, were pivotal in easing this burden, allowing me to focus more on my studies and less on financial constraints.
You’ve been committed to continuous education, such as the Advanced Functional Aesthetic Dentistry program at the Las Vegas Institute. How important is ongoing education in your field, and what impact has it had on your practice?
Ongoing education is crucial in dentistry due to rapid advancements in techniques and technology. The LVI program was a transformative experience that enhanced my understanding of aesthetic dentistry and practical occlusion. This training has enabled me to offer cutting-edge services to my patients and maintain a high standard of care, ensuring that I stay at the forefront of dental practices.
Invisalign certification is among the many qualifications you’ve obtained. How has this specific training influenced your approach to orthodontic treatment?
Invisalign certification allowed me to expand my orthodontic offerings, providing a modern, less invasive alternative to traditional braces. This aligner technology has been particularly appealing to adult patients who are concerned about aesthetics during treatment. It represents my practice’s commitment to providing personalized, discreet, and comfortable care to patients.
Your dental practice has been a part of the Mount Pleasant community since 1998. What do you find most rewarding about serving this particular community?
Mount Pleasant is a vibrant community with diverse needs and expectations. What I find most rewarding is the opportunity to build long-lasting relationships with my patients. Being part of their life journey—seeing families grow and change—while ensuring their dental health is maintained, is profoundly fulfilling.
You’ve also been involved in community service through the Imam Mahdi Islamic Centre and local food banks since 2009 and 2021, respectively. What drives your passion for these volunteer efforts?
My volunteer work is driven by a fundamental belief in giving back to the community that has supported me. Working with the Imam Mahdi Islamic Centre and the food bank allows me to contribute beyond the dental chair, addressing broader social needs such as hunger and community welfare. These efforts are a way to thank the community for its ongoing support and to set an example of service for my patients.
You have a wide array of hobbies ranging from sports to horseback riding. How do these activities influence your professional life?
My hobbies keep me physically and mentally balanced, which is essential in a high-stress profession like dentistry. Sports like tennis and soccer enhance my hand-eye coordination and physical endurance, benefiting my dental practice. Horseback riding and gardening provide a mental respite from the fast-paced clinical environment, helping me return to work refreshed and focused.
Traveling seems to be another passion of yours, with visits to diverse destinations around the world. How has travel influenced your perspective on life and dentistry?
Travel has broadened my perspective, exposing me to different cultures and approaches to healthcare. Experiencing how dental care is handled in countries like Germany,Cuba or Malaysia has provided insight into alternative methods and technologies, some of which I’ve integrated into my practice. These experiences reinforce the importance of adaptability and continuous learning.
Can you share a particularly memorable moment from your career that has defined the kind of practitioner you are today?
A memorable moment was early in my career when I treated a young woman who was self-conscious about her smile due to severe dental decay. After a full restoration, her confidence was transformed. She went from avoiding smiles to sharing them freely, which was a powerful reminder of the impact my work can have on someone’s self-esteem and happiness.
Looking ahead, what are some aspirations you have for the future of your practice and your continued involvement in community service?
Looking forward, I aim to incorporate more digital dentistry into my practice to enhance diagnostic and treatment accuracy. I also plan to expand my community service efforts by organizing free dental care days through my clinic, offering my expertise to those unable to afford regular dental care. This blend of advanced practice and community service is where I see the future of my professional journey, continuing to impact lives both in and out of the clinic.
