In Front of My Lens Vol 4: Serenity Smiles, Dr. Hoda Kazemifar

Reston Serenity Smiles is a Family General Dentistry practice, with a strong emphasis on implant and cosmetic dentistry serving all of the communities surrounding Reston, Virginia. I had the pleasure of photographing and interviewing Dr. Hoda Kazemifar for a local Around Reston magazine, a local publication focusing on Reston and its surrounding areas.

"As a woman there have been times where people look at me in surprise when I mention running my own dental practice."

How has your life experience made you the leader you are today?

I have always been raised to bring a strong work ethic and put my all into every commitment in life. While at the Madeira School, an all-girl private school in Mclean, I was able to grow into a strong young woman who goes after all of my ambitions. With the foundation I received there I knew that I could obtain anything that I not only put my mind to but also worked hard at achieving. This open mindset and lack of boundaries allowed me to go after my dreams of dentistry, being a business owner, and leading my wonderful dental team at Reston Serenity Smiles who contribute daily to our goals of helping people. 

What are some highlights and challenges you have faced over your career?

As a woman there have been times where people look at me in surprise when I mention running my own dental practice. This reaction is quite shocking to me, more than anything else I’ve achieved up to this point in my life. Raising my two rambunctious, beautiful daughters has been more hard work than anything else I can say I’ve achieved up to this point. They are definitely the highlights of my life and I work every day to show them that having gratification as a mom and business owner is quite possible.

What advice can you offer to women who want a career in your industry?

I would advise any woman who wants to go after a career in dentistry to give themselves 100% and not let anyone tell them that they can never be dentists AND business owners. The passion and drive that females bring to healthcare is what makes them very unique and successful in their areas of interest. I will give my two daughters the same advice and make sure they do not give into any of the hurdles that may pop up along their paths.

When/How did you decide to take the plunge into owning your own business?

Four years after getting out of dental school and working for a few dentists, I realized that I can make the largest difference for my patients by running my practice the way I have always envisioned it. I was fortunate enough to have literally grown up as a daughter of a dentist within the four walls of his practice. The genuine care and consideration given to each patient by my father was unique to them and made me want to continue my practice in this similar fashion. I wanted to be in control of the care and attention given to my patients without the boundaries of another business owner.

What is most important to you and keeps you going?

The most important thing for me is that I make sure that I am providing my patients with the best care possible to help them improve their oral health. If I can really make a difference and help them achieve improvement and maintenance with their dental health I know that we are contributing to their overall great health.

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Read more "Around Reston" via the digital edition here!

Visit Dr. Kazemifar and her staff online at www.restonserenitysmiles.com

Visit again each month for another "In Front of My Lens" featuring local and national businesses and artists! If you would like to be featured in a future publication, contact me soon!

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Samantha S. Marshall is an award winning photographer, specializing in portraiture, architectural history, nature, wedding and corporate photography with a style consisting of colorful and energetic imagery. Running a client-friendly, service-oriented business she believes that great creativity often is the result of a collaborative effort and values working closely with her clients. Based in Northern Virginia, she is a huge supporter of many special interest groups including mental illness awareness, the rescue community and helping others to find their own artistic passions. Samantha is the coordinator of the annual FCMP Photography Expo and has been featured regionally and internationally in print and online publications including Elan Magazine, O, The Oprah Magazine, Around Reston, Modern Reston, and the Connection Newspaper. Visit Samantha's website to learn more about her or book a private session.