We had the good fortune of connecting with Sanaz Merchi and we’ve shared our conversation below.
Hi Sanaz, what habits do you feel helped you succeed?
I have many habits that have served me well in my line of work including setting goals, prioritizing tasks, time management, continuous learning, persistence, knowing when to take a breather, staying organized and collaborating with others. I always knew from a young age that I wanted to become a pediatric dentist, you see. My primary teeth were negatively impacted as a result of my mother taking Tetracycline antibiotics while she was pregnant with me. As a result, the bond I created with my own pediatric dentist at a young age helped shape my desire to provide that same care for other children. Once my goal was set, I created a plan to achieve it and my innate need to strive for perfection allowed me the opportunity to do well in my school work and step by step get to where I am today.
Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
I am a Board Certified Pediatric Dentist and my main goal is to help parents and patients create habits that will positively influence their lifelong health.
I am very much in touch with my inner child and share some interests with my pediatric patients which gives me the unique perspective of understanding their fears and anxieties, allowing me the opportunity to alleviate their stressors and create a great rapport with them.
My journey to this point has not been easy. I am not what you would call an innately talented individual with the arts. And dentistry is, after all, the perfect blend of science and art. I worked twice as hard as my classmates and utilized my need to achieve perfection to hone my hand skills. I also had a great group of friends and a family that encouraged and supported me along the way.
Passion and a good work ethic are just as important as having innate talent or skill, sometimes even more so. If you have to work for something, you’re bound to appreciate it all the more.
Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
Denver Botanic Gardens – This 24-acre public garden has a diverse collection of plants from different regions around the world.
Red Rocks Park and Amphitheater – A unique outdoor venue built into a natural rock formation that has hosted many famous concerts and events.
The Denver Art Museum – A world-renowned art museum that features a vast collection of artwork from various cultures.
The Molly Brown House Museum – This historic museum was once home to the Titanic survivor and philanthropist, Molly Brown.
Coors Field – The home of the Colorado Rockies, this stadium is a great place to catch a baseball game during the season.
Larimer Square – A historic block of buildings that has been transformed into a trendy shopping and dining destination.
Denver Zoo – This 80-acre zoo is home to over 3,500 animals from around the world.
Union Station – A historic train station that has been transformed into a hub for dining, shopping, and entertainment.
16th Street Mall – A pedestrian-friendly street that is lined with shops, restaurants, and entertainment options.
Cherry Creek State Park – A popular outdoor destination that offers hiking, boating, camping, and fishing opportunities.
The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry has provided me with a plethora of knowledge and resources. Additionally, I have a lot of respect and gratitude for Dr. Marc Michalowicz, without whom I would not be where I am today. He was my program director at Helen Hayes Hospital where I completed a General Practice Residency. Our main patient population were special needs individuals who were living at group homes and had limited access to care. We provided care not only in the clinic but also under General Anesthesia. Dr. Marc helped me gain knowledge in the treatment care of special needs patients and cultivated my patience and flexibility when rendering care. The skills I’ve acquired under his tutelage have definitely served me well caring for the pediatric population as well. Flexibility in rendering care has allowed me to cater care to each individual patient and come up with a plan that serves each child’s psyche and tolerance best. Dr. Marc gave me the confidence to think outside the box while providing the standard of care for each child.
You can come and see Dr. Sanaz Merchi, or Dr. Nas as the kiddos call her, at Perfect Teeth for Kids in Centennial, CO!
Website: Www.perfectteethforkids.com
Instagram: @Merchisweettooth
Linkedin: LinkedIn.com/in/sanaz-merchi
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100089206767894&mibextid=LQQJ4d