WOMEN OF ACH I EV EM EN T

Dr. Mandy Ghaffarpour Cosmetic and Family Dentist, Studio G Aesthetic & Family Dentistry

Mandy, known to her patients as “Dr. G,” received her bachelor’s degree with honors in biology and chemistry from UNC-Greensboro and doctor of dental surgery from UNC. In addition to her dental practice, Mandy founded Triangle Mobile Dentistry and serves as an adjunct assistant professor in the UNC Adams School of Dentistry. She and her husband, Sarshar Motamedi, have a daughter, Ariana, who attends UNC-Wilmington, and a “feel-good ambassador therapy dog, Lily, who loves to hang out around the office and sit with patients.”

Years in business: 13 Total patients served at the practice in 2019: 4,000 patients seen multiple times a year Number of employees: 16 staff members and four doctors How did you choose your career path? I still have no clue why I chose to become a dentist. I always hated going to the dentist. I knew I had an artistic hand and was originally planning on going to medical school. Working with famed orthopedic surgeon Dr. Charles A. Engh Sr., I had an opportunity to go to medical school at George Washington University. Two of Dr. Engh’s friends said, “Are you crazy, you want to become a doctor? If you’re a dentist, you only work from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., and you can take work off on Fridays.” After I took the Medical College Admission Test and Dental Admission Test, I got in – four years later, I was a dentist! What does a typical day look like? I get up early in the morning to go to the gym, work until 6:30 p.m. or 7 p.m., go home, talk to colleagues about patient care. I spend some time with family and go to bed before starting all over again. How do you persevere when you’ve had a challenging day? When I’ve had a challenging day, I try to learn more about what the problem was – that way I can solve it! What woman has inspired you throughout your life? My mom – she was compassionate, strong and a caring person. What are your core values? I always try to do my best and treat my family of patients as I would want to be treated. What is Triangle Mobile Dentistry? We lost [my husband’s] mom to dementia, and this area is full of retirement communities. So, we occasionally would have patients who forgot their appointments, or we just wouldn’t hear from them. They weren’t comfortable coming 76

into the office and leaving the familiarity of their own home. One day I said, “I wish there was a way we could go see patients at their home,” and that’s when we created Triangle Mobile Dentistry in 2016. What accomplishments are you most proud of? I’m most proud of my practice and my amazing dental team, staff, patients and family. What has your career taught you? Treat the patients, not just their teeth. If you weren’t a dentist, what would you be doing? If it wasn’t something in medicine, I would probably be a fashion designer or interior designer. If you come to my office, you’ll notice the decor – it’s all my design! I can envision any design in my mind, which is why I can look at teeth and see the design perfectly in my mind. If you could travel back in time, what advice would you give a younger you? Choose your career wisely; love what you do, not do what you love; and always try to do the best you can. What do you enjoy doing for fun? I love to travel, and I enjoy fashion and design. I also love spending time with family, teaching at UNC and attending educational seminars. – as told to Marie Muir 