Dr. Sara Hashmi

Most people either loved going to the dentist as a kid—or absolutely hated it. Where did you fall? How come?

I was a kicker and a screamer. I had one bad experience (or freak accident, if you will) as a four year old having her blood drawn for the first time. Ever since, I had intense white coat syndrome and a phobia of needles. Needless to say, I have overcome the phobias since then, but I understand completely why the dentist's office is so terrifying. I try my best now to incorporate my own experiences to overcome my patients' anxieties.

What’s the most rewarding part of your job?

When a patient who walked in feeling resentful and fearful about the dentist, walks out smiling, visibly happy and reassured that they found someone they trust and understand.

How do you recharge after a long week? What’s your go-to activity for hitting the restart button?

Naps, snacks, books, and maybe a jog or night of dancing to make up for all those snacks o:)

What is the absolute coolest thing about the human mouth?

How fast our gingiva (gums) heal on their own - usually it takes no more than two weeks for a burn or cut in the mouth to heal on its own. The self sufficiency of the human body is remarkable.

In another life, if you weren’t working in dentistry, what would you be doing?

I'd be a psychologist or maybe a psychiatrist.. but in a completelyy other life? - a dancer or creative writer.

What’s something that really, really, really makes you smile? Like, really?

My pet kitten, (uncle) Iroh