Dr. Kale Barzanji

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

I actually loved going to the dentist as a kid (and I still do)! I remember feeling excited about my appointments and looked forward to having my teeth cleaned and checked. Learning about the importance of good oral hygiene and how to take care of my teeth motivated me to keep up with my daily oral hygiene.

What (or who) inspired you to get into dentistry? How so?

I've always been drawn to both art and science, and when it came to choosing a career path, I wanted to find a way to combine those two things; dentistry allows me to do that. Not only does it allow me to work with my hands, but it also requires a deep understanding of biology, chemistry, and physics. As a dentist, I can use my creativity and precision to create beautiful and functional smiles.

What’s the most rewarding part of your job?

Being able to meet and connect with so many people on a daily basis is a rewarding part of the job.

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

Starting my day off with a cup of coffee and a peaceful walk through a park always seems to do the trick!

What dental stereotype are you most passionate about changing?

That dental visits have to be scary and painful. As a dentist, I make it my top priority to provide my patients with high-quality care in a comfortable and relaxed setting. By creating a positive atmosphere and fostering a strong patient-dentist relationship, I believe I can help change the negative connotation around dental appointments and show that they can be a positive and pain-free experience.

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

Puppies!