Dr. Arash Niazi - Through the Keyhole

Dr. Arash Niazi describes transitioning from general practice to specializing, and the day he spent with Dr. Cliff Ruddle courtesy of Carl Zeiss

Carl Zeiss continually strives to promote and provide endodontic students access to word-class educators, such as Dr. Cliff Ruddle. At the 2010 AAE meeting, Carl Zeiss and Dr. Ruddle partnered to provide a unique and highly personalized educational experience for one fortunate resident in attendance. The recipient of the 2010 educational give-away at the annual meeting last April was Dr. Arash Niazi. 

Dr. Niazi’s training opportunity was conducted in Dr. Ruddle’s private office and included both didactic and hands-on training in a state-of-the-art simulation lab. The learning experience allowed Dr. Niazi an opportunity to access the one-on-one mentorship of Dr. Ruddle; one that targeted his specific area of interest and maximized his ability to apply Dr. Ruddle’s innovative and cutting-edge endodontic techniques to his personal practice.


“This once-in-a-lifetime opportunity allowed me to discuss any topic of my choice with the ‘icon of endodontics.’ Dr. Ruddle’s experience as a practitioner, researcher, lecturer, and an inventor are invaluable to any endodontist but especially to new endodontists. The topics included everything from magnification with ZEISS scopes to endodontic challenges such as calcified cases and complicated re-treatments to practice management and professional goal setting. In addition, Dr. Ruddle and I spent part of the day doing hands-on cases in the laboratory. I left Dr. Ruddle with a new sense of confidence and a better understanding of my goals. Many thanks to Carl Zeiss and Dr. Ruddle for making this opportunity available to new endodontists,” commented Dr. Niazi.

The ZEISS-sponsored learning opportunity valued at over $10,000 included:

•    One-on-one training with Dr. Cliff Ruddle
•    Round-trip airfare and two nights of hotel accommodations in Santa Barbara, CA
•    Multimedia presentations
•    Demonstrations
•    Hands-on participation with ZEISS microscopes
•    Discussion
•    Breakfast and lunch with Dr. Ruddle

Upon returning from his trip to Dr. Ruddle’s clinic in Santa Barbara, Dr. Niazi agreed to sit down with us and share a little more about himself, his individual practice, and why he transitioned from a general dentist to a specialist in endodontics.


What can you tell us about your background?
I am of Iranian heritage and grew up in Germany before moving to the United States in 1992 at the age of 17. I finished high school in San Diego, CA, and obtained a BA from San Diego State University (SDSU). My passion for dentistry was strengthened and confirmed through college and the unique predental program at SDSU. I completed dental school at Case Western Reserve University and moved to Tacoma, Washington to practice as a GP in a large practice prior to solo practice. After 5 years of private general practice, I attended and completed the endodontic residency program at University of Southern California (USC).

Why and when did you decide to focus on endodontics?
Throughout dental school and dental practice, I became fascinated with endodontics and was influenced to specialize. I am also a creature of habit and perform better when I can focus on my skills and abilities. I strongly believe that a dentist cannot be a “Jack of all trades” and even in a general practice, there are limitations as to what procedures a dentist can/should do. As a specialist, I strive for predictability, efficiency, accuracy, and quality in treatment. In addition, specializing has provided more opportunities for exploration and growth within my field through research. The forefront of dental discoveries and innovation is within the specialties, and we are fortunate in the United States to have recognized specialties.

Is your practice limited solely to endodontics, or do you practice other types of dentistry?
I strictly perform nonsurgical and surgical endodontics.

Do your patients come through referrals?
More than 90% of my practice has been by direct referral from colleagues and former patients. The remaining patients are self-referrals.



How long have you been practicing endodontics, and what systems do you use?
I have been practicing endodontics for more than 2 years and have been using ZEISS microscopes. My instrumentation is mostly via the Dentsply ProTaper® System. The variable taper and the concept of shaping and finishing make the most sense to me. I find it to be very efficient. With the aid of the EndoActivator® and safe-ended flexible ProRinse® endodontic irrigation needles (both from Dentsply Tulsa Dental Specialties), I can safely and efficiently irrigate root canal systems. My workhorses in obturation and ultrasonics have been the Piezo-Electric MTS Ultrasonic Unit and the Obtura® back-fill system from Obtura Spartan® Endodontics.

What training have you undertaken?
My training at USC was rewarding in every sense of the word. The training was intense, but gave me the freedom to pursue research based on my interests and practice, to explore different systems and materials, and to interact and learn from some of the best in academia and private practice. As a resident and as a practitioner, I was encouraged to learn and understand all concepts, facts, and theories. Drs. James H. Simon and Thomas Levy have been very influential in establishing a strong program at USC.

Who has inspired you?
Dr. Albert “Ace” Goerig was certainly the most influential mentor early in my career. Ace was great about giving me guidance on practice and patient management, “real world endodontics,” and transitioning into solo practice. On a personal level, my close friend, Dr. Shahin Etemadi has always pushed me toward success. On a professional level, Dr. Cliff Ruddle has always been an icon to look up to, and he is an inspiration for personal and professional achievements.

What is the most satisfying aspect of your practice?
My interaction with a vast array of practitioners of different backgrounds and specialties has enabled me to appreciate our profession and look forward to a life-long relationship with many of them. I also enjoy the ability to be able to focus on endodontics in a community that supports a high standard of care. My experience in general practice is an asset in providing a multidisciplinary approach to long-term treatment.

Professionally, what are you most proud of?
My 5-year experience as a general practitioner was very rewarding and enjoyable. I am fortunate to have been part of this great dental community both as an associate and practice owner. I took over a practice from a friend endodontist after he spent 30 years building the practice. It has three operatories, and I’m fortunate to have five very dedicated and supportive team members.

What do you think is unique about your practice?
I have been able to continue to build upon a great reputation without letting ego get in the way of building relationships and treating patients.

What has been your biggest challenge?
Time management between practice and personal life. Being relatively new to endodontic practice and trying to grow and tailor my practice takes a lot of time.

What would you have been if you didn’t become a dentist?
An architect.

What is the future of endodontics and dentistry?
I believe that regenerative endodontics holds much promise. The future of endodontics will be more focused on preservation and regeneration of pulp tissue, as well as immunity, rather than on conventional treatment.

What are your top tips for maintaining a successful specialty practice, and what advice would you give to budding endodontists?
Always remember that your patients come first. Sustained professional and financial success only follows after that. Treating patients as if they are family is a very true and simple formula for success.

What are your hobbies, and what do you do in your spare time?
I enjoy the outdoors, and I’m fortunate that the Pacific Northwest is the ultimate outdoor destination. I enjoy hiking, snowshoeing, and fly fishing.

Top 11 List

1. ZEISS surgical operating microscope
2. Dentsply Protaper®
3. Dentsply PathFiles™
4. EndoActivator®
5. Kodak CBCT
6. Global Surgical™ Doctor Chairs
7. Obtura Spartan® Obtura® II
8. Obtura Spartan® Ultrasonics
9. EDS Endo-Express® Reciprocating Handpiece
10. DEXIS® digital radiography
11. Produits Dentaires SA MAP System

Bio

Dr. Niazi is a member of the American Dental Association, the American Association of Endodontists, the Washington State Dental Association, and Pierce County Dental Society. He can be reached at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it or via www.gigharborendo.com.