Zanyar Darvishi, DMD, is an OHSU School of Dentistry 2020 graduate who sees dentistry as a combination of science, art and helping people.
Since graduating, Zanyar has joined the OHSU School of Dentistry’s General Practice Residency Program, which introduces dental graduates to adult hospital practice. He also plans to pursue an oral and maxillofacial surgery residency program, with the goal of becoming an oral surgeon. We asked Zanyar what drove him to dentistry and how he wants to change the future of health care.
What drove you to pursue dentistry?
I came to the U.S. from Iran on my own when I was 20 years old. It was very hard at the beginning not knowing the language, the culture, and not being familiar with the new world that I was in. However, I slowly learned the language, found a job and signed up for school, which all shaped me into the person I am today.
I always wanted to work in a profession that serves people and the community, and a profession that I am really passionate about and makes me happy. I chose dentistry because I can use my hands to create and apply science to change a person’s life.
I believe a beautiful smile can change everyone’s life. Moving to America not only gave me the opportunity to earn a higher education, learn the language and culture, but meeting new people with different backgrounds taught me a lot of life lessons. It’s my favorite part of dentistry.
How do you want to change the future of health care?
Health care should be available to everyone in the community. No one should be afraid of getting services in a hospital or an office. I will work hard to provide health care to everyone.
