Ramin Aris, DDS, often reflects on the lessons he learned as a child, watching his mother work tirelessly as a dental assistant in Iran. Her stories of caring for patients and navigating the challenges of dentistry planted the seed for his own career. “My mother had such pride in her work, and she always talked about how much it meant to help people,” he recalled. “I admired her compassion and knew I wanted to follow a similar path.” Her influence became a guiding light as Dr. Aris charted his own journey, one that would take him across continents and through immense personal challenges to become the dentist he is today.

Driven by this inspiration, Dr. Aris embarked on a path that included emigrating from Iran to Russia, adapting to a new language and culture, and ultimately earning his dental degree. His determination to serve others remained steadfast when he relocated to the United States with his wife. Requalifying as a dentist was a long and demanding process that required him to repeat years of schooling while mastering English and navigating life during the COVID-19 pandemic. “It was one of the hardest times in my life, but I knew I had to persevere,” he said. “Helping people is what I’m meant to do.”

When Dr. Aris joined the Samuel U. Rodgers Health Center, it felt like a homecoming. His ability to speak Farsi and Russian allowed him to connect with Afghan and Ukrainian refugees, many of whom were navigating the same linguistic and cultural barriers he once faced. “When someone walks in with a toothache and doesn’t know the language, being able to communicate with them directly is more than a relief—it’s a way to build trust and give hope,” he explained. “It’s as if it was meant to be. I feel lucky to be in this position.”

Language, for Dr. Aris, is more than a tool for communication. It is a bridge to trust and understanding. He often sees Afghan patients who speak Dari, a dialect close to Farsi, and Ukrainian patients who speak Russian. For many, these connections provide an immediate sense of comfort and familiarity. “When you’re in a new country and hear your own language spoken by a provider, it gives you a sense of hope and belonging,” he said. Recognizing the growing need to serve the Hispanic population, Dr. Aris is also learning Spanish, even though, as he joked, “learning a new language at my age is challenging.”

“Dr. Aris has a remarkable ability to connect with patients in ways that go beyond dentistry,” said Bob Theis, CPA, BA, MA, chief executive officer of Sam Rodgers. “Whether it’s speaking their language, respecting their culture, or simply listening, he helps patients feel valued and cared for. That’s the kind of provider every health center strives to have, and we’re fortunate he’s part of our team.”

Cultural competence is as central to Dr. Aris’ practice as language. He approaches every patient interaction with sensitivity to their traditions and values. Whether it’s respecting fasting practices during Ramadan or understanding why some patients may decline a handshake, Dr. Aris ensures that every patient feels seen and respected. “When we respect a patient’s culture, we’re not just treating their teeth—we’re treating the whole person,” he said.

At Sam Rodgers, the dental department offers a wide range of services designed to address the needs of the entire community. From pediatric care and preventive treatments like cleanings and sealants to restorative work such as root canals, crowns, and dentures, the team ensures patients of all ages receive affordable dental care. Emergency walk-in hours provide vital access for patients facing urgent dental issues, especially those who might otherwise struggle to find care.

Education is also central to the department’s mission. The team works closely with patients to help them understand the importance of oral health and its connection to overall well-being. Dr. Aris frequently shares insights with patients about how oral health can affect heart disease, pregnancy outcomes, and more, empowering them to take charge of their health. “We’re not just fixing teeth,” he said. “We’re showing patients how their oral health impacts their heart, their pregnancies, and their confidence.”

This dedication extends to Dr. Aris’ patient-centered approach. At Sam Rodgers, the focus is always on what’s best for the patient rather than the bottom line. Dr. Aris shared how this differs from private practice, where production often takes precedence. “We spend more time trying to save a tooth rather than opting for extraction, which can be costly in private settings,” he said. “When I go home and lay my head on the pillow, I know I’ve done the right thing for my patients.”

Dr. Aris’ empathy shines through in the stories he shares about his patients. One that stands out is of a grandmother in her 70s who had lost all her teeth and was embarrassed to smile in photos with her grandchildren. With the help of a government grant, Dr. Aris and his team provided her with dentures, restoring her smile and confidence. “When she came back and showed us pictures of her with her grandkids, smiling so brightly, it reminded me why I chose this profession,” he said.

The diversity within Sam Rodgers’ dental team enhances their ability to serve the community effectively. Team members speak multiple languages, including Spanish, Somali, Swahili, and Turkish, ensuring patients feel at home no matter their background. “It’s unique to find a team with this level of cultural competence,” Dr. Aris said. “Patients see themselves reflected in us, and that makes all the difference.”

Collaboration across departments strengthens the care provided at Sam Rodgers. Dr. Aris often refers patients to behavioral health for stress management or helps connect them with transportation and social services. “We are all working together to meet the mission of providing high-quality, compassionate, and affordable health care for all,” he said. “The dental department is just one piece of a much bigger effort.”

For Dr. Aris, dental health is inseparable from overall well-being. He frequently educates patients on the link between oral health and systemic issues, such as heart disease or complications during pregnancy. “Oral health impacts the whole body,” he said. “It’s something more people need to understand, and as dentists, we have a responsibility to spread that awareness.”

Reflecting on his career, Dr. Aris offers advice to those considering dentistry: “This is the best job in the world. If you’re interested, do some shadowing to see what it’s really like. It’s a long journey, but it’s worth every step. When you help someone out of pain or restore their smile, you realize the incredible difference you can make.”

Dr. Aris’ story is one of perseverance, compassion, and an unwavering commitment to his patients. At Sam Rodgers, his journey comes full circle as he provides the care he once needed himself. “I understand what it feels like to be new, to face barriers, and to need someone to listen,” he said. “That’s why I’m here, and I’m proud to be part of this team.”

You can learn more about Sam Rodgers’ dental services and request your appointment at samrodgers.org/dentalservices.