Building a community of healthy smiles
Afra’s story is one of determination, resilience and purpose. As the owner of My Dentist Canberra, she brings more than 16 years of experience and a deep commitment to patient-centred care. After overcoming barriers to education in Iran, Afra migrated to Australia, where she fulfilled her dream of becoming a dental professional. Opening her own clinic in Bruce in 2024, she now leads a team dedicated to providing exceptional oral health care while creating a welcoming environment built on trust, compassion and community connection.
Tell us about your organisation, how long you have been there and your role within it.
I am a Dental Hygienist with 16 years of experience. I opened my dental clinic in December 2024. My role is to work as a Dental Hygienist, manage the clinic and support my staff.
Can you share your career journey so far and how it brought you to your current role?
Growing up as a Bahá’í in Iran, I was denied the right to higher education by the Islamic government. After migrating to Australia, I was finally able to pursue my education.
As a result, I studied a Bachelor of Applied Physics from the University of Western Sydney and then I graduated from the University of Newcastle, NSW, with a Bachelor of Oral Health. I began my career as a Dental Hygienist in Sydney. My first job was at a dental clinic in Woollahra. In 2010, I moved to Canberra with my family. My first job in Canberra was at a Periodontist Clinic. Since then, I have worked in various General dental and specialist practices. I am also a Orofacial Myofunctional Therapist, which is a practise that works with the muscles of the lips, tongue, cheeks and face and their related functions.
In 2020, the Dental Board of Australia introduced reforms granting oral health practitioners greater professional autonomy, enabling them to establish their own practices. This change inspired me to pursue my long-held goal of opening my own dental clinic. Drawing on years of experience working alongside dentists, dental specialists, and multidisciplinary teams, I was able to create a practice founded on patient-centred care.
What do you consider to be your key strengths?
My key strengths are providing high-quality customer care and service. As a result, many of my patients continue to follow me when I change workplaces.
What advice do you have for the next generation of women in business?
First, one must love the profession they choose, whatever it may be. Then, they should gain enough experience in their chosen field. After that, they can consider starting their own business. It’s important to do research and talk to experts. They should not get discouraged by naysayers, if deep down they truly believe they can do it, they should go for it.
What strategies do you use to stay motivated at work?
Patient satisfaction and happy co-workers motivate me at work.
What methods do you use to unwind from work?
Running a business, one can never totally unwind from work. However, I use my spare time to go to the gym, meet friends and cook.
My Dentist Canberra
- E: [email protected]
- T: 6225 2855
- Address: 36/21 Thynne St, Bruce, ACT 2617
- Website: mydentistcanberra.com.au
- Facebook: My Dentist Canberra
- Instagram: @mydentistcanberra
- TikTok: @mydentistcanberra
