Dr. Ashifa Nurani

Everything in the U.S. was new for Ashifa Nurani when she immigrated from Kenya when she was just 17-years-old.

“I finished my last year of high school and started dental school as an early admission without a bachelor’s degree when I was 20,” said Dr. Nurani, who is market dental director for the affiliated offices of Bright Now! Dental in the state of Washington. “The whole process was a whirlwind of school, learning a new country’s culture and staying true to my aspirations to become a dentist.”

Today, Ashifa oversees 60 providers and 16 of Smile Brands’ 337 affiliated dental offices.  She started 10 years ago as a managing dentist at a Smile Brands affiliated office and was promoted to her current position six years ago. She loves her job because it enables her to change lives.

“The change in patient confidence, demeanor and social interactions is so dramatic,” she said. “It is indescribable to watch patients transform as their smiles transform.”

Ashifa also takes pride in mentoring colleagues and says several dental assistants that she took under her wing have gone on to become dentists, hygienists and lead dental assistants.

“There are incredible opportunities out there,” Ashifa said. “Sometimes it takes a little mentoring to show people what they are capable of and I am committed to help them reach their goals.”

She said her family and husband, Shezan, who she first met in grade school, are her greatest supporters.

“My family’s sacrifices, their support of me and my drive to pursue my dreams in spite of the odds propelled me to where I am today,” she said.