For this, I return to a day in my childhood: I was a 9-year-old with a horrendous tooth pain on a weekend; that meant there was no available dentist, so no cure. I held my moms hand and we went throughout the neighborhood, in my home country of Iran, and knocked on every dental office door. At every single door, we waited and waited, but there was no answer. I tried to stop my tears because, even as a 9-year-old boy, I felt something heavy in my moms heart that transcended my own tooth ache. Today, as a father, I understand that distressing pain was love, seeing your child in desperation because what should be an essential service, dentistry, was clearly not. As a mother she did not give up, and toward the end of the day, she found a dentist who relieved our pain mine physical, hers emotional.
After the 1979 revolution that disparaged my country, I moved to Greece.However, I did not have the means to achieve my childhood dream there, even as licensed dentist. To achieve it, I moved to the United States, this land of opportunity, in 1990 following the guidance of my renowned professor in Basic Sciences, Anthony Trakatelis. After five arduous years, I graduated from dental school a second time, from Columbia University. While becoming a dentist twice in my life, learning two languages (Greek and English), and being a stranger almost everywhere I go, I have never forgotten my moms distress the very reason I have come this far. I followed my dream to Greece and the United States, adopting my ethos from Paulo Coelhos quote: When you want something, all the universe conspires in helping you to achieve it. This is how I went on to become a dentist with the fundamental belief anyone can achieve anything, as long as they try hard enough.
In 1998, I moved from New York to Connecticut and started working at a dental practice. While there, I gave the owner an impossible idea of staying open on weekends, but he thought that it would be impractical, stating it would be too hard to find staff willing to work on weekends. After a while, I opened my own practice that proved him all too wrong. It was 700 square feet and open seven days a week, with late hours. It is the same model I follow today, twenty years later.
Today, Columbia Dental has sixteen offices throughout Connecticut, from New Milford to New London, and since 2000 we have treated more than 200,000 patients. I even followed this model throughout the pandemic when ER rooms were full of dental emergencies, always trying to give back to the community. The story of Columbia Dental began when I was a 9-year-old child with intolerable tooth pain, holding my mothers loving hand. I directed my passion with reason, and am now privileged of owning and operating Connecticuts only private dental practice that offers all specialties seven days a week, to all ages.
I am incredibly proud to see what I do as providing to my community, specifically to all parents who must not suffer finding their child an open dental practice every day with late hours and on weekends. This is my story Columbia Dentals story.
Reviews
Rating 4.4 out of 5 based on 256 reviews
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newest oldest highest lowestkarateka oss
a year ago
I went to this location today for my 1 pm appointment just to be told that wasn't the time I was supposed to be there and it was a morning appointment,first of all I never do morning appointments so I knew right there they were making it up, I even double checked days prior so I can let my employer know.They have done this numerous times. They finally did see me but like every other time I come here it's like a dam meat market,they are in a rush to get you out of there. They have one Doctor that's seeing 3 or 4 people at once trying to squeeze them in. When I go to my appointment,on time mind you I expect the dentist to take his time and be extra careful and informative and meticulous. They are also very disorganized,they dont even remember what time they give you your appointments and then they ask me..what are you here for?,your the dentist you tell me why I'm here. Then they rush through the process and give you some half wit answer. Then they give me antibiotics for my infection knowing the antibiotics they gave to me I'm allergic to. The Dr or the the assistant didn't even come in with my patient folder,if they read my file they would know my medical History. Do not bring yourself to a budget dentist,you'll be paying more in the long run. I'm just shocked they haven't killed anyone yet.
Ruth W
a year ago
Honestly they have the best dental hygienist. Emanula will care for your teeth as if it's her own . Pure professional and care. Even though they don't accept my insurance I still prefer paying out of pocket to be serviced by Emanuela. She is the best !!!!!
Sandralee Thompson
2 years ago
As a clinician myself i was taught in school never asked a patient why as this is considered a rude behavior. I went in sometimes this week to have my tooth checked out, and as soon as the dentist that was there walked into the room i could feel the negative energy. He kept asking me questions over and over again kept on repeating himself if my tooth was sensitive to heat or cold i replied yes it is sensitive to cold. His behavior was simple saying i really dont want to touch you. I turned to him and stated how about u do your assessment, he replied why do u think i will know what's wrong with it if you don't know. Mr. You did not deserve s a license from DPH you clearly shows your true color you are in this business for a show or just the money but not for people.
Candace
2 years ago
One of those places that you only go to for a last resort or emergency. My experience here was awful!
Gloria Bugryn
2 years ago
Bad service
charles brewer
2 years ago
What a great experience with Emanuel's at Columbia dental cleaning my teeth ! Not a fan of any dentist but two great experiences back to back here in Bristol
Crystal Ciesnik
2 years ago
Have a bad cracked root canal tooth and the Dentist and dental assistants were great and made the experience very comfortable and the dentist is trying his best to help me save it; but the front desk is the problem; had an appointment Feb 18th and have been waiting to hear if my surgery has been approved; I called wondering why I haven't heard anything and HR tells me my case is pending still and then tells me they took almost a month (March 15th) to send out my X-rays for my insurance! I have a horrible pain on my tooth and can barely eat; with all this waiting, I'm getting worried I'm going to have to get an extraction instead of a simple cap.
Sandra Jimenez
2 years ago
Emanuela Is the absolute best! She did my deep cleaning took her time and is a master at her craft! I have never had such a wonderful experience at a dentist office as I did with her. Come see her for any deep cleaning or whitening of your teeth. Absolutely loved her!
Onix Rivera
2 years ago
If I'm completely honest I hate the dentist with all that I got BUT after my experience it changed my mind a bit. I had a root canal & a extraction the same appointment and it went super smoothly and no pain at all just need a nice playlist & just breath and relax & let the numbing stuff do its job, feel a bit of pain still no worry's they'll put more to your comfort for no pain !! Obviously when everything is over and you go home and numbing goes away is a different story but overall 10/10., mind you this coming from someone that's is nothing just scared of the dentist. Great job to everyone at Columbia Dental.!!!
sarah leone
2 years ago
Literally the BEST dentist I have every been to. GREAT staff. AMAZING dentist!
RIP jeff7999
2 years ago
Made me feel comfortable and took care of my tooth quick. Regular dentist couldn't see me in time so Columbia was there when I needed one. Thanks again for all help. (And the nitrous)
Deletha Lock
2 years ago
It was amazing he's great! So glad that I found him. Definitely choose Doctor Happer
Goden
2 years ago
Grateful with the treatment and professionalism of Columbia Dental, without a doubt the best dental office! A friendly and professional work team I recommend them 100%
Marie Hendricks
2 years ago
My appointment this morning with my MacGyver Dentist Dr. Harper was magical. My previous 2 visits Dr. Harper reconstructed my front teeth but remember we have bottom teeth too! Now, you' ll never know I was grinding my teeth! I must wear a nightguard to protect his artwork. You never have to doubt Dr. Harper, our prodigy, your in impeccable hands! He's the man.
First Name Last Name
2 years ago
Have a bad tooth so I'm calling around to dentist office to see you can get me in to deal with it right then I talked to the people at Columbia and they said they could do it so I drove an hour and a half from my home only for them to tell me something that I already knew and then I have to make another appointment. I won't be returning
Tom Douty
2 years ago
Had a great experience at columbia dental today. I needed a filling and Dr. Harper was so gentle with the needle that I didn't even feel him give me novocaine. I have had my fair share of fillings, and this was one of the fastest dentist appointments I have had. Dr. Harper was very thorough and made this a quick and painless appointment. I would highly recommend columbia dental in bristol to anyone. The people at columbia dental are always very friendly unlike some of the past places I have gone to the dentist as well.
Justin F
2 years ago
I showed up for an appointment and they couldn't take me after I scheduled it because I didn't confirm after they called me, which is fine and not the issue. However upon entry, before I spoke to the receptionist, I felt a sense of dissatisfaction like I made a mistake by choosing this location. I walked in and music wasn't too loud but pretty loud it felt like I walked into a club not a dentist office. Paint was peeling off the walls and counters, certifications were posted up with Scotch tape. Idk maybe it's just me but I didn't feel a sense of professionalism and I was quite relieved when I was told I couldn't be seen today and to reschedule. Now I'm not here totally taking a number 2 on them because I never met the dentist but if you simply cannot be bothered by looking professional how can I be certain you are going to handle my dental care professionally and not look at me as a cash cow.
Jazzly Tirado
2 years ago
This place is so unprofessional. I had a phone call yesterday saying my wisdom tooth extraction for 530 pm and was told it was scheduled for 5pm when I showed up. The receptionist is rude as hell. And i will never go back to this place ever again. Not recommended seeing as every time i come to this place they don't know how to schedule anything properly. Horrible customer service. Ill be taking my business to a place where they actually can schedule something properly and have better customer and communication skills.
Jessica Lamson
2 years ago
I had an amazing experience with Columbia dental in Bristol. The receptionists are so friendly and welcoming as are the dental assistants. Dr. Harper always made me feel comfortable (as someone who's terrified of the dentist) and he was also very kind. They are all awesome and I'll definitely be coming here from now on.
yari R
2 years ago
This is the place you want to be for anything dental. The staff, the atmosphere the smiles that they bring are invaluable! And, on top of everything they are really good at what they do, especially Dr. Harper, top treatment! Everytime on time and above and beyond. You will never dread going to the dentist if you come here. And I have dreaded coming to the dentist for years. From customer service to comfortability, I give you an A+++ Thanks for giving me my smile back and all the immaculate work you do Dr. Harper, you are a true protectionist!!!
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