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 4.1 out of 5 based on 120 reviews
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newest oldest highest lowestSasha Beckford
2 years ago
The staffs at Columbia dental are truly amazing, I feel comfortable going to appointments knowing it's a easy process. Dr. Harper is an incredible doctor as well, he always does an excellent job on my teeth! Look forward to upcoming appointments!
Christopher Giron
2 years ago
Great place dr Harper is great and makes u feel comfortable I really recommend this place
Mike Nieves
2 years ago
My experience with doctor Harper and the nurses was the best. For someone with pretty bad dental anxiety and who has a tough time getting work done, my wisdom teeth removal went as smooth as it possibly could have. They had me laughing and smiling the whole procedure. Couldn't thank them enough 5 stars :)
Misty Vainwright
2 years ago
Absolutely love the dentist I've been going to different Columbia dentals for years this one is the absolute best. The dentist is phenomenal no pain great results wonderful personality and he goes out of his way to fix your dental problems. Also I've never had a dentist that has been so gentle and finish the work in such a timely matter I did not even have time to have anxiety great experience.
fiercecat!
2 years ago
Dentist is good but front desk staff is incompetent and argumentative.
Binky Lopez
2 years ago
ABSOLUTELY AMAZING STAFF, Dr. Harper and his assistant Heather are great, was nervous at first but they definitely know how to make you comfortable, would definitely recommend this location out of all...Would definitely give more stars if given the option....Thanks again for the laughs
Dianne Daigle
2 years ago
I have always hated going to the dentist ofc, until.......I was blessed to have been given Dr Harper's name and number for his Enfield office. The staff are knowledgeable, skilled, patient, and kind. Dr Harper is a one in a million kind of Dr. He takes his time to make sure his patient is relaxed and aware of procedure and actually listens to his patient. His work is above and beyond that of any dentist I have ever seen, and I am 55. Cierra and Melissa complete the package. I no longer fear the dentist. I have referred others who have now started as patients at the Enfield ofc who are just as pleased with this ofc. Clean friendly atmosphere. You want the best, it's Dr Harper and his staff!!!
Nancy Castro
2 years ago
(Translated by Google) I am super satisfied with the work that Dr. Harper did. I now have a beautiful smile . I'm lovin 'it. His assistant Ms. Melissa Sierra was so attentive and sang to make me feel good. I recommend this great team 100% I'm super satisfied with the amazing job Dr. Harper did. Omg I have now a beautiful smile . I love it. His assistant Ms. Melissa Sierra was very attentive and was singing to make me feel better. I recommend this amazing team 100%. (Original) Estoy super satisfecha con el trabajo que hizo Dr. Harper. Tengo ahora una hermosa sonrisa . Me encanta. Su ayudante Ms. Melissa Sierra fue tan atenta y cantaba para hacerme sentir bien. Recomiendo este gran equipo 100% I'm super satisfied with the amazing job Dr. Harper did. Omg I have now a beautiful smile . I love it. His assistant Ms. Melissa Sierra was very attentive and was singing to make me feel better. I recommend this amazing team 100%.
twiztid sasquatch
2 years ago
Was the best experience I've ever had at a dentist He did extraction And I didn't feel the thing Highly recommend him For any of your dental work He's the man
Robin Senecal
3 years ago
Excellent dentist and staff. Very attentive and caring!! Highly recommend them!!
Deborah Anderson
3 years ago
My tooth had my whole face hurting went it saw Dr Harper. Got my tooth pulled today. No pain no bleeding no swelling. I would recommend going to Columbia Dental of Enfield. My girls go there as well. Very professional and polite.
Fortunes Finest
3 years ago
Let me start by saying that I've always been afraid of the dentist. I neglected my health for a while so I was nervous to go to the dentist, and didn't have the best experiences in the past at other offices. Dr. Harper and his whole team at Columbia dental made my experience more than pleasant! I can truly say that I left my appointment feeling confident about the upcoming work that I needed to have done. Everyone was so friendly and professional. They put me at ease and kept me included & informed on everything that was happening. Columbia dental Enfield honestly changed my whole view of going to the dentist. If you have any questions or are uneasy about the dentist, like me, dr. Vance Harper and his team will certainly make this an excellent experience for you! I'm actually heading back tonight for a follow up appointment and I'm not worried or nervous at all! Thank you so much Columbia dental Enfield...for real!!
Yolanda Martinez
3 years ago
I went to the Enfield office for a root canal and DR. HARPER and his staff were AWESOME !!!!!! I would highly recommend this office and doctor it was the best dentist experience I ever had they were all great!!!!!!!!
paul dlubac
3 years ago
Wow...I had such a great dental experience with Dr. Vance Harper...no pain while getting my lost filing redone...really quick and easy. He even had my favorite music playing while it was done. Highly recommend this dentist and the staff as well.
Nicholas Yorio
3 years ago
I have been here twice and think it is a great office! They are really kind and have been helpful to me!!
Stephen Root
3 years ago
The staff is very friendly and fun. Dr.Harper pulled 2 lower wisdom teeth pain-free with ease. Overall great experience
Alison D
3 years ago
I saw Dr. Harper today for the first time.... he was amazing! He is so kind and makes the energy in the room pleasant with some music! He was quick yet diligent during the procedure! I will be going to him moving forward for all my dental needs! The staff was just as amazing! The receptionist was very helpful!
april viera
3 years ago
It was my first time in this office. I was nervouse as hell and the staff all were so nice and patience. They made me feel so comfortable. It was a. I have a follow up on Friday . keep ya posted.
Krystian Rom
3 years ago
Thank you for your great work helping your patient stay safe and healthy. Very clean clinic and great staff members. Friendly and respectful.
Mary Espinosa
3 years ago
I want to recognize Dr. Sidhu for an amazing performance on my root canal. It was an uncomfortable experience although she ensured my pain was controlled and she diligently completed the procedure with precision. I did not experience much after pain either. She was exceptional!
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