Today we’d like to introduce you to Dr. Sanaz Rouhani.
Hi Dr. Sanaz, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
Dr. Sanaz Rouhani: A Journey from Engineering Precision to Dental Excellence
Before I ever held a dental mirror, I held a deep curiosity for how things work—a curiosity that led me to earn a degree in Chemical Engineering. But as much as I enjoyed the problem-solving and precision that engineering demanded, I realized something was missing: a personal connection. I wanted to make a difference in people’s lives in a more direct, tangible way. That realization led me to dentistry—a field that beautifully combines science, artistry, and human connection.
For over a decade, I practiced as an associate, honing my clinical skills, building trust with patients, and embracing every opportunity to grow. I’ve completed over 600 hours of continuing education, staying at the forefront of dental technology and techniques. My commitment to lifelong learning earned me the distinction of Fellow in the Academy of General Dentistry—an honor held by only 11% of dentists nationwide.
But even with all those years of experience, I knew I had one more step to take: building something of my own. That dream came to life with Clio Dental Studio—a place where innovation meets comfort, where patients feel heard, seen, and truly cared for. Clio isn’t just a dental studio—it’s a reflection of everything I believe modern dentistry should be.
From chemical engineering to creating beautiful smiles, my path may seem unconventional—but it’s been driven by a single purpose: to combine technical excellence with genuine care and bring confidence back to every smile I see.
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
A Journey of Growth, Grit, and Genuine Care
My path to becoming a dentist wasn’t a straight line—it was one shaped by discovery, setbacks, and deep personal growth. I began in the world of Chemical Engineering, drawn to the precision, logic, and problem-solving that field demanded. But over time, I realized that I wanted to apply that same precision to something more human—something that let me directly improve people’s lives. That desire led me to dentistry.
When I graduated and started working, I was full of hope—but quickly met reality. My first job was in a practice where the standard of care didn’t align with my values. I saw corners being cut, ethics compromised, and patients treated more like numbers than people. It was deeply disheartening. For a moment, I questioned whether I had made the right choice in becoming a dentist at all.
Everything changed when I was hired by a dentist who was not only exceptionally skilled, but also deeply principled. He became a lifelong mentor and completely reshaped my view of what dentistry could be. Through his guidance, I rediscovered my passion and saw how powerful, precise, and compassionate dentistry could truly be.
Over the next decade, I worked as an associate in various practices—each one bringing its own challenges. Balancing office demands with my own standards for patient care was never easy. I often had to navigate conflicting values or operational pressures that didn’t always prioritize what was best for the patient. But every experience taught me something—what to embrace, what to improve, and what I would one day do differently.
That “someday” became a reality when I opened Clio Dental Studio—a place where everything I’ve learned could come to life. A studio built on high standards, genuine relationships, and cutting-edge care. Along the way, I’ve completed over 600 hours of continuing education and earned Fellowship in the Academy of General Dentistry, an honor held by just 11% of dentists.
Dentistry isn’t easy—it demands technical excellence, emotional intelligence, and endurance. But what has kept me going, through every struggle, is the joy I see in my patients when they leave feeling better, healthier, and more confident.
Clio Dental Studio isn’t just the next step in my career—it’s the result of everything I’ve overcome, and everything I believe dental care should be.
As you know, we’re big fans of Clio Dental Studio. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about the brand?
Clio Dental Studio was born from a simple yet powerful vision: to redefine the dental experience through compassion, precision, and modern innovation. As the founder, I wanted to create a space that reflects the kind of care I would want for myself and my family—high-quality dentistry in an environment where patients feel seen, heard, and genuinely cared for.
At Clio, we offer comprehensive general, restorative, and cosmetic dental services using the latest in dental technology and techniques. Whether it’s a routine cleaning, a complex smile makeover, or anxiety-free care with sedation options, every treatment plan is tailored with thoughtfulness and intention.
What sets us apart is not just what we do—but how we do it. We believe in slowing down and listening. We educate our patients so they feel empowered, not overwhelmed. Our studio is designed with both aesthetics and comfort in mind—calm, inviting, and far from the sterile feel of traditional clinics.
We also take pride in staying ahead of the curve. With over 600 hours of continuing education and a commitment to cutting-edge advancements, we bring a level of excellence and attention to detail that our patients notice—and appreciate.
What I’m most proud of brand-wise is the trust we’ve built. Many of our patients tell us they’ve never felt this comfortable in a dental chair before. That means everything to me. Clio Dental Studio isn’t just about fixing teeth—it’s about building confidence, restoring health, and creating relationships that last.
To anyone considering becoming part of our dental family, I want you to know: this is dentistry done differently. Thoughtfully, ethically, and always with your best interest at heart.
Networking and finding a mentor can have such a positive impact on one’s life and career. Any advice?
One of the most pivotal moments in my career was meeting the mentor who completely reshaped how I saw dentistry. At the time, I was disillusioned, working in a practice where the standard of care didn’t align with my values. Then I met a dentist whose integrity, skill, and passion reignited mine. He became my lifelong mentor—not because I was looking for one, but because I was open to learning and willing to ask questions.
My advice? Don’t chase titles—look for people whose work and values you truly admire. Observe how they treat patients, how they run their practice, how they lead with purpose. When you find someone like that, reach out. Be curious. Be humble. Offer to help. Most great mentors aren’t actively advertising themselves—they’re just doing great work and open to guiding others who are genuinely interested.
When it comes to networking, authenticity is everything. Go beyond surface-level interactions. Attend CE courses, dental conferences, or study clubs not just to collect contacts, but to build real relationships. Ask about others’ experiences, share your own challenges, and stay in touch—even if there’s no immediate benefit.
The most meaningful connections I’ve made weren’t transactional. They were built on shared values, mutual respect, and a genuine desire to grow. Whether you’re new to the field or a decade in, those kinds of relationships are what make the journey so much richer.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://Cliodentalstudio.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/cliodentalstudio?igsh=aHc1cmpoaGF5eDUy&utm_source=qr
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/share/1BR7EqYLir/?mibextid=wwXIfr
Image Credits
image credit to Studio 8e8. Studio 8e8 has done my website, branding and all photography.
