Today we’d like to introduce you to Ellie Farahmand.
Hi Dr. Farahmand, thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, maybe you can tell our readers some of your backstory.
My story is unconventional compared to my colleagues, as in my mind, I had checked all of my boxes. I went to school, prioritized being a mother and raised a family. Ultimately, I found myself asking, what am I doing? In answering that question, and in the midst of COVID, I chose now or never, and it was the best decision I have ever made. When most of my classmates established their own practices soon after dental school, I chose to work part-time while raising my family. I was in a wonderful practice as an Associate for 24 years, and in that “now or never” moment, I decided to honor my original dream of being an owner of my own practice. I acquired Santa Monica Dental Office, an established dental practice that clearly stood to benefit from a feminine touch, and a little “sprucing up”. I realized that keeping the strong, committed women of this practice (who had become my family), would be integral to my success. I set out to create an environment that would enable me to showcase my strong aesthetic sense, and at the same time provide a comforting space for my patients. Through this process, I have not only realized the importance of my position as an employer but the significance of being a capable leader of a group of empowered women. I have fostered a culture of personal growth, accountability, and confidence that empowers each member of the team to flourish individually and as a group of dedicated medical professionals.
Through this journey, I have also flourished, and have come to the realization that my potential does not just end with dentistry. I have become a skilled injector, and am now able to treat the face completely, with the help of Botox and fillers. I have helped curate a collection of custom-made candles, soaps and hand sanitizers with my signature scent for my patients. Most recently, in partnership with celebrated fashion designer, Rob Garcia and Pyratex fabrics, I have been given the opportunity to create a line of 100% sustainable, functional, and fashion-forward medical scrubs named CODÉ. My newly renovated office integrates aspects that highlight all of our senses, which are key in providing an exceptional dental and personal care experience. The beautiful decor, fun artwork, welcoming female team and my beloved dog Pablo, have resulted in an overwhelmingly positive response from patients old and new.
I’m sure you wouldn’t say it’s been obstacle free, but so far would you say the journey have been a fairly smooth road?
Every business has day-to-day challenges. Has it been a smooth road? No, of course not. I knew nothing about running a business and we were forced to navigate unprecedented times. The hardest road to navigate for me was figuring out how to utilize my team to grow my practice and implement change in the most efficient yet considerate way possible. By using resources to identify individual strengths and weaknesses, I was able to apply them effectively to benefit the business, while honoring their unique gifts and talents.
Great, so let’s talk business. Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
A client visit to the Santa Monica Dental Office is far more than just an “appointment”. We are committed to providing an exceptional self-care experience. A top priority for me, and my entire team is to provide the client with the expert, personalized, and gentle care they deserve.
When you visit our office, you will experience all that modern dentistry has to offer, including a comprehensive list of general, restorative and cosmetic dental services as well as cutting edge, non-invasive therapeutic and cosmetic services including fillers and Botox, luxurious environmental fragrances and sanitizing products, right down to branded sustainable and fashion-forward medical scrubs! Our goal is to meet the needs of the entire family, assist each patient in achieving and maintaining long-term dental health, and of course, a beautiful, magnetic smile!
Our Services
Some of the services we provide include:
Cleanings and Exam
Porcelain Veneers
Porcelain Crowns
Periodontal care including Implant Surgery and Implant Crowns
Teeth Whitening
Invisalign (I am a Gold Plus Provider)
Dentures and Partials
Therapeutic Botox and Fillers to manage total facial esthetics
We Welcome New Patients
A large part of our commitment to serving our patients and clients includes providing information that helps them to make more informed decisions about their oral health needs. We are here to listen and help you make decisions empowering you to face the world with your healthy, dazzling smile leading the way! New patients click here to learn more about us, see our work, and join the Santa Monica Dental Family.
What would you say have been one of the most important lessons you’ve learned?
This last year and a half has been loaded with many lessons, but the one that has been most valuable, insightful, and taught me the biggest lesson is that my inner voice is articulate, intuitive, and accurate. It is the loudest voice I have heard in a long time. Elham, my name in Farsi, means intuition, and through this process, I have learned that the greatest gift I can give myself is honoring the meaning of my name for all it stands for.
Contact Info:
- Website: santamonicadentaloffice.com
- Instagram: @drelliedds @santamonicadental
- Facebook: Santa Monica Dental
Image Credits
Maddie Young
Jami Cimbolo
July 7, 2022 at 17:50
I am so pleased to see Dr. Ellie featured in this magazine. I have been a patient for many years and watched the transition of the office. Dr. Ellie is so personable and genuine, and all of the staff are amazing (Pablo included)! Congratulations Dr. Ellie and staff – well done!