Today we’d like to introduce you to Bahar Movahed.
Bahar, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
My life has taken an unexpected path, weaving together creativity, intellect, and compassion in ways I never could have planned. I grew up in Tehran in a family that valued both creativity and education _my father was a surgeon, and my mother an artist. So from early on, I learned to see the world through both a scientific and a creative lens.
Dentistry first entered my life as a way to merge artistry with healing. I earned my first dental degree in Iran/Tehran and discovered how profoundly facial balance and a confident smile can affect someone’s life. Over time, that passion led me toward orthodontics _the art and science of facial harmony.
At the same time, music remained a great part of my world. Persian classical music, with its deep emotional and mystical roots, became a way for me to express feelings that words often couldn’t capture. I trained under some of Iran’s most celebrated masters and later began performing and recording professionally. I’m thrilled to share that my new album, Together Yet Alone, will be released in February 2026, and it reflects years of spiritual growth and artistic exploration through poetry and music.
When I moved to the United States, I pursued dentistry again, completing my studies at UCSF, followed by a certificate in orthodontics and a Master of Science in kinesiology from the Arizona School of Dentistry and Oral Health. I later became Board Certified by the American Board of Orthodontics _a milestone that meant a lot after years of study, adaptation, and persistence. These years taught me not only discipline but also the importance of compassion and connection in patient care.
Alongside my dental and musical work, I have a lifelong love for caricature art, which began as a way to study faces and emotions. Over the years, my artwork has been exhibited internationally, and I’ve been fortunate to win some international awards for my caricatures. This creative practice deepened my understanding of expression and individuality _skills that naturally carry into orthodontics and patient care.
Today, I practice at Laguna Niguel Orthodontics & Children’s Dentistry, where I see art and science come together every single day. I view each smile as a form of art _unique, expressive, and deserving of harmony.
Looking back, I feel grateful that my life has allowed me to merge my passions instead of choosing between them. Whether I’m aligning a smile, sketching a face, or singing a verse from Rumi, my purpose is the same: to create something meaningful, to heal, and to share beauty in all its forms.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
Not at all, but I believe that every obstacle has shaped me into who I am today. Transitioning from life and work in Iran to building a new career in the United States was both exciting and incredibly challenging. Starting over in a new country meant rebuilding my professional identity from the ground up _learning new systems, taking new exams, and proving myself all over again. There were moments of deep uncertainty, especially balancing the demanding path of dentistry while nurturing my artistic passions in music and caricature.
There were also personal sacrifices _long nights studying, financial strain, and the emotional toll of being away from family. But looking back, I see those struggles as chapters of growth. They taught me resilience, patience, and the importance of holding onto purpose.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your business?
At my practice, Laguna Niguel Orthodontics & Children’s Dentistry, we specialize in creating confident, healthy smiles through personalized orthodontic care for children and adults. Our approach combines advanced technology with compassion _blending precision and artistry in every treatment. I believe orthodontics is not just about straightening teeth; it’s about improving a person’s confidence, health, and overall well-being.
What truly sets our practice apart is our human-centered philosophy. Every patient _whether a child starting their first treatment or an adult finally investing in themselves _receives individualized care designed around their needs and lifestyle. We’re also known for creating a warm, family-friendly environment where kids feel safe and excited about their dental visits.
As a Board-Certified Orthodontist and an artist at heart, I take pride in the aesthetic harmony of each smile. Every detail matters _from how a smile complements the face to how a patient feels when they walk out the door. I’m most proud of building a practice where science, art, and empathy intersect _a place where patients feel genuinely cared for.
Beyond dentistry, my artistic background and cultural roots influence how I approach every aspect of my work. Whether through design, music, or smiles, my goal is the same: to make people feel seen, valued, and uplifted.
Can you talk to us about how you think about risk?
I’ve come to realize that every meaningful turning point in my life has required some form of risk _often the kind that asks you to trust yourself even when the outcome is uncertain.
Moving from another country to the US to rebuild my life and career from scratch was one of the biggest risks I’ve ever taken. It meant leaving behind the security of everything I knew _my language, my professional network, and the comfort of familiarity _to start again in a completely new environment. There were no guarantees that it would work out, but I had faith that with hard work and persistence, I could create something meaningful.
Years later, purchasing my orthodontic practice was another leap of faith. Owning a practice means taking full responsibility _not just for your patients’ care, but for your team, your reputation, and your financial future. There were times of real uncertainty and sleepless nights, especially balancing business responsibilities with my personal life. But those experiences taught me that growth rarely happens without discomfort.
Risk-taking, to me, is about purposeful courage. It’s trusting your instincts, doing the work, and staying true to your vision even when the path is unclear. Every risk I’ve taken _from moving across the world to running my own practice _ has shaped me into a more grounded and grateful person.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.lagunaniguelorthodontics.com
- Instagram: lagunaniguelorthodontics
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/LagunaNiguelOrthodontics
Image Credits
Vafa Khatami
