Today we’d like to introduce you to Arpin Khostegyan.
Hi Arpin, thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, maybe you can tell our readers some of your backstory.
Coming to the United States at the age of eight, I shared a common immigrant experience, but my path took a unique turn when I was 15. Serendipity led me to a job at a dental office, a place that would shape my future in ways I never imagined.
Starting as a high school student filing paperwork, I quickly discovered a passion for the blend of art and science that dentistry offers. This passion led me to become a dental assistant, a role that helped me through college and inspired me to pursue a career in dentistry.
After graduating from UCLA with a bachelor’s in psychology, I enrolled in the dental hygiene program at USC. It was there that my love for dentistry deepened even further, ultimately leading me to pursue a doctorate in dentistry at USC in 2008.
Life took another turn when I got married and shortly after, I became a mother while starting dental school. Balancing academics with motherhood was challenging, but I was determined to succeed. After completing my degree and gaining my license, I started practicing as a dentist in Burbank, California.
Despite facing the heartbreak of losing my husband to cancer in 2019, I found strength in my children and my work. As a single mother, I built my own practice, continuing to provide care and support to my community.
Today, I stand as a testament to resilience and dedication, balancing the roles of a professional and a devoted mother, and I’m grateful for every moment of my journey.
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
The journey has not been without its struggles. Coming to a new country at a young age brought its own set of challenges, from adapting to a new culture to overcoming language barriers. Starting a job at a dental office as a high school student was a turning point, but it also came with the challenge of balancing work with school responsibilities.
The path to becoming a dentist was filled with hard work and sacrifices. Balancing motherhood while pursuing a rigorous dental program was one of the most significant challenges I faced. When I had my daughter in the first year of dental school, I was determined to give her the best start. I managed to pump between classes, breastfeed in the evenings, and study after Heleyna’s bath time to ensure I stayed on top of my curriculum. I bought a used mobile dental unit, which I set up in our garage, and at night, after everyone was asleep, I practiced fillings and root canals on extracted teeth so I could hone my skills.
In 2016, when my husband became ill, I had lost my job earlier that month and decided to build my own practice from the ground up. I went door to door at the local dental offices and asked if they had dental chairs they were willing to rent out to me. I was fortunate enough to find someone who did, and I started seeing friends, family, and anyone who needed dental care.
Balancing the demands of growing a practice during the day, taking care of our three young children who were 1, 4, and 7 years of age, and spending time at the hospital was incredibly difficult.
The greatest challenge came in 2019 when my husband lost his battle with cancer. Facing the reality of stepping into the role of being a single mom, a provider, and a business owner was overwhelming. The first couple of years of losing my husband, my kids would wake up with nightmares about losing dad, crawl into my bed, and we would watch photos and videos to console them. Despite these hardships, I remained committed to ensuring my children’s lives were as stable as possible. Building my practice as a female-operated business while providing for my family has been a testament to resilience and determination.
Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
Because I started my journey in dentistry at such a young age, working in entry-level positions, I have a deep understanding of the field from all angles. I began by filing paperwork, then progressed to working as a lab technician, a dental assistant, and eventually as a dental office manager and dental hygienist, before becoming a dentist. This extensive experience across various roles has given me a unique perspective and a comprehensive understanding of dentistry. Patients often voiced their concerns and frustrations about dental treatments, financial struggles, and personal challenges. So, when I became a dentist, I fully understood the patient’s perspective and currently operate my own practice with that insight in mind.
In my practice, I aim to leave the smallest footprint on my patients’ dental health while maximizing their overall well-being. Every patient is treated with a special motto in mind: “What would I do if they were my family?” This guiding principle ensures that I provide the same level of care and respect to each patient, whether I have known them for decades or if they walked into our practice that day.
Because of my diverse background, I’ve seen dentistry from all aspects of the field. I am not only a dentist but also a lifelong student of the profession, deeply connecting with my patients’ needs and concerns. This connection allows me to understand their insecurities and fears, ensuring they feel comfortable and respected throughout their treatment.
What sets me apart is my commitment to biomimetics, respecting the natural structure and function of each individual’s oral health. I strive to be extremely genuine, compassionate, and to treat my patients with the utmost respect, aiming for the least invasive procedures whenever possible.
I am proud of the community I’ve built and the trust my patients have in our practice. Knowing that there are many dental offices in the area, I am deeply honored that my patients have chosen me to care for them. What truly sets me apart is the way I treat each patient as family, ensuring they receive care that is honest, respectful, and compassionate. This approach is not just about dentistry; it’s about building lasting relationships and a supportive community.
If you had to, what characteristic of yours would you give the most credit to?
The qualities and characteristics that are most important for my success, both professionally and personally, are honesty, respect, and empathy. Starting my journey in dentistry at a young age and working in various roles has given me a unique perspective on the diverse backgrounds of my patients. Each patient brings their own experiences, pain, and fears, especially in the dental field, where anxiety is common.
What sets me apart is my background in psychology from UCLA, which allows me to genuinely connect with my patients. I can empathize with their fears and position myself in their shoes, ensuring that I approach each interaction with compassion and understanding. This ability to relate to my patients on a deeper level helps me provide the best care possible.
Honesty and transparency are values I hold deeply, both in my personal life and in my practice. I believe in treating each patient with respect and compassion, ensuring that they feel valued and understood. This approach not only builds trust but also helps alleviate their anxieties, especially in a field where many patients feel apprehensive.
I practice my life with fundamental values of honesty, compassion, and respect. These qualities are not only essential for my success as a dentist but are also integral to building meaningful relationships with my patients. By embodying these characteristics, I strive to make a positive impact on their lives and ensure their dental experiences are as comfortable and stress-free as possible.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://drarpin.com
- Instagram: Arpin.khostegyan.dds
- Facebook: Dr. Arpin Khostegyan, DDS
- Yelp: Arpin V. Khostegyan DDS
