The why: Background story
Dr. Saman Jomehri and Dr. Salma Nikooie first met in dental school in Iran, where they owned their own clinic and practiced for four years before feeling drawn to a new beginning in Canada. They arrived in September 2013 with a clear intention to continue doing the work they love. Despite warnings that the upcoming February licencing “exam date” was too soon, they studied intensely and both excitedly passed on their first attempt. Eager to understand their new professional landscape, they spent the next year learning about the Canadian dental market, studying how practices were appraised and what made them successful. In 2015, they purchased a long-standing Oakville clinic that had already served the community for thirty-five years. For nearly a decade they poured their hearts into that location until the landlord announced that the building would be replaced with a condominium. With that change ahead, they began planning the next stage of their entrepreneurial journey.
The how: Strategic project planning
Determined to remain within five kilometres of their original location, the couple began searching for a property they could own. They wanted a modern, two storey freestanding building that would reflect the quality of dentistry they provide while allowing their loyal patients to follow them with ease. Their search led them to a former real-estate office located steps from Oakville’s downtown core. The moment they found it, they knew it had the right foundation for their future ambitions, so they purchased the five thousand square foot building. It offered a clean contemporary exterior, generous parking, and a rare opportunity to design a clinic that blended architectural beauty with everyday function. Although converting the space for dental use required significant plumbing and infrastructure changes, they intentionally preserved as much of the existing structure as possible. For a time, they even considered adding a third floor, but permitting delays guided them back to the elegant and well balanced two storey layout already in place.
The results: Technical design features
The transformation of the building was remarkable. What once operated as a real-estate office space now holds ten carefully planned operatories, along with one fully equipped sterilization centre on each floor, ensuring seamless flow and efficiency throughout the practice. Two inviting patient lounges create a sense of ease for their growing clientele, while a large boardroom supports continuing education and serves as a gathering place for community-based collaboration. Their love of international design is expressed in every detail. Custom cabinetry imported from Turkey adds a refined European sensibility to each operatory, defined by clean lines, simplicity, and purposeful workflow. They chose a palette of matte black, crisp white, and soft gold, complemented by modern-graffiti-inspired artwork and full-height glass walls that keep the space bright and contemporary. When construction challenges arose, such as HVAC constraints that affected the ceiling design, they refused to compromise. Through thoughtful problem solving, they achieved the seamless and airy interior they had envisioned from the start.
The outcome:
Practice success &
community impact
In September 2025, Family Dentist Tree opened its doors with a sense of pride and gratitude, transforming previous challenges and uncertainties into a powerful new beginning. The clinic now stands as a centre for exceptional dentistry, supported by a skilled and compassionate team who share a genuine commitment to patient care. Their new boardroom has already become an active hub for dental education, hosting implant and surgical workshops to empower their professional colleagues. After nearly a decade of serving Oakville, their reputation for quality care continues to grow, but this new space represents something deeper. It reflects their entrepreneurial passion for community, dedication to advancing the profession, and their belief in creating a legacy that will touch the lives of people for years to come.
Interior Design: Simplivize
Contractor: Interface Construction Inc.
Equipment Supplier: Patterson Dental
About the authors:
Darcie is co-founder of Bella Vita Designs Inc; an interior design company specializing in creating beautiful functional spaces for start-ups, remodeling, expanding, or relocating your dream practice. To discuss your office space needs or to have your proud story and unique design featured she can be reached at darcie@bellavitadesigns.ca / IG @bellavitadesignsinc / 905-716-8528.
Peter Barry is Founder of Practice Mastery Inc., a business development coaching company that serves the growth and development needs of your practice. His unique coaching empowers teams, principal dentists, associates and industry companies across North America to achieve extraordinary growth, higher income, and exceptional quality of life. FMI IG @peterbarrycoach, peter@practicemastery.com, www.practicemastery.com, 416-568-5456.