Reza Nouri, DMD 1994; MSc 2004, and Sara Hamidi, MSc 1997; DMD 2001, have been part of the Vancouver dental community for over 20 years. Dr. Nouri is a pediatric dentist and was celebrated for his commitment to the profession and the UBC community with an Alumni Builder Award in 2022. Dr. Hamidi co-owns a dental practice and has been an invaluable clinical instructor along with her husband for the last 17 years.

We connected with the duo to learn about their passion for UBC Dentistry and their advice for current students.

What got you interested in a career in dentistry?

SH: My undergraduate degree was in mathematics and my original plan was to go into medicine. But after talking to Reza and volunteering at different hospitals, it was obvious to me that dentistry was, in fact, the right option for me. I got a summer job in Dr. Hannu Larjava’s laboratory, which led to a master’s degree in the Department of Oral Biology, where I studied pre-cancer markers in oral tissue. At that point, it was obvious that dentistry was the career I wanted to pursue.

RN: I always wanted to be an engineer but was also interested in medicine. I did volunteer work to explore both areas and discovered dentistry, which felt like the perfect combination of medicine and engineering for helping others.

Reza, what do you enjoy about pediatric dentistry?

I was torn between pediatrics and endodontics but decided on the former because I love the honesty I get from my pediatric patients. Seeing patients at such a young age gives me the chance to influence them in a positive way in the short term and sometimes throughout their lives. I’ve had some of my patients become dentists, which makes me feel like I did my job well!

Do you have a favourite memory of your time spent at UBC Dentistry?

SH: I had a great time as a dental student and made a lot of new friends. I’ve been an instructor since 2007 and have worked with many great students and instructors throughout the years. My favourite memories as a part-time instructor were (and still are) teaching the dental students little tricks that make life a bit easier; seeing their faces light up is an incredible feeling. I have also enjoyed catching up with other instructors and going for lunches after our sessions.

RN: One of the highlights for me is definitely the annual alumni soccer game led by the Dental Undergraduate Society, where faculty, alumni and students come together for some friendly competition.

I’ve been teaching at UBC Dentistry since the day after my graduation for 30 years, and like Sara, I absolutely love sharing what I know with the students and exchanging ideas. There’s a sense of giving back when you teach, and I think it’s important to remember that you can’t just take—you need to give back to ensure the next generation of oral healthcare professionals will thrive.

What advice would you give to current dentistry students?

SH: While in school, take advantage of every opportunity to learn and have fun at the same time. I always encourage students to explore rural and remote areas after graduation because it’s the best way to get hands-on experience. I would also say to always keep learning, whether through continuing dental education courses or study clubs, and strive towards doing the best dentistry possible for your community.

RN: Enjoy school! Take time to build friendships and relationships with your peers and instructors because those bonds can last forever.

You are both generous donors to the Faculty of Dentistry. What inspires you to give back?

RN and SH: Similar to why we teach, we are donors because we want to give back. We wouldn’t be where we are today without the support of others and our UBC Dentistry education, so it’s important to both of us to put our energy into supporting the Faculty and the students.

What do you enjoy doing in your spare time?

SH: I love playing sports, hiking, yoga, travelling and social gatherings with friends and family. Our kids are at university now, so anytime they want to hang out with us is a win. I try to take advantage of our time together with them!

RN: Having an afternoon nap is one of my favourite things in the world! I also enjoy yoga, hiking, playing soccer and spending time with my family and friends.