Lasting Impressions | Summer 2016

30 x NSU LASTING IMPRESSIONS the center of the space. According to Kimber Mariani, getting that ceiling in place “was like assembling a giant puzzle.” The front desk countertop is made of nautical fossils with abalone shells, while the counters in Mariani’s office are made of petrified wood. The building’s exterior and interior feature plenty of blue—Mariani’s favorite color. For the Marianis, who chose every design and decorat- ive detail of the office, that attention to aesthetics was another way of giving back. “We wanted a more tranquil environment,” Kimber Mariani said. “We thought it would be something nice to give to the patients, because they’ve been so generous to us.” Within the space, a state-of-the-art practice flourishes with nine semi-private operatories featuring left-handed delivery systems for the left-handed Mariani. He works an average of 13 hours a day, Monday through Thursday, treat- ing patients of all ages. Digital technology is everywhere, including in the special area reserved for Invisalign patients. Even with 33 years of experience, Mariani said, “I can still lose sleep over some of the more difficult cases. In ortho- dontics, you have to understand growth and development, genetics, physiology, and appliances. You have to be a kind of fortune teller.” One of Mariani’s adult patients, Elizabeth Bridon, has been in treatment for 10 years, since she was 18. She’s almost finished, and she’s thrilled with what Mariani and an oral surgeon have been able to do for her. “I had a severe under- bite, and no orthodontist would see me. Dr. Mariani rec- ommended two different surgeons to me. It’s been a long journey, but if not for Dr. Mariani, I wouldn’t have done it,” she said. “He was very comforting and patient. He assured me I’d be happy, and I am. He helped me build my confidence back.” Coral Gables dentist Gordon Sokoloff, D.D.S., frequently refers patients to Mariani and echoes the praise for the orthodontist’s work. “He stands by his work with old-fashioned values, yet he employs the newest technology that exists. We took our boards together in 1981, and I’ve been sending referrals to him ever since,” Sokoloff said. “His work is the very best I’ve seen. He’s excellent and empathetic.” The Marianis, whose son is considering a career in dentistry (daughter Vera, 17, a senior at Ransom-Everglades, is an avid sailor), are concerned about the competition, pressures, and costs dental students face. “Students can graduate owing half a million dollars, which makes them vulnerable to signing up with corporate offices” rather than establishing private practices, he said. Students from the University of Miami and Florida International University shadow the pros in Mariani’s South Miami office, getting paid for their work, which is scheduled around their classes. The CDM students at the Fort Lauderdale/Davie Campus are much farther away, but would be equally welcome, he said. The program at NSU’s College of Dental Medicine “appears to be a happy environment,” Mariani added. “Linda Niessen is the most approachable dean I’ve ever met. She seems to be so open, yet so humble. And she’s as sharp as a tack.” The Marianis, who were introduced by friends 31 years ago, build their Friday-to-Sunday weekends around family life. Kimber Mariani says she and her husband have always encouraged their children to find their way to fulfilling careers by pursuing their passions—as their father demon- strates. “It’s so evident that Chris loves what he’s doing. He’s out the door at 7:00 a.m. and doesn’t get home until 7:00 or 8:00 p.m.,” she said. “When you love what you do, your passion will carry through to your patients.” ◆ Richard Christopher Mariani, Jr., has become a gen- erous supporter of the CDM, impressed by the college’s approach to academics and research. Mariani had known since age 12 that he wanted to be a dentist. Now, he has a thriving practice based in a striking, free-standing building in South Miami—a space that he and his wife, Kimber, had a major hand in designing.