Lasting Impressions | Summer 2017

34 © NOVA SOUTHEASTERN UNIVERSITY Alumni Impressions and Noelle, 4; and Mia Hamm, the family Cairn terrier. He is a devoted fan of the Tar Heels of the University of North Carolina, where he received his bachelor’s degree in biology in 1997. When Ardalan was a teenager in Winston- Salem, North Carolina, he and his brother were patients of Mark Meyer. “He was interested in dental school, so I hired him for a year,” said Meyer, now retired. “He worked with the dental assistants and then in the business department and the front office. You have to know how to run the business, be a good dentist, and do a good job at both.” That early training made a strong impression on Ardalan, who takes a great interest in building a strong medical and support team in his office. He has crafted a training program for his employees that includes debriefings at the end of every day and regular team-building days. “He has a lot of personality; that’s what everybody loves about him,” said Meyer, who continues to work with Ardalan in the Southeastern Society of Pediatric Dentistry. Ardalan is the current president-elect. “He’s a natural leader, involved in many associations, and good about getting other people involved.” Meyer stressed to Ardalan that all aspects of a dental practice must smoothly work together. “He has a great practice and a great family and has done everything right,” said Meyer. “I’m proud of him.” A visitor mentions an upcoming trip to Cuba, where people often need basic supplies, including toothbrushes. Without another word, Ardalan strides to a storage cabinet and produces a box containing about 200 pink, blue, orange, and green tooth- brushes. He fends off thanks, saying, “I’m glad if they can make a little bit of difference.” Reza Ardalan takes pride in building a strong medical and support team in his office. He has crafted a training program for his employees with debriefings at the end of every day and regular team-building days. A boy in Havana, Cuba, is happy with the toothbrushes donated by Reza Ardalan. The toothbrushes were given to many children and families.