It’s a Family Affair for the Class of 2023

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When asked the age-old question “What do you want to be when you grow up?” during her preschool years, Sara Ardehali, D.D.S. ’23, would invariably answer: “I want to be a dentist like my mom.”

Her mother is Mitra Mogharabi-Ardehali, D.D.S. ’90, who – in addition to operating a successful private general practice in Encino, Calif. – serves as a part-time faculty member in the UCLA School of Dentistry’s Section of Restorative Dentistry and as a member of its Board of Counselors.

“She is my role model, mentor, and best friend; I truly look up to her on a daily basis,” said the newly-minted Dr. Ardehali, who previously attended Columbia University where she founded the school's first pre-dental society. “I grew up in my mom's office where I shadowed and assisted her in treating patients.”

Thus, one can only imagine the swirl of emotions on June 4 when – more than two decades removed from that preschool proclamation – Dr. Mogharabi-Ardehali stood face-to-face with her daughter on the Royce Hall stage and welcomed her as a fellow dental practitioner by performing the ceremonial doctoral hooding.

Their story isn’t unique; an incredible nine graduates in the class of 2023 are children or siblings of School of Dentistry alumni, and all of these family members participated in the doctoral hooding ceremony, as is School of Dentistry tradition. Meet them below – following this interview with the Ardahelis reflecting on an incredibly meaningful commencement day.

School of Dentistry (SOD): Talk about the feelings you experienced while presenting the purple D.D.S. hood to your daughter.
Dr. Mitra Mogharabi-Ardehali (MMA): Hooding my daughter during her graduation ceremony from UCLA School of Dentistry was an incredibly emotional moment. The surge of joy and pride that washed over me is indescribable! Witnessing the culmination of her hard work and dedication and being able to personally participate in her hooding is a moment that I will forever keep close to my heart.

SOD: And now the reverse question for you, Dr. Ardehali…
Dr. Sara Ardehali (SA): My mom and I had talked about what commencement would feel like for years. However, it didn't feel real until I walked on the stage with my mom and was hooded by her. I could not stop smiling at the thought that I would join my mom and many other dentists in this incredible profession. My hard work, sacrifices, and commitment have finally paid off, and this moment would not have been possible without the support of my family, friends, and mentors.

SOD: Looking back on these past four years at SOD, what was one highlight?
SA: The highlight of my dental school experience was treating pediatric children at different LAUSD schools through the Big Smiles CBCE [Community-Based Clinical Education] rotation. During those three weeks, I provided recall and restorative treatment to 30-plus children every day where I combined clinical aspects of dentistry with a focus on child-friendly care, prevention, education, and community outreach. I loved working with children; I loved their energy and their smiles; most importantly, I loved the feeling of helping and giving back.

SOD: Speaking of giving back… Dr. Mogharabi-Ardehali, you have remained connected to the School ever since graduating. What motivates you to work as an instructor and serve as a Board member?
MMA: I have always felt a deep sense of gratitude towards UCLA School of Dentistry for the education and opportunities it provided me. I believe in the power of mentorship and supporting the next generation of dentists in their journey toward excellence. Giving back as an instructor for over 30 years and serving on the Board of Counselors allows me to contribute to the growth and success of future dental professionals.

SOD: Why do you think SOD has so many family ties (parents and children and/or siblings earning their D.D.S. here)?
MMA: The exceptional education and training offered at UCLA School of Dentistry inspire families to continue the tradition of pursuing dentistry. Seeing parents, children, and siblings earning their DDS degrees at UCLA SOD reflects the school's reputation for excellence and the desire to carry on the legacy of dental education within families. When one family member experiences the high-quality education and transformative experience provided by SOD, it naturally sparks an interest and inspiration for other family members to pursue a dental career at the same institution.

SOD: To wrap up our conversation, a question for Dr. Ardehali. You’re heading into a pediatric dentistry residency. What are your professional goals after that, and do you think your career will cross paths with your mom’s?
SA: After my residency at USC, I hope to promote oral health education through working in private practice and teaching in the Los Angeles area. I know that my career will intersect with my mom’s even though we are in different fields; I look forward to continuing to attend UCLA SOD and other organized dentistry events together, always learning from each other. As I hope to one day build my own private practice, I will always look up to my mom for advice and wisdom as I have big shoes to fill!

SOD: Thank you both for taking the time to speak with us. Huge congratulations to your entire family; we can hear the pride brimming in your words!
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Family Ties in the UCLA School of Dentistry D.D.S. Class of 2023