Alborzi Orthodontics - March/April 2019

Alborzi Orthodontics - March/April 2019

235 N. SanMateo Drive, Suite 300 SanMateo, CA 94401-2672 Tel: (650) 342-4171

705 Purissima Half Moon Bay, CA 94019-1934 Tel: (650) 726-6321

The Alborzi Standard

March/April 2019

THE VALUE OF DIVERSITY Making Any Place Feel Like Home

The other day, my son and I were in a café when I heard someone a few tables over speaking in French. Much to the chagrin of my embarrassed son, I excitedly started conversing with these patrons in their native tongue. This exchange made me think about how important learning new languages can be and the value of diversity overall. When I really think about it, there is a lot of diversity in my life. I am Persian, my husband is Chinese, and my son is half- Mexican, half-Persian. But in addition to this diversity within the four walls of my home, the team at Alborzi Smiles comprises various nationalities and backgrounds. We have team members from El Salvador, Mexico, Italy, Ukraine, and several who were born and raised right here in California. “Because Cantonese, Spanish, Persian, French, Russian, and Ukrainian intonations fill the office, I have yet to experience a moment when my team and I haven’t been able to build relationships with our patients through conversation.” Since our staff is so diverse, patients often hear multiple languages spoken here at any given time. Because Cantonese, Spanish, Persian, French, Russian, and Ukrainian

intonations fill the office, I have yet to experience a moment when my team and I haven’t been able to build relationships with our patients through conversation. While being bilingual certainly isn’t a requirement to be able to work here, I’ve noticed how big of a difference language can make in a patient’s experience. There is something beautiful about being able to speak to someone in their own language. It’s more comfortable; it can make any place feel like home. More and more businesses are making strides in incorporating and seeking out a more diverse workforce. Bringing a variety of different people together not only fosters a culturally distinctive office, but also joins hands with multiple viewpoints — because two heads are better than one. When it comes to working with a myriad of backgrounds and personalities, I have known since my early years that a group of people with different thoughts and

While I understand that spending time with people who see the world through the same lens as you might make life easy in certain ways, that’s simply not reflective of the real world. More diversity allows you to grow socially, globally, and interpersonally. It helps you acquire vital perspectives and build relationships with people who can offer you knowledge that you might otherwise be unable to obtain.

experiences will be far more productive than one filled with duplicates.

Growing up in Iran, I navigated a homogeneous

Diversity empowers you to gain a better understanding of others and a better understanding of yourself.

environment in life. It seemed that everyone I met had the same experiences and perspectives.

–Dr. Alexa Alborzi

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Meet Jennifer Kelley, Our Fantastic Executive Assistant EMPLOYEE SPOTLIGHT!

When it comes to keeping an office running smoothly, no one knows more about organization and processes than Jennifer Kelley, our executive assistant here at Alborzi

Jennifer came into our executive assistant role here with over 25 years of successful management experience working in the nonprofit sector. While she loved her time in the nonprofit arena because it helped her cultivate an innate ability to help others, Jennifer felt a pull to work in the dental field. When Dr. Alborzi approached her at church one day regarding the open position, Jennifer knew she had found the right opportunity. She explains, “The best part of working at this office is that Dr. Alborzi makes you feel proud to work with her. She takes an insightful approach to orthodontics by continuing her education, constantly researching to make treatments better and less painful for patients. She is on the cutting edge of technological development, and she is quick to abstain from using methods that might bring

unnecessary inconvenience to our patients. Working with her, I know we aren’t just in the business of straightening teeth — we are working to improve patients’ confidence and their lives overall. That is something I can definitely get behind!” While Jennifer works hard to ensure that operations run smoothly for Alborzi team members, she manages to stay fairly busy outside the office as well. In fact, she just returned from working remotely in England! But when she’s not perfecting her British accent, she spends time with her husband (they are newlyweds!) and his two daughters biking, hiking, and participating in neighborhood cleanups as a family. While you may not have met Jennifer around the office, every time you enjoy your dental visit, be sure you say a quiet “thank you” for all the amazing work she does for you and for our team.

Smiles. In the 2 1/2 years she has managed our office, Jennifer has handled everything related to personnel and human resources, but she has her hands in the marketing and production processes as well. Our entire team can truthfully say that without her diligent attention, Alborzi Smiles would be far different!

WINNING AT ALBORZI ORTHODONTICS

REFER FRIENDS AND FAMILY AND ENTER FOR A CHANCE TO WIN SEASON TICKETS TO SIX FLAGS GREAT AMERICA.

Here’s how to enter!

1. Think of a friend who needs braces or Invisalign and who you think would be a good fit for Alborzi Orthodontics.

2. Invite your friend to schedule a free smile evaluation by calling (650) 342-4171 or by visiting GotToSmile.com and clicking “Schedule an Appointment Now.”

3. You’ll be entered in our raffle for a chance to win tickets to Six Flags Great America. CONTEST WINNER FOR SIX FLAGS MAGIC MOUNTAIN: C. JONES LIKE WHAT YOU’RE READING? SHOW THIS TO YOUR FRIENDS!

2 | www.AlborziSmiles.com

HAVE YOU HEARD ABOUT INVISALIGN ® FIRST?

For the vast majority of people, the time they spent in their teenage years can be summed up in one word: chaotic. Between navigating the more difficult high school classes, trying out for varsity sports teams, trying to balance homework and social life, and journeying through the bodily changes associated with puberty, the last thing teens want to worry about is their smile. But with nearly 80 percent of the American population opting for orthodontic treatment, braces have become nearly synonymous with the teen experience. Now high school students are adding frequent dental checkups to their busy agendas as well. Fortunately, kids and their parents have more options these days when it comes to orthodontic treatment, one of the most important being Invisalign® First. The Invisalign braces system straightens your teeth using a series of clear, custom, removable aligners that work to gradually shift your teeth until they are straight and aligned correctly. For years, our patients have loved the advantages Invisalign offers: their virtually invisible look; the ability to remove them when eating, drinking, or flossing; and of course, the faster treatment time. In addition to these great benefits, Invisalign® First offers a new way for Dr. Alborzi to address the needs of younger patients by offering an aligner specifically designed to target arch expansion, which is the most common interceptive treatment for children. The aligners

are specially designed for patients who have a mixture of both permanent and baby teeth, and they help correct a broad range of dental problems for children when they’re young, before the issues become more complex. While braces now play a major role in the teenage experience, there’s no reason kids shouldn’t be able to take advantage of newer systems that are easier, quicker, and less painful at an earlier age. If you want more information about Invisalign® First, don’t hesitate to give our office a call today!

Laugh Out

LOUD!

BEET, MINT, AND RICOTTA HUMMUS

Ingredients

• 1 6-ounce beet (about the size of an adult fist), scrubbed • 1 15 1/2-ounce can chickpeas, rinsed and drained

• 1/3 cup tahini, well-mixed • 1/4 cup fresh lemon juice

• 1/4 teaspoon fresh ground pepper • 1/4 teaspoon ground coriander • Mint leaves, poppy seeds, and olive oil, for garnish

• 1/4 cup ricotta cheese • 1 garlic clove, grated • 1 teaspoon kosher salt, or more to taste

Directions 1. Heat oven to 425 F. 2. Wrap beet tightly in foil. On a foil-lined baking sheet, roast wrapped beet until fork tender, about 60–70 minutes. 3. While beet is roasting, blend chickpeas, tahini, lemon juice, ricotta, garlic, salt, pepper, and coriander until smooth. 4. Once beet is cool enough to handle, use a paper towel to remove beet skin. Trim root end and cut into small pieces. Add to blender or food processor, and blend until entire mixture is smooth. Add additional salt if desired. 5. Transfer to a shallow bowl, top with garnishes, and serve.

Inspired by Bon Appétit magazine

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Give us a call! TEL: (650) 342-4171 FAX (650) 342-8748

PRST STD US POSTAGE PAID BOISE, ID PERMIT 411

235 N. SAN MATEO DRIVE, SUITE 300 SAN MATEO, CA 94401-2672

Issue INSIDE THIS

The Value of Diversity PAGE 1

Meet Jennifer, Our Fantastic Executive Assistant Winning at Alborzi Orthodontics PAGE 2

Have You Heard About Invisalign® First? Beet, Mint, and Ricotta Hummus PAGE 3

How to Make Your Sailing Dreams Come True PAGE 4

SET SAIL FOR VACATION Take Your Next Trip Offshore

If you’re lucky enough to have been aboard a ship under full sail, chances are you know the thrill and serenity sailing can give you. If you’ve never been but have always wanted to know what it’s like to get out on the wind and waves, there are many great options available for beginners. Here are some ideas to inspire your next waterside vacation. For those who dream of becoming a skipper one day, a great way to start is by sailing dinghies. These one-sail, beach-launch boats fit 1–2 people and can be rented at most water sports shops. If you want to make it a family experience, shops usually have 16-foot catamarans for rent as well. Catamarans have two hulls rather than one, making for a smoother, more spacious ride. Start Small

If you’ve never sailed before, inquire about lessons. Most rental operations have instructors on hand who can show you the ropes. The great thing about sailing is that whether you’re in a 12-foot dinghy or a 60- foot sloop, the same basic principles, rules, and skills apply. Many day-sail charters exist for those who want to go out a little farther than a dinghy would permit. If you’ve captained a boat and are familiar with the waters, you can apply for a bareboat charter. However, if you are inexperienced or simply don’t want a local guide at the helm, signing up for a day trip with a skipper and crew is a great option. Take a Day Sail

Do a Full Charter

Short of owning your own vessel, chartering a boat for multiple nights is the closest you can get to living out your nautical dreams. Some of the most beautiful destinations on earth — from the Caribbean Sea to the Mediterranean — are best experienced from the deck of a sailboat. Letting the sea guide you to amazing snorkeling destinations, remote cays, and bustling harbors is the stuff of real adventure.

4 | www.AlborziSmiles.com

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