When you see the smiles you have given people, and they thank you for them, that is already the greatest reward and a real victory
An interview with the founder of the SmileArt dental clinic, dentist-orthopedist Vardges Sahakyan.
Originally published in Armenian on CityLife.am. Author: Ani Feroyan.
Thirty years of practice, more than 60,000 teeth restored, and one simple conviction: a good result is born of trust and teamwork. We spoke with the doctor about his profession, his own clinic, and the smiles that remain the highest reward of all.
Mr. Sahakyan, you have thirty years of experience as a dentist. Could you describe the profession of a dentist: what does it mean to you?
The profession of a dentist is, I believe, one of the most demanding there is, because you work with a person and give them a smile. It is difficult work, especially when a person's expectations exceed what their teeth, bone, or jaw can actually allow.
There are emotional moments and disagreements that eventually reach a point where you arrive at common ground, and the person leaves satisfied and grateful. And for a truly good result you may struggle for months, so that in the end both the patient is happy and you are content with the work you have done.
What responsibility does a doctor carry when a person entrusts them with their health, and how do you create an atmosphere in which the patient is able to overcome their fears?
First of all, there has to be trust between the doctor and the patient. The patient who comes to you needs to know that you will offer them an option not for the sake of more money, but so that they receive the maximum of whatever result is possible for them. The doctor, in turn, knows the maximum of their own capabilities. With that approach, in the end you are able to send the patient off with a smile on their face.
What qualities should a real doctor have, beyond professional knowledge?
A steady nervous system, so that you can listen to the person in front of you, because patients differ greatly in character. So, strong nerves, so that you can listen all the way through and then explain what is possible in a given case and what is not.
For example, if a person has no teeth and wants their own natural ones back, you cannot give that to them, because natural teeth are given by God. Yes, a doctor can restore them with implants or another option, but even after doing perfect work you cannot produce a natural tooth. A result is possible, but if anyone tells you it will be one hundred percent, then they are deceiving you.
And what has been the greatest reward for you as a doctor?
When a patient leaves the doctor with a smile and says thank you.
Mr. Sahakyan, after thirty years of experience, what does it still take for a doctor to remain competitive in this field, given how quickly technology develops in every sector today?
The most work possible, so that you never fall behind in anything in medicine, not only in Armenia but anywhere in the world.
More broadly, how do you see modern dentistry developing in our country in the years ahead?
I can say with confidence that dentistry in Armenia today is at the very highest level and does not lag behind anywhere in the world. And I say this taking into account the contacts and visits I have in a wide range of countries, mostly in Europe.
Beyond your own clinical work, you also have your own SmileArt dental clinic, where a range of people work. Could you tell us what values unite everyone who works with you?
In a team, the important thing is that we trust one another. That is the only way you can feel at ease. When a team is able to come together for the same work and answer for it as a team, then you can be sure that quality will never suffer. But if someone on the team tries to present themselves separately, it is better not to work with that person.
And what dream or idea lay behind the founding of the SmileArt dental clinic? Why did you decide to have your own clinic?
Over these thirty years I have probably restored more than 60,000 teeth, and that immense experience led me to decide to have my own corner, where together with my team, after listening to people all the way through, I can try to provide the maximum, so that we give people happiness.
What would you like people to remember about you years from now?
Above all, when you see the smiles you have given people, and they thank you for them, that is already the greatest reward and a real victory.