The now iconic Miss Universe phrase, “confidently beautiful with a heart” also applies to Filipino-Persian orthodontist Dr. Shideh L. Nikbin, but with a little addition: “confidently successful.”
A doctor of Dental Medicine in both Philippines and Iran, Dr. Nikbin specializes in Aesthetic Medicine. She is the chief executive officer of Fashion Smile Dental Health and Wellness, a premium one-stop dental, spa, aesthetics, and skin care center, the first of its kind in Manila. She is also a board member and one of the founders of Aramesh Spa and Wellness and Pizza World.
Dr. Nikbin is the daughter of Dr. Fazel Nikbin, a dental surgeon, and Dr. Wilma Lagpacan, an obstetrician and gynecologist. She came to the Philippines when she was 17 to study at the Centro Escolar University.
Being away from family was the biggest challenge for her, but because Filipinos are very kind, she says she adjusted easily. According to her, living in the Philippines made her stronger and made her learn a lot about herself.
She pursued and earned her second dental license of Doctor of Dental Surgery from the Shahid Beheshti University in Iran.
She then took over a private practice at her parents’ hospital, the DRS Nikbin Hospital. As she experienced the satisfaction and joy of transforming a patient’s life by restoring oral health, Dr. Nikbin continued studying, completing a three-year residency and gaining extensive clinical experience in orthodontics at the University of Philippines, where she earned her degree to practice as an orthodontic specialist for children and adults.
Dr. Nikbin attributes her current success to the good traits she acquired from both her Filipino and Iranian roots.
“From the Filipino side, I got the happy and joyful energy, being jolly and friendly, and family-oriented. For me, family comes first. From the Persian side, I can say my sense of humor, I always bring laughter into people’s lives and also I am very hospitable,” she shares.
She adds she got her punctuality from her Persian side. She says it is very important as it is a sign of respect. She is also very passionate about being an entrepreneur.
On the other hand, she attributes her hardworking attitude to her Filipino blood. When she started the business eight years ago, she worked from early morning until late at night, multi-tasking. She also attributes her positivity to her Pinoy side.
“In my business there were challenges, but my positive attitude helped me overcome them,” she shares.
What makes the young orthodontist well-liked by her patients is the love and concern she shows to them.
“I see my patients as family, with each patient I am working on, I always ask myself: if she/he is my brother or mother, how will I treat them?”
She adds, “I don’t only see teeth on my patient’s face. I see a smile, laughter, their overall health, and how I can be a small part of that smile that they can bring to themselves and others, and how that healthy smile can change their lives.”