We’re looking forward to introducing you to Bennie Yavari. Check out our conversation below.
Bennie, a huge thanks to you for investing the time to share your wisdom with those who are seeking it. We think it’s so important for us to share stories with our neighbors, friends and community because knowledge multiples when we share with each other. Let’s jump in: What is a normal day like for you right now?
A “normal” day for me right now is anything but ordinary! I start the morning reviewing our patient schedule, making sure our team is ready to provide a smooth and positive experience for everyone who walks through the door. Once the day begins, I’m bouncing between seeing patients, reviewing treatment plans, and sometimes even stepping in to help with front desk duties when needed.
Since I opened Artemis Smiles Orthodontics, I’ve been wearing many hats — doctor, practice owner, mentor, and, at times, unofficial office cheerleader. In between patient care, I’m also focusing on growing the practice, building community connections, and looking for ways to make our patient experience even more memorable.
Of course, the best part of my day is seeing the transformation in my patients’ smiles — and the confidence that comes with it. No matter how busy things get, those moments remind me why I started this journey in the first place.
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
I’m Dr. Behnaz Yavari, founder of Artemis Smiles Orthodontics in Atlanta, GA — a practice I named after my daughter. Our mission is to create beautiful, healthy smiles while making every patient feel like part of our family. What makes us unique is the combination of cutting-edge orthodontic technology with a highly personalized, relationship-driven approach.
My journey hasn’t been without challenges — starting a practice from the ground up has meant wearing every hat imaginable, from doctor to patient coordinator. But that hands-on involvement has shaped a practice culture that’s warm, genuine, and patient-first.
Right now, I’m focused on expanding community outreach, building strong connections with local families, and continuing to innovate how we deliver orthodontic care. At the end of the day, my passion is simple: transforming smiles and changing lives, one patient at a time.
Okay, so here’s a deep one: Who taught you the most about work?
The person who taught me the most about work is my cousin, Dr. Javid Yavari. He’s been a constant source of inspiration and guidance throughout my journey. Watching him build his own successful career in dentistry showed me the value of hard work, resilience, and leading with integrity.
Dr. Javid didn’t just teach me technical skills — he modeled how to truly care for patients, treat your team with respect, and make decisions that align with your values, even when it’s not the easiest path. His example has shaped the way I run Artemis Smiles Orthodontics and the kind of leader I strive to be every day.
What did suffering teach you that success never could?
Suffering taught me resilience in a way that success never could. Growing up in Iran as a member of the Bahá’í Faith, I faced barriers that made even the simplest goals feel out of reach. Education and professional opportunities were limited, and pursuing my dreams meant pushing against cultural, social, and sometimes legal restrictions.
Becoming the first female orthodontist in my family wasn’t just about earning a degree — it was about proving to myself and others that your circumstances don’t define your destiny. The challenges I faced taught me perseverance, empathy, and the ability to find strength in adversity.
Success is wonderful, but it often comes after the hard seasons. Suffering gave me the grit, gratitude, and perspective that now shape how I care for my patients, lead my practice, and live my life.
I think our readers would appreciate hearing more about your values and what you think matters in life and career, etc. So our next question is along those lines. Whom do you admire for their character, not their power?
I admire Farah Kar deeply for her character. She’s someone who leads with kindness, humility, and integrity — qualities that aren’t as flashy as power, but are far more enduring. What inspires me most about her is how she treats everyone with respect, regardless of their status or what they can offer her in return.
Farah’s strength comes from her values, not her position. She faces challenges with grace, stands firm in her principles, and always finds a way to uplift the people around her. Watching her live so authentically has reminded me that true influence comes from who you are, not the title you hold.
Before we go, we’d love to hear your thoughts on some longer-run, legacy type questions. What is the story you hope people tell about you when you’re gone?
hope people say that I lived with integrity — that I stood by my principles even when it wasn’t easy, and that I always chose honesty over convenience. In my work, integrity has meant doing what’s truly best for my patients, not just what’s fastest or most profitable. It’s meant taking the time to listen, explain, and make sure every person who sat in my chair felt informed, respected, and cared for.
I want to be remembered as a doctor who saw her patients as people first, not cases or numbers — someone who celebrated their milestones, encouraged them through challenges, and treated their trust as a privilege. My hope is that when my patients look back, they remember not just the smile we created, but the compassion and commitment behind it.
If that’s the story people tell about me when I’m gone, then I’ll know I lived and worked in a way that truly mattered.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://artemisortho.com
- Instagram: artemissmilesortho
- Facebook: artemissmilesortho
