Today we’d like to introduce you to Sam Nemat DDS.
Hi Sam, it’s an honor to have you on the platform. Thanks for taking the time to share your story with us – to start maybe you can share some of your backstory with our readers?
I was born in Tehran, Iran. Growing up, my mother owned a 1978 classic Mini Cooper, and because of its age, we spent a great deal of time at the mechanic’s shop. The mechanics were kind enough to let me watch and explain what they were doing. One of the best days of my childhood was when my mother bought me my first toolbox. From that point on, I became the handyman of the house, fixing anything that broke. From an early age, I developed strong hand dexterity and excellent hand–eye coordination.
At the age of 15, I was very fortunate to move to the United States. I lived with my aunt, who is a dentist, and that was how I was first introduced to the field of dentistry. I dedicated myself to my studies with great discipline and graduated from Kennesaw State University in the top 3% of my class. This achievement opened the door for me to attend one of the world’s leading dental programs at the University of Michigan.
While attending the University of Michigan on a student visa, I was not eligible for financial aid, and my parents generously helped support my education. I paid my tuition in installments and, at one point, even sold my car to cover tuition and living expenses. During my final year, my parents—still living in Iran—faced increasing difficulty sending funds. Ultimately, they sold their home so I could complete my final year of dental school. Their sacrifices played a major role in helping me reach where I am today. The journey was not easy, but I have always remained optimistic and never allowed challenges to slow me down.
After graduating from the University of Michigan, I began practicing dentistry in Georgia. While practicing in Alpharetta, I was offered an incredible opportunity to live and work in Singapore as a dentist. This experience allowed me to explore Southeast Asia while gaining valuable clinical experience working alongside outstanding dental professionals. During my time there, I completed numerous advanced continuing education courses in surgery and implantology.
After a few years, I returned to Georgia and eventually opened my own dental practice in the Woodstock–Canton area, Park Creek Dental Care.
At Park Creek Dental Care, our mission is to add value to the community we serve here in Hickory Flat. We strive to ensure our patients feel comfortable while helping them maintain and improve their oral health. We are grateful for the tremendous support we’ve received from our community. Our growth has been driven by the trust and loyalty of our patients, whose testimonials and referrals of friends and family are the greatest compliments we could receive.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
My journey has had its share of ups and downs, and it certainly hasn’t been smooth. However, I have always felt incredibly fortunate to have been given the opportunity to live and study in this country, and I was determined not to let that go to waste. Every day, I pushed myself to move forward and make things better.
In the beginning, one of my biggest challenges was finding ways to make my education more affordable. Fortunately, because of my academic achievements at Kennesaw State University, I received a waiver that allowed me to pay in-state tuition after my first year. I was also honored to receive a scholarship from the North Cobb Rotary Club, and I would like to express my gratitude to Hicks Malonson, Julio Espana, and the other Rotary members for their generous support.
Dentistry is a profession that takes years of dedication and practice to truly master, even after completing dental school. During my time in Singapore, I took full advantage of the opportunity to work long hours—sometimes seven days a week—while continuously learning and refining my skills.
I had always envisioned opening my own practice to gain the freedom and autonomy to make the best decisions for my patients. I did not want to feel pressured by layers of management, as is often the case in private equity–owned dental chains, to meet production quotas.
Owning a dental practice comes with its own challenges. Insurance companies continue to reduce reimbursement and the cost of high quality supplies are increasing as well. Running a successful practice requires operating efficiently while still investing in the latest technology, using high-quality materials, and providing competitive wages and benefits for employees.
Despite these business challenges, I feel deeply fulfilled and grateful to own my dental clinic and to serve the wonderful people of Hickory Flat in Woodstock/Canton area.
As you know, we’re big fans of Park Creek Dental Care. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about the brand?
I founded Park Creek Dental Care in late 2021 to serve the Hickory Flat, greater Woodstock, and Canton communities. Our location has been home to a dental practice for more than 40 years. The property was originally purchased in the 1980s by Dr. Ledford, who converted part of a former farm into a dental office.
Our practice is housed inside a renovated home, giving it a warm and welcoming atmosphere that offers patients a unique experience. Each operatory features large windows overlooking nature, helping to create a calming environment that eases patients’ anxiety.
What truly sets Park Creek Dental Care apart is our team. We are compassionate, dedicated professionals who always put patients’ well-being first. Our staff works seamlessly together and upholds the highest standards of integrity. By focusing on providing high quality treatments, we minimize complications and consistently achieve excellent results. Most of our patients are so satisfied with their care that they refer their friends and family to us.
So, before we go, how can our readers or others connect or collaborate with you? How can they support you?
We can collaborate with others to raise awareness about how people can prevent dental caries, reduce chronic inflammation, and maintain optimal oral health. Excellent oral health positively impacts overall systemic health and contributes to longevity.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.parkcreekdentalcare.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/parkcreekdentalcare/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/parkcreekdentalcare/
- Twitter: https://x.com/parkcreekdental
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCf75GVEr-CezFluOxLD7jAQ
- Other: https://dental4.me/parkcreekdentalcare/
Image Credits
personal photos
